Places to go in your Chevrolet : 5 Farmers Markets for a Delicious Summer in Ohio

Enjoy fresh food produced right here in the Buckeye State

Agriculture has long been an integral part of Ohio, to the extent that it’s often said that every “true” Ohioan knows what’s supposed be “knee high by the Fourth of July” (the answer is corn crops). As you might imagine, the state is home to some of the tastiest farmers markets in the country. With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to start perusing these five great farmers markets for local foods, products and more.

Findlay Market

Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, the Findlay Market Building was founded in 1852, and to this day it remains one of Cincinnati’s most iconic and popular institutions. Located in the city’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Findlay Market hosts a year-long farmers market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Everything sold is locally grown and most of it is recently harvested, including fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also lots of local baked goods, jams, jellies and handmade items, as well as the occasional street performers. For more information, visit http://www.findlaymarket.org/farmers-market.

North Union Farmers Market

One of the first and finest farmers markets in the area, the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square in Cleveland, has been going strong for twenty years now, providing locals with some of the best local foods in Northeastern Ohio. Open every Saturday from 8:00 am to noon, the Shaker Square Market got its start in 1995, when six area farmers brought in trucks filled with tomatoes, sweet corn, apples and berries. Today, the market is host to 128 vendors, ranging from mushroom farmers to local artists. Students from the Cleveland Institute of Music often show up to play for donations, adding even more flavor to the wonderful atmosphere. For more information, visit http://northunionfarmersmarket.org.

Clintonville Farmers Market

This nonprofit farmers market on North High Street in Columbus is a producer-only market, meaning that everything at the market is grown or made by the stall farmer or cottage food producer. Clintonville Farmers Market features fresh, local, seasonal and delicious Ohio foods in a casual, laid-back setting with a strong sense of community. The market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and during peak season (beginning in July), on Wednesdays from 4-7:00 p.m., as well. For more information, visit http://www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org.

Athens Farmers Market

When it comes to southeastern Ohio, there aren’t many farmers markets that can top the Athens Farmers Market. Stationed a short distance from the Ohio University campus in a parking lot on East State Street, the Athens Farmers Market eatures local baked goods, meats, cheeses, produce, salsas and more. The market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon year-round, but they have Wednesday and Thursday hours during the summer. When the weather is warm, local musicians are more likely to come out and perform, too. For more information, visit http://www.athensfarmersmarket.org.

Toledo Farmers Market

Northwestern Ohio’s premier farmers market is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Toledo. The Toledo Farmers Market boasts over 80 vendors, making it the biggest in the area. In addition to a plethora of local food, the downtown market is also host to frequent fun events, ranging from live jazz to free face-painting for kids. For more information, visit http://www.toledofarmersmarket.com.

Be sure to check out one or more of these farmers markets this summer. Your taste buds will be very happy with your decision.

Places to go in your Chevrolet – Fairs and Craft Festivals in Ohio

Fairs and Craft Festivals in Ohio

Five upcoming can’t-miss craft shows to wind up your year

If you are interested in finding some comprehensive arts and crafts events in the heartland before the holidays, here are just a handful of examples that are sure to be a shopper’s delight.

Summit Fall Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show

At St. George’s Fellowship Centre in Fairlawn, locals will have the opportunity to browse the works of artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. There will also be lunch items available for purchase from TLC Catering. Admission is $3 for people 13 and up. A portion of the proceeds benefit Jade’s No Kill Rescue, a local non-profit supporting the rescue of animals.

Each show features about 100 arts and crafts vendors and has the same admission fees. Partial proceeds from the admission costs and vendor fees all go to support a different local non-profit organization. This year’s Summit Fall Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show is scheduled for Oct. 18.

For more details, visit http://www.Avantgardeshows.com.

Forest Park Women’s Club Craft Show and Bazaar

Cincinnati’s Winton Woods High School hosts artists, crafters, and patrons for the sale of handmade crafts, jewelry, gifts, etc. FPWC also runs the lunch counter there, serving barbeque sandwiches, hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, beverages, and muffins. Then visit its bake sale right outside the cafeteria for homemade desserts. There will also be a raffle with a grand prize of $500 cash taking place at the event. Prizes donated from vendors will be raffled off throughout the day, as well. The proceeds of this Oct. 25 show, which has been a staple in the Cincinnati area for two decades, go toward the FPWC’s scholarship program.

For more details, visit http://www.forestparkwomensclub.org/craftShow.html.

Offinger’s Marketplace

Four times a year, the Offinger Management Company brings this show to theOhio Expo Center’s Lausche Building in Columbus. Fast and easy one-stop shopping here includes both holiday decorations and gifts. There are opportunities for cash and carry purchases, as well as placing orders for future delivery.

Artisans and craftspeople come from throughout the country to offer you quality, handmade folk art, rustic primitives, museum-quality replicas, country collectibles and contemporary works of art. Offinger’s offers special deals at the shows, including a VIP Buyer Badge, a 60-minute Gift Hop, and Come-Back Cash details on these innovative money savers can be found on the show’s website.

The market is scheduled for Nov. 1. For more details, visit http://www.offingersmarketplaces.com.

Holiday Craft and Gift Marketplace

The 19^th annual Holiday Craft and Gift Marketplace will take place in Maumee at the Lucas County Recreation Center. Festive booth decorations and Christmastime arts and crafts available for purchase, among other things, are what makes this event one of the jolliest in Northwest Ohio. Those ‘other things’ mentioned above include: Americana, Country, Primitive, Contemporary, Victorian and Folk collectibles, gifts, food, home and personal items, and more

Parking is free at the rec center, and admission is $5 for everyone over 12 years old. The producer’s website even offers a coupon for admission and a calendar of other shows in the area by Cloud Productions, Ltd. The event is scheduled from Nov. 1-2. For more details, visit http://www.cloudshows.biz.

Mrs. Claus’ Closet

For the 44^th year, Creative Keepsakes Craft Shows is putting on Mrs. Claus’ Closet in the Cleveland area from Nov. 4-5. This year, it will conveniently be held at LaCentre Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake. Each year, the show opens on Tuesday with charity benefit preview party called “A Peek in the Closet.” This will be for four hours and requires advanced purchase of tickets. It is a special wine and cheese, “Ladies Night Out”-type of event in which proceeds go to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio. The main event the following day is an all-day affair with light refreshments available for purchase.

For more details, visit http://www.mrsclauscloset.com and http://www.medinacraftshows.com.

For unique gifts this upcoming holiday season, instead of shopping online or visiting busy retail shops, why not stop by some of these quaint arts and crafts shows? Buy something that came straight from the heart.

Places to go in your Chevrolet – Top Five Hidden Historical Gems in Ohio

Discover Ohio’s influential historical past

Because of its geographic location, natural resources and size, Ohio has a far-reaching and diverse history. The Buckeye State was home to several Native American tribes. As the dividing line between the North and South during the Civil War, Ohio played an instrumental role in the Underground Railroad. The State of Ohio was the birthplace of aviation, and the state was also the birthplace of several U.S. presidents. Revisit history by checking out some of Ohio’s historical gems.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Museum

Located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in East Dayton, the U.S. Air Force Museum is the earliest and largest museum dedicated to military aviation in the world. Numerous exhibits display aircraft from every conflict of the last century. Learn the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the two Dayton brothers famous for constructing the first airplane. For more information, visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

The Great Serpent Mound

Located in Peebles, the Great Serpent Mound is the largest mound of its type ever found. The mound is presumed to have been built by the Adenas, prehistoric people of the area, and consists of a series of underground caves and tombs. The mound measures over 1,300 feet in length. To learn more, visit http://greatserpentmound.com.

Ulysses S. Grant Boyhood Home and School

As an authoritative general and the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant was one of the most popular and well-respected political figures of his time. Tour Grant’s boyhood home, where he spent most of his childhood, and see the school where he spent his formative years. Located in Georgetown, the home and school have been completely restored. Visit http://www.usgrantboyhoodhome.org to learn more.

The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education

As the featured exhibit at the museum, Mapping Our Tears, allows visitors a glimpse of life during the Holocaust. The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education in Cincinnati is a premiere center of Holocaust education in the Midwest and offers eyewitness accounts of life during the time of Germany’s Nazi control. You will have to plan on spending an entire day to allow for plenty of time to view all of the exhibits and artifacts. For more information, visit http://www.holocaustandhumanity.org.

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House

As the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe offered a bold look at slavery in the United States. The novel was a spark that fueled the flames of the Civil War and forced Americans to take a look at the daily lives of those born and sold into slavery. Visit Stowe’s childhood home in Cincinnati to learn more about the acclaimed author. Because the Ohio River was a crossing point into the free North during the Civil War, and because Stowe was also a strong abolitionist, information about the Underground Railroad is also included in the artifacts at the house. For additional information, go to http://www.stowehousecincy.org.

Learn more about Ohio’s broad history by visiting some of the historical gems throughout the state.

 

Take a drive in your Chevrolet – Beautiful Flowers in Ohio

Spring has sprung in the Midwest

Spring has sprung in Ohio. Tulips are blooming, and daffodils are peeking their yellow heads around every corner. Take advantage of the thawing landscape and warmer temperatures, and visit one of Ohio’s bountiful indoor and outdoor gardens.

Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

Flowering arrays mark the Schoepfle Garden in the little hamlet of Birmingham. With more than 70 acres of manicured gardens, this Lorain County Metro Park is divided into four distinct sections: the Formal Garden, Shade Garden, Natural Woodland and Children’s Schoepfle Garden. Take time to stroll through the garden’s newest and most unique interactive section, the children’s garden. Climb the Flute-A-Pillar, take a spin on the carousel or ascend the Rocky “G” Clef. Located on Market St., the garden is open daily from April through October. To learn more, visit metroparks.cc/schoepfle_garden.php.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus

A trip to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens involves more than a 15-minute walk through the park. With both indoor and outdoor gardens, numerous exhibitions and many noteworthy art displays, Franklin Park is a season-changing adventure every member of the family will enjoy. Be sure to visit the Rainforest, Desert and Himalayan Mountain Biomes for a glimpse into life around the world. Located in the Franklin Park neighborhood of Columbus, the conservatory is open daily. Visit http://www.fpconservatory.org for more information.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati

This view changes each year as the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens updates its landscape of annual flower displays. With an arrangement of more than 3,000 different types of plants, the zoo offers one of the most expansive botanical gardens in the area. Unique to the zoo is a Food Garden, which showcases a number of fruits and vegetables, served on-site in the zoo’s eating establishments. Visit cincinnatizoo.org to learn more.

Gardenview Horticultural Park, Strongsville

Developed by one man with a wheelbarrow, Gardenview Horticultural Park is a marvel among a modern maze of retail establishments. In 1949, Henry Ross, a local man with a vision, purchased 16 acres of barren and unusable land. Slowly, he added unusual and vibrant plants, turning the empty fields into one of the most spectacular displays in Ohio. Located on Pearl Road in Strongsville, the park is open to the public from April through October. To learn more, visit organicslant.com/gvhp.

Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens serve the Cleveland area by providing a year-round haven of indoor and outdoor gardens in the University Circle neighborhood. In addition to serving the community with educational experiences, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens is also the home to the Green Corps, a nonprofit organization that helps urban youth learn and work in six urban food farms located on deserted city lots throughout the Cleveland area. Visit http://www.cbgarden.org to learn more about the gardens or the Green Corps program.

The budding Ohio landscape comes alive with color and flora in the spring months. Take advantage of the warmer weather and relish the beauty, artistry and elegance of Ohio’s spring.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio http://www.jackmaxton.com 

Take a drive in your Chevrolet – Five Places for the Best Pizza in Ohio

Ohioans love their pizza. Geographically located between Chicago’s deep dish and New York’s thin and crispy, Ohio pizza has a taste all its own. Discover the exclusive pizza Midwesterners are serving in the Buckeye State at these five pizzerias.

Dish it up at The Coccia House in Wooster

For more than 50 years, members of the Coccia family have been dishing up pizza for Wooster residents. Made fresh daily, the pizza dough is smothered with mounds of provolone cheese and quality toppings. As an Italian eatery, the Coccia House also makes its own pasta and sauces. It’s a go-to destination for college students, but the students come back again and again well past graduation. For more information, visit http://www.cocciahouse.com.

Taste blue ribbon pizza at Michael Angelo’s in Kenton

Owner of one of the best pizza joints in central Ohio, Michael Shepherd serves up blue ribbon pizza, and he has the awards to prove it. As a four-time world champion and a three-time U.S. champion, Shepherd knows his pizza. A 48-hour cold rise dough method enhances the crust, which is then baked in an aged soapstone pizza oven. The results bring visitors from hundreds of miles. To learn more, visit http://www.michael-angelos.com.

Stand out from the crowd at Bruno Brothers in Boardman

While Bruno Brothers restaurant in the small town of Boardman already had its regulars, visitors to the pizzeria grew in numbers after USA Today proclaimed its Brier Hill pizza the best in Ohio. The Brier Hill pizza is an old-school deep dish made with several sauces and topped with fried green peppers and Romano cheese. The restaurant is also known for its jumbo chicken wings, served with sides of dipping sauces. Visit brunobrospizza.com to learn more.

Stay for the show at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza and Live Music in Worthington

If you’re looking for great food, followed by dynamic local entertainment, Natalie’s in Worthington is your place. Coal-fired pizza made with fresh ingredients is accompanied by local talent for an enjoyment-filled evening. Design your own pizza or choose one of the unique items from the menu and then add baked macaroni or an antipasto plate. To learn more, visit http://www.nataliescoalfiredpizza.com.

Whistle while you wait for the white pizza at Capo’s Pizza in Ashtabula

For more than 30 years, the Capo family has been serving local favorites at this Ashtabula restaurant. One of the most-requested offerings includes the white pizza, where the owners leave out the tomato sauce and replace it with olive oil and spices. Visitors design and pick their own toppings, resulting in a white pizza of gooey goodness. Learn more about their other pizzas, pasta dishes and grinders by visiting capospizza.com.

Discover the unique pizza flavors Ohio has to offer. Ohioans have ditched the customary thick-crust Chicago pizza and thin-and-crispy New York pizza to create pizza combinations exclusive to Ohio.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio http://www.jackmaxton.com 

Drive Your Chevy to These Five Outdoor Adventures in Ohio

Put the winter weather behind you as you tackle some of Ohio’s best outdoor challenges

Spring has sprung in Ohio. It’s time to put the snow boots away and take advantage of sunny days and warmer weather. The Midwest has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, and Ohio is no exception.

Zip and dip through trees and rivers

Get a glimpse of southern Ohio from above the trees. Ozone Adventures is a part of YMCA Camp Kern in Oregonia and offers some of the best views of southwestern Ohio. Sign up for a short tour or consider the five-hour ride that zips its way through 11 zip lines and nine sky bridges. A night tour is offered twice a month for those brave enough to zip the forest in the dark. All participants must be at least 10 years old and 80 pounds. Located in Oregonia, Ozone is open seven days a week and year-round. Visit http://www.campkern.org/ozone for more information.

Plummet from a plane

If you have conquered zip lining and seek even more adventure, consider sky diving. Skydive Ohio, located in Xenia, is a favorite among locals for its well-orchestrated skydiving adventures. First-time jumpers and licensed sky divers are welcome, with tandem and single-diver courses. Not sure what to do? No problem. Trained instructors will help lead you through the process. Visit http://www.skydiveohio.com for more information or to schedule your next jump.

Help your teen go from bored to BMX

Have a teen just bumming around the house? Take him or her to BMX Bike camp at Ohio Dreams Action Sports Camp. Located in Butler, BMX camps offer both freestyle and racing opportunities. When you get bored of biking, consider the skateboarding, skiing and scootering programs available for all ages at the camp year-round. Brave enough to attempt a turn? Adult camps and open course times are also available. Visit http://www.ohiodreams.com, or call (800) 963-3495 for a brochure.

Scale the slopes

Although Ohio may not be known for mountainous terrain, it is still possible to scale some slopes in Ohio. Vertical Adventures, located in Columbus, offers indoor rock climbing for beginner to advanced climbers. Once you master the sport inside, challenge your skills outside and consider climbing the Whipps Ledges at Hinckley Reservation Metropark (a permit is required through Cleveland Metroparks, but it is free to qualified climbers). Contact http://www.verticaladventuresohio.com or http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com for additional information.

Hitch up in a favorite hide-a-way

Marmon Valley Farms in Logan County offers the opportunity of horseback riding to riders of all ages. The rustic farm provides the perfect scenery for the long trail rides available at the farm. Located in Zanesfield, the Farm’s riding stable is open all year (reservations are recommended). When you finish your ride, visit the animal barn, take a swing on the playground, or enjoy a picnic at one of the many shelter houses. Visit http://www.marmonvalley.com for more information.

If you have cabin fever from being stuck indoors through Ohio’s blustery winter weather, head outside to take advantage of spring with a few outdoor adventures in the Buckeye State.

http://www.jackmaxton.com