Posts with tag 'Things to Do'

Fall has arrived, which means it's time for pumpkins, apples, and corn mazes. Getting lost in a corn maze can make for some great fall fun. Wondering whether you've turned the right way, feeling like you're going in circles, singing songs about the corn — it's all a part of the process. There are lots of great corn mazes in Ohio. Here are some of the mazes most worth visiting as the autumn leaves start to fall.

Derthicks Corn Maze

5182 Twinsburg Warren Rd., Mantua, OH 44255

Derthick's Corn Maze is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31, 2021. There are actually two mazes on-site. One is a bit shorter, and one is a bit longer. You can work your way through one or both, using clues found along the way to guide you.

In addition to a corn maze, this farm offers other fun activities like sunflower picking, a cow train, a petting zoo, and a zip line. There are often food trucks on-site so you can enjoy snacks or a tasty drink.

Maze Craze

14070 Woodworth Rd., New Springfield, OH 44443

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If you're in the Northeast Ohio area, this is definitely one of the top corn mazes to visit. In 2018, it was voted the Best Corn Maze in the Nation by USA Today. Each year, the maze has a different theme. For 2021, the theme is Snow White.

Maze Craze will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. There are a few special events throughout the season, including a Wine and Cider Adventure on October 7 and 14th. In addition to the corn maze, Maze Craze offers a hayride, corn hole games, a straw maze for little ones, and a tractor playground. 

Regal Vineyards

2678 County Line Rd., S. Geneva, OH 44041

Regal Vineyards is primarily a winery, but each year, they also organize a top-notch corn maze. The maze stretches over 8 acres and is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. On Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 pm, the corn maze becomes haunted for an even more intense experience!

In addition to the corn maze, Regal Vineyards offers lots of other fun family activities like duck races, hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and a jumping pillow. Concessions are available on-site, and there's a gift shop where you can buy various farm souvenirs.

Lynd Fruit Farm Giant Corn Maze

9851 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062

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Lynd Fruit Farm offers one of the biggest corn mazes near Columbus. The theme this year is the 7 Seas. As you navigate the maze, you can pretend you are a pirate sailing on waves of corn and fighting off sea monsters. The maze is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the maze.

After navigating the maze, you can play Giant Jenga, take a wagon ride, or pick some apples. There's also a climbing wall for kids.

The Maize at Little Darby Creek

8657 Axe Handle Rd., Milford Center, OH 43045

The Maize at Little Darby Creek is entering its 20th year, and it's shaping up to be a nice one. This year's 8-acre corn maze design honors Jack Nicklaus, an internationally renowned golfer from Ohio. It will be open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31st.

Along with the price of admission, you also get to enjoy a petting zoo, laser tag, a low ropes course, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and tetherball, along with other family-friendly activities.

Hendren Farm Market

14595 Johnstown Utica Rd., Johnstown, OH 43031

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If you're looking for a quieter experience, then Hendren Farm Market is a great place to visit. They have an 8-acre corn maze behind the farm market. There are clues hidden throughout the maze to help you solve a mystery as you find your way through. 

After going through the maze, you can shop for farm-grown goodies in the market. Along with pumpkins, apples, and other fall produce, you'll find cinnamon rolls, honey, syrup, and beef jerky.

Tom's Maze

4881 Germantown Liberty Rd., Germantown, OH 45327

Tom's Maze is open Thursday-Sunday through October 30. This is their 24th year of running the maze, and it's shaping up to be a good one. The maze stretches over 8 acres of cornfields. There are 12 different puzzles to solve along the way, each of which is found inside a colorful mailbox.

In addition to the typical corn maze experience, Tom's Maze offers private campfire packages. You can pay ahead to rent a campfire site for you and your family to enjoy. This can be a fun way to spend more time together after playing in the corn maze.

Burwinkel Farms

4359 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Ross, OH 45013

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Burwinkle Farms has been a staple in the Cincinnati area for 100 years. They operate several farm properties in the area, growing everything from strawberries to apples. In the fall, they transform their Ross farm into a Fall Extravaganza. The corn maze is a key attraction, but there is also a corn pool, haunted hayrides, and a Halloween scavenger hunt. There are lots of fun fall scenes where you can snap memorable photos of yourself and your family.

