DiscoveringOhio

Top 5 Brunches in Columbus

Bloody Mary via http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhaithaca

 

To me, nothing says "it's the weekend" more than settling down in one of my favorite Columbus restaurants, ordering a drink and slowly perusing the brunch menu.

Brunch offerings in Columbus run the gamut from wholesome and healthy, to gluttonous and cocktail-soaked. The following five spots have something delicious for all food gurus.

 

1. Surly Girl Saloon

The Surly Girl is hands down my favorite spot for a bit of brunch and a few drinks. Actually, the drinks are my main draw to this red-hued cowgirl and pirate-themed diner in the Short North.

Bloody Mary's are offered in varying degrees of spiciness; from the mild Sassy Mary to the blazing hot Psycho Mary.

Food offerings lean toward the Tex-Mex style and include quesadillas, nachos and The High Noon, a breakfast sandwich of bacon, lettuce, tomato, egg and avocado.

The best part for late-risers/late-night partiers is that the Surly Girl offers its brunch menu until 4 p.m. on weekends.

1126 N. High St.

614-294-4900

 

2. Northstar

Northstar Cafe appeals to those looking for a clean and healthy start to their weekend. The cafe, which has three different locations throughout Columbus, professes a commitment to "pure and natural" food, with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients, and prepares everything from scratch in its large open kitchens. Northstar also offers some good options for vegetarians and vegans.

My favorite brunch dishes are the homemade granola with berries and the Cloud Nine pancakes with ricotta cheese and Ohio maple syrup. If I'm feeling the need for an extra vitamin kick, I'll wash it down with a Shooting Star, made with blended carrots, lemons, oranges and ginger.

 

 

 

 

Pancakes via http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesswebb/

Beechwold                                   Short North                                      Easton                    

4241 North High St.                951 North High St.                       4015 Townsfair Way

614-784-2233                           614-298-9999                                614-532-5444

 

3. Knead

Knead, in the downtown area, continues the local, organic theme. A painted map on the small diner's wall points out the farms that provide its produce and it also takes advantage of its proximity to the North Market to utilize market-fresh ingredients.

The most entertaining name listed on Knead's menu is that of the Egg McJunkin Sandwich made with scrambled eggs, Amish cheese and house cured bacon and served on a housemade, perfectly soft and buttery biscuit.

Knead's excellent cocktail list is available all day and my favorites include the spicy Tapatio Margarita and the Jalapeno Hemingway, made with white rum, lime juice and peppers.

505 N. High St.

614-228-6323

 

4. Matt the Miller's

Matt the Miller's, which has two locations in Columbus, offers one of the city's rare brunch buffets. A reasonable $15 gives you access to a large spread of the usual breakfast dishes such as eggs, bacon, waffles and an omelet station, as well as lunch offerings that include crispy flatbreads with a variety of toppings, and jerk chicken.

I recommend leaving room for the dessert table, and throwing down an extra $7 for the Bloody Mary bar where the bartender supplies you with the vodka and leaves the sauces, spices and garnishes up to you -- options include pickles, pickled okra, pickled haricot vert, horseradish, Worcestershire, hot sauces, jerky and olives.

Dublin                                                        Grandview

6725 Avery-Muirfield Dr.                1400 Grandview Ave

614-799-9100                                       614-754-1026

 

5. Skillet

The only downside to Skillet's brunch is its tiny German Village space (seating only around 15-20 people), which makes advance reservations a must.

Skillet describes its menu as "seasonal driven," meaning that it changes fairly often. Nevertheless, the best dishes I have tried include the chorizo sausage gravy and biscuits with fluffy eggs, and the triple-stacked oven-dried cherry and oatmeal pancakes topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

410 E. Whittier St.

614-443-2266

 

 

Finding a Winter Getaway In Lebanon's Antique Shops

So, the charm of Christmas is gone. The glittery stars, the red and white stockings, candy canes and lush greenery have been wiped clear, leaving us with nothing but the bleak gray of Ohio winter.

So, imagine the welcome surprise that hit me as I drove into the rich historical town of Lebanon, just a few miles north of Cincinnati in Warren County.

There, crisp white and red have found their place to reign in the store windows of the town's antique and specialty shops, giving us Ohioans just one more respite from our colorless winter.

