
Ohioans love their ice cream so much that the state has spawned its own Ice Cream Trail. Can't get enough of this tasty treat? Check out these favorite ice cream shops in Cleveland, Akron, and North Canton.
Find out firsthand why Apple Cart has been cited as one of the best soft-serve ice cream spots in America. The shop is housed in a modest storefront that belies its status as a local icon.
Go beyond the basics with one of these specialty treats on the menu:
Hours are noon - 7 p.m. daily except Tuesday, when closing time is 5:30 p.m.
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Sweeties Soda Shoppe brings the classic ice cream parlor into the 21st century. Take a seat at a table or pull up a chair at the counter to enjoy your choice of 36 flavors of homemade ice cream or 300+ soda varieties.
Distinctive features include:
Hours are noon -11 p.m. daily except Sunday, when doors close at 9 p.m.
Hip Hop Smoothie Bar invites you to create your own "mixtape" of ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies with your choice of add-ins and toppings. If you're really hungry, start out with one of their wraps or thin-crust pizzas.
Many items have a whimsical music-themed name, such as:
Hip Hop Smoothie Bar is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Appropriately located in Akron's Historic Arts District, Chill Artisan Ice Cream brings a true artisan approach to gourmet ice cream. Inspired by childhood experimentation with their home ice cream maker, the Jaworski brothers apply a "food sensibility" to flavors such as French Toast & Bacon, Bourbon Granola, and Whiskey Pistachio Brittle.
Vegetarians and vegans can also indulge in creative flavors:
Hours are noon - 7 p.m. every day but Monday.
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Opened in 1969, Pav's Creamery still uses the old-school Soeder Sons Batch machines from iconic Euclid Beach Park. When the Micochero family purchased the shop from founder Robert "Pav" Pavlik, they upped the game with custard, ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet made fresh daily.
Here are a few of the Flavors of the Week scheduled for this summer:
Pav's Creamery is open seven days a week from noon - 9 p.m.
Waylon's Handcrafted proudly proclaims to be "mom-owned and family-inspired." Jenn Myers was inspired to open the shop after travel adventures with her husband and named it for their son, Waylon.
Live dangerously with dessert-for-lunch with one of their gourmet ice cream sandwiches on freshly-baked cookies:
Waylon's Handcrafted is open noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Take a trip back in time with a visit to Swensons Drive-In. Wesley T. "Pop" Swenson went from selling burgers out of his station wagon in front of Buchtel High School to a classic drive-in format with carside service.
While Swensons is well-known for their ice cream, the restaurant also features some legendary savory and beverage items on their menu:
Hours are 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Founded in 1945, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream still employs many of the methods and recipes of their namesake. Alice Handel famously used fresh ingredients from her backyard garden to make each batch of ice cream by hand.
Throughout the years, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has been recognized by nationally respected publications such as:
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
No need for GPS when you're heading to Ro's Custard Creations. Just look for the giant candy-colored rooftop sign that's a local landmark.
The pet-friendly shop leaves ice cream to others, offering custard and frozen yogurt for cones, cups, and specialty treats such as:
Ro's Custard Creations is open 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 - 9 p.m. Sunday.
If you could have only one ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

When it comes to shopping, particularly for clothing, boutiques are unmatched in offering quality, on-trend merchandise. Instead of focusing on a huge selection of clothing, they offer carefully curated items. And when you're shopping, you'll receive personalized suggestions and advice from the owner or knowledgeable shop employees who can help you find just the right pieces for your needs and style.
When you're ready to shop, head to some of the following trendy local boutiques in Columbus.
Ladybird offers one-of-a-kind fashions to outfit you from head to toe, combining modern ease with timeless sophistication. Your choices will include fashions from emerging designers as well as those from popular designers. Whether you need a dress or loungewear, or want to give your outfits the perfect finishing touch with just-right accessories like sunglasses, shoes, or bags, you'll find them here. And if you need some expert guidance with your wardrobe, the owner offers personalized services, including:
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Sometimes you need a once-in-a-lifetime outfit you want to fuss over, but far more often, you're wearing more everyday clothes. You won't have to settle for looking less than your best, but can have your choice of items that make you look and feel terrific without a lot of fuss. That's why THREAD prides itself on providing easy outfits for real life, with pieces from designers including:
Before you stop by the boutique, check out their website for new clothing arrivals that are styled the way you'd actually want to wear them. And to finish your outfit in style, shop for accessories including shoes, bags, scarves, hats, and belts.
Located in Columbus' Olde Towne East Community, hosful Collective is a unique boutique that offers new, vintage, and consignment fashion and accessories as well as giftable items. It's dedicated to providing a place where local creatives, designers, and entrepreneurs can sell their wares in a cool, welcoming spot. Come browse for items for your home, body, lifestyle, and office, and after you've made your purchases, Hosful Collective's convenient location allows you to easily visit some of the area's best breweries and restaurants that are located just steps away.
A visit to Small Talk will probably result in you finding some amazing items you've been looking for as well as treasures you didn't know you needed. Each item the boutique carries, in categories including clothing, home goods, and body care, is thoughtfully chosen by the shop's owners. You'll find apparel from popular designers including
Complete your outfit with stylish accessories from BAGGU, Yam NYC, and Beklina. And shoppers are also invited to browse in Small Talk's consignment items or to consign goods of their own.
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From its beginnings as a pop-up shop, Rowe Boutique opened its doors just a year later, and today, after several expansions, the store offers unique collections of creations from contemporary and emerging designers. Whether you're looking for an outfit for a special occasion or are building a wardrobe of fashionable staples for everyday wear, you'll find it at Rowe Boutique. Many types of clothing, accessories, fine jewelry, and beauty products are available to help you look your best and feel confident.
The goal of Stella & Grace Boutique is to provide flattering fashions that help shoppers feel confident and stylish. Jeans are a particular area of focus, and you're invited to take a quick online denim fit quiz to help find ones that actually fit your body, since this can often be a challenge for shoppers of every size. You can get more help and information when you visit the neatly arranged shop and browse their stylish collections of items, including:
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You'll be able to keep your closet fresh by visiting White Lemon, created by and for busy women to provide the most thoughtful shopping experience. Located in the historic Greystone Building, the boutique sells trendy yet affordable women's clothing and accessories. With selections including tops, bottoms, dresses, activewear, and shoes, you can shop for an entire outfit or the pieces you need to complete your wardrobe. For additional savings, visit the boutique's website and use the pop-up box to sign up for a discount.
You'll be able to shop for yourself and many people in your life at Tigertree, which offers items ranging from apparel to wall decor and plenty in between. The boutique is known for carrying a large selection of products from Baggu, which makes eco-friendly, high-quality goods such as totes and bags in a beautiful array of colors. Apparel items include men's, women's, and unisex selections. The following items, along with many more goodies, are available:

You don't have to live in the mountains to enjoy rock climbing, and you don't need warm weather either! While the state of Ohio offers some amazing outdoor rock climbing destinations for spring, summer, and fall, the colder months force us to look indoors.
Luckily, there are also some incredible indoor rock gyms all over the Buckeye state! If you're searching for the best indoor rock climbing in Ohio, look no further.
2020 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
With two Northeast Ohio locations in Cleveland and Lakewood, Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym offers some of the best climbing facilities in this part of the state. The Cleveland location features 2,000 square feet of climbable space and a Kilterboard with around 8,000 training routes. Beginner, intermediate, and private climbing classes are available, plus a weight room and yoga classes. Affordable day passes and first-timer tours of Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym are available, helping to make it more accessible to those who might be new to climbing.
2831 Franklin Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44113
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Offering lead climbing, top rope, and bouldering, Cleveland Rocks is a world-class indoor climbing facility that spans 18,000 square feet. The gym is located inside Cleveland's renovated Ohio City Masonic Temple, a historical structure providing a unique climbing venue. Cleveland Rocks offers three separate climbing areas, with roped walls up to 54 feet, and also hosts a wide range of climbing classes and programs for youths and adults. It's one of the best spots for beginner and advanced climbers in Northeast Ohio.
677 Carroll Street, Akron, OH 44304
Akron's Rock Mill is a great place to climb, but it's also much more. Yoga classes are taught almost every day of the week, and traditional fitness facilities are also open to members and visitors alike. That includes a weight training area and cardio equipment. Rock Mill also offers a well-stocked coffee bar that serves locally sourced coffee, beer, and food. For those just here to climb, you'll find a 6,000-square-foot bouldering hall with 80-plus bouldering problems that are reset every week to consistently provide new challenges.
1165 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212
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A cheery indoor bouldering gym near the OSU Campus in Greenview, Chambers Purely Boulders is one of the best places in Columbus for aspiring climbers. With a wide range of weekly programs that teach bouldering and climbing fundamentals, Chambers Purely Boulders makes it easy to get on the wall, even if you've never climbed before. The gym hosts a variety of classes and clinics as well, including weekly yoga classes that are free for members.
6513 Kingsmill Court, Columbus, OH 43229
Open since 1994, Vertical Adventures has been providing an amazing indoor rock climbing experience in Columbus since long before rock gyms became hip or trendy. A staple of the Columbus climbing community, this facility offers over 16,000 feet of terrain that caters to a wide range of climbing styles, including lead, top-roping, and bouldering. Beginner and climbing fundamentals classes are available for anyone who wants to gain some rock climbing experience.
512 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215
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With a welcoming environment and supportive community, Bloc Garten is one of the best bouldering gyms in Central Ohio. With new bouldering problems reset every week on Tuesdays, the gym's dynamic bouldering walls constantly provide new challenges to climbers of all skill levels. Free gear rental is available for your first visit, and the gym offers a 90-minute fundamentals class that helps new climbers find their footing. Regular climbing clinics also provide new insight and instruction for experienced climbers to up their game, both physically and mentally.
1708 Blue Rock Street, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Opened in 2020, Climb Cincy is one of the newest indoor rock gyms in the Cincinnati area. The facility is nestled in the beautiful Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati, and the folks who run it make a point of catering to climbers of all experience levels to create an environment where all are welcome. Climb Cincy is a bouldering facility, which means participants climb over padded floors with no ropes or harnesses involved. Walls range from 11 to 14 feet tall, and many routes are beginner-friendly, while others will challenge even the most seasoned climbers.
9501 Union Cemetery Road, Loveland, OH 45140
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No matter what your preferred style of climbing may be and how much experience you may have, Mosaic Climbing offers something for you. Located in the small city of Loveland within the Cincinnati metro area, Mosaic Climbing offers one of the most impressive, wide-ranging climbing facilities in Ohio. In addition to bouldering terrain, Mosaic offers top-rope, auto-belay, and lead climbing, plus a variety of climbing-related training equipment and a complete fitness facility with yoga rooms. Private and group instruction is available for youths and adults.
3475 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Located in a renovated industrial space in Sharonville, just north of Cincinnati, RockQuest Climbing Center is one of Ohio's longest-running indoor climbing gyms and a staple of the local climbing community in the Cincy area. RockQuest offers around 15,000 square feet of climbing surface, with roped climbing as well as bouldering. Belay classes are available, teaching essential top rope climbing skills, including knots and techniques.
Where's you're favorite place to climb around Ohio?

No matter who you root for, early February is when all sports fans come together to celebrate the biggest event of the year. With football's game of the year just around the corner, now is the time to figure out where you'll be watching.
Many sports bars across Northeast Ohio offer a comfortable viewing experience, a fun atmosphere, and of course, all the wings and beer you need, an essential part of any game-day experience. If you're looking for some great places to check out, here are some of our top recommendations.
834 Huron Rd. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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One of the most popular sports bars in Cleveland, The Clevelander Bar & Grill is a lively and fun place to watch any sporting event. You'll find more than 10 flat-screen TVs, so you can get a great vantage point from anywhere in the house. Happy hour is from 8 to 9 p.m., and almost everything is $2. An excellent beer list and plenty of creative cocktails complement upscale bar food and classic American fare. This place fills up quickly on game days, so be sure to get there early.
6007 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129
If you're looking for a sports bar with some personality, you'll definitely want to try Characters Sports Bar & Grill. This friendly neighborhood hangout has some of the best wings in town and a huge draft beer selection. The bartenders are very friendly, and the service is great. There is a large, comfortable bar area and plenty of TVs. Enjoy numerous drink specials throughout the week and great deals for the big game. This is the sports bar for you if you want to have a nice dinner and watch the game.
222 S. Main St. #1B, Akron, OH 44308
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Located near Canal Park, Barley House is a popular sports bar downtown. The bar and restaurant has more than 30 big TVs, a rotating list of 30 craft beers, and some of the best service in town. The restaurant is large, so there will be lots of space available on Feb. 12. Order some wings, nachos, or pretzel sticks to snack on during the game. You'll want to come back during warmer months and take advantage of their patio!
426 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304
An excellent sports bar on the University of Akron Campus, Score Draft Room is the place to be. One of the best parts about this place is the atmosphere. With a younger crowd and plenty of drink specials, the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Cheap but delicious bar food is available to order. If you're planning to go for the big game, get there early. The place fills up quickly, especially for popular events.
3314 Warren Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111
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If you're looking for a laid-back game day spot, try Third Place. With some great bar food, craft beer, several big-screen TVs, and plenty of space, you won't find it hard to make yourself right at home. Pool tables and arcade games are available to play during halftime. While Third Place serves some good pizza, it's the wings that are the highlight of the menu. Make sure to check their website for food specials throughout the week.
370 Paul Williams St., Akron, OH 44311
Those who love sports and beer will love watching the game at 69 Taps. Named after its impressive draft beer system (which features 69 different beers), this place is a great option on any game day. Beers are available by the pitcher, and the food menu features some great burgers and bar food. The Big Jake Burger is definitely worth a try. It's a classic cheeseburger loaded with Jake's Secret Sauce. Grab some friends and play pool, darts, or a variety of other games upstairs. This bar and taproom draws an energetic crowd on game days!
750 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44115
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Forty draft beers, 60 cans, and plenty of big-screen TVs make this popular bar in downtown Cleveland a great place to watch any sporting event. You'll love the vibrant atmosphere at City Tap Cleveland, especially during a big game. If you're hungry, we recommend The Viking Burger, grilled in garlic parmesan wing sauce and topped with house-made guac, mayo, and swiss cheese. Or opt for one of nine different flavors of wings.
1214 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This sports bar/entertainment center in the Warehouse District is a prime destination on weekends, and watching football's biggest event here will be a blast. A whopping 32 big-screen TVs, 24 draft beers, skeeball, and other arcade games make Dive Bar a great time. An all-request DJ hosts the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and during select special events.
Where will you watch the big game around Northeast Ohio this year?

So the holidays are over, and the countdown to spring begins. Happily, the gift-giving continues into January with this month's free offers, courtesy of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts.
Will you sample some donuts in Northeast Ohio, savor some pizza in Columbus, or indulge in some chocolates in Cincinnati? Here is this month's line-up of fabulous freebies.
317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150
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Chocolate makes a bad day good and a good day better. Enjoy one of life's great pleasures with your gift of chocolates from Tickled Sweet.
About Tickled Sweet
Bambi Merz's career path wasn't always lined with sweets, but after a chance visit to a candy and snack expo, she was hooked. After years of mentoring by Randy Auel, Bambi purchased his namesake shop, now known as Tickled Sweet. One thing that hasn't changed is the collection of top-quality fudge, bars, dipped Oreos, and other chocolate treats.
