
New Year's resolutions like losing weight are so last century. In 2022, why not resolve to learn more about your community with the help of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts?
We've teamed up to provide a monthly series of free gifts spotlighting local small businesses. Whether you pick up croissants in Northeast Ohio, appetizers in Columbus, or coffee in Cincinnati, make a resolution to check out these fabulous merchants.
Akron: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Wooster: A Pulled Pork Sandwich
Cincinnati: A Sandwich or Bagel, and a Coffee
4866 Everhard Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Who says you can't improve on perfection? Cupcakes are heavenly, but the gourmet flavors at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
About Nom Nom Cupcake Factory
The baked treats at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory are so amazing that delighted customers use them as wedding cakes. Each week features a rotating selection of flavors such as Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Toast. As if that weren't enough, the bakery has upped their game by offering gourmet flavored popcorn.
Contact and Hours
330.705.2560
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
View this post on Instagram
Yes, the blue-box mac 'n' cheese is classic comfort food. But get ready to enjoy the blissful sensation of biting into the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites from The Rail.
About The Rail
As a spinoff of Mike Mariola's City Square Steakhouse, it's no surprise that The Rail serves first-class burgers. Beef is 100 percent locally sourced, with several specialty burgers as well as extensive build-your-own options. The Rail is also known for their delicious four-cheese scratch-made mac 'n' cheese.
Contact and Hours
330.864.7245
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
109 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256
Candy apples aren't just for fall. Bite into one of these delicious sweet treats with your gift from Candyapple & Co.
About Candyapple & Co.
Appropriately, Candyapple & Co. is an "offshoot" of a landscaping company specializing in orchards. Their dipped apples go far beyond caramel and candy to encompass more than 100 flavors, including root beer float, carrot cake, and sparkling wine. Be sure to check out their boutique with jewelry, skincare products, and other great gift items.
Contact and Hours
330.635.0132
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Bread is sometimes referred to as "the staff of life." You're sure to agree after you use your $10 to try one of the tasty loaves from Brimfield Bread Oven.
About Brimfield Bread Oven
Technology may be king, but Brimfield Bread Oven still believes in old-school techniques. At this European-style bakery, all products are made from scratch with top-quality ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Stop by on Saturday between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and take home a traditional wood-fired pizza for dinner.
Contact and Hours
330.474.7800
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5839 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Even chefs at five-star restaurants agree that everything tastes better fried. That goes for mac 'n' cheese, the granddaddy of comfort foods, especially when they're made with gourmet cheese like the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites at The Rail.
About The Rail
Over the past few years, the gourmet Angus beef burgers at The Rail have earned awards and recognition from local and national publications. One of the favorites is the Mojo, made with a blend of beef and andouille sausage and getting some added kick from a topping of jalapeño slaw. Cool things down with one of two dozen brands of Ohio craft beer on hand.
Contact and Hours
614.725.3200
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
128 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
Sample some legendary Southern BBQ without leaving town. Make sure you have plenty of napkins ready when you get your pulled pork sandwich at Omahoma Bob's BBQ.
About Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Omahoma Bob's BBQ achieves their authentic Texas-style taste with a dry rub of spices and classic low-and-slow cooking in the smoker. Hot Italian sausages and German brats are also created in-house. Complete your meal with turnip greens, red beans and rice, hush puppies, and other traditional sides.
Contact and Hours
330.262.9871
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9701 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, KY 45242
Marx Hot Bagels has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1969. With the first bite of your sandwich or bagel, you'll understand why.
About Marx Hot Bagels
Don't settle for those frozen grocery store bagels. Marx Hot Bagels serves more than 30 varieties, all baked fresh daily. They make a perfect canvas for egg salad, lox, hummus, or just a simple schmear of cream cheese. Change things up with some bagel bread, bagel pretzels, or bagel thins.
Contact and Hours
513.891.5542
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44118
View this post on Instagram
Croissants are the superstars of baked goods, serving equally well as breakfast pastry and base for a savory sandwich. How will you enjoy your two croissants from On the Rise Artisan Breads?
About On the Rise Artisan Breads
At On the Rise Artisan Breads, baking is truly an art. The bakers start work each day before the sun rises, using simple but high-quality ingredients to create breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, and quiches. For a real treat, don't miss the daily specialty flavors such as raisin challah, eclairs, and chocolate cherry batard.
Contact and Hours
216.320.9923
Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Resolve to keep the fun going all year long. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get our monthly offering of freebies.

So have you been naughty or nice this year? The good news is that it doesn't matter! When it comes to our monthly gifts from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts, everyone can get in on the fun.
Some great local businesses in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are out there waiting to be discovered by you. Enjoy some holiday cheer, courtesy of your friends at Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts.
Cincinnati: A Breakfast Sandwich and a Coffee
425 Tuscarawas St. E., Canton, OH 44702
View this post on Instagram
Sandwiches are portable and come in various options, making them a perfect meal. Satisfy your hunger with one of the tasty sandwiches from Salumeria di Torre.
Nothing beats a hearty deli sandwich, especially when it's made with the fresh Italian meats and artisan cheeses found at Salumeria di Torre. Pair your sandwich with a side of pasta salad, chickpea salad, or cup of soup. Hosting a special event? Salumeria di Torre offers convenient catering with pastas, entrées, sandwiches, and dessert trays.
330.488.5763
Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
811 W. Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
Appetizers have come a long way since cheese and crackers. Choose from creative starters such as duck bacon wontons, potato and cheese pierogies, and toasted mussels from Corkscrew Saloon.
The Corkscrew Saloon, located in a beautiful 1850s Victorian mansion, is "where the foodie comes to relax." Whether it's produce from local farms or seafood from the Pacific Ocean, Chef Ryan Marino takes pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients for their menu of new American cuisine.
330.725.0220
Tuesday - Thursday 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
135 W. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
Need a morning starter or afternoon pick-me-up? Stop at Whippt Dalgona Coffee for your free drink and find out why people call Whippt coffee, "Heaven in a Cup."
While searching for a caffeinated drink to help her through her studies at the University of Akron, Nicole Norris discovered Dalgona coffee. Six months after earning her degree, Nicole opened Whippt Dalgona Coffee in downtown Wooster. The vegan frozen concentrate is used to make hot and cold coffee drinks, steamers, hot chocolate, and shakes.
330.439.0084
Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1500 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris Fashion Place, Ground Floor, Columbus, OH 43240
Candy may not fit your conventional definition of art. Chances are you'll change your mind after you try the visual and edible delights of the sweet treats at MMELO Boutique Confections.
As the name implies, MMELO (pronounced "mellow") Boutique Confections has a mission to elevate candy above its junk food status. Their tea cakes, chocolate buttons, and other Instagram-ready treats are made with all-natural, quality ingredients. Following a special diet? MMELO offers a number of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
614.822.9530
Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 6 p.m.
405 E. Main St., Kent, OH 44240
View this post on Instagram
Get a slice of the Big Apple right here in Kent. Lucci's Place is serving up a free New York-style pizza for your December gift.
Guided by more than 30 years of experience, Lucci's Place has been firing up their stone deck ovens to turn out some first-rate traditional New York-style pizza. Homemade sauce and dough provide a fresh base for pepperoni, heirloom tomatoes, black or green olives, and any combination of more than two dozen toppings.
330.673.9833
Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Lucci's Place is currently open for pick-up and delivery only.
7306 Detroit Ave., Suite 101, Cleveland, OH 44102
In the new millennium, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a lifestyle. One sip of your free drink from Ready Set Coffee, and you'll know why they've become such a valued member of the community.
You've heard of garage bands? Ready Set Coffee may be the first roaster to originate as a garage coffee. Within a year, the coffee proved to be so popular that orders were coming in from as far away as Alaska. In spring of 2021, Ready Set Coffee moved into more spacious quarters in the fashionable Gordon Square Arts District.
216.736.8601
Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
421 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071
View this post on Instagram
Mom always said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make her proud when you pick up a breakfast sandwich and coffee from Press on Monmouth.
Yes, panini sandwiches are the headliner at Press on Monmouth, but the creative menu goes above and beyond. Customers keep coming back for flavorful dishes such as quinoa and rice bowls, tater tot waffles, and their signature biscuits and gravy. Complete your meal with hot or cold spiked coffee, Bloody Mary, mimosa, or one of their other specialty beverages.
859.261.3397
Monday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2457 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Pizza provides common ground between vegetarian and meat lovers. Whichever you prefer, you'll find it New York-style at Lucci's Place.
When it comes to pizza, Lucci's Place is proof that you don't have to sacrifice quality for convenience. Their red and white sauces are made from scratch, while their pizza dough is made fresh daily. Pies include a luscious blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese along with your choice of meat, veggie, and herb toppings.
234.571.0053
Wednesday - Sunday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Lucci's Place is currently open for pick-up and delivery only.

Want to heat up chilly winter days with more hot freebies? Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to receive our monthly list of great special gifts.

December is a month full of holidays, and one that you won't want to miss is Brownie Day! It's happening on Wednesday, December 8th this year, and it's the perfect reason to sink your teeth into one of those chewy, chocolatey delights. Making your own brownies is certainly an option, but there are also some amazing Columbus bakeries where you can pick up a few pre-made treats.
178 W. Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065
They may have named their shop after their cookies, but they make great brownies, too. Mrs. Turbo's is the place to visit if you find yourself north of Columbus near Powell. They rotate their brownie selection often, so there's always something different to try. Popular flavors include S'mores, Peppermint Patty, and Coconut. The Buckeye Brownies are also delicious!
The brownies at Mrs. Turbo's are quite traditional. They're halfway between cake-like and fudgy, and they just might remind you of the brownies your mom baked at home.
1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
If you need a reason to stop by a place called Chocolate Cafe, Brownie Day can be that reason! This bakery crafts a wide assortment of tasty treats, many of which are gooey and chocolatey. Their Assorted Brownies are a customer favorite. They're sold by the dozen and come in a variety of flavors, including Salted Caramel Pretzel and Double Fudge.
While you're in Chocolate Cafe, you may want to order a cocktail to go with your brownies. The Chocolate Cake Martini and Double Espresso Martini both pair well with chocolate. Since this space does operate as a full-service cafe, they also have a menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups.
1203 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
It's impossible not to be happy at a place called Happy Little Treats, especially if you're there to celebrate Brownie Day. This small bakery takes pride in their creativity. They always have colorful cookies and delectable donuts in their glass display cases. Their brownies are massive, and they make them both with and without pecans. Sometimes they even carry Oreo and blueberry brownies. You could easily buy one to share with a friend or family member — or eat it all yourself.
Happy Little Treats is a vegan bake shop, but even non-vegans rave about their products. They also have a coffee menu with plant-based options like their famous iced oat milk latte. If you're looking for something to bring home for breakfast the next day, try the vegan honey buns. They're as gooey and delicious as brownies.
5712 Westbourne Ave., Columbus, OH 43213
View this post on Instagram
Brownie Points was created by two sisters-in-law who are Ohio natives. The company started in their apartment kitchen and eventually moved to a brick-and-mortar store in Cleveland before relocating to Columbus. Since 1991, their brownies have brought smiles to countless faces. They've even begun shipping their brownies across the country.
At Brownie Points, they don't just have brownies. They have brownies in all different flavors and forms. The Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt is a fan favorite. If you like fruity flavors, then you may want to try the Raspberry Caramel Fudge. Not in the mood for chocolate? You're in luck! Brownie Points even has some non-chocolate flavors, like Very Vanilla and Butterscotch Sensations.
547 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley, OH 43209
If you're on the east side of Columbus near Bexley, this is a great place to get your brownie fix. Cherbourg Bakery is a nut-free, gluten-free, and dye-free facility, aiming to make baked goods as safe as possible for their customers. But have no fear — even without these ingredients, their baked goods are incredible. The Espresso Brownies are mouthwatering if you're someone who loves coffee.
In addition to brownies and other sweet treats, Cherbourg Bakery offers a lot of savory baked goods. You may want to pick up an olive oil mini loaf or a 3-cheese quiche to bring home for later.
1347 Cameron Ave., Lewis Center, OH, 43035
View this post on Instagram
Located inside the Oak Creek Center, The Fat Girl Bakery is a fun and laid-back place to indulge your inner chocolate lover. The owner, Amy, considers herself an expert in flavors, and she has lots of fun pairing them together in new and unique ways. Their Buckeye Brownies bring peanut butter and chocolate together for a fun twist on the Ohio tradition.
The Fat Girl Bakery is known for its friendly staff and welcoming environment. While some people do take their treats to-go, staying to enjoy your brownie in-house is definitely encouraged.
2209 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
Insomnia Cookies made a name for themselves by delivering cookies to college campuses late at night. But you don't have to be a college student to enjoy their baked goods, and you no longer have to stick with cookies, either. They now have brownies, cookie cakes, and even ice cream if you visit them on-site.
Of course, if you really don't want to leave the house, you can have Insomnia Cookies deliver some cookies and brownies to your home for Brownie Day. Placing an order via their website is simple, and they'll get cookies to you in no time.
106 E. Moler St., Columbus, OH 43207
View this post on Instagram
If you eat a gluten-free diet, then Bake Me Happy is a great place to get your brownie fix. This is a 100% gluten-free bakery. They specialize in nostalgic baked goods. So, as you browse their menu, you will notice gluten-free versions of classics like Zebra Cakes and SnoBalls. Don't worry — they do, in fact, offer a gluten-free version of colorful Cosmic Brownies, which are perfect for Brownie Day.
If you dine in, make sure you pair your brownie with a nostalgic beverage, too. The Cereal Milk Cold Brew is uniquely incredible, and guests also love the Strawberry Nesquick Cold Brew. The flavors will remind you of simpler times.
In this busy holiday season, don't forget to celebrate Brownie Day! Where will you sink your teeth into chocolatey goodness?

Pumpkin spice is definitely one of the most iconic and popular flavors of fall, and it can be used in everything from beer to doughnuts to pancakes. If you're one of the many Columbus pumpkin-lovers who is looking forward to trying this flavor in a variety of ways as the temperatures cool down, you're in luck.
We've compiled a list of nine places around Columbus where you can get your pumpkin fix. Visit some of the following go-to spots to try yummy pumpkin drinks and other goodies.
260 S. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215
Head downtown to Hadley's Bar + Kitchen, where you can sample beer, cocktails, and brunch, lunch, or dinner in a hip, industrial-chic space. In addition to its Ohio drafts, Hadley's serves up signature cocktails and its popular boozy milkshakes. Several boozy shake flavors are available year-round, such as the Strawberry Shortcake, which is made with Smirnoff Strawberry, fresh strawberries, cookie crumbs, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. For a seasonal treat, try the pumpkin variety, which is packed with flavor and comes with pumpkin pie at its base and whipped cream all over.
772 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
Located in Italian Village, a popular foodie destination near the Short North Arts District, Piece of Cake has gained a loyal following since its opening in 1998. Its well known for its wedding cakes but also has a variety of delicious goodies available for immediate purchase. They're all made in-house and include tempting treats such as tarts, mini-cakes, and cupcakes. To get yourself in the spirit of the fall season, try a pumpkin cupcake and order several extras to take home with you.
6607 East Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213
You won't have to travel far to find a Sunny Street Cafe, since the restaurant has two additional locations in Columbus: one at 8461 Sancus Blvd. and another at 4733 Reed Rd. The family-run restaurants are definitely all-in on the pumpkin flavors and are famous for their Legendary Pumpkin pancakes that are big and fluffy and topped with cinnamon butter and a tres leches drizzle. If you have a bigger appetite, try the Pumpkin Breakfast Combo, which has two pumpkin pancakes along with two eggs, your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage, and your choice of side. Finally, treat yourself to made-from-scratch Pumpkin White Chip Muffins, which are loaded with white chocolate chip muffins.
240 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
View this post on Instagram
German Village's Schmidt's Restaurant is a family business that's currently operated by its fourth and fifth generations. You can also enjoy their food at the Ohio State Fair, where they've been serving up German food and beverages since 1914. A half-pound jumbo cream puff with a special whipped filling in a lightly baked pastry shell is a perennial customer favorite, and you can try it in flavors like vanilla and peanut butter fudge. A flavor of the month is also featured, and you'll want to try Schmidt's pumpkin version of their cream puff this time of year. It even comes topped off with a cute little candy corn pumpkin!
Long Street Studio, 300 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215
When you stop in at The Roosevelt Coffeehouse, you'll not only be getting a great cup of coffee but also supporting the local and global fight against unclean water, hunger, and human trafficking. Try an iced or drip coffee or espresso, and pair it with a doughnut, bagel, or gluten-free pastry. And in the fall, check out menu additions like the Hot Chaider (chai plus apple cider) and the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
3870 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
View this post on Instagram
The taste alone is enough to make you want to try Pattycake Bakery's made-from-scratch goodies, but if you're also looking for primarily organic, all-vegan ingredients, you're headed to the right place. In addition to cakes and cupcakes, you'll find muffins, whole-grain granola, and whoopie pies on the menu. To satisfy your pumpkin craving, try a whole-grain pumpkin whoopie pie that's paired with a spiced filling.
2971 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
Lineage Brewing has a comfortable, casual atmosphere where you can meet with friends and relax inside or outside on the patio. In addition to food, you'll normally find 10-12 styles of beer on tap. If you'd like something other than beer, the brewpub also offers wine, mixed drinks, and locally made soda. Every fall, you can also order a pumpkin ale that's made with roasted pumpkin from a local farm. Its perfect pale orange flavor immediately evokes the thought of pumpkin, and it's deliciously spiced with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
1998 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
View this post on Instagram
No matter when you get a pumpkin craving, you can score a pumpkin spice doughnut at Buckeye Doughnuts, where, as their saying goes, they're "Open Always, Closed Never." The shop is located across from The Ohio State University's campus, so you'll have an extra-large crowd after football games. If you're in a hurry, you can order your doughnut online so it will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. The doughnuts are fresh and the coffee's hot, but if you're in the mood for something substantial, the shop serves all-day breakfast and entrees such as gyros and Greek salads.
What pumpkin spice menu item do you look forward to ordering each year, and which new treats do you want to try?

Buckeyes are a popular treat in the state of Ohio. Who wouldn't love these balls of peanut butter coated in chocolate? Whether you're a dedicated buckeyes fan or someone hoping to experience them for the first time, you just have to take a trip along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. This trail takes you to various bakeshops and candy stores, each serving its own version of buckeyes. Here are some of the top stops along the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail.
Haute Chocolate is an incredible candy store in Cincinnati. They've been in business since 1979 and have gained quite a reputation for their buckeyes. As you step into the small, brick building, you'll be greeted by the scent of chocolate and peanut butter — and you'll know something delicious awaits.
The owner is usually in the store at Haute Chocolate, and they can tell you all about their chocolate-making process. In addition to classic chocolate buckeyes, they also make white chocolate buckeyes, which are a must for any white chocolate fan. The chocolate-covered strawberries are also incredible if you're looking for something to accompany your buckeyes. Eating the buckeyes and strawberries side by side is almost like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
317 Main St., Milford, OH 45150
View this post on Instagram
Tickled Sweet is located in the downtown area of Milford. They were named Score Business of the Year in 2017! You can spend an hour or two walking around to nearby shops and restaurants before stopping in for some buckeyes. They're made in-house, and they're served with a smile.
In addition to buckeyes, Tickled Sweet offers an assortment of fudge and macarons. Their macarons come in fun flavors like key lime and birthday cake, and they're sold individually.
101 E. Alex Bell Rd., Centerville, OH 45459
Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe was founded in 1984 and has remained a family business ever since. The shop is housed in a small brick building. Inside, shelves of packaged chocolates draw you in with their beauty. There's also a deli-style service counter where you can have chocolate packaged individually to order.
Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe sells traditional buckeyes with a milk chocolate exterior. The peanut butter centers are especially creamy! They come in packages of 6, 12, or 24, so you can bring a few home to share. If you're looking for something to enjoy alongside your buckeyes, you can't go wrong with the shortbread. Known as "Aunt Laura's shortbread," it's incredibly delicate with a nice brown sugar flavor.
1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228
If you're in or around Columbus, make sure you stop by Anthony Thomas for some buckeyes. This large candy store is family-operated, and they manage to turn out 50,000 pounds of chocolate each year.
The buckeyes here are described as "really peanut buttery" and smooth. They come individually wrapped, so you can try one here and there without worrying about the rest of the package spoiling. Buy a 12-piece or 24-piece box if you plan on sharing. Anthony Thomas also sells Ohio Baskets, which are shaped like the state of Ohio and filled with classic candies like buckeyes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and caramel corn.
1855 Northwest Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212
View this post on Instagram
If you want to eat some lunch or breakfast alongside your buckeyes, this is the place to go. Chocolate Cafe has a menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, wine, cocktails, and even omelets. But the chocolate is definitely the star of the show.
The buckeyes at Chocolate Cafe are hand-rolled, and they sell for $1 apiece. They also offer buckeye pretzels, which is a fun twist on the classic. You might be tempted to order some truffles or mini cupcakes to bring home, too.
220 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
This shop may be named after fudge, but don't let that fool you. They still have some of the best buckeyes in Columbus. The centers are incredibly smooth and creamy, and they're dipped in real Belgian chocolate. You can buy the buckeyes in boxes of 6 or 15.
Definitely take the opportunity to sample the fudge while you're at Schmidt's, too. The plain chocolate is a classic, but the butter pecan is incredible if you're a nut lover. Schmidt's Fudge Haus is located in the Historic German Village, so feel free to take a walk around as you enjoy your sweets.
Sweetie's Chocolates is an enormous candy store located directly next to Grandpa's Cheesebarn, an enormous cheese store. If you're in Northeast Ohio, you absolutely need to visit both. They offer lots of free samples and have an incredible selection of both cheeses and sweets.
Sweetie's offers buckeyes dipped in both milk and dark chocolate. They even offer miniature buckeyes, which they sell in a big tub suitable for sharing. Other tasty treats include chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and fudge. The licorice candy, which comes in many flavors, is also a favorite.
View this post on Instagram
Honadle's doesn't take shortcuts, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local companies, and they always use the freshest, best-quality items possible. This really shows in the quality of their buckeyes and chocolates. Honadle's is a stop on the Ohio Buckeye Trail that you don't want to skip.
The buckeyes here come in milk and dark chocolate versions, and they're sold in a 12-count box. The sea salt caramels are a great treat to order if you're looking for something extra.
100 Victoria Rd., Youngstown, OH 44515
Everything at Butter Maid Bakery is made in small batches, using old-fashioned recipes and traditional ingredients. They've been around since 1903, so they've had plenty of time to master their craft! In addition to the buckeyes, customers love their kalochi, and it's definitely worth a try.
Butter Maid Bakery's buckeyes are larger than most. The filling is also a bit softer than you might be used to since they're made with a higher proportion of peanut butter. They're sold in 12-count boxes, so you'll have enough to share.
As you travel along the Ohio Buckeye Trail, your taste buds are sure to be pleased! Which one of these candy stores are you most excited to visit?