Burwinkle Farms also has a farm stand on-site. You can purchase sweet corn, melons, potatoes, and other locally grown goods to cook at home.

Brown's Family Farm Market

11620 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

If you have kids, then Brown's Family Farm Market is a great place to enjoy a corn maze.  The atmosphere is very relaxed, and you can go through the maze at your own pace. In addition to the maze, there's a miniature town where the kids can play. There's also a smaller straw maze that makes for a shorter maze experience.

The farm stand also sells pumpkins and Amish fry pies, which are a delicious fall treat. There's also a picnic area that you can reserve ahead of time if desired. You could go through the maze and then enjoy a picnic lunch together.

Where Will You Get Lost?

Which one of these corn mazes will you get lost in this fall? Let us know when you find your way out.

The air is crisp, temperatures are moderate and colors are vivid. Does the open road ever seem more appealing than it does during fall in Ohio? There's no better time to hop on your motorcycle and see all the natural splendor this state has to offer.

Celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day on Saturday, October 9 with a road trip along one of these amazing routes around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

OH-26

Marietta, OH 45750

Every curve in the road brings a new view along OH-26, which follows the gentle bends of the Little Muskingum River out of Marietta. As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta itself is well worth a stop. On the road, covered bridges add a pleasantly rustic touch as you pass through towns with names like Steel Run and Woodsfield. Call it a day when you hit I-70 just before Morristown, or turn off on US-40 for more adventures. 

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

OH-374 and US-33, Rockbridge, OH 43149

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Traversing 26 miles through the state park that shares its name, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is one of the most stunning routes in Ohio. The byway connects the six non-contiguous sites of Hocking Hills State Park, making it perfect for a short jaunt or an all-day excursion. Enjoy the colors of the fall foliage, or stop off to explore further on one of the many hiking trails. Popular spots include the 50-foot cascades of Cedar Falls and Rock House, a tunnel-like cave located halfway up a 150-foot cliff.

Three Rivers Ride

Coshocton, OH 43812

It's all smooth travels on Three Rivers Ride, a 105-mile route developed by a veteran biker, with no gravel, water, or other impediments along the road. The ride takes the form of two loops that meet in the middle at Coshocton. Either one is a great trip, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make both loops. Travel back in time when you cross the picture-perfect Helmick Covered Bridge. Built in 1863, the bridge was restored in 1996 to enchant new generations of visitors. With its living history tours, specialty shops, and canal boat rides, Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton is a fascinating bookend to your day.

The Triple Nickel

OH-555, Zanesville, OH 43701

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With a catchy name like the Triple Nickel, how could you go wrong? This 159-mile trip starts off on OH-555 in Zanesville, heading south through Ringgold, Chesterhill, and Bartlett. It hugs the Ohio-West Virginia border before turning north to pass Watertown and McConnelsville. Check out a classic roadside attraction at Big Muskie's Bucket, featuring the remains of the one-time largest earth-moving machine in the world. Animal lovers can combine the ride with a side trip to The Wilds, a safari park and conservation center in Cumberland.

OH-4 to OH-2

Port Clinton, OH 43446

Old-school Americana is alive and well in Ohio, as represented in the landscape around Port Clinton. On any given day, you'll see farmers working in fields dotted with historic barns and classic equipment. Start your drive any place along OH-4, a north-south road that originates in Cincinnati, and follow it to OH-2, which takes you into Port Clinton. Once you reach your destination, visit attractions such as the Liberty Aviation Museum or African Safari Wildlife Park. Of course, you can't leave Port Clinton without a stop at a seafood restaurant for some yellow Lake Erie perch, a local favorite.

Windy 9

Athens, OH 45701

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All roads lead to Athens on Ohio's Windy 9. This collection of nine routes isn't "windy" like breezy, but "windy" as in twisting and turning. Numerous curves and elevation changes make for an entertaining ride that attracts a number of motorcyclists. Start your journey with Rim of the World, which runs nearly 90 miles along OH-78, named one of the most scenic highways in the country by Car and Driver. History buffs love Black Diamond Run, a 103-mile ride through the Little Cities of the Black Diamonds, a series of turn-of-the-century mining towns. For more current history, channel some flower power at the 60s-themed Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy.

Foothills of the Appalachians

West Union, OH 45693

If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride through some breathtaking scenery, head to the Foothills of the Appalachians. OH-125 leads out of West Union through gently rolling hills and farmland that inspire a delightful feeling of serenity. The crown jewel of this route is Shawnee National Forest, dubbed the "Little Smokies of Ohio." Approximately 8,000 acres are designated as wilderness, but there are many wonderful roads to follow in the other 52,000 acres. The forest is home to Copperhead Fire Tower, the first one in Ohio and a popular stop for visitors. Climb 60 feet to the top and get rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape below.

Amish Country Byway

OH-39 and US-62, Millersburg, OH 44654

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When you really want to get away from it all, there's no better trip than the Amish Country Byway. Leave the cell phones and computers behind as you discover (or rediscover) the joys of the land. One of the signature stops on this route is the Farmer's Product Auction, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in October. Get up close and personal insights into Amish life with guided tours, buggy rides, and the petting barn at Yoder's Amish Home. Don't forget to pick up a treat from the bakery before you go! Start or finish your day with a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Cultural Center, highlighted by the 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural known as Behalt. 

OH-93

Zanesville, OH 43701

Zanesville is the jumping-off point for yet another of Ohio's beautiful motorcycle rides. Pick up OH-93 just south of Zanesville and follow it through the black diamond region down to Ironton. Be sure to stop at Shawnee, a village that's home to 655 people but still feels frozen in time. Main Street, lined with brick buildings featuring protruding balconies, could be the set of a Western movie. 

Get Your Motor Running

What's a day on the open road without music? What favorite tunes make up your road trip playlist? 

Lazy rivers, coursing streams, meandering creeks – Ohio has a lot to offer when it comes to great paddling water. If you're in search of a place for your next kayak adventure in the Buckeye State, then you're in luck! These nine Ohio rivers flow through landscapes ranging from remote countryside to urban centers, but they all have one thing in common: they're great places to explore by kayak.

Little Miami River

320 Victor Stier Dr., Milford, OH 45150

One of Ohio's best paddling streams flows right through Cincinnati and its outlying suburbs. The Little Miami River is a picturesque, meandering stream that traverses an ever-changing landscape ranging from open countryside and secluded forests to small towns and urban communities. It also has some of the cleanest water in the state, and in 1973 was designated Ohio's first National Scenic River. There are dozens of great access points along the way, but the Little Miami River Access site in Milford, OH is a great place to start. Scenic River Canoe Excursions also offers guided trips in the area.

Cuyahoga River

300 Stow St., Kent, OH 44240

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The Cuyahoga River winds through the heart of Northeast Ohio. It begins as barely a trickle but grows steadily until it becomes a broad, mighty watercourse when it enters Lake Erie in Cleveland. One of the best places to explore the Cuyahoga by kayak is the Kent, OH area, where the river tumbles between rock walls and is shaded by a canopy of trees that hide it from the suburbs beyond. John Brown Tannery Park is a great launch site in Kent and also serves as a hub for Crooked River Adventures, which offers guided river trips. This section of the Cuyahoga River can be challenging during full spring flow, but by summer, the waters are typically slow and easily navigable.

Scioto River

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

The Scioto River is the longest river that lies entirely within the state of Ohio. It traverses 231 miles through the heart of the state, passing through Columbus on its way to meet the Ohio River at the state line. There are a lot of great kayaking opportunities along the Scioto's course. Paddlers in the Columbus area are fond of Scioto Grove Metro Park, a beautiful 620-acre urban oasis in the city that offers two launch sites – one at either end of the park – for easy put-in and take-out. The Scioto River is also known for great catfish and smallmouth bass fishing, so you might want to pack a rod and reel. 

Big Darby Creek

1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH 43119

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The charming Big Darby Creek is like a magnet to canoe and kayak enthusiasts in the Columbus area. The creek flows 84 miles through Union and Madison Counties, eventually feeding the Scioto River. Along the way are numerous places to launch a kayak, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park being a local favorite. Darby Creek is surprisingly wild considering its proximity to the city. It's not uncommon to see beaver cuttings along the shoreline and turtles sunning themselves on rocks and trees near the bank. The park's official put-in site is just off Alkire Road, near the confluence of Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek.

