
Whether you're a beginner or an expert—or anywhere in between—it's fun to visit one of the many Ohio ice rinks that offer public ice time. Indoor and outdoor rinks are available, and with some, you can also have a snack or cup of hot chocolate to help you warm up and refuel.
Check out the following nine places to lace up your ice skates in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio.
390 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Skate on the same rink as the hockey Buckeyes at The Ohio State University Ice Rink, located east of St. John Arena and north of Ohio Stadium. The facility has a warming room with vending machines, benches, lockers, and a pro shop where you can buy hockey equipment and skating apparel. Its surface area is 200 feet long and 85 feet long, and it hosts open skating most days. Cost for the general public is $12, discounted to $5 on weekday afternoons, and includes free skate rental with the cost of admission.
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215, plus 4 additional locations
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OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks are conveniently located throughout the area, and you don't need a reservation to hit the ice. Prices start at $8 and up, and depending on the date and time you select, skate rentals are either free or cost $4. Noon skates are popular with families who have young children since the ice is less crowded then. Ice skating and ice hockey lessons are also offered, along with camps and clinics for athletes, and you can also schedule birthday parties at Chiller locations.
4265 East Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Blendon Woods is part of the Columbus Metro Parks system, and if you'd like to skate on an outdoor rink, it's a great place to go. The pond is about .4 acres in size and is about 18 to 24 inches deep. The park has restrooms but doesn't rent skates, so you'll need to bring your own. While you're there, look out for birds and other wildlife since the park is also home to the 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge and 11-acre Thoreau Lake. You can also look for birds from the park's two elevated observation towers equipped with spotting scopes.
38 Fountain Sq Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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UC Health Ice Rink has a unique combination of bumper cars on one side of the rink and skating on the other, with the two sides divided by a barrier. For $15, you can enjoy both sides. If you'd rather attend a skating-only session, you'll pay $10. When you need a break, head to the warming tent, where you'll have a view of the rink. Stop by concessions first and grab a hot or cold drink and snack to enjoy while relaxing in the warming tent.
10765 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
You'll have your choice of multiple ice rinks at Sports Plus Cincinnati, which packs countless activities into its over 250,000 square feet of space. It has several ice rinks and is home to Cincinnati's largest adult hockey league as well as its largest youth hockey association and the Figure Skating Club of Cincinnati. Bring the entire family to lace up their skates and come back another day to have fun with other activities like basketball or volleyball.
7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Fifty West has transformed into a winter wonderland destination with its outdoor ice skating rink. It's open daily, and for $10 per person, which includes skate rental, you can skate for an hour. Large, heated tents and small fire pits are available to help you warm up, along with hot chocolate and cider, with the option to add alcohol to either one. You can also head into Fifty West for a burger and brew to refuel after your skating session.
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242
Take a spin on the ice at Ice Rink at Summit Park, located underneath the park's glass canopy. Skate sessions cost $7, which includes skate rentals. Theme nights and activities add to the fun with a popular Chuck-A-Duck game and on-ice games. And if you're inexperienced on the ice, the rink provides free skating aids to help. To extend your fun when it's snowed, bring a sled and zoom down the sledding hill behind Observation Tower. And when you're done, grab a hot chocolate or a meal from one of the four on-site restaurants.
8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
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Mentor Ice Arena is Lake County's only indoor ice skating complex, offering open skating year-round. It has two regulation-size ice rinks, and you'll find a wide range of lessons available to suit a broad range of abilities. Learn-to-skate lessons are offered, along with youth and adult hockey and figure skating. Rates are $9 for adults, $7 for youths under age 18 or seniors age 65 and over, with an additional $4 for skate rentals.
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
The Alice Noble Ice Arena offers a 200-feet by 85-feet rink to enjoy, along with bleacher seating or an enclosed warm room when you'd like to take a break. Open skate times—along with accompanying music—are held throughout the week. And if you have a beginning skater in your group, look into the Learn to Skate USA program that they can take part in at the arena. It's the introductory skating program that U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating recommend.
Which Ohio ice rinks are you looking forward to visiting?

Pickleball is such a fun game for people of all ages. It gives you a great way to get out and be active with friends. Swinging the racket is much easier than in tennis, yet there's more movement involved than in ping pong. Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or are completely new to the game, there are several awesome indoor courts in Ohio. Here are some of the top ones we recommend visiting this winter.
5475 Mills Creek Lane N, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
If you're in Northeast Ohio, then one of the best places to play indoor paddleball is North Ridge Racquet & Paddle. They offer several pickleball leagues for adults of all ages. A Tuesday Evening Beginner Pickleball League is perfect for those new to the sport. Or, if you have more experience, consider the Sunday Morning Advanced Pickleball League.
You can see a complete schedule of league play times on the club's website. Or, you can visit during Open Play hours and hit the ball around with a few friends. Open play is just $8 per day, and it's $100 to join a league for six weeks.
29825 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124
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The Cleveland Racquet Club is a great place to play indoor racquet sports all year. They have several indoor pickleball courts that are always clean and well-maintained. The club is open Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contact the club to find out their latest open-court hours for pickleball.
The Cleveland Racquet Club has a lot to offer in addition to pickleball. If you become a member, you can work out in their fitness center, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or even lunch at the onsite restaurant, The Pub. Of course, there are also tennis and ping pong courts if you need a change of pace.
The Mandel Jewish Community Center has two basketball courts set up into four pickleball courts during certain open play hours. They also have several pickleball classes and clinics for players of all abilities. Their Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinic is 90 minutes long and only $25 for community members. Visitors also enjoy their three-week Intro to Pickleball class.
If you're more serious, the JCC also has pickleball leagues you can join. They're divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
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Do you want to play pickleball in a relaxed setting? Then Pickle & Chill is the place to go in Columbus. This indoor pickleball facility offers league play plus plenty of open play hours. There are even designated open play hours for those ages 60+.
Pickle & Chill offers "Dink and Drink" open play night and College and Young Professionals nights. If you're new to the sport, consider signing up for their Learn to Play clinic.
Olympic Indoor Tennis is a beautiful indoor facility that allows both members and non-members to use their pickleball courts for group play. The charge for members is just $7 per person, and non-members pay $10. Courts are available Monday - Friday between 7 and 9 a.m. and also between 1 and 3:15 p.m.
If you plan on playing pickleball a lot, consider a pickleball-only membership, which is $75. Members can reserve courts privately at a discount. Members also get access to the pro shop, locker rooms, and lounge area. The lounge area is a lovely place to relax and meet other pickleball fans.
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Pickle Shack is one of the newest pickleball facilities in the Columbus area. Visitors like their relaxed approach and open concept. They make it easy to reserve courts online through their app, and with 10 courts, there is almost always one available.
Pickle Shack also offers lessons. You can purchase a five-week, five-lesson pack for $150 as a non-member. Learn basic techniques such as how to grip the racquet, how to dink, and how to serve. The final lesson even goes into drop-shot techniques.
Five Seasons Sports Club has 16 indoor pickleball courts open all year. They're also known for their Pickleball in Five classes, which teach the basics of pickleball in five lessons. Adults are welcome, but there are also specific programs for kids ages 7 to 15.
This innovative club offers free, one-day passes for those who want to check out their facilities and learn more. Their pickleball courts have hard floors, similar to those typically used for tennis courts. You can book courts in advance, and members get a substantial discount on fees.
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If you're in the Cincinnati area, then pickleball is about to become even more exciting. The Pickle Lodge is slated to open in early 2023 at the former Court Yard Sportsplex site. This state-of-the-art facility will feature 17 stunning indoor courts, along with its own bar, restaurant, and group party space. The playing surface will even be cushioned to reduce the impact on your joints during gameplay.
The Pickle Lodge will be the second-largest pickleball facility in the U.S. when it's completed. The owners plan on hosting tournaments, teaching lessons, and bringing more attention to this growing, all-ages sport.
Playing pickleball is a great way to exercise, relax, and clear your mind. Which one of these indoor pickleball facilities will you visit first?

Out with the old, in with the new. Say farewell to 2022 with December's great assortment of freebies from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts. These monthly offers are a perfect way to introduce you to our region's amazing array of local small businesses.
So what's on the list for December? How about coffee and a pastry in Northeast Ohio, a live plant in Columbus, and a $10 certificate for baked goods in Cincinnati, for starters?
2030 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208
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Will you sit and enjoy a delicious pastry or pick one up to eat on the go? There's no wrong way to use your $10 certificate from The BonBonerie.
About The BonBonerie
Childhood memories inspired Sharon Butler and Mary Pat Pace to open The BonBonerie. For 40 years, they've been turning out incredible baked goods such as eclairs, macarons, and cupcakes. The BonBonerie also serves salads, sandwiches, quiches, and other savory items that are perfect for a relaxing lunch inside the cafe and tearoom.
Contact and Hours
513.321.3399
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
6425 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
Ordering coffee is a bit more complicated than it was in your grandparents' day. Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable baristas can help you choose the coffee to go with your pastry at Gypsy Beans.
About Gypsy Beans
Drinking coffee at Gypsy Beans will take you on a figurative trip around the world. Their signature Passport Lattes range from The Berlin, made with caramel, chocolate, and pralines, to Antarctica, featuring vanilla and mint. Pair your drink of choice with a breakfast sandwich, gourmet panini, or fresh salad.
Contact and Hours
216.939.9009
Monday - Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
137 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Good health never tasted so wonderful. Whether you want to jump-start your day or get a quick afternoon pickup, get a burst of energy with your tea or shake from Wooster Nutrition.
About Wooster Nutrition
What makes the beverages at Wooster Nutrition so good for you? They include added protein, vitamins, and minerals that provide health benefits while still letting the yummy flavors shine through. Ordering is simplified with a card that allows you to check off all your desired options, and the cheerful staff members are always ready to help.
Contact and Hours
330.804.0139
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
101 Crain Ave., Kent, OH 44240
Find out why The Beer Connoisseur ranks Ohio in the top 10 states for craft brews. Unwind with friends over your free pint of beer from North Water Brewing Co.
About North Water Brewing Co.
The names alone make it hard to choose among the creative beers at North Water Brewing Co. There's Electric Owl, made with molten lava chocolate cake coffee beans, and Abolitionist, a coconut brown ale with notes of cacao and vanilla. Burn some calories each Saturday at 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. with Yoga & Brew. The $15 fee includes two beer tastings or a cup of coffee.
Contact and Hours
330.778.4677
Monday: 4 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday: 4 - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 1 - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 1 - 8 p.m.
78 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
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Plants do more than just look good. Did you know that many houseplants can improve the quality of indoor air? Go green with your free plant from Yelo Aple.
About Yelo Aple
What's in a name? For Yelo Aple, pronounced "yellow apple," it symbolizes their philosophy. Everything began with an apple in the Garden of Eden, and yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, and creativity. No time to shop? Just select your plants on their website, and they'll deliver them to your home.
Contact and Hours
614.929.5280
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
5121 Buehlers Dr., Medina, OH 44256
Akronym Brewing Public House puts a contemporary spin on the traditional taverns of the United Kingdom. Sample their award-winning craft beers with a free flight that will have you coming back for more.
About Akronym Brewing Public House
Even as the founders were opening Akronym Brewing in 2018, they knew they wanted to expand to a spacious and inviting gastropub. September 2022 brought the debut of Akronym Brewing Public House, a 7,000-square-foot facility with a 500-square-foot patio. All food, down to the house BBQ and hot sauces, is made from scratch onsite.
Contact and Hours
330.952.1112
Monday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
58 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308
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Want to decompress after a tough day at work or catch up with good friends? Your free beer flight from Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a great start for either activity.
About Akronym Brewing Taphouse
The name of Akronym Brewing Taphouse is a clever take on marketing acronyms as well as a display of the taproom's dedication to the Akron community. Brunch is served every Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and special events include trivia nights and sports viewing parties.
Contact and Hours
330.805.4081
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m. - midnight
Saturday: Noon - midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
1281 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720
Is there anything more iconic in Ohio than buckeyes? Few things are better than the free peanut butter buckeyes you can get from Waggoner Chocolates.
About Waggoner Chocolates
Family-owned Waggoner Chocolates carries on the tradition started by grandparents Harry and Iola Campbell in 1954. Today, the company manufactures more than 100 types of bulk and individually-wrapped candies, including sea salt caramels, turtles, and real fruit gummies.
Contact and Hours
888.591.9842
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Why not put us on your list of New Year's resolutions? Start by contacting your Cutler Real Estate agent to sign up for our monthly offering of free gifts.

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?

If you're in charge of stuffing stockings this holiday season, consider stopping by one—or more—of Northeast Ohio's many outstanding candy shops. Buy some sweets to treat yourself, and then score some great stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. From nostalgic pre-packaged candies you remember from childhood to indulgent handmade chocolate creations, you'll be able to satisfy every sweet tooth. You'll even be able to find many candies that people with dietary restrictions can enjoy.
Check out the following Ohio candy shops to stock up on stocking stuffers.
6770 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44129
You'll need to allow a good bit of time when you visit b.a. Sweetie Candy Company since it's not only North America's largest candy store but also a fun attraction with miniature golf and an old-fashioned soda shop. You'll find the classic candies you grew up with as well as newer ones, with about 4,500 items from 190 candy manufacturers to choose from. For example, instead of finding a few Pez dispensers with candy refills, you'll find a seemingly endless assortment. Sweetie sells so much candy that it's even been able to help bring back some popular candies previously discontinued, including SloPoke and Broadway licorice rolls.
746 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, OH 44143
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Located 20 minutes east of downtown Cleveland, All City Candy is 5,000 square feet of candy heaven. Fill stockings with your family members' favorite candies and some new ones from all the popular brands, including Hershey's, Necco, Nestle, Russell Stovers, Brach's, and more. Or buy some hand-dipped treats such as chocolate-covered pretzels, Oreos, and Nutter Butter cookies. You'll even find novelty candy items like spin pops and Pez dispensers to add to the fun. And if anyone you're stuffing a stocking for has dietary restrictions, they don't need to be left out of the candy bliss since the store stocks sugar-free, low-sugar, gluten-free, and vegan candies.
2285 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Mitchell's Fine Chocolates has carried on the traditions of European chocolatiers since its founding in 1939. You won't find the latest trendy pre-packaged candy here; instead, you'll be able to buy the kind of handmade chocolates that have been popular since the store's opening. Mitchell's specializes in dark chocolate-covered marshmallows, caramels, and truffles. Favorites at the shop include bourbon smoked salt caramels, apple cider caramels, pecan turtles, chocolate-covered nuts including almonds and Brazil nuts, signature chocolate truffles, and Grand Marnier truffles.
4590 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
Four generations of chocolate-making expertise go into the candy at Eagle Family Candy Company, which makes its sweet treats by hand. They're well known for handmade caramels and turtles, as well as their hand-rolled and hand-dipped buckeyes. If your family likes crunchy candy, try the peanut brittle, cashew bark, and pecan bark. For a zesty treat, buy the shop's fruit slices in flavors including watermelon, pink grapefruit, peach, and lemon. Order any amount of treats, mixing and matching along the way, and the family will even let you try a few samples if you're undecided.
1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228
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One of the largest family-owned and operated candy companies in the Midwest, Anthony-Thomas Chocolate has served generations of Ohioans since 1952. Some of its customer favorites include truffle-filled chocolate Christmas trees, gourmet chocolate bars, chocolate foil-wrapped Santas and snowmen, and, of course, buckeyes. If you're looking for a non-chocolate stocking stuffer, you'll also find plenty of those, including peppermint bark, Australian red and black licorice, gummi bears, fruit slices, and saltwater taffy.
3620 N. High St. #105, Columbus/Clintonville, OH 43214
Colonial Candy has been in business for 50 years selling Ben Heggy Ohio handcrafted chocolates and old-fashioned candy. Fresh Ohio dairy cream is used in many of its sweets, including the maple cream. Customer favorites include the coconut haystack, French mint, and pecan patty. For a variety of treats, buy the Heggy sack, which features some of the shop's favorites, or the Brevoort Brothers Mix, which honors one of Clintonville's first settling families. And if you have a Harry Potter fan you're buying for, check out the chocolate wand and Jelly Bellies in the shape of objects from Harry's world.
129 W. Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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If you're buying for the chocolate connoisseur, Maverick Chocolate Co. is the place to visit. This family-owned business operates on a "bean-to-bar" philosophy, resulting in chocolate made the old-fashioned way with ethically sourced beans. The shop's products aren't just limited to chocolate bars either; get their unique blend in the form of drinking chocolate mix, cocoa powder, and hazelnut spread. Truffles made with fresh ingredients such as orange, strawberry puree, and rose water are not to be missed.
4037 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Handcrafted in Cincinnati with fair-trade chocolate, candies from Chocolats Latour are "Good For Everything," and that includes stuffing those stockings. Choose from beautiful Hand-Painted Truffles, Salted Caramel Leaves, Peanut Butter Ornaments, and so much more. Hot chocolate lovers with appreciate the Hot Chocolate Bombs, and Peppermint Bark is always a hit.
What candy are you hoping to get in your stocking this year?