Cutler Blog

Spring is in the air, and it's a mighty fine time of year to go for a bike ride in Ohio. Here in the Cincinnati area, we're blessed with hundreds of miles of trails and greenways where cyclists can let loose. 

From flat bike paths that offer smooth pedaling to rugged parks crisscrossed by challenging mountain bike singletrack, you'll never run out of trails in Cincinnati. We're excited to share our favorite places for a family bike ride in the area.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Mt. Airy Forest is one of America's oldest reforestation projects, originally established in 1911. Today, this 1,400-acre tract of reclaimed woodland is an amazing resource for Cincinnati residents looking for outdoor adventure. The terrain and trails in Mt. Airy Forest are also a bit more rugged and challenging than a typical city park, which makes this prime territory for mountain biking. The forest includes several multi-use trails as well as a 3.9-mile singletrack loop that was designed with mountain bikers in mind.

Little Miami Scenic Trail

3811 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244

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Arguably the most well-known bike path in Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is also the longest, following the course of its namesake river for 78 miles between Newtown and Springfield. Along the way, it crosses five counties and is accessible through dozens of parks and trailheads in the Cincinnati area. The Trail is also paved, well-maintained, and for the most part, quite flat, making it ideal for cycling. The Avoca Trailhead and the Bass Island Trailhead are great places to start, both offering restrooms and ample parking, with access to a stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that meanders through some lovely riverside city parks. 

Ohio River Trail

Corbin Street, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Following the bank of the Ohio River through the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River Trail offers one of the city's best urban bike rides. You can take in some great views of the river and the city skyline along the way. There are several access points, but the parking lot on Corbin Street, near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ball Fields, is a good place to start. The Ohio River Trail is also a work in progress. Around 10 miles are currently open, but it will stretch 23 miles end-to-end once completed, and provide a vital link from Downtown Cinci to many other parks and trails throughout the city. 

Miami Whitewater Forest

9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030

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The largest unit in the Hamilton County Parks system, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses over 4,600 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, creeks, and lakes. The park includes many miles of multi-use hike-and-bike trails for cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. The paved, 7.8-mile Shaker Trace Trail is great for a fairly easy bike ride over gently rolling terrain, but Miami Whitewater Forest also offers several shorter, more challenging dirt trails that twist and turn through the woods. The park also includes campgrounds and a 9-hole golf course. 

Lunkin Airport Bike Path

Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226

The Lunken Airport Bike Path is a 5-mile loop that encircles Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. It's a flat, paved pathway that's just a short trip from Downtown, making it an easily accessible loop for city residents. The path sits atop a levee that protects the airport from flooding. It connects with the Ohio River Trail and is also linked to the trail system in nearby Otto Armleder Memorial Park, so there are plenty of options if you want to alter or extend your route.

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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Just a 30-minute drive east of Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the great destinations in the region for outdoor adventures of all kinds, biking included. A little over 4,800 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in Ohio and offers about 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that follow the ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. With numerous switchbacks, steep climbs, hills, and gullies, these trails offer some exciting terrain for mountain bikers, as well as sweeping views across the lake. Most park roads are also open to cyclists, and the park includes a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier. 

Mill Creek Greenway

Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232

The Mill Creek Greenway is a beautiful paved bike path that follows the banks of Mill Creek through western Cincinnati. At present, only 3.5 miles of the trail are completed. But more ambitious plans are in the works, which will extend the trail over 50 miles along the banks of the creek that gives it its name, eventually connecting it to the Ohio River Trail and Winton Woods. For now, the existing segment provides a pleasant bike ride through Salway Park and long the edge of the Northside neighborhood, where you might be tempted to stop for a drink at beloved local watering holes like the Northside Yacht Club, which is just footsteps from the trail.

Mitchell Memorial Forest

5401 Zion Rd., Cleves, OH 45002

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Located way out on the far west side of Cincinnati, Mitchell Memorial Forest is widely regarded as the best destination in the area for experienced mountain bikers. This 1,600-plus-acre park includes approximately 8 miles of challenging mountain biking trails, divided into two loops of around 4 miles each. The terrain is rugged and densely wooded, and the trails are tight singletrack with plenty of twists, turns, steep ascents and other challenges to keep the ride interesting. 

A Beautiful Ride

Where's your favorite place to ride around Cincy?

Spring is here, and adventure is soon to follow! RVing is an incredible way to experience the outdoor beauty of Ohio, visit new communities, tour local landmarks, and make plenty of friends along the way. Whether you visit a great campground with extensive RV amenities or attend an event specifically created for RV/Airstream enthusiasts, now is the time to make your plans for exploring Ohio's many RVing destinations. Get started with our guide to nine of the best places to go RVing around Ohio this year.

Woodside Lake Park

2486 Frost Rd., Streetsboro, OH 44241

Do you like your RVing trips to include plenty of activities in nearby communities? In addition to the on-site amenities, Woodside Lake Park is centrally located near popular Northeast Ohio attractions like the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Zoo, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Of course, you'll enjoy great attractions at the 100-acre campground as well, with hiking/biking trails, fishing, swimming, paddle boating, a game room, and a 4-acre lake where you can lounge the day away.

46th Annual Airstream Club International Region 4 Rally

199 Vanover St., Wooster, OH 44691

Held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds and featuring plenty of special events to enjoy around downtown Wooster, the 46th Annual Airstream Club International Region 4 Rally is one event that Airstream enthusiasts won't want to miss in Northeast Ohio. Choose your campsite at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, then set out to enjoy all that this fun event has to offer from May 18-22. Start the fun Thursday evening with a banquet featuring live entertainment, tour other Airstreams during the open house, and participate in a scavenger hunt that will take you all around Wooster. There will be happy hours throughout the event, along with special deals and events at local Wooster businesses all weekend.

Clay's Resort Jellystone Park

12951 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666

If you love to bring your kids along for your RVing adventures, then the whole family is sure to have a great time visiting Clay's Resort Jellystone Park. This family-friendly resort is centered around the 10-acre swimming lake, which features two 150-foot water slides, dual zip lines, sandy beaches, and tons of room for swimming. The resort also features a stocked fishing lake, nature trails, a heated indoor pool, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and even a skate park. Throughout the RVing season, enjoy events like Neon Nights, Country Fest, and the Yankee Peddler Festival.

Buckeye Beach Park

13610 Shell Beach Rd. NE, Thornville, OH 43076

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Located just a short drive east from Columbus on scenic Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Beach Park is an outdoor oasis minutes away from the city. Whether you're looking for a quick, outdoorsy vacation or a place to spend the whole season, this RV park is the perfect choice for anyone who loves spending time near the water. It's the only RV park with direct access to Buckeye Lake, with docks and boat slips for rent on-site so that you can bring your watercraft along for fun. Spend your days on the water and your nights gathered around the campfire with your favorite people.

River Bend Family Campground

1092 Whetstone River Rd. S., Caledonia, OH 43314

With a scenic location on the Olentangy River and a close community of campers who come back year after year, River Bend Family Campground offers an excellent sense of community in addition to its many other amenities. Sporty families will love the 18-hole miniature golf course, 9-hole disc golf course, softball field, football field, playgrounds, tennis, and basketball courts. There is also fishing, both in the on-site pond and along the river. At night, gather for some live music, spend some quality time in the game room, or settle in around the campfire.

Alum Creek State Park Campground

3209 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

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Checking in at more than 4,000 acres, Alum Creek State Park Campground is one of the largest RVing destinations on our list and provides access to Ohio's largest inland beach. That beach is located along a 3,387-acre reservoir, ideal for boating. The reservoir is large enough to have no horsepower limit for boats, so you can bring nearly any watercraft along for the trip. There's a full-service marina on-site, along with an exclusive boat ramp, mountain biking trails, equestrian trails, nature programs, mini-golf, playgrounds, disc golf, a small fishing pond, and so much more.

East Fork State Park Campground

2837 Old State Rt. 32, Batavia, OH 45103

Just 25 miles from Cincinnati, you'll find East Fork State Park Campground, which provides easy access to one of Ohio's largest state parks. East Fork State Park spans 4,870 acres, with endless natural beauty to explore. The campground offers access to a 1,200-foot swimming beach, boating/fishing on Hasha Lake, 46 miles of backcountry trails, a 16-mile backpacking trail, and a 32-mile perimeter trail. For anyone who loves spending time in nature, it's tough to top the experience at East Fort State Park Campground.

Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday

760 Franklin Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036

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With a central location just 30 minutes from both Cincinnati and Dayton, the Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday is a smaller campground that makes it easy to explore all that Southwest Ohio has to offer. Spend the day lounging at the pool, taking the kids to the playground, or exploring nearby historic downtown Lebanon for shopping, dining, and local history. The large King's Island amusement park is also located less than 10 miles from your campsite, with exciting roller coasters, a fun water park, and plenty of live entertainment all summer long.

Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort

6716 E. National Rd., South Charleston, OH 45368

For a relaxed, laid-back RVing experience, try a trip to Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort. This resort is all about family and community, with a busy schedule of special events every weekend. Enjoy movies, hayrides, ice cream socials, bingo, karaoke, and many other planned events. All week long, you'll have access to the fishing pond, swimming pool, playground, nature trails, expansive athletic facilities, and a fun-filled clubhouse. The lots here are also spacious, and can accommodate RVs of nearly any size.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Where will your next RVing adventure take your family this spring and summer?

Lunch doesn't always get enough attention. This midday meal can be a great opportunity to take a break from work, converse with friends, and try some new cuisines. If you're in the mood to focus more on lunch, the perfect opportunity is just days away. April 13 is National Make Lunch Count Day, and we recommend celebrating at one of these top-notch Northeast Ohio restaurants.

Taza Lebanese Grill

1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

Taza Lebanese Grill is a wonderful place to stop for lunch in downtown Cleveland. The word "Taza" means fresh, and indeed, this restaurant uses the freshest ingredients. They even make their pita bread in-house, using their traditional Lebanese stone oven.

The rolled pitas are a popular lunch option at Taza. Choose from lamb, kabob, Kafka, and falafel fillings. On a chilly spring day, you may want to pair your pita with a bowl of lentil soup. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Taza Chicken Salad is a wise choice. Featuring dates, red grapes, and roasted pine nuts, it comes tossed in an incredible cilantro-mango dressing.

Lucky's Cafe

777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Lucky's Cafe has won awards for their brunch, but they're a great place to stop for lunch, too. They source their ingredients from local Ohio farms whenever possible, and they make all of their bread and pastries by hand.

One of the top items on Lucky Cafe's lunch menu is the Mac-N-Cheese. Made with cheddar, brie, and parmesan, it's both gooey and flavorful. Guests also love the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Triple B Salad, made with beets, blue cheese, and bacon.

The Vegan Club

13228 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120

Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just trying to eat more healthy foods, The Vegan Club is a lovely place to enjoy a delicious lunch in Cleveland. They only serve 100% plant-based items in-house and offer many gluten-free and nut-free dishes.

Start your lunch with an appetizer to share. The Okra Fries are delicious and come with a cilantro-lime dipping sauce. As your main course, you may want to try the Oyster Mushroom Po'Boy or the BLT—made with vegan bacon, of course. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a Berry Apple Strudel or Apple Tart.

Chameleon Cafe

23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308

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Chameleon Cafe is a simple, welcoming, locally-owned staple in Akron, Ohio. Their menu is brimming with delicious lunch options to please all palates. The Powerbowls, which are loaded with kale, quinoa, and your choice of protein, are fantastic. Guests especially love the Korean BBQ Chicken Powerbowl. For something lighter, you may want to try the Chicken Caprese or Harvest Salad.

Chameleon Cafe also offers a selection of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and toasted croissants. They're open Monday-Friday until 4 pm, making them a great place to stop for a workday lunch.

Luigi's Restaurant

105 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308

If you're in the mood for Italian food, then Luigi's Restaurant can't be beat for lunch. They open at 11 am Monday-Friday. You'll find all of the Italian favorites on the menu, including pizzas, pasta, and salads. Their Pizza Bianco, a white pizza made with cheese, garlic, and onions, is a fan favorite. You also can't go wrong with the Italian Sub.

Luigi's has several lunch specials, which they serve until 3 pm. With options like homemade lasagne and basked rigatoni, you may want to order a second portion to take home.

Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant

326 S. Main St. #1204, Akron, OH 44308

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Cilantro was voted to have Akron's Best Thai & Asian Food in 2020. The restaurant has a fresh, modern vibe and a dedicated lunch menu. Start with an appetizer to share, such as the Chicken Satay or Cilantro Crab Cakes. For your entree, the Pad Thai is a classic choice. Guests also love the Singapore Noodles, which are flavored with curry powder.

Make sure you save room for dessert when you dine at Cilantro. Their F.B.I, which stands for Fried Banana & Ice Cream, is an incredible way to end your lunch. They also serve Mango Sticky Rice when mangoes are in-season.

Pete's Restaurant

4223 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44708

Pete's is a classic American restaurant offering favorites like burgers, club sandwiches, and wraps. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere will make you feel welcome and comforted. Some of the top items to try here include the House Burger, which comes topped with grilled onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. The Pot Roast Sandwich is also delicious.

Pete's has a kids' menu, and they also serve breakfast all day. So if you're in the mood for pancakes or French toast at 1 pm, this is the place to go.

Table Six Kitchen + Bar

6113 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720

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Table Six Kitchen +  Bar is a modern gastropub serving unique interpretations of American comfort food dishes. The atmosphere is casual but classy. This would be a great place for a business lunch.

Table Six has a whole street food section of their menu. The Glorious Shrimp Tacos, made with jalapenos and pineapple mango salsa, are an incredible choice. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Tacos either. For larger appetites, the Famous Chicken & Waffles make a great lunch. The chicken is hand-breaded, fried to perfection, and served over fluffy waffles with butter and bourbon maple syrup.

Athens Restaurant

816 Harrison Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706

Athens Restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant offering a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Guests love their gyro platters, which come with tender pita bread and plenty of feta cheese. The Grilled Chicken Wrap is another good choice if you're looking for something lighter. Athens Restaurant also has a kids' menu with appealing options like grilled cheese and spaghetti.

Don't leave this lunch spot without trying the baklava, even if you take it home for later. It's tender, flaky, and oozing with sweet honey sauce. 

Order Up!

What will you order on National Make Lunch Count Day?

At Cutler Real Estate, we know people make the biggest difference here in Northeast Ohio. Building a team of real estate experts who care is the key to helping our buyers and sellers. When someone in our team stands out, we celebrate their achievements alongside them.

Realtor Dominic J. Fonte Jr., an important part of the Cutler Real Estate team, was recently featured in Top 100 People in Real Estate Magazine. This isn't the first time Dominic's hard work, dedication, and care have gotten attention from industry press, but it is one of the biggest awards out there.

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Itching to spend some time outdoors now that the weather is warming up again? So are we!

Thankfully, tons of springtime events and festivals are happening all over Ohio in the next few weeks. Whether you're in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati areas, you'll have no shortage of options. Why not fill in your calendar with a few of the best ones from our list below?

Geauga County Maple Festival

Chardon, OH 44024

Geauga County Maple Festival is back in Chardon Square April 21 – 24 this year. This beloved local event offers fun for the whole family, including rides, games, and live entertainment from local musicians. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach—you'll love taking part in their pancake breakfasts and pancake eating competitions (with plenty of maple syrup, of course). When you're done, you can enjoy festivities like maple candy carving, the crowning of the Maple Queen, and a syrup-making competition for local aficionados. All syrups in the competition are raffled off as part of the festivities, and a selection of other delicious maple-flavored treats will be available for purchase as well. 

The Great Steubenville Eggsibition

980 Lincoln Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952 

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2022's Great Steubenville Eggsibition begins April 15. This event is a local tradition begun by the artisans at Nelson's Fine Art and Gifts, who have crafted over 20 giant eggs for display around the neighborhood. Each egg features beautiful artwork that has been hand-painted by local artists. The eggs are hidden around the Steubenville business district to simulate a traditional Easter egg hunt. See how many you can find while strolling around Steubenville this spring! 

Mohican Wildlife Weekend

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

The Mohican State Park's Mohican Wildlife Weekend April 22-24 is one of the most popular outdoor gatherings in Northeast Ohio. Some of the activities offered during this weekend include archery shooting, survival classes, gold panning, and a scavenger hunt. There are also several educational programs available at specific times, such as the Wings of Wonder Bird Presentation and a planetarium program where you can observe the movement of the stars. You'll need to reserve a spot for some activities in advance, so be sure to check out what's available and register before the event.

Taste of Granville

537 Jones Rd. NE, Granville, OH 43023

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The second annual Taste of Granville event, 5–8 pm April 30, will be hosted by the Granville Rotary at the Bryn Du Mansion. This fast-paced dining experience offers you the chance to sample beer, wine, liquor, and cider from local brewers and distilleries and food from local eateries, including Wild Things Sandwich Café. Dashing Diner, and Ray Ray's Hog Pit. General tickets are available for $35. VIP tables can be booked for $250 to $500, depending on the size of your party.

Sertoma Ice Cream Festival

11339 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080

The Sertoma Ice Cream Festival has taken place on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Company nearly every year since 1975. Guests will enjoy everything from pony rides and lawn games to a motorcycle and car show. If you're hungry, you can enjoy delicious local dishes like bratwurst, ham and beans, and gallons of premium ice cream. You can also browse a selection of crafts from dozens of local vendors. At just $5 admission per car, this is the perfect place to spend a pleasant spring afternoon with your family May 28-30.

Cincinnati Zoo Blooms

3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

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The Cincinnati Zoo is always a great place for a fun weekend outing, but it's extra special during the spring Zoo Blooms event April 1-30. During the entire month of April, the zoo's abundant plant life blossoms into a full botanical garden. This period is also known as "Tulip Mania" for the incredible number of tulips on display, but you'll also find plenty of hyacinths and daffodils as well as a multitude of flowering trees and shrubs. There's no additional fee to visit the zoo during this time, so there's no better time for a visit.

Ohioana Book Festival

96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

Can't get enough of books and literature? The upcoming Ohioana Book Festival April 30 is the place for you. Held by the Ohioana Library in Columbus, this event offers readings and in-depth panel discussions and a book fair, fun educational activities for kids, and delicious snacks. This year's theme is "Celebrating Ohio's Authors," and over 100 of the state's best-known writers will be attending.

Art and Earth Day

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

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Every year, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum celebrates Art and Earth Day, a special day that combines aspects of Arbor Day, Earth Day, and International Sculpture Day. Some of the activities available this year include bird and tree walks, a student art walk featuring works from the students at the University of Cincinnati, and a lively Happy Hour at the Grand Pavilion. Come take in some of the most impressive natural and manmade sights that Cincinnati has to offer from 9 am to 5 pm April 23.   

Cincy on Tap Festival

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The 2022 Cincy on Tap Festival will take place at the Great American Ball Park 1–4 pm April 9. This event gathers over 60 local breweries for an unforgettable afternoon of beer tasting and fun. Many of the area's best food trucks will also be serving food on-site, and local cover bands will be playing live during the entire event. Tickets start at $50 and include up to 30 4-ounce samples of premium beers made by local breweries, as well as a complimentary ticket to the Reds vs. Cardinals baseball game happening on April 24 at the ballpark. This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your ID on the big day! 

Ring in the Spring Season 

Which of these Ohio spring events will you be attending in the coming weeks?