Mohican River

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

The Mohican River flows through a landscape of secluded forests that looks as though it has been virtually unchanged since the first pioneers settled Ohio. Located about halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, Mohican State Park is a great place to explore the river. The park marks the spot where the Clear Fork Mohican River and the Black Fork Mohican River meet to form the river's main stem, and there are abundant kayaking opportunities in the area. It's a truly charming corner of the state. In addition to the state park, nearby Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery and River Zen Campground & Launch offer launch sites and camping.

Grand River

1122 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, OH 44041

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The Grand River meanders through 102 miles of Northeast Ohio's Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Lake counties, passing through mostly picturesque rural communities on its way toward Lake Erie. It's a broad and tranquil river in summer and fall, perfect for paddling. Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metro Park is a popular place to put in, and launching here provides an opportunity to paddle under one of Ohio's oldest and longest covered bridges. From here, it's about 8 miles downriver to Hidden Valley Metro Park, and this section includes a scenic river gorge. Guided trips are available through Grand River Canoe Livery.

Mill Creek

316 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216

Offering a great stretch of urban paddling, Mill Creek flows through the heart of Cincinnati and is accessible at several spots along the way. It's a beautiful stream that offers a unique perspective of the city that few ever see. A local organization of paddling enthusiasts known as the Mill Creek Yacht Club helps maintain the stream and organizes group kayaking events. Put-in at the Playground at Caldwell Nature Center for a float trip through the city down to the next take-out at Millcreek Road, or continue down to Evans Recreation Area, the last stop before the Mill Creek Barrier Dam.

Mahoning River

75 N. Leavitt Rd. NW, Leavittsburg, OH 44430

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Drifting lazily through Northeast Ohio (and a bit of Western Pennsylvania), the Mahoning River snakes through tranquil forests, open farmland, quiet communities, and industrial landscapes alike. It's become an increasingly popular paddling stream in recent years, and the aptly named Canoe City Metro Park in Leavittsburg is an ideal place to get on the water. The park includes an easily accessible public launch and is a starting point for guided trips through Mahoning River Adventures. Wetlands along the river are popular for bird watching as well. 

Great Miami River

2000 US-40, Vandalia, OH 45377

Crisscrossing Southwestern Ohio for 160 miles before emptying into the Ohio River west of Cincinnati, the Great Miami River offers some of the best kayak water in the Cincy area. The river offers an established paddling route, known as the Great Miami River Water Trail, including numerous parks, access areas, and various put-ins and take-out spots along this beautiful, slow-rolling river. Taylorsville Metro Park and Island Metro Park – both in the Dayton area – offer excellent kayak launch sites that are part of the water trail, as well as riverside campsites that are open to paddlers.

Ride the River

Ohio has a lot of great paddling spots, including some we may have missed. Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just someone who would like to try different varieties and learn about them, Northeast Ohio is the ideal place to create your own winery tour. Its fertile soil and climate make it a prime location to grow grapes, as evidenced by its many local wineries. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and are often family-owned, so you'll be able to learn about their history and offerings. Some also offer food ranging from small bites to full meals, as well as weekend entertainment.
  
Check out the following nine places to consider as you create your own Northeast Ohio Winery tour.  

Sharon James Cellars

11303 Kinsman Rd., Newbury Township, OH 44065

Try one of several handcrafted wines at Sharon James Cellars, where you'll find reds, whites, and roses named after virtues like vitality and compassion. The property has a tasting room if you prefer to enjoy your wine indoors, as well as an outdoor patio and open-air outdoor pavilion if you like to relax outside with your wine. The winery also has a full-service kitchen and full-time chef, so you can indulge in deliciously fresh meals prepared using local ingredients. Try a pizza or panini, or order a delicious appetizer or two such as fresh hummus and veggies or a cheese plate.

Urban Vintner

37484 N. Industrial Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094

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You'll be able to see the entire production process at Urban Vintner, watching the transformation from grape to bottled wine. It's co-owned by award-winning winemaker Ed Trebets, who has won over 1,000 medals in his winemaking career. Sample several with a visit to the Tasting Room, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays. And if you'd like to try even more varieties, the winery offers a wine club that includes selections that are locally produced as well as ones that are globally sourced.