There are more than 20 antique shops in this glorious, historical town that still holds an old-fashioned downtown feel, complete with a courthouse and a rich, vibrant history.

Who was more surprised? Me or the cat?

Because of Lebanon's position on the highway between Cincinnati and Columbus, many notables have visited this town. Charles Kuralt, visited this town on November 14, 1975, and said, "If only a man could have lived long enough, he could have sat here, in the front room of The Golden Lamb, and — glancing up once in awhile — watched the whole history of Ohio pass by these windows."

Inside the antique stores, you can actually see and take home some of this history. Antique coins, vintage jewelry, vintage dresses, and military ornaments to name a few. 

(Do we dare eat ice cream in the middle of this bleak Winter? Why not?!)

Some stores mix in a bit of new finds, (like woven blankets, electric signs and housewares) to mix in with the old.

Antique malls may be the polished shopper's least favorite place to shop, but The Broadway Antique Mall, with nearly 52 vendors,

could change your perception of the traditional antique mall. Here you'll see a wide range of collections, all in one place.

Right down the street from the Antique Mall, you'll find the Golden Lamb, Ohio's oldest inn,

which was visited by John Quincy Adams, Ulysses S. Grant,  Ronald Reagan, 

George W. Bush, Charles Dickens (be sure to ask them about the Brandy that was never served), Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain. When President George W. Bush spoke in front of The Golden Lamb on May 4, 2004, he became the first president to visit Lebanon while in office.

Taking a trip to Lebanon is a great way to fight the Winter blues. Charles Dickens himself said of the area, "a beautiful country," with the rolling hills and its juniper and Red Cedar Trees. But before you go, arm yourself with trivia. Be sure to visit Lebanon's interactive timeline, and see what happened there on your birthday!

What's your favorie antique shop in Ohio?

Celebrating Black History Month at the National Afro-American Museum

Recently, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the newly renovated National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center (NAAMCC) in Wilberforce. It was a relaxing getaway trip and a chance for this northern Ohioan to trek down “south” and see all the wonderful updates that have been done to the building. With Black History Month just a few days away, I also thought this would be a great place to learn about Ohioʼs significant contributions to African- American culture through art. 

The museum, located on the campus of Central State University, a historically black college, and next to Wilberforce University, another historically black institution, opened its doors in 1988 as the first national museum dedicated to African-American history. After undergoing renovations over the last two years, the NAAMCC is now ready to open its doors again.

When I visited the museum, staff was preparing for the grand reopening celebration and ribbon cutting. People were scurrying around putting the final touches on the new exhibit, How I Got Over, about how African- Americans work to overcome obstacles and mobilize communities.
Located in the John E. Fleming Gallery, the exhibition is named after the museumʼs founding director, and includes a mixed- media assortment of paintings, quilts, mosaics, sculptures and woodcarvings.   

The images follow three main themes, Spirituality - because a strong faith base plays an essential role in African-American culture, Protest - because African-Americans took a stand for justice, and Celebration - because African-Americans show pride in their heritage.

The impressive display spans decades and includes amazing pieces by local artists like acclaimed Dayton artist Bing Davis, and Hayward Dinsmore, a former Art Director at Central State University, as well as many talented national artists. There is also a community resource center where visitors can learn about the artist, and a community studio where children can recreate the images they see in the exhibit. Art majors, from both Central State and Wilberforce are also on hand as volunteers.

This exhibit is just the beginning for the reemerging museum with more exhibits opening throughout the year. There also is a great exhibit hall that is utilized for functions like weddings, receptions and educational exhibits.

As a lover of history and art, I enjoyed my tour at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center for its important and moving works. The museum celebrated its grand opening over the weekend on January 26, and the exhibit will be on display throughout the year. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Masterful Art & Food at The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art was one of my favorite places growing up.  It has always been a place of quiet escape and beauty. It’s been years since I’ve visited as an adult and I’ve been anxious to see the new renovations that debuted last fall. I was not disappointed. At a total cost of $350 million, it is the largest cultural project in the history of the state of Ohio and one of the most comprehensive renovation and expansion projects in the museum field in the nation.



The new architecture of the re-designed 39,000-square-foot atrium and ceilings is stunning.  Equally impressive is the fact that it is the largest free indoor space in the city. In fact, the entire museum is free to the public with the exception of a few special exhibits. With extremely comprehensive, well-edited and beautiful collections from all areas of art history the CMA is truly a gem worth visiting.



My friends and I visited on a Saturday afternoon and while it was busy, it certainly did not seem crowded. Our first stop was for lunch at the new Provenance Café in the renovated atrium. The café boasts an open kitchen so you can watch the chef’s create your dish. They offer an incredible variety of seasonal soups and salads, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts and more. The café’s Global Oven and Grill features selections of locally sourced, globally inspired dishes. The food is a work of art itself and matches the tradition of the museum. There is also a 76-seat restaurant managed by local Chef Douglas Katz whose vision is to create a multi-sensory experience while dining and visiting the CMA.

 
After lunch we started with the European art section. Upon entering you are face-to-face with a jaw-dropping wall sized Monet. The collections are laid out perfectly and there are so many wonderful and recognizable pieces as well as new discoveries with the perfect amount of information on laminated plaques.





There are audio walking tours and docents as well as iPad rentals that help you navigate and learn. Even the security guards were extremely informative and helpful. We spent most of our time in the Impressionism and Modern Art galleries. They had Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse. Another impressive stop within the museum which I have vivid memories as a child was the museum’s armor court, a light-filled enclosed courtyard, filled with a dozen suits of medieval armor.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is located about 15 minutes east of downtown Cleveland in the University Circle area, and steps from a beautiful reflecting pool centered in Wade Oval, a seven acre park. There is also so much to do nearby with several other Cleveland museums and attractions, like the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Natural History Museum to name a few, it's worth making the most of Cleveland's arts and cultural scene.

Ohio Winter Hiking 101

Winter Hiking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park

 

If you're anything like me, the winter blues hit you hard and fast this time of the year. Saved for all of the holiday fun and excitement, motivation tends to set as early as the sun. A lack of daylight hours and warm weather can certainly take its toll!

The cold wintry weather in Ohio is inevitable...it comes year after year whether you like it or not. There's nothing you can do to change that, but you certainly CAN change your gloomy attitude and get outside for a winter hike! 

Should you choose to embark on a frigid adventure such as this, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing is to map out your hike because there are few hours of sunlight and you do not want to get lost in the cold when night falls. Also, make sure you are hiking on pre-set paths. Ice and snow can get dangerous, and you do not want to hurt yourself trying to go off the beaten path. 

Bring a few extra special items on a winter hike: hand and/or foot warmers, a thermos, and sunglasses in case the snow is blinding. It is especially important to bring (or find) a walking stick so you can check the depth of snow and keep balance.

You must also DRESS IN LAYERS! Wear thermal underwear, waterproof pants, a fleece sweater, a hat, scarf, waterproof gloves, multiple pairs of socks, a heavy waterproof winter coat, and hiking boots.

Official winter hiking events take place all over Ohio. A few of my handpicked favorites are as follows:

 

Old Man's Cave at Hocking Hills

 

- Hocking Hills State Park: Located in Logan in Hocking County, this is the most visited state park in Ohio! On January 19,  the park held its annual "Winter Hike" event in which over 4,300 people came to trek through the snow and see all of the iconic landmarks, including Old Man's Cave, Conkle's Hollow, and Cedar Falls. With the new realignment of State Route 664, the park is new and improved and deserves a visit this winter!!

- Prairie Oaks Metro Park: Located in West Jefferson in Madison County, this park is one of the Central Ohio Metroparks, which holds a winter hikes series every year. There are two big ponds, one of which is for dogs to frolic on top of when frozen over in winter. The scenery is fantastic here with the calm and serene Big Darby Creek and mild to challenging trails. 

 

Quail Hollow State Park

 

- Quail Hollow State Park: Located in Hartville in Stark County, this is a multi-functional park that has a variety of trails (14 miles) accessible to handicapped individuals and experienced hikers alike. One of my favorite aspects of the park is the herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve!

 

Alum Creek State Park

 

- Alum Creek State Park: Found in Delaware County, it's great not only for winter hiking, but also for ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating!

- For more winter hiking from Discovering Ohio, visit my previous posts on Clear Creek Metro Park within Hocking and Fairfield Counties; and Caesar Creek State Park at the crossroads of Greene, Warren, and Clinton Counties.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tours Ohio

Martin Luther King, Jr. may not have planned to travel to Ohio for leisure, but when he came here to speak on civil rights, he visited some of our states fairest cities and institutions.  I found it interesting to learn that Dr. King made a lot of trips up and down I-71 and across I-70 and discovered some great things about Ohio along the way.

45 years ago on January 11, 1968, Dr. King visited Ohio Northern University in the town of Ada, in Northwest Ohio. He may not have paid attention to the beautiful campus on his trip or to the campus’ close proximity to great restaurants and shops, but he did give a riveting speech on equality to a large group of students, faculty and members of the community. 

Dr. King also spoke at the University of Dayton and made several visits to Oberlin College in Northwest Ohio.  On one of his visits to Oberlin in 1964, shortly after he won the Nobel Peace Prize, he spoke to students where he was quoted as saying, "The time is always right to do what's right." To honor him, a monument was erected in 1987 on the campus. 

King also made stops at various churches across Ohio to spread his message of peace and equality. He once made a visit to Zion Baptist Church in the Avondale community of Cincinnati, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 

 

Plain Dealer Photo

Cleveland Heights and Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in the Fairfax community of Cleveland to preach on non-violence. On another visit to Cleveland, on April 26, 1967, King said to an audience of thousands at Glenville High School, “I never feel like a stranger when I come to Cleveland.”

Today we still honor Dr. King and his legacy across the world.  In Ohio, we celebrate his birthday with all kinds of events and acts of humanitarianism. In Toledo, we celebrate MLK Day, January 21, at 

the annual Unity Day celebration with music, dance and presentations honoring those who are community leaders and innovators in the city. 

At the King Arts Complex in Columbus, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Open House will pay tribute to Dr. King and his leadership.  This year, the audience will hear from Edith Lee-Payne who was pictured in an iconic photo during King’s March on Washington.  We will also be there representing TourismOhio with the Livin’ For the Weekend table.

 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland will celebrate MLK Day with free admission and a free concert performance by R&B recording artist Bobby V. Make sure to stop by the Livin’ For The Weekend table to spin the prize wheel! 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition in Cincinnati memorializes Dr. King at the 37th Martin Luther King Day Celebration.  The day of events include an awards breakfast, a march which begins at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, goes to Fountain Park and ends at the Music Hall for a commemorative celebration.

Dr. King saw Ohio as an important place to visit in his mission to help others discover the beauty in all people. Today, we travel through Ohio to discover all the beauty this state has to offer. How will you celebrate the beauty of Ohio this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?

 

 

A Grand Time in Granville

The Village of Granville, home of Denison University, prides itself on its New England charm and small-town feel.

Located roughly 30 miles east of Columbus, it’s within a couple hours’ drive from many parts of the state, but something about Granville makes a person feel like they're much farther away than that.

Like in New England, for example. (And rightly so: The original Granvillians were settlers from a Massachusetts town of the same name.)

One of the great things about Granville is that it has something to offer year-round, whether or not the college kids are in town.

In the winter months, after farmers markets across the state have shut down until spring or summer, Granville’s indoor Winter Farmers Market is in full swing every Saturday, with local vendors offering produce, meats, baked goods and crafts for anyone motivated enough to tolerate the winter weather and stop by.

For our family, it was a welcome excuse to get out of the house on a Saturday morning and do something different—plus we left with a great loaf of banana bread.

(It should be noted that the village also has a bustling farmers market downtown during the summer and fall months—not limited to winter!)

Along Broadway, Granville’s “main drag,” Denison students can be seen hanging out at the coffee shops, restaurants and galleries along with the townsfolk. A number of locally owned shops promise treasures ranging from hip baby clothes (Tickleberry Moon) to unique jewelry (Green Velvet) to books (Readers' Garden Bookstore).

Dining options are vast for such a relatively short stretch of road: There’s Mexican at Day y Noche; Italian comfort food at Bella; and a smorgasboard of pub fare and beyond at joints like Brews Cafe (which also has a regular lineup of live music) and Broadway Pub (not to mention to-die-for custard at Whit’s Frozen Custard).

We enjoyed a bite at the Broadway Pub: I opted for a veggie wrap with garlic hummus and stole a few fries from my husband; he chose a manly "Texas slaw" burger [shown below], and our three-year-old appeared to be a fan of the half of the cheeseburger she didn’t drop on the floor, as well as the applesauce.

There’s also more to Granville than just the main street: just south of town on River Road, a number of other eateries and shops are awaiting visitors’ perusal, including Snapshots Lounge, The Going Green Store and River Road Coffeehouse, which pours my most favorite cup o' joe in the county.

Also awaiting exploration are the historic Granville Inn and Buxton Inn, located right across from one another on Broadway. Beautiful inside and out, these two historic structures are worth a peek even if you have no plans to book a night there.

If you’re in the mood for some exercise, be sure to venture up the hill (literally) to stroll the campus of Denison University (notable alumni: Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner).

Don’t forget to check the college’s events calendar before you plan your visit. Free musical events frequently are held in the university’s impressive Swasey Chapel or Burke Recital Hall—most notably the upcoming Bluegrass Festival, which draws bluegrass talent from across the country and beyond.

Sure, it’s in the middle of Ohio in the dead of winter. But somehow, Granville manages to keep things enjoyable. Don’t miss out!

Cincinnati Welcomes 21c Museum Hotel

Cincinnati just welcomed the highly anticipated and forward-thinking 21c Museum Hotel to its bustling downtown. My sister, Jenny, and I were familiar with its sister property in Louisville, Kentucky, which has repeatedly been on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for the past 3 years, so we were eager to explore its offerings; we decided to have a drink there after work.

21c is housed in the original Metropole Hotel building on Walnut Street, across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Built as a luxury hotel in 1912, it was converted to low-income housing units in the 1970's, but has now been reborn and restored to its former glory with an artistic twist. We were greeted on the street by a giant chandelier that flickers and breathes, its sighs inviting you to come inside and explore its mysteries. What we first discovered is that 21c is first and foremost a museum, that happens to have a boutique hotel and excellent restaurant, Metropole, attached. The focus of the management is art in all its modern forms; the 8,000+ square feet of art is all by living artists and encourages you to relax and create your own interpretation.
















You can grab a drink at the cocktail lounge or traditional bar at Metropole and then traverse the galleries with glass in hand. This is no stuffy gallery, as you are able to be humorous and explore all aspects of art, perhaps even rearrange one of the giant yellow penguins haphazardly placed around the building. We particularly enjoyed the surreal photography, light displays and the enclosed courtyard featuring LED tapestries that stretch toward the sky, giant bean bag chairs placed underneath for you to come and cuddle with your sweetie.

























Our wonderful host and tour guide, Barbara, was kind enough to show us one of the corner guest suites of the hotel, which was designed by Deborah Berke and showcases custom minimalist furniture. The spacious bath displayed modern elements combined with historic local Rookwood tiles, every comfort for the guest in mind. The hotel boasts 156 rooms and provides a perfect center of luxury to explore the downtown Cincinnati entertainment district. Every comfort is in mind, including turndown service and fluffy bathrobes, as well as access to the spa. The hotel also provides a plethora of meetings rooms, most of which double as galleries, and even offers the restored ballroom for receptions up to 350 people. We also met General Manager Gerry Link, a hospitality-industry veteran, who is eager to share 21c with the city of Cincinnati.











After such an impressive and whirlwind tour, Jenny and I headed down to the 90-seat Metropole restaurant. The surroundings are chic and trendy, yet incredibly warm and cozy due to the huge open flame -- executive chef Michael Paley's idea for creating signature dishes cooked over the crackling, wood-burning hearth. The interesting menu also features house-made charcuterie items, locally sourced meats, breads, vegetables, coffees and teas. Our friendly and knowledgeable bartender helped us select some wines based on our preferences, but the bar really prides itself on its bourbons and ryes, a nod to 21c's Louisville, KY roots.












21c is the perfect new attraction in Cincinnati, as it has it all -- museum, bar, restaurant and a place to lay your head. We're looking forward to our next visit.

Room rates start at $199/night

2013 Race Scene in Ohio Provides New Year Fresh Start

For many people the new year is a time to recharge, set goals and keep diet and fitness on track. What better way to work toward your 2013 goals than by signing up for a road race? Ohio is home to a robust road racing scene, with distances from 5Ks all the way up to full marathons in every large metropolitan city. If you're not ready for a marathon, consider another distance. Here are some of Ohio's largest and most popular races, many of which offer shorter distances in addition to the full 26.2 mile course!

Medical Mutual Glass City Marathon (Toledo, Ohio) - April 28, 2013: This annual race is a flat, fast Boston Qualifying (BQ) course that takes runners throughout Toledo, the campus of the University of Toledo, the area's popular Metroparks and biking trails. Named after the influential glass industry that helped build Toledo, each race finisher will receive a glass mug as a token of their accomplishment.

Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon (Cincinnati, Ohio) - May 5, 2013: Oink oink! The Flying Pig Marathon is 15 years going strong and showcases a proud symbol of the city -- the pig -- a once strong source of income for Cincinnati. Enjoy a pick from several race distances as part of this event, which raises money for charities each year.

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon (Cleveland, Ohio) - May 19, 2013: The original race for the city of rock is a spring favorite and features not only a marathon, but a half-marathon, 10K and 5K. Enjoy the sights of downtown and finish the race just outside Cleveland Browns Stadium, positioned right on Ohio's north coast.

Akron Marathon and Relay (Akron, Ohio) - September 28, 2013: Known for it's impressive race swag, from track jackets to running shoes, the Akron Marathon is a favorite for locals. The relay portion of the race provides an unique experience for those not quite ready to run a full 26.2 miles.

Rock 'n' Roll Cleveland Half-Marathon (Cleveland, Ohio) - October 5, 2013: This is the first Rock 'n' Roll race to come to Ohio. What better way to rock out than, in the city that is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum? Enjoy live bands at every mile along the course and a post-race headliner concert.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon (Columbus, Ohio) - October 20, 2013: Every year thousands of runners fill the streets of Columbus for this race, which is touted as among the top 20 marathons in the country by Runner's World magazine. Crowd support is surely not to be scarce here. 

Training starts now and race day will be here before you know it. Plan your trip to a destination city in Ohio today and pair your race along with some sight-seeing while you are here. For tips on how to build your itinerary visit the DiscoverOhio. See you at the starting line!

Need a hockey fix? Here are some options

The cancellation of a significant part of the National Hockey League season has left fans jonesing for the game. And for fans who can't wait for the NHL to start back up later this month, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the sport on a minor league level throughout Ohio.

The Toledo Walleye play at the new Huntington Center. Toledo has a proud history of hockey teams, with numerous teams in the old International Hockey League, including the Goaldiggers, whose alumni include 1980 U.S. Olympic captain Mike Eruzione, the IHL's rookie of the year in 1978. From 1991 to 2007, the city was home to the Storm of the East Coast Hockey League, who played at the Sports Arena. The team went on hiatus as the creaky old venue was torn down, and the Walleye began play in the ECHL at the new arena in 2009, across the street from Fifth Third Field, the new home of the Toledo Mud Hens. The Walleye are affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, two of the original six NHL teams, and both recent Stanley Cup champions. The Huntington Center also hosts concerts, as well as high school hockey matches. This March, it will host NCAA hockey tournament games as well. With the two new venues, there is no shortage of restaurants and bars in the area, with plenty of pregame and postgame options for a drink or a meal.

One of the Walleye’s rivals in the ECHL is the Cincinnati Cyclones, who play their home games at U.S. Bank Arena, on the banks of the Ohio River next to Great American Ballpark. The Cyclones, affiliated with the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers, have been in existence since 1990, and won the Kelly Cup for the 2007-08 season.

Cleveland is another city with a proud hockey tradition. The Cleveland Barons, who played at the old Cleveland Arena, were regarded as the seventh-best hockey team in America, behind the original six of the NHL. Today, Cleveland is home to the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters, who play their home games at Quicken Loans Arena, which previously served as home ice for the AHL’s Barons and the Lumberjacks. The Monsters are affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche. As in the case of Toledo, the new arenas have led to new restaurants and bars around them.

The Covelli Centre was built in 2005, with the hopes of spurring a downtown revitalization in Youngstown. It’s home to the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. The Phantoms are a junior hockey team, with players retaining their amateur status. In recent years, downtown Youngstown has seen an influx of new nightspots, including V2, the Lemon Grove and O’Donalds, in addition to mainstays like the Downtown Draught House (as seen on A&E’s “City Confidential”).

Now that the NHL has reached an agreement, don't miss the rest of the Columbus Blue Jackets season! The Arena District will light up as the Columbus Blue Jackets take the ice for the first time this year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy Toledo Walleye & Tony Bailey/Cincinnati Cyclones