
Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113
How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107
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At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212
Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.
138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214
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The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.
143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215
The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level. Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?

With Realtors throughout Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Central Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Cutler Real Estate is dedicated to providing buyers and sellers with top-notch service. We recognize that a real estate company is only as good as its Realtors, and that's why we have the best in the business!
Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We...

The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.
11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065
Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.
Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.
10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
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If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.
The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.
16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062
Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing.
Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.
4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.
Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.
5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015
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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.
Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.
3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.
If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.
2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.
In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees.
3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106
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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.
In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.
1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.
Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.
Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.

Foodies of Ohio, your dream has come true! You can literally eat and drink your way across this great state with food and beverage trails spotlighting a wide range of dishes, drinks, and cuisines. Indulge in mac & cheese in Northeast Ohio, sip on lattes in Columbus, or bite into tacos in Cincinnati. Which trail will you head to first?
Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? With almost two dozen wonderful Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy this classic favorite any day of the week along the Taco Trail. The flavors are so authentic that you'll close your eyes and think you're south of the border. Earn points each time you check in at a location and build your total to receive prizes such as a bottle opener/keychain, shot glass, and t-shirt. Visit the website to have the passport delivered straight to your smartphone.
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Mac & cheese is truly comfort food, deeply satisfying to body and soul. You may be surprised by the variety you'll find along the Mac & Cheese Trail in Cleveland. Try mac & cheese topped with smoky BBQ meats, or have it piled on top of hot dogs and French fries. A couple of locations even offer creamy vegan versions.
Mamma mia! Get your fill of pizza, pasta, and pancetta when you follow the Italian Food Trail. Follow the delicious aromas to more than 60 Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and markets. Many of these locations are family-run, serving food made with original recipes passed down over generations. Just don't ask them to share any of their secrets! Visit the website to get your digital passport.
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Get up bright and early in the morning to hit the Columbus Coffee Trail. You'll have no shortage of caffeine to fuel your visits to these two dozen charming cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. Most locations carry an irresistible selection of pastries, so the route is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Four stops earn you a t-shirt. Hit every location to receive a coffee mug. Visit the website to get your digital pass.
Sample some great adult beverages made with the highest-quality ingredients on the Columbus Distillery Trail. The capital city is home to a number of distilleries producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and bourbon. There's even a "brewstillery" offering craft beer along with spirits. Each site has a specialty Trail cocktail, such as the Side by Side Daiquiri. Check in at four stops for a Simple Times Mixer and visit each one for a t-shirt. Head to the website for your digital pass.
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Do you dosa? Find the answer to this culinary question with a trip along the Columbus Tikka Trail. Indian food incorporates cardamom, cayenne pepper, cumin, and other flavorful spices for a unique taste. Most restaurants let you choose your own level of heat on a scale of one to five. Many also feature buffets so you can try several different dishes. For the record, dosa is similar to a burrito, with a thin rice pancake that can be wrapped around different fillings.
For the month of July 2022, Ales for Trails served as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, referred to as the CROWN. While that event has ended, the trail can still be followed by beer lovers who want to sample a variety of brands and styles. The 10 stops along the way represent the leading microbreweries that make Cincinnati a star in the craft beer movement. As you make your way, you're also roughly following the route planned for the CROWN as Cincinnati's first urban trail loop.
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When it comes to fine whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is the gold standard. Explore the quality and versatility of this iconic spirit through the 19-stop route of the B-Line. The line-up includes five craft distilleries and eight bars, all of which are named in the Bourbon Review's list of "Best Bourbon Bars in America." Rounding out the trail are six restaurants where bourbon complements their menus of Southern, Creole, and BBQ cuisine. Check in at two locations of each of the three types of establishments and receive your choice of gifts, such as a B-Line t-shirt or engraved Glencairn glass. Visit the website to download the digital B-Line Guide.
What's not to love about tacos? They're fun to eat, they accommodate meat-eaters and vegetarians, and they're great with beer or soft drinks. Cincinnati's Taco Trail is lined with lively and colorful restaurants where you can try a never-ending variety of flavors and types. Styles range from authentic, served simply with onions and cilantro, to gourmet, with creative fillings such as grilled salmon or carmelized cauliflower.
If you were creating your own culinary trail, what food or beverage would be highlighted?

If you've never had a bowl of iconic Cincinnati-style chili, you don't know what you're missing. This city has been known as the chili capital of the world since the early 1900s when Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff founded the city's first of many chili restaurants. Today, there are dozens of great local dining establishments where you can order a bowl of Cincinnati chili any way you like it.
If you're new to Cincinnati chili, you'll find it's unlike any other chili you've had. It's often sweet and able to be customized just to your liking. When it comes to Cincinnati-style chili, you typically order it multiple ways: 1-way is chili only, 2-way adds spaghetti, 3-way adds cheese, 4-way adds onions or beans, or 5-way adds onions and beans.
If you're in the mood for a warm bowl of chili this fall, here are eight places where you can order it Cincinnati-style:
4920 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238
One of the most popular restaurants in Cincinnati, Price Hill Chili is a family-owned and operated establishment on the west side. This comfortable, neighborhood-style restaurant serves some of the best 5-way chili in the city. Order it in a bowl (any number of ways), a Coney dog, or a chili cheese sandwich. Plus, add a side or a salad to go with it. The restaurant is also attached to Golden Fleece Lounge, a nice cocktail bar where you can have a drink and watch the game.
3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
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A '40s-style diner serving some of the best Cincinnati-style chili around, Camp Washington Chili is worth checking out for both the food and decor. The recipe behind this chili has been kept secret for over 60 years and is a large reason behind this restaurant's success and longevity. The restaurant has become a local landmark with both the interior and exterior resembling a 1940s-style diner. The 5-way chili has been featured on numerous food television series. Plus, the diner is open 24 hours a day except Sunday, so you can enjoy a bowl of chili almost any time you'd like.
580 Walnut St. S700, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you're downtown and interested in grabbing a quick bowl of chili for lunch, swing by The Silver Ladle. This fast, casual restaurant allows you to create your own chili. Choose from a number of bases, including spaghetti, French fries, tortilla chips, or mixed greens. Then, pick your chili (beer, chicken, Cuban black bean). Finally, top it off with cheese, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and more. They also serve other soups, sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy your lunch indoors or out on the patio when weather permits.
290 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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You can't list Cincinnati chili destinations without mentioning Skyline Chili. What began as a single chili restaurant on Price Hill overlooking downtown is now one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to order a bowl of authentic Cincinnati 5-way chili. The chili is very sweet, so you may want to spice it up with some jalapenos or hot sauce. The original restaurant is no longer open, but the city has many old-school locations, including this one on Ludlow Avenue.
2601 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45204
What better way to experience Cincinnati than by digging into a bowl of hearty chili while taking in panoramic views of the downtown skyline? You can enjoy this exact experience at Incline Public House, a great local restaurant located at the top of Price Hill, on the site of the former incline. This restaurant's chili is phenomenal, and they serve many classic American entrees and pizzas as well. There is also an extensive craft beer and bourbon menu. It's a great place for a date!
310 Mt Zion Rd. Ste. 4, Florence, KY 41042
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Another great chili chain that was started in Cincinnati, Gold Star Chili was founded in the Mt. Washington neighborhood in 1965. Today there are many locations around the area, including this one in Florence, KY. This chili comes with a mountain of cheddar cheese, plus onions, beans, and spaghetti if you choose. Or, add chili to one of their delicious burgers for an unbelievably tasty dinner. Dine in or grab your chili to go through the drive-thru.
6032 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
5-way chili, chili cheese fries, Coney dogs, and more, Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant has all your chili favorites. This old-timey diner has a variety of comfort food as well as some of the best chili in town. They also serve some delicious breakfasts! Dine in or order your chili to go and serve it during your upcoming holiday dinners. This restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so it's a great place to stop for a late evening snack. Affordable prices, no-frills service, and great food, it's a true Cincinnati staple.
9525 Kenwood Rd. Suite 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242
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Among the many varieties of chili on the menu at Blue Ash Chili is a "6-way" Cincinnati-style chili with chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese, and fried jalapeno caps. This unique local restaurant also features the No Freakin' Way Challenge. If you can eat 2.5 lbs. of spaghetti topped with 2.5 lbs. of chili, 2 lbs. of shredded cheese, and 1 lb. of jalapeno caps in 60 minutes, then your meal is free. If not, you'll be featured on the Wall of Shame!
Where will you warm up with a delicious bowl of chili around Cincinnati?