Laleure Vineyards

17335 Nash Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

This small boutique winery makes most of its wines from vinifera grapes grown right on the property. Schedule your visit for a weekend if possible, when the tasting room is open, but it's also open by appointment if you'd like to visit at another time. The vineyard also frequently hosts live entertainment on Fridays and/or Saturdays, so order a glass of your favorite selection and relax while you enjoy the music.

Blind Squirrel Winery

7918 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

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Wines are produced and blended on-site at Blind Squirrel winery, and they're selected to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Some additional wines are offered seasonally. The tasting room is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4-9 p.m., so try some different types and settle on a full glass or two of your favorite.

Stonegait Winery

4275 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

If Stonegait Winery has a rustic barn-like appearance, that's because it once was a barn on a former horse farm. The owners purchased the barn after planting their vineyard and waiting four years, and they then renovated the barn to transform it into a winery. It now offers a full food menu along with an extensive list of wine offerings that you're welcome to enjoy by the bottle, glass, or taste. Fridays or Saturdays are a good time to visit if you'd like to enjoy live music along with your food and wine.

The Winery at Spring Hill

6062 South Ridge Rd. W, Geneva, OH 44041

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The Winery at Spring Hill has a friendly, relaxing feel, and although wine is its centerpiece, it also offers much more. In addition to a selection of handcrafted wines ranging from dry to sweet, their wine bar also serves unique hard ciders, craft beers from local breweries, and cocktails made with liquor from local distilleries. Food is also available, and you can choose a snack, meal, or one of the bakery's delicious desserts.

Virant Family Winery

541 Atkins Rd., Geneva, OH 44041

The Virant family spans 3 generations of winemakers, the latest of whom currently own the winery. Their 11 selections are made to have a crisp grape taste along with a pleasant aftertaste. They pair well with the winery's weekly snack food menu along with their more extensive menu for the weekends, when you can order steak, chicken, or ribs and listen to live music.

Silver Crest Cellars

4511 Bates Rd., Madison, OH 44057

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Silver Crest Cellars uses grapes from their family vineyards that date back to the 1930s, along with grapes from other local growers. Try their wines by the bottle, glass, or taste in a relaxing indoor or outdoor seating area. You'll be able to choose from old-world as well as new-world varieties, in addition to local and historical varieties and blends.

Debonne Vineyards

7840 Doty Rd., Madison, OH 44057 

The largest estate winery in Ohio, Debonne Vineyards has over 175 acres of grapevines. The vineyard is known for its newer varieties and original blends and has also opened its own microbrewery. To learn about the entire winemaking process, schedule a tour that includes four samples of wine as well as cheese and crackers. You can also choose a tasting tray of your favorite type of wine, such as dry red or Riesling, and you'll get a souvenir glass, bottled water, crackers, and chocolate. And if you're ready for a meal, a casual food menu is also available. You might want to time your visit to coincide with one of the many events hosted by the winery, including a home winemaking class, fun run, bocce ball tournament, or motorcycle rally.

Sip, Savor, Repeat

What are some of your favorite wineries in Northeast Ohio? 

Buckeyes are a popular treat in the state of Ohio. Who wouldn't love these balls of peanut butter coated in chocolate? Whether you're a dedicated buckeyes fan or someone hoping to experience them for the first time, you just have to take a trip along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. This trail takes you to various bakeshops and candy stores, each serving its own version of buckeyes. Here are some of the top stops along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail.

Haute Chocolate

9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242

Haute Chocolate is an incredible candy store in Cincinnati. They've been in business since 1979 and have gained quite a reputation for their buckeyes. As you step into the small, brick building, you'll be greeted by the scent of chocolate and peanut butter — and you'll know something delicious awaits.

The owner is usually in the store at Haute Chocolate, and they can tell you all about their chocolate-making process. In addition to classic chocolate buckeyes, they also make white chocolate buckeyes, which are a must for any white chocolate fan. The chocolate-covered strawberries are also incredible if you're looking for something to accompany your buckeyes. Eating the buckeyes and strawberries side by side is almost like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Tickled Sweet

317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150

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Tickled Sweet is located in the downtown area of Milford. They were named Score Business of the Year in 2017! You can spend an hour or two walking around to nearby shops and restaurants before stopping in for some buckeyes. They're made in-house, and they're served with a smile.

In addition to buckeyes, Tickled Sweet offers an assortment of fudge and macarons. Their macarons come in fun flavors like key lime and birthday cake, and they're sold individually.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe

101 E. Alex Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe was founded in 1984 and has remained a family business ever since. The shop is housed in a small brick building. Inside, shelves of packaged chocolates draw you in with their beauty. There's also a deli-style service counter where you can have chocolate packaged individually to order.

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe sells traditional buckeyes with a milk chocolate exterior. The peanut butter centers are especially creamy! They come in packages of 6, 12, or 24, so you can bring a few home to share. If you're looking for something to enjoy alongside your buckeyes, you can't go wrong with the shortbread. Known as "Aunt Laura's shortbread," it's incredibly delicate with a nice brown sugar flavor.

Anthony Thomas

1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228

If you're in or around Columbus, make sure you stop by Anthony Thomas for some buckeyes. This large candy store is family-operated, and they manage to turn out 50,000 pounds of chocolate each year.

The buckeyes here are described as "really peanut buttery" and smooth. They come individually wrapped, so you can try one here and there without worrying about the rest of the package spoiling. Buy a 12-piece or 24-piece box if you plan on sharing. Anthony Thomas also sells Ohio Baskets, which are shaped like the state of Ohio and filled with classic candies like buckeyes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and caramel corn.

Chocolate Cafe

1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212

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If you want to eat some lunch or breakfast alongside your buckeyes, this is the place to go. Chocolate Cafe has a menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, wine, cocktails, and even omelets. But the chocolate is definitely the star of the show.

The buckeyes at Chocolate Cafe are hand-rolled, and they sell for $1 apiece. They also offer buckeye pretzels, which is a fun twist on the classic. You might be tempted to order some truffles or mini cupcakes to bring home, too.

Schmidt's Fudge Haus

220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206

This shop may be named after fudge, but don't let that fool you. They still have some of the best buckeyes in Columbus. The centers are incredibly smooth and creamy, and they're dipped in real Belgian chocolate. You can buy the buckeyes in boxes of 6 or 15.

Definitely take the opportunity to sample the fudge while you're at Schmidt's, too. The plain chocolate is a classic, but the butter pecan is incredible if you're a nut lover. Schmidt's Fudge Haus is located in the Historic German Village, so feel free to take a walk around as you enjoy your sweets.

Sweetie's Chocolates at Grandpa's Cheesebarn

668 US-250, Ashland, OH 44805

Sweetie's Chocolates is an enormous candy store located directly next to Grandpa's Cheesebarn, an enormous cheese store. If you're in Northeast Ohio, you absolutely need to visit both. They offer lots of free samples and have an incredible selection of both cheeses and sweets.

Sweetie's offers buckeyes dipped in both milk and dark chocolate. They even offer miniature buckeyes, which they sell in a big tub suitable for sharing. Other tasty treats include chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and fudge. The licorice candy, which comes in many flavors, is also a favorite.

Honadle's Fine Chocolates

1138 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632

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Honadle's doesn't take shortcuts, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local companies, and they always use the freshest, best-quality items possible. This really shows in the quality of their buckeyes and chocolates. Honadle's is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Trail that you don't want to skip.

The buckeyes here come in milk and dark chocolate versions, and they're sold in a 12-count box. The sea salt caramels are a great treat to order if you're looking for something extra.

Butter Maid Bakery

100 Victoria Rd., Youngstown, OH 44515

Everything at Butter Maid Bakery is made in small batches, using old-fashioned recipes and traditional ingredients. They've been around since 1903, so they've had plenty of time to master their craft! In addition to the buckeyes, customers love their kalochi, and it's definitely worth a try.

Butter Maid Bakery's buckeyes are larger than most. The filling is also a bit softer than you might be used to since they're made with a higher proportion of peanut butter. They're sold in 12-count boxes, so you'll have enough to share. 

Taste Ohio's Best

As you travel along the Ohio Buckeye Trail, your taste buds are sure to be pleased! Which one of these candy stores are you most excited to visit?