May 2008 Issue
Blues Bonanza
Canton is known for attracting a legendary lineup of players every year to the town’s Pro Football Hall of Fame. Seven seasons ago, a different sort of player also began taking center stage when the city gave birth to a summer Blues Festival. What began as a group of local musicians getting together for a daylong jam session has blossomed into a two-day fete featuring performances by nationally renowned artists that attracts 15,000 blues lovers from around the country. This year, the event ... Mother's day
When she needs a good cry, author D.G. Fulford heads to the place that’s become a bastion of calm in a turbulent sea: her neighborhood Starbucks. The soothing cup of comfort always at hand, the words of encouragement delivered by the staff –– Fulford credits the coffeehouse with helping her face the uncertainty that’s become a constant companion as she cares for her 88-year-old mother, Phyllis Greene, who suffers from congestive heart failure. “They are so nice to me there,... Riverbank Café
There are neighborhood joints, and then there are neighborhood joints. Say, for instance, that you might be lucky enough to stumble across an eatery that had the intimate scale, small-town friendliness and homey charm of the tavern down the block, combined with the sophisticated snap and whip-smart service of a fine restaurant? Well, you’d be exactly that lucky if you’d already discovered the Riverbank Cafe, which has quickly become the place to dine in Hamilton, the Butler County seat that ... |
A New Nest
After the kids move out, some homeowners decide to try a new kind of living quarters. Tomato Treasures
Cherokee Purple. Giant White. Green Zebra. These tomato varieties are not your typical round, red hybrids. Rather, the generations-old heirloom treasures are enjoying a revival as today’s backyard gardeners are redis-covering their incredible variety, mouth-watering taste and rich history. “For years, tomatoes were bred for a lot of other reasons than taste,” says Mike Laughlin of Northridge Organic Farm in Johnstown. He says commercial growers selectively bred tomatoes to improve thei... |
102 Days & Nights of Summer
Click image above to view 102 Days & Nights of Summer interactive E-Pro! Sunglasses? Check. Suntan lotion? Check. Sleeveless shirt and shorts? Check. A list of Ohio’s most entertaining summer events and destinations? Hmmm ... There’s so little you have to supply to fully enjoy this season: From long, warm days that inspire thoughts of leisure, to balmy night breezes that beckon us outdoors, it seems like a vacation awaits with each summer sunrise. But, as any Ohioan knows, our state’s ... A Tribute to "Coach"
The sad news arrived in an e-mail from a friend. My coach had died. Augie Bossu, longtime baseball and football coach at Cleveland’s Benedictine High, was 91 and had remained an active coach until just a few years ago. He is a member of both the Ohio High School Baseball and Football Coaches Halls of Fame, and won nearly 1,000 games in the two sports. The expected tributes started appearing in print and online shortly after his death on January 1, 2008. He had, after all, coached some of Cleveland... By The Book
Want to avoid the angst of finding the ideal spot to delve into a good book this summer (on the beach, sitting on a porch swing, out in the garden)? Thurber House in Columbus invites readers to unwind on their grounds during their Literary Picnics, where popular authors read their latest works as the crowd dines on a meal based on the book’s title or theme, catered by Pat Baker and her staff at Party Panache in Columbus. Lee Martin , River of Heaven Lee Martin, a professor and creative writing dire... Creature Comforts
Mention biology class and most of us have memories of close encounters with pickled frogs. But those pursuing the subject with teacher Tom McSheffery have gone beyond bugs. The science teacher has made quite a splash with students and faculty, courtesy of Steve and Irwin, two alligators named in honor of the late Australian naturalist that have called Groveport Madison High School home for the past four years. To McSheffery, the reptiles are more than just teaching assistants. They help conquer the fear... Dog Days
For those who need help finding the perfect place to take that first bite, we asked resident chili expert Ed McMasters to provide us with his top spots to feast on mouthwatering Coney-style dogs in Cincinnati. Grab a bib and a few napkins. This is going to get messy. –– Ashley Harrington No frills here: Just park your car, order your foot-long Coney at the walk-up window and, McMasters suggests, finish off your meal with their famous soft-serve ice cream. 2673 Putz Place, Cincinnati, 513/681... How To: Reel in the Best Catch
Nearly four decades later, his skill at and passion for the sport is still alive and well. Today, Wukie runs Angler’s Edge Fishing Charters with his son, Jacob, and his years spent casting a reel in the Lake Erie Islands has made him a respected resource for those who are ready to discover the thrill of fishing –– but who don’t have a clue where to start. Here, Captain Wukie provides a quick step-by-step guide to help beginners eager to hit the water and wade through this summer&... Make Way for McCloskey