Contact and Hours
513.880.4169
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
4960 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
Homer Simpson's love of donuts runs so deep that he sold his soul for one in the Treehouse of Horror. While you may not be that extreme, you'll certainly appreciate his emotion after sampling your gift from Jack Frost Donuts.
About Jack Frost Donuts
Since 1937, generations of families have turned to Jack Frost Donuts for their handmade treats. The family that owns and runs the shop has handed down their original recipe over decades. Choose from a rotating daily menu featuring selections from dozens of luscious flavors such as maple bacon, salted caramel, and Fruity Pebbles.
Contact and Hours
216.351.3638
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Pizza manages to be consistent yet full of variety, which explains much of its appeal. Even if you're a veteran 'za lover, you'll find something new with your free pizza bowl from GoreMade Pizza.
About GoreMade Pizza
Hosting a weekly pot-luck pizza party with friends showed Nick Gore how toppings could make each pie unique. Nick then turned the purchase of a mobile wood-fired pizza oven into a successful catering business, leading to the current brick-and-mortar restaurant. Ingredients such as sausage, banana peppers, and roasted mushrooms are sourced locally for freshness.
Contact and Hours
614.725.2115
Tuesday - Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m.
207 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
You can never have too many socks. Pick up a free pair of socks that are both fashionable and practical from JK Gift Shop.
About JK Gift Shop
Home decor is all in the family for Julie McNabb and Katie Heinz, owners of JK Gift Shop. The sister duo followed in the footsteps of their mother, Amy Douglass, who founded The Interior Design Studio. Julie and Katie expanded the business by adding the gift shop and its stylish assortment of products.
Contact and Hours
330.725.7623
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
1947 W. Market St. #104, Akron, OH 44313
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What's more satisfying than a hearty bowl of soup on a cold winter day? How about a free sandwich to go with your soup at Niko's Sandwich Board?
About Niko's Sandwich Board
Customers flock to Niko's Sandwich Board to enjoy the wide selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches on the menu. The cozy, welcoming dining room atmosphere keeps them coming back for more. If you're short on time, just call ahead and get your Reuben, tuna sandwich, or chef salad to go.
Contact and Hours
330.794.5444
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
1430 W. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
Are cupcakes the perfect combination of cake and frosting? Test this theory with your free gift from Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe.
About Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe
Whether you're craving a home-cooked meal or a sweet treat to brighten your day, you'll find it at Sprinkle City Bakery & Cafe. The revolving menu of savory items includes dishes such as Southwest chicken salad, Italian wedding soup, and jalapeño popper grilled cheese. The latest addition to their already extensive bakery menu is the cruffin, a cross between a croissant and a muffin.
Contact and Hours
330.933.0767
Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
114 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Socks have gone from ho-hum accessories to fun and funky fashion statements. Express your personality with a colorful pair of socks from JK Gift Shop.
About JK Gift Shop
Need a gift for a friend or family member, or just looking to treat yourself? Find something for everyone at JK Gift Shop. Owners (and sisters) Julie McNabb and Katie Heinz travel to all the top markets and trade shows to source the unique selection of housewares, jewelry, and other gift items found in their delightful shop.
Contact and Hours
330.725.7623
Monday - Saturday: !0 a.m. - 5 p.m.
100 E. Erie St., Suite 126, Kent, OH 44240
Want a simple and tasty way to add nutrients to your diet? Head to Kwench Juice Cafe for your free smoothie.
About Kwench Juice Cafe
It's hard to believe the delicious products at Kwench Juice Cafe are packed full of vitamins, fiber, and other vital nutrients. In addition to smoothies, freshly-squeezed juices, and açai bowls, the cafe offers a selection of sandwiches and wraps.
Contact and Hours
330.302.1682
Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thanks to our partnership with LoLo Gifts, every month is a holiday! Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started.