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Hi. My name is Rachel and I LOVE Ohio. Like, I really, truly, have a passion for my home state. We produce amazing people, products, and industry. I always try to buy as local as possible, but it’s especially important for me at this time of year. There are just so many local options from amazing creators right here in Northeast Ohio.
Not sure where to start knocking off your holiday gifts? I’ve rounded up my favorite local ideas below!
Pope’s Kitchen Bloody Mary Mix.
I am a recent convert to the Bloody Mary. The spicy aroma has always been something that has reminded me of my grandmother. But Pope’s Kitchen puts a fresh, local, and extra spicy spin on the traditional bloody mary. When I was pregnant with Remy I used to just drink the mix straight up (I had a craving for spicy!).
Want fresh, locally-roasted coffee? Look no further than S. High Street in Akron! Their love for their coffee and the roasting process is evident in each pour over they serve.
Akron Honey is a family operated, artisan honey company, and they have recently opened up a brick and mortar store at the Northside Marketplace in Downtown Akron. I’ve personally tasted all of their honey, but the Middlebury Butter remains my favorite. I put it on everything — bread, apples, you name it!
Vitamix is the leader in culinary blenders and food processors — and they are also a local Ohio company, with their headquarters located in Olmsted Falls!
Their products are produced, manufactured, and distributed here locally — and for those of us in Northeast Ohio, that means we’re lucky enough to get the first peak at new products! This past year I received the A3500 and was able to get rid of my old Vitamix. Let me tell you, this new version is incredible and so easy to use!
With the slogan “You’ve never been this close,” the folks at the Akron Zoo truly mean it! The zoo itself is the perfect size to take children of all ages for a few hours or an all day excursion. The recently renovated exhibits are absolutely stunning! And members are able to get discount admission on events ranging from Brew at the Zoo to Wild Lights!
The CVSR, operated wholly by volunteers, leaves either the Rockside Station in Independence or the Northside Station in Akron. You can hop on with a round-trip ticket or bike one way and take it one way back! Besides just regular train rides, the CVSR offers a variety of special events, such as The Polar Express and Ales On Rails!
We have a lot of options when it comes to local t-shirts here in Northeast Ohio. My favorites, by far, come from the Social Department. Located in my town of Cuyahoga Falls, they offer an eclectic variety of Midwest apparel.
Their sizes range from kids to adults, so no one will be left out! My personal faves are this Cleveland Indians shirt (which I bought for my husband last year) and this Go Local Sports Team shirt (which I should totally have because, sports!).
Located right next door to The Social Department, HiHo Brewing Company is a welcomed addition to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls this last year. And their beers are incredible, too! Former teachers turned craft brewers, Ali and Jon, have turned this spot into one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular breweries!
They offer a range of beer, from blond ales to stouts, and tapas style food options. Don’t know what you want? Try a flight!
Café O’Play, located in Stow right off of Route 8, is a safe and fun indoor play place for kids ages crawlers through tweens! They offer climbing activities for young and old, as well as a special toddler-only zone for a safe-space for those who are just past the crawling stage, 7-days a week.
You can purchase gift cards in person or online here (gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100).
Not from Northeast Ohio and still not sure what all of the fuss is about?!? Well how about this for a reason — Cleveland was recently ranked #14 in the 21 places you need to visit by none other than National Geographic! So get your butt to Northeast Ohio and see exactly why I’m freaking out about where I live all of the time!
Anna
I’m up in MN, but this is such a fun list! I’ll have to send it to my friend who goes to Ohio State!
Anna
Thanks for sharing your ideas for Christmas presents. I haven’t even started looking for them, as always I’ll probably leave it for the last minute… but it’s good to get some ideas! It will definitely make my shopping easier.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What a fun local gift guide!
Leslie
You have put together the real Ohio cream of the crop in gift ideas! Makes we want to visit Ohio.
Kate
Great roundup of local gift ideas!
Britney Kaufman
That cafe and railroad looks awesome! How fun!
ashley peavey
These look so fun! I love supporting local 🙂
Katie Tabor
I’m not local but a Vitamix is definitely on my Christmas wish list 🙂 Awesome list, I wish the honey butter was sold online, it looks amazing!
Miriam @butstillbreathing
What a fantastic idea! I’m in Texas, not Ohio, but making a list of local products is wonderful! Kudos to you for the research and care to you took to put together this post.
Stephanie
I love fun, local gifts! Such a good idea!
Sharon Glascoe
I love local gift guides. The Middlebury Butter sounds really good.
jaclyn
Great round up of all things Ohio! I love Pope’s mixes too! My parents love taking the kids to the Akron Zoo.
Becca
Oooh! I lovelovelove the idea of creating a gift guide using local shops in your area, that’s so fantastic… kicking myself for not thinking of it! 🙂 also… that butter looks like something I need in my life, too bad I’m not in Ohio!
Shannon | Shannie Chic
Love the concept of a local gift guide! Great finds!
Raina
I love how you’ve found all these great local gifts! Also I desperately want a vitamix!
Crystal @EatDrinkCLE
Great list!! I really want to try that honey butter. And we still need to plan a date at Hi Ho…maybe when you can finally drink again! haha
Carly
I’m from Ohio, too! Northeast Ohio, actually. These are great gift ideas!
Bee
Wow what I great list! That honey butter looks AMAZING 🙂
John Green
Rachel, thanks for giving Cafe O’Play a shout out on your list! I thought I’d return the favor so, for you and readers of your blog only I’ve added a special discount of $5 off a child admission to our Noon Year’s Eve party on December 31st. Go to this URL: https://noonyears2017.eventbrite.com to register and use the discount code of ItsAHero to get $5 off that child’s ticket. Always great to have you and the kiddos visit. Hope you have a great holiday.
John Green
Owner, Cafe O’Play
Merichelle
I LOVE myVitamix!! AndI love your passion for your home state and buying local! I feel the same way about my home state too!