Sure you do. “Mr. and Mrs. Mallard were looking for a place to live. But every time Mr. Mallard saw what looked like a nice place, Mrs. Mallard said it was no good. There were sure to be foxes in the woods or turtles in the water, and she was not going to raise a family where there might be foxes or turtles. So they flew on and on.” Most parents in America know what happens next, how the Mallards arrive at the Boston Public Garden and decide it would be a nice place to live. And nearly every... Meet Brutus and Buckeye
They’re brothers, they hail from the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska, they’re the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s most popular pair of curious brown bears –– and paying them a visit makes for the perfect family outing this summer.— Ashley Harrington Age: 4 Weight: 850 pounds (and still growing) Favorite Food: Salmon Brutus’ Pet Peeve: Trying to keep Buckeye’s paws off his food Buckeye’s Pet Peeve: Trying to keep Brutus’ paws off his food Favorite Pas... Pedal Power
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in Athens County offers cyclists an opportunity to do both, unfolding amid stunning flora and fauna, historic sites and wildlife in this scenic part of southeast Ohio. From the prothonetary warblers, woodpeckers and red-tailed hawks nesting in majestic trees, to educational stops like Robbins Crossing log cabin settlement in the town of Nelsonville, cyclists find much more to rest their eyes on than just the road. Athens Parks & Recreation Community Center: E. State St., Ath... The Big Bang
It’s pretty hard to mess up a Fourth of July celebration. Even if the setting isn’t perfect, even if most of the festivities are subpar, you’ve still got the big finale: a fireworks display that makes spectators gaze skyward in wonder. But a number of Ohio events manage to offer much more than pyrotechnics. Pay a visit to one of these celebrations around the state, where the activity on the ground is just as colorful as that in the sky. — Sarah Nusinow Best Mix of Fishing, Firewor... The Toys of Summer
The Toys of Summer Sure, a day at the ballpark is an all-around good time, what with the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd and the sweet-and-salty Cracker Jack that always tastes better when eaten within view of a baseball diamond. But if you really want to see the face of a child (and more then a few adults) light up, walk through the gates of a stadium on a day that’s been given a theme. Or, when the team is giving away something free. Anything free. Inflatable pool toys or tie clips, it d... |
Arts at Heart
Blame it on Michigan’s inspiring Great Lakes scenery. Or perhaps it’s due to the Wolverine State’s long, snowy winters, when residents are forced indoors to find creative outlets to fill their days. Whatever the reason, Michiganians are an artistic lot. Nowhere is that more evident than at the state’s summer art festivals. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, cities and towns around the Great Lakes State erect canvas tents and invite artists of all disciplines to set up shop outdoors.... Botanical Bounty
Visitors to Dawes Arboretum don’t have to worry about forgetting the name of the 1,789-acre property in Newark. Hedges cut in the shape of letters spell it out and stretch 2,041 feet in length, longer than six football fields. Children and adults weave in and out of the 4- to 5-foot hedges almost as if the letters were part of a huge maze. Those who start at the “D” and walk to the “M” will arrive at the Observation Tower, which they can climb to get a bird’s-eye view... Child's Play
After spending vacations at EdVenture in Columbia, South Carolina, and the Sandbox at Hilton Head, Lancaster mother Kathy Kern-Ross returned home knowing she wanted the same magic world of make-believe for local children. She brainstormed with five other neighborhood parents, and their vision became reality in March, when AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children’s Museum, Inc. opened its doors on South Broad Street. “To children, their work is their play,” Kern-Ross says. “We wanted... Environmentally Sound
Solving today’s environmental and economic problems will take more than recycling papers and plastics: It will take redesigning cities to bring them in better balance with nature and make it easier for people to live environmentally friendly lives. For 16 years, David Beach has been at the forefront of addressing northeast Ohio’s ecological problems by conducting research to find and reverse the damages of pollution and urban sprawl, as well as working with organizations to rebuild Cleveland... In the Neighborhood
Uptown Uptown Cincinnati is a district of several communities — Avondale, Clifton, Clifton Heights, Corryville, Fairview, Mount Auburn and University Heights — bound together by the Uptown Consortium ( www.uptownconsortium.org ). The area includes both the University of Cincinnati and the renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retail and restaurant action is centered in the urban campus of the University of Cincinnati (2600 Clifton Ave., 513/556-6000). UC, which belongs to the Big East ... Ohio Tourism Month
The State of Ohio toasts its 205th, Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park marks its fifth, and two premier performing-arts companies — Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Ohio Light Opera — celebrate their 40th and 30th respectively. We’re talking about anniversaries, of course, and this summer, some of your favorite Ohio attractions are reaching numerical milestones and planning exciting events to commemorate the occasion. Anniversaries aren’t the only reason to travel t... Points Well-Taken
The people have spoken: We seek adventure in a safe environment. We want exciting rides in a family-friendly atmosphere and, most importantly, we want it now. When it comes to responding to the general consensus, Cedar Point doesn’t waste any time. This summer, the amusement park is kicking off the season with Planet Snoopy, a 1.2-acre Peanuts-themed area that includes seven rides, ranging from a bouncing tower to spinning balloons. But what’s unique about this new attraction isn’t the... Summer Break
The Great Outdoors Cleveland Botanical Garden Birds always sing, butterflies bring smiles to children’s faces and flowers always bloom at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, a tropical oasis in Cleveland’s University Circle. Even in the dead of winter, the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse — a soaring 18,000-square-foot conservatory that recreates two of the earth’s most fragile ecosystems — is warm and thriving. In warmer weather, there are 10 acres of stunning gardens to exp... Tea Time
The neighborhood coffeehouse has long been the hangout of choice for those in need of caffeine and conversation. But for people who pair traditional fare, a sophisticated air and a relaxing setting with their brewed beverage, Ohio is the perfect spot for a spot of tea. ZenCha Tea Salon, Columbus Women looking to enjoy a cup of tea with the men in their lives immediately appreciate the Asian-inspired ZenCha Tea Salon in Columbus’ hip Short North district. After all, the sleek and modern salon is a ... Tea Time - Sweet Shalom Tea Room
If you want to take tea at the striking Queen Anne farmhouse that is Sweet Shalom Tea Room in Sylvania, make your reservations well in advance: Both Saturday seatings were sold out at the northwest Ohio spot when we called a week prior to our visit. There’s no mystery to Sweet Shalom’s appeal. It lies in the mix of history and charm that are apparent when the 140-year-old house comes into view: The butter-yellow building with bay windows, tasteful touches of gingerbread trim and a white pick... Tea Time - The BonBonerie
It’s hard to imagine what’s more whimsical at The BonBonerie, a bakery in the Queen City: its eclectic tearoom or its to-die-for decorated cakes and fancy cutout cookies. Granted, with such signature desserts as the Opera Cream Torte –– a double chocolate chip cake filled and iced with vanilla cream, heaped with rich chocolate glaze and shavings, and garnished with white-chocolate diamonds and rosettes –– the establishment in Cincinnati’s O’Bryonville neig... Tea Time - The Emerald Necklace
Like a tin of Twinings, the Emerald Necklace Inn & Tea Room is testament to the fact that good things come in small packages. Blink and you’ll miss this wisp of a place, perched on a bluff overlooking the Rocky River Reservation in Fairview Park. (The establishment’s moniker pays homage to the Cleveland Metroparks’ nickname.) But its magnanimous stature quickly becomes apparent after stepping across the threshold. Innkeeper Gloria Cipri-Kemer has painstakingly transformed the 165-year-... Tea Time - ZenCha Tea Salon
Women looking to enjoy a cup of tea with the men in their lives immediately appreciate the Asian-inspired ZenCha Tea Salon in Columbus’ hip Short North district. After all, the sleek and modern salon is a far cry from the stereotypical, flower-and-lace-festooned space that most people envision –– meaning a guy can actually walk in with his head held high. That inclusive atmosphere is paired with an offering of teas that puts to shame any of the bagged stuff stocked at the average super... |
Ohioan - Lora Van Lear
HOMETOWN: Born in Cincinnati, she lives in Centerville. AGE: 50 OCCUPATION: She’s a wedding dress and special events gown designer. She started her business in New York City in 1984 and opened Van Lear Bridals in Miamisburg almost two years ago. HOW SHE GOT HER START: After changing her major in college from elementary education to fashion design, Van Lear participated in the University of Cincinnati’s co-op program. “One of my co-ops was in New York City and I fell in love with it. It... Summer’s Song
We didn’t count the days back in the ’50s. What purpose would there have been to that? The days and nights of summer were simply never going to end. From the moment the final school bell rang in June to the clang of the first bell in September, it was an endless series of adventures. The sights, smells and sounds of summer were all the same. Summer looked, smelled and sounded like bliss. Baseball games, tag, hide-and-seek — or, as we named it back then, “hide and go seek” &... |
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