Posts from November 2018

John Francis Blog

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
Explore Ohio | 95 Posts
LoLo Gifts | 33 Posts
Northeast Ohio | 135 Posts
Real Estate | 103 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
Cutler Real Estate Home Maintenance Home Safety Homeownership Cutler Real Estate Agents Cutler Realtor Decor Northeast Ohio Ohio Real Estate Real Estate Trends Realtor Cutler Real Estate News Ohio Association of Realtors Home Selling Tips House Hunting Real Estate Sell a Home Selling Your Home with a Realtor Staging Local Attractions Things to Do Relocation First-time homebuyer tips Columbus OH Buy a home Community Holiday Home Selling Tips Holidays Find a Home Cincinnati OH Things to do in Cincinnati Restaurants Akron OH Canton OH Cleveland OH Things to do in Northeast Ohio Akron Business Cincinnati Real Estate Columbus Real Estate Cleveland Real Estate Columbus Columbus Restaurants Thanksgiving Akron Real Estate Canton Real Estate Best of Cincinnati Best of Cleveland Traveling Stark County Columbus Events Best of Ohio Cincinnati Events Cuyahoga Valley National Park Akron Events Canton Events Things to do in Columbus Dublin OH Best of Columbus Cleveland Events Canton Cincinnati Family-Friendly Activities Brunch Homes for Sale Apple Orchards Corn Mazes Fall Fall Events Pumpkin Patches Events Columbus Bars Ohio State Sports Sports Bars Halloween Local Events Local Bloggers Ohio Bloggers Recipes Dining Gluten-Free Home Decor Home Inspiration Ohio Downtown Canton Bars and Restaurants Cuyahoga Falls Kent OH Mantua OH Silver Lake OH Stow OH Tallmadge OH Photography Christmas Holiday Chanukah Holiday Events Santa Boutique Shop Local Shopping Holiday Shopping A Christmas Story House New Year's Eve Fitness Healthy New Year Paleo Vegan Winter Lunch Record Shops Fireplaces Bookstores Farmers Markets Coffee Coffee Shops Valentine's Day Bars Beer Breweries Cincinnati Bars & Restaurants Newport Downtown Cleveland Neighborhood Guide St. Patrick's Day Copley OH Irish Massillon OH Medina OH Findlay Market Architecture Spring Easter Pets North Canton OH Charities Giving Back Karma Keg Strongsville Cocktails Happy Hours Eco-Friendly Sustainability Festivals Summer Roadtrips Moving Tips Memorial Day Cabins Camping Glamping Summer Events Kids Gardening Home Improvement Landscaping Fourth of July Fishing Hiking Outdoors Skiing Food Trucks Nonprofits Small Businesses Lake Erie Put-in-Bay Affordable Homes Over-the-Rhine OH Luxury Hyde Park OH Alliance OH Hartville OH Instagram Instagrammers Podcasts Wooster OH Specialty Foods Museums Virtual Tours Online Resources Libraries Wineries Dessert German Village OH Downtown Columbus OH Short North OH Independence OH Rocky River OH Garrettsville OH Jackson Township OH Green OH Hudson OH Bexley OH Delaware OH Galena OH Lewis Center OH Ostrander OH Powell OH Sunbury OH Florence KY Union KY Walton KY Westerville OH Lancaster OH Fayette County OH Blacklick OH Canal Winchester OH Clintonville OH Gahanna OH Grandview Heights OH Grove City OH Groveport OH Hilliard OH Granville OH Johnstown OH Louisville OH Worthington OH London OH Marysville OH New Albany OH Obetz OH Reynoldsburg OH Upper Arlington OH Whitehall OH Pataskala OH Mount Sterling OH West Jefferson OH Pickaway County OH Carrollton OH Beachwood OH Bedford OH Brecksville OH Avon OH Amherst OH Brunswick OH Aurora OH Canal Fulton OH Barberton OH Bolivar OH Burlington KY Western Hills OH West Chester OH Seven Hills OH Tremont OH Westlake OH Wadsworth OH Streetsboro OH Ravenna OH Perry Township OH Sandyville OH Uniontown OH Waynesburg OH Malvern OH Lake Mohawk OH Mayfield Heights OH Middleburg Heights OH Ohio City OH Pepper Pike OH Magnolia OH Navarre OH Plain Township OH Munroe Falls OH New Philadelphia OH Delaware County OH Elyria OH East Sparta OH Cuyahoga Falls OH Fairlawn OH Dover OH Union County OH Carroll County OH Fairfield County OH Franklin County OH Hamilton County OH Licking County OH Lorain County OH Madison County OH Portage County OH Summit County OH Tuscarawas County OH Wayne County OH Augusta, KY Wedding Venues Local Businesses Parks Farms Theater Boone County Chillicothe New Construction Homes for Sale Ohio
November
29

Santa Claus is coming to town! We love visiting Saint Nick during the holidays and luckily he'll be setting up shop all over Cleveland this season so you'll get a chance to meet him. The big guy and his elves will be hosting a multitude of events, giving you plenty of opportunities to tell him your Christmas list and snag a photo or two. We found the best places in Cleveland to find Santa this year, so pull out your wish list, check it twice and get ready to meet everyone's favorite holiday icon in person.  

Santa at Beachwood Place

Where: Beachwood Place

Click Here to Read More...

November
27

Can anything beat the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree during the holidays? Sure, it would be easier to pick one up at the grocery store or even buy a fake tree to reuse again and again — but nothing gets your family in the holiday spirit like visiting a local tree farm to get the real deal!   Christmas tree farmers have years of experience and their staff can help you pick out the perfect tree. We've rounded up the 12 best Christmas tree farms near Akron and Canton to help you plan your holiday outing and make this Christmas one you won't forget.      

Flower Tree Farm

1236 Hudson Road, Kent Flower Tree Farm

Photo courtesy of Flower Tree Farm

Since 1980, a visit to the Flower Tree Farm in Kent has been a Christmas tradition for many families. They offer both pre-cut trees and cut-your-own sales so you can decide how you want to pick out your holiday centerpiece! They start selling trees the day after Thanksgiving through December 23.  

Rauh Christmas Tree Farm

3001 North River Road, Stow Rauh Christmas Tree Farm offers several different types of trees — everything from spruce to pine — so you can find your perfect tree. They have a huge variety to choose from and charge the same price regardless of size!  

Shawnee Trail Tree Farm

896 Terex Road, Hudson If you're looking for a tree over 25 feet tall — Shawnee Trail has you covered! They offer trees of all different sizes and in over seven different varieties. They also provide refreshments while you shop and observe their many farm animals, such as cows, chickens, sheep and an adorable donkey named Twix!  

Medina Christmas Tree Farm

3301 Hamilton Road, Medina Medina Christmas Farm

Photo courtesy of Medina Christmas Tree Farm

This adorable farm is completely family (and dog) friendly! Enjoy some hot chocolate by the fire, grab lunch at their refreshment stand, visit their friendly farm animals, and pick out one of their handmade wreaths to take home! They've just opened a new lot of trees down the road so there are plenty of trees to choose from!  

Hinton Primitives & Christmas Tree Farm

982 Stump Road, Minerva Rustic decor lovers will adore this eclectic shop and tree farm combination. Kaye and Bill Hinton purchased a family member's farm 16 years ago and the rest is history! Kaye loves to craft and sells her creative works in the shop, such as primitive dolls, furniture and more, while Bill sells crops from the farm year round — including during the holidays! They have a huge selection of trees to choose from. While you're there don't forget to check in with farm cats named Louis and Mr. Hope!  

Doc Miller's Christmas Trees

12666 German Church Street, Alliance Doc Miller's prides themselves on being as eco-friendly as possible! They don't use pesticides, fungicides or colorants, and guarantee that your tree will never be sprayed with any kind of chemicals. Choose a fantastic tree and feel good about it this holiday season!  

Heritage Farms

6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula

Heritage Farms

Photo courtesy of Heritage Farms

Open for 170 years now — Heritage Farms has plenty of experience in providing family-farm fun in Peninsula, Ohio! Visit them this holiday season to pick out your tree, and then make sure to stop by Michelle's Greenery Shop for roping, wreaths and swags! Warm up by the sandstone fireplace with some hot chocolate and cookies from their Coffee Corner.  

Ricciardi's Tree Farm

2136 Greenwich Road, Wadsworth Ricciardi's Tree Farm is not only a great place to get your Christmas tree this year — it's also a beautiful event venue for weddings, holiday parties and even family photos! Make sure to check out this picturesque location this season!  

Timber Valley Christmas Tree Farm

4250 Bagdad Road, Medina This family-owned and -operated Christmas tree farm offers cut-your-own trees of all shapes and sizes at reasonable prices! They promise to make it a memorable holiday experience for you and your family, and you'll want to come back again year after year.  

Skylar Brook Farm

12853 Bair Road, Orrville Skylar Brook Farm For a unique Christmas experience this year, visit Skylar Brook Farms. This farm offers an original combination of Christmas trees and alpacas! When you visit, make sure to check out their alpaca store where they sell luxury products such as gloves and hats made from alpaca fleece — perfect as stocking stuffers!  

Galehouse Tree Farm

11762 Coal Bank Road, Doylestown Pick up your Christmas tree AND the ornaments at Galehouse Tree Farm! Not only do they offer several different types of trees, but they also have a barn full of Christmas decor! The Tree House opens in April every year for those who just can't wait for Christmas and offer crafting classes all year round. They also share Christmas decor ideas on their website!  

Moore's Christmas Tree Farm

6767 Edison Street, Hartville Moore's Tree Farm is a family-owned, 100-acre farm that specializes in growing Christmas trees, daylilies and hostas. The farm has been passed on through the generations since 1945. They offer gorgeous trees and fun for the whole family. Plus, there's free hot chocolate!  

Have a tree-mendous holiday!

For more holiday cheer, check out our complete guide to 28 holiday events in the Akron and Canton area!    
November
19

During the holidays the Cincinnati area turns into a winter wonderland. Snow blankets the city and downtown is adorned with millions of twinkling lights. Between the festivals, holiday markets, theater performances and light displays, it's hard to decide how to celebrate. To make it a little easier, we put together a list of our most anticipated events of the season. There are opportunities to get a little gift shopping done, experience some magical shows and even watch Santa swim with sharks. We guarantee there's something for everyone in the Queen City this holiday season, so get the family together and hit the town!  

A Crystal Holiday

Where:

Click Here to Read More...

November
15

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Time to break out the holiday decorations and start planning out your itinerary. This time of year, Columbus is bursting with festive events all perfect for getting you and your family into the holiday spirit! We've rounded up 21-holiday events in Columbus that we are most looking forward to this year! From watching breathtaking ballerinas perform to viewing awe-inspiring light displays — we're sure you'll find something to be jolly about this holiday season!

Holiday Hoopla

Where: Shadowbox Live When: November 15 – December 29, Times Vary Called the "granddaddy of all holiday shows", this hilarious holiday performance mixes sketch comedy with seasonal music and features the send-up The Santa Babies. This is Shadowbox Live's longest running show and has been entertaining audiences for a quarter of a century! You don't want to miss it!

Wildlights

Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium When: November 16 – January 6, Sunday – Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m. This is an event you won't want to miss out on! This family tradition is continuing for its 30th year — come out and see beautiful light displays along with your favorite animals. There will also be animated light shows, a visit from Rudolph and his friends, the Polar Bear Express, Camel Rides and more!

Picture an Old-Fashioned Christmas

Where: Hanby House Historic Site When: November 17, 12-4:30 p.m. Have a unique photo taken in the decorated parlor of the Hanby House! Wear your own festive clothing, or use the Civil War era costumes provided. It will be perfect for your holiday card or just for fun!

Conservatory Aglow

Where: Franklin Park Conservatory at Botanical Gardens, the Conservatory When: November 17 – January 2, Times Vary The biggest and brightest holiday show at the Franklin Park Conservatory returns again! Artfully placed light installations highlight the lush horticulture displays within the interior biomes and courtyards. The Paul Busse model railway, hand blown glass ornament trees and poinsettia trees provide the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. They will also be offering adult libations and seasonal food to help get you in the holiday spirit!

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"

Where: The Ohio Theatre When: November 23-25, Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol

Photo courtesy of Omaha Community Playhouse

This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", brought to you by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, features thrilling ensemble music, beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs that people of all ages will enjoy!

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Where: The Historic Clifton Mill When: November 23 – December 31, Everyday 5-9 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve 5-8 p.m. Featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill is one of the finest light displays in the country! With over 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees and bridges it truly is a legendary sight! There is even a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights. Don't miss this incredible sight!

Dragon Lights — Columbus Illuminates the Holiday Season

Where: Ohio State Fairgrounds When: November 23 – January 6, Tuesdays – Sundays 5:30-10 p.m. Dragon Lights

Photo courtesy of Tianyu Arts & Culture

See the Ohio State Fairgrounds in a whole new light this year! With over 40 larger-than-life handmade lanterns covered with hand painted silk, you'll be able to witness a light show created by more than 20,000 twinkling LED lights! It's a display unlike any other! 

Illuminating Shopping

Where: Historic Old Worthington When: November 29, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a festive evening with family and friends while shopping and dining in historic Old Worthington! Local retailers will be open late and offering specials on their products. Plan to make this long-standing tradition a part of your 2018 holiday schedule!

Home for the Holidays Columbus Jazz Orchestra

Where: Southern Theatre When: November 29 – December 2, Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Holiday Events in Columbus The Columbus Jazz Orchestra promises an evening of festive music to get you in the holiday spirit, and a good time for the whole family!

Holiday Pops

Where: The Ohio Theatre When: November 30 – December 2, Times Vary A great annual tradition continues as Ronald J. Jenkins leads the Columbus Symphony and Chorus in some of the season's most-loved holiday songs and carols. Rumor has it that Santa will also be making an appearance!

Columbus Winterfair

Where: Ohio State Fairground, Bricker Building Winterfair When: November 30 – December 2, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done early this year! Browse the holiday artists' market and find unique handcrafted items. Artists from across the nation will be showcasing their traditional and contemporary crafts including ceramics, woods, glass, painting and more!

BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley

Where: Westies Tavern When: November 30 – December 30, Everyday except for Christmas Eve and Christmas at 5:30 p.m. This adult holiday event is perfect for those who want to see all of the beautiful Columbus light displays in one night! Start off at Westies Tavern for a check in and enjoy a small appetizer, then get whisked off on a four-hour tour that includes stops like the Columbus Zoo Wildlights, towns such as Dublin and Upper Arlington, a drive through downtown Columbus and more! Tickets are required.

WinterFest

Where: Bicentennial Park When: December 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. WinterFest is a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks! Artist Rayland Baxter will be headlining the event! Volunteers will be selling hand-crafted bowls as part of the Empty Bowls initiative which supports the Mid-Ohio Foodbank!

DIY Festive Holiday Wreath Making

Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, The Wells Barn When: December 1, 1-3 p.m. Learn how to create a festive wreath, perfect for your front door throughout the holiday season. A varied selection of greenery, cones, berries and other plant material will be available for you to make your unique holiday decoration! Registration is required.

Village Lights

Where: Historic German Village When: December 2, 5-9 p.m. Visit the historic streets of German Village to discover a world of lights and holiday magic! Follow luminaries from shop to shop and start checking off your holiday gift list. Businesses will be open late with holiday specials. At StriezelMarkt on the Platz, you'll find vendors, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, ice carvings, live music and more! Plus, the holiday lights display will be breathtaking!

The Piano Guys

Where: The Palace Theatre When: December 6, 7:30 p.m. The Piano Guys became an internet sensation in 2011 by way of their immensely successful series of original music videos, featuring a blend of classical and pop music. On December 6, The Piano Guys will be playing select songs from their 2017 album "Christmas Together" at the Palace Theatre. It's sure to be a wonderful time for the whole family!

Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting

Where: Ohio Statehouse When: December 6, 5:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with this annual Statehouse event! This family-friendly celebration will feature a tree lighting, carolers, refreshments, community mascots and a visit from Santa himself!

The Nutcracker

Where: The Ohio Theatre When: December 7-23, Times Vary

Photo by Jennifer Zmunda, courtesy of BalletMet

BalletMet's Nutcracker is the perfect way to take a break from the hectic holiday season. Gorgeous costumes and sets, along with magnificent dancing will make this performance one you won't soon forget!

Holiday Lights Tour

Where: Columbus City Adventures When: December 7-27, Times Vary Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Columbus City Aventures, as you take a two-hour bus tour through Columbus to see all of the fantastic light displays! Stops include the Grand Illumination along the Scioto Mile, the Festival Lights at Columbus Commons and a special stop to stroll through Christmas Corner!

Santa in the Caboose

Where: Hillard Historical Village When: December 9, 3-6 p.m. Columbus Holiday Events This kid-friendly holiday event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, refreshments, beautiful lights and the opportunity to get your photo taken with Santa from the 1800's! This historical take on Christmas will provide your family with endless fun and memories!

John Legend – A Legendary Christmas

Where: The Palace Theatre When: December 9, 8 p.m. Come out and see John Legend live in concert where he'll perform classic holiday songs such as "Silver Bells", "Christmas Time is Here" and "By Christmas Eve" from his new album "A Legendary Christmas".  

Happy Holidays!

Did we miss your favorite Columbus holiday event? Let us know in the comments!  
November
13

Dublin, OH is located just 17 miles from downtown Columbus and is a wonderful place to call home! Not only are the people of Dublin some of the friendliest you'll ever meet, but it's also a natural oasis. With more than 1,098 acres of developed parkland, 96 miles of bike paths, several golf courses and more — it's an outdoor enthusiast's paradise! If you've fallen in love with the area, we have great news! There are a lot of amazing homes available right now in Dublin. We've gathered together seven incredible and unique options so that you can find a home that is perfect for you. Happy shopping!  

Move-in-Ready and Stunningly Designed

4 Beds | 5 Bath...

Click Here to Read More...

Older Posts ⇨

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel