
No matter the season, Northeast Ohio features endless outdoor attractions for you to explore, whether you're in the mood for a quick, scenic hike or a longer journey that will lead you to some of the best views in all of Ohio. If you've only explored local trails during the warmer months, you're sure to love experiencing your favorite natural attractions framed by fresh snow, with quiet in the air and stunning scenery all around you. Ready to bundle up? Here are 8 of the best places for a winter hike around Northeast Ohio.
Valley Pkwy., North Olmstead, OH 44070
One of the first Metro Parks established in the Cleveland area and still one of the largest, Rocky River Reservation offers sprawling outdoor beauty to explore during every season. If you're feeling adventurous, you can find countless trails that will take you through all of the gorgeous scenery that this park has to offer, from amazing shale cliffs to incredible views of the Rocky River from above. The All Purpose Trail is a great place to start if you're new to this park because it will take you straight to some amazing, elevated views.
Upper Edgewater Dr., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Featuring 9,000 feet of scenic shorelines along Lake Erie and nearly 150 acres to explore in total, Edgewater Park is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a winter hike without leaving Cleveland. The Upper Edgewater Park Loop runs mostly along the waterfront, passing by Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Pier, and some lovely public art installations along the way. An icy Lake Erie also provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter nature photography.
3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
For a quick, scenic hike with a truly impressive payoff at the end, try a trip along the Squire's Lane Trail at the North Chagrin Reservation. The trail checks in at just under a mile long each way, winding through the woods with a fairly flat, even surface. On a winter hike, you'll often find the forest covered in snow, creating beautiful scenes and providing plenty of peacefulness as you explore this relatively short trail in Willoughby Hills. At the end of the trail, you'll find the stunning Squire's Castle, which was built in the 1890s but looks as if it has been plucked straight from medieval times. It's an especially beautiful sight in the snow, making winter the perfect time to visit.
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH 44262
If you want to experience a variety of habitats and ecosystems on one hike, then the Indian Spring trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park is an ideal destination. This 2.2-mile trail loops around the beautiful Indian Spring, passing through wetlands, ponds, and a stream as you explore. It's a great place to spot some local wildlife, both in the forests and wetlands areas. If you're bringing the kids along for your hike, there are also some fantastic sledding hills located within this park.
6974 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Covering more than 33,000 acres and featuring more than 125 miles of trails winding through vast natural beauty, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers more than enough to keep you exploring for many winters to come. One of the most popular trails in this large park is the Blue Hen Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall that's especially lovely to visit on a snowy hike. The address linked above is to the Boston Mill Visitor Center at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the perfect place to learn about the park, connect with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, and plan your next adventure.
5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
While natural beauty is abundant in Northeast Ohio, there are also some great hikes that challenge your expectations of what a trail can be. The Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park is one excellent example, traveling through what was once a quarry that helped supply raw materials for many of the region's industrial businesses. The quarry has since been converted into an outstanding park, and a hike here provides an interesting connection to local history to go along with plenty of natural scenery for a winter hike.
1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
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For a taste of nature in the heart of Akron, try a visit to the Seneca Trail at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. The trail is more hilly than others on our list and provides some extra challenge, but it's still short enough at 1.5 miles to be a great fit for a winter hike. The trail winds through a pine forest, a beautiful prairie, and a suspension footbridge that offers some fantastic views of the park. There are also two shorter trails within the park if you're looking for more to explore.
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
At just over a mile long, the Ledges Trail at Liberty Park is an ideal choice when you're in the mood for a quick hike that doesn't compromise on scenery. The icy, snowy scenes on this trail make it a popular choice during the winter, with ice gardens, small waterfalls, and flowing creeks to enjoy along the way. Liberty Park is also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along on your next winter adventure in Northeast Ohio.
With so many trails to choose from, there are hikes to be enjoyed this winter no matter your experience level and tastes. So what wonders will you discover on Northeast Ohio trails this winter?

The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing color, and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. For most people, a filling turkey dinner is central to a Thanksgiving celebration. If you have a small family or a busy schedule, you may not want to spend all morning in the kitchen. Luckily, several excellent Northeast Ohio restaurants will be offering takeout and to-go meals on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few top choices.
1210 Winesburg St. Wilmot, OH 44689
Amish Door Restaurant is another great place to purchase a homemade Thanksgiving dinner. They charge per person, so you can buy as many or as few meals as you like. Each dinner includes roasted turkey, ham, and all the classic sides. They can package it up family-style if you have a larger order.
Amish Door Restaurant is especially known for its desserts. The Pumpkin Roll is a great option for those who want an alternative to pie.
1015 Edison St., Hartville, OH 44632
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Hartville Kitchen is a welcoming, family-friendly restaurant and bakery that offers takeout Thanksgiving meals. They usually offer three dinner options for groups of 6, 12, or 24. You can choose between ham and turkey as your main entree. Each dinner also includes mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, gravy, cranberry salad, rolls, and green beans or corn.
Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without pie! Order from Hartville Kitchen, and you'll also get fresh-baked pies with your meal. Choose from pumpkin, apple, mixed berry, and pecan. Place your order online so your order is ready on Thanksgiving Day.
17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
If you eat vegan or plant-based, or if you're simply trying to reduce your meat consumption, Cleveland Vegan is a great place to pick up some Thanksgiving meals. They make everything from scratch, in-house. Choose between two different dish sizes, which feed 4-6 or 8-10. You can order each dish a la carte.
Top Thanksgiving dishes at Cleveland Vegan include walnut-stuffed mushrooms, gluten-free tater tot casserole, and cinnamon pecan cupcakes.
7138 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
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Buehler's Fresh Foods is a local Ohio grocery store chain that sells fresh, locally grown foods in a relaxed setting. They sell prepared Thanksgiving dinners that you can purchase cold and heat up at home.
Buehler has a few different options. You can purchase their dinner for two and enjoy a small, intimate Thanksgiving celebration. Or, purchase larger portions of a la carte dishes to host a larger meal for family and friends. Don't forget to take home an apple or pecan pie, too. They're baked in-store, and the scent fills the market.
1390 W. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Mallorca is a unique Spanish restaurant in downtown Cleveland. They don't make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner but offer some unique twists on Thanksgiving favorites. Guests love their chorizo pinenut stuffing, for example. Their turkey dinner also includes delicious mashed sweet potatoes.
Mallorca will offer their Thanksgiving dinners for dine-in and takeout on the special day. You can also purchase desserts a la carte. The pumpkin cheesecake is divine!
8803 Brecksville Rd., Cleveland, OH 44141
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If you're looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for one, then Creekside Restaurant is the place to go. This local favorite serves incredible takeout meals with all the fixings. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and aim to make a modern twist on the classics.
The turkey at Creekside Restaurant is always tender and juicy. Guests also rave about their fluffy mashed potatoes and cornbread sausage stuffing. The meals are picked up cold, but detailed heating instructions are included.
7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Buying Thanksgiving dinner from an airport hotel may sound strange at first, but Embassy Suites has a fabulous restaurant. They prepare and sell Thanksgiving meals that you can pick up curbside. Pick yours up hot on Thanksgiving Day or cold the day before Thanksgiving.
Meals from Embassy Suites are designed to feed 6-8 people. Each kit includes a whole, roasted turkey, au jus, cranberry relish, buttermilk mashed potatoes, green beans, knotted rolls, and your choice of a pie. You can add prime rib to your order upon request; it comes with a delicious horseradish cream sauce.
2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Maybe you've been to The South Side to watch the game and enjoy some bar food. Thanksgiving dinner is a bit of a departure from their normal fare, but they do a great job preparing and serving it. Each dinner comes with sliced turkey breast, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
The South Side packages all of their Thanksgiving dinners with clear reheating instructions. Buy one dinner for a quiet Thanksgiving or a whole stack of dinners for a relaxed, hassle-free family party.
1700 55th St. NE, Canton, OH 44721
Gervasi Vineyard is a great choice for those seeking a slightly modernized, creative twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Their dinners all include delicious turkey breast with white gravy. Their mashed potatoes are made with redskins and garlic, and they'll definitely have you reaching for seconds. Each meal also includes sage stuffing, plus green beans with almonds and cranberries.
Gervasi Vineyard sells family-style dinners, and each package serves 5-6 people. They're sold cold, and heating instructions are included. Order online; the website allows you to select a pickