Posts from December 2017

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December
29

Winter in Ohio is a magical time of year. A fresh, overnight snowfall has a transformative effect on our landscape, turning a normal park into a wintery wonderland filled with opportunities for snow angels, fort-building, snowball fights and (of course) sledding. Our area is surrounded by a number of hills perfect for fast and furious tobogganing — you just have to know where to go. We gathered up our favorite sledding hills in the Akron and Canton area to make your decision a bit easier. Don't let the fresh snow pass you by!

Goodyear Heights Metro Park

2077 Newton Street, Akron This is one of the most popular sledding destinations in the Akron area, and for good reason! The large and steep hill is perfect for snow-day adventures, and includes a rope along the side to help you on your trek back up. Anyone who doesn't want to join in the sledding can entertain themselves by cross-country skiing in the park or warm themselves by the fire barrels. Since the park is so conveniently located, you can expect to see lots of other sledding-hopefuls during the colder months. Get there early to avoid the crowds, or better yet, stay late! The park is open until 11 pm on certain days.

Cascade Valley Metro Park

1061 Cuyahoga Street, Akron You have options in the Oxbow Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park — two sides of the hill offer ideal grades for rapid sledding. Parking is available either at the top or bottom of the hill, and there are several fire barrels to warm your mitts between runs. You can enjoy about 150 feet of the hill and an additional 200 feet of flat run before the trees begin. How far can you make it?

Sand Run Metro Park | North Hawkins Area Sledding Hill

800 N Hawkins Avenue, Akron When the pond freezes over, Sand Run Metro Park is one of the best places to go ice skating in the Akron area. But that's not the only winter attraction in the area — the North Hawkins Sled Riding Hill is one of the most renowned sledding destinations in the region. The park is lit at night, which allows for sledding well into the evening.

Firestone Metropark

55 E Warner Road, Akron Adults and kids alike will love sledding at Firestone Metro Park. The enormous hill here accommodates sledders of all levels, and provides plenty of space to spread out and not crowd your fellow riders. The sledding hill is unlit, so make sure to arrive well before sunset to maximize your fun!

Boettler Park Sled Riding Hill

5300 Massillon Road, North Canton This large hill incorporates varying inclines to please speed-seekers and beginners alike and is located near the playground on Heritage Hill. But there is no need for a playground during the winter months! Kids flock here for the sledding opportunities — and some even bring skis or snowboards.

The Lake Area Sled Riding Hill

521 South River Road, Munroe Falls Head to the ever-popular Munroe Falls Metro Park for your next dose of winter adventure. The sledding hill here is lit at night for those who want to sled under the stars, and there are cross-country skiing trails located nearby for the parents.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Kendall Hills Sled Riding Hills

5465 Quick Road, Peninsula Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this little-known winter wonderland boasts several prime sledding hills alongside snowshoeing, cross-country skiing trails, ice fishing, and plenty of snow! There are steeper inclines for the daredevils, but also plenty of shallower hills for those who want to take it slow. Warm your hands by the fire barrel at the top of the hill while you pick out your best route, get a running start, and race to the bottom!

Newberry Park

2800 13th Street, Cuyahoga Falls This hill, located just behind Summit Christian School, is a very popular spot for locals! During the school week, you'll likely find students tobogganing or throwing a few snowballs during recess.

Water Tower Hill

Off of North Summit Street, Barberton Nestled in the northeast corner of Barberton, Ohio, Water Tower Hill is a popular sledding destination for locals. The hill might not be the largest in the area but certainly packs a punch with its gorgeous scenery and convenient location.

Silver Park

2930 South Union Avenue, Alliance A supremely fun sledding hill awaits you at Silver Park! Here, you'll find several hills of various size and steepness. Most sledders flock to the largest and steepest hill, not only because of the prime sledding terrain, but also because of the convenient set of steps that makes getting to the top easy.

The Twinsburg Sledding Hill

8897 Darrow Road, Twinsburg If you venture behind Kent State University, you'll find two slopes that are perfect for sledding! While not officially part of any park, this hill is the most popular destination in Twinsburg after a fresh blanket of snow, and offers fun for all ages. Choose between the steep slope or the shallow slope depending on your bravery level.

Quail Hollow Park Sled Riding Hill

13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville Conveniently located near the Stewart Manor House in Quail Hollow Park, this sledding hill is a favorite among those who live between Akron and Canton. There are fun events at the house year-round, including s'more making and tours during the winter months! Explore the house and then hit the sledding hill for a full day of winter fun. When the conditions are right, visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Have Fun Out There!

There are so many opportunities for outdoor fun in the winter months. Check out the best places to go ice skating near Akron in Canton, or our guide to skiing in Ohio.
December
29

A new year is upon us, and with it, a new set of resolutions! While tackling your January to-do list can sometimes feel like a chore, immersing yourself in the right environment (a new home, perhaps?) can do wonders in the journey toward a better you. Perhaps settling into a new home is on your list for the new year, and if so, you're in luck. Whether you've vowed to cook more meals at home or pick up a new hobby, these charming properties for sale in the Akron and Canton area are all worthy of your resolution list, and are guaranteed to set you up for success in 2018.

Spend More Quality Time with Family

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December
22

Cold weather during the winter months may discourage you from getting outside, but this season is actually one of the best for outdoor adventures! Snow fiends can get their fix at one of our state's top ski resorts, all of which feature a wide range of terrain, cozy lodges for sipping hot chocolate, and man-made snow machines to cover the slopes when Mother Nature isn't cooperating. Additionally, most of our ski areas are open until 10 pm (or even later), so you can easily catch a few runs after the work day is over. There are ski areas scattered throughout the state, so whether you live in Northeast Ohio, Columbus or even Cincinnati, you're sure to find one within easy reach. December through March is prime season, so use our guide to find the location closest to you, and get out there!

Alpine Valley

Lift Ticket: $43 for an adult, $38 for a junior (ages 5-12), $10 for seniors and children under 5 Rentals: $25-$30 Location: 10620 Mayfield Road, Chesterland

Photo courtesy of Alpine Valley

Located just east of Cleveland in the heart of Ohio's snow belt, Alpine Valley receives an average of 120 inches of snowfall per year. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 230 vertical feet and 72 acres of terrain, including a terrain park, beginner trails and even a couple of advanced options for daredevils. One of our favorite features here is the Polar Blast tubing attraction, which features sleek, fast and well-maintained lanes for tubing, and conveyor belts that help you get back up the hill quickly. When you're ready to warm up, head to the nearby lodge for a cup of hot cocoa.

Snow Trails

Lift Ticket: $52 on weekends and peak days, $42 on weekdays Rentals: $37, plus $10 for a helmet Location: 3100 Possum Run Road, Mansfield
Snow Trails has a couple of claims to fame. The resort opened its slopes in 1961, becoming the first ski area to operate within Ohio's state lines, and also the first to incorporate man-made snow technology for maximum coverage. But most importantly, with 300 feet of vertical drop, it is the tallest ski area in the state, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers looking to get more bang for their buck. Traverse over more than 80 acres with 15 trails ranging from beginner to expert, all of which are open for night skiing. The area gets less natural snowfall than Alpine Valley, but fear not — there is plenty of manmade snow to fully cover the trails.

Mad River Mountain

Lift Ticket: $35-$40 for adults, $25-$30 for kids and seniors Rentals: $30, plus $10 for a helmet Location: 1000 Snow Valley Road, Zanesfield
With 144 acres of skiable terrain, Mad River Mountain is the largest ski area in Ohio. The resort opened just after Snow Trails in 1962, incorporating man-made snow technology to cover the hills even without natural snowfall. The area is the best option for more advanced skiers in Ohio, offering a large chunk of expert ski trails and four terrain parks.   If you want a break from skiing at any point, or just want to try a different winter adventure, explore the Avalanche Tubing Park, which features 10 screaming-fast chutes that are each 1000 feet long!

Boston Mills & Brandywine

Lift Ticket: $43 for an adult, $38 for kids ages 5-12, and $10 for seniors and children under 5 Rentals: $25-$30 Boston Mills Location: 7100 Riverview Road, Peninsula Brandywine Location: 1146 West Highland Road, Sagamore Hills

Photo courtesy of Boston Mills Brandywine

Boston Mills and Brandywine are sister resorts and are located within a five-minute drive of each other. The resorts' locations make it possible to venture to both in the same day if you wish! Combined, the resorts' boast 88 skiable acres, 18 trails, 4 terrain parks, and several advanced trails. Like most Ohio resorts, Boston Mills and Brandywine offer night skiing, but unlike other resorts, the trails are open until 1 am in January and February. Get ready for some late-night winter adventures! Also, don't miss tubing at the Polar Blast, which offers thrills for the whole family. Each rider will be given a special tube designed for speed (and safety, of course), and conveyor belts located on the slopes make it easy to get back up to the top. If you plan on visiting the Polar Blast more than once during the season, we recommend grabbing a season pass for $69. The pass allows you to tube at your leisure whenever the ski area is open.

Perfect North Slopes

Lift Ticket: $52 for adults, $42 for kids, seniors and active military Rentals: $28 Location: 19054 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Photo courtesy of Alex Perfect via Perfect North Slopes

Okay — so this ski resort is not technically located in Ohio, but it's the closest option for skiers and boarders in Greater Cincinnati. The ski area is so great, in fact, that it's an essential bucket-list activity for locals! Come enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing on 100 acres of beautiful terrain. With 22 trails and two terrain parks, there's something for winter adventurers of all levels. At the base, you can indulge in a delicious meal (and some hot chocolate) while you swap stories with loved ones! Bonus: Is this your first time skiing? The first lesson is on the house with purchase of a ski ticket!

Now, go shred some pow!

We hope you have a blast this winter. Don't forget to tag us in your ski photos @cutler_real_estate for the chance to be featured!
December
22

2018 is finally upon us, which means that many of us are trying (once again) to tackle a list of lofty New Year's resolutions. Sometimes, that means steering yourself towards healthier meals, but Cincinnati's ever-changing dining scene can make that difficult with its impressive list of delicious restaurants. We know that cravings around this time are inevitable, but if you're going to cheat on your diet, you should at least make it worth it! Whether you're hankering for something sweet or savory, these Cincinnati hotspots serve up decadent, sinfully satisfying meals that will leave you with no regrets. Enjoy!

For Hot Dogs: Senate

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December
22

During the winter months, it can be tempting to cozy up on the couch with a movie and a warm bevvie, but you don't have to forego your adventures and travel plans just because it's cold outside. In fact, winter is one of Ohio's most peaceful seasons — and the perfect time to book a romantic getaway with your sweetheart! Our state is home to a variety of cozy lodges and luxury suites, all boasting fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, picturesque views and more to make for a warm, whimsical weekend. We've gathered up some of our favorite winter getaways in Ohio, so what are you waiting for? Relaxation is just an easy road trip away.

The Treehouses at the Mohicans

Location: 23164 Vess Road, Glenmont Pricing: Approximately $250 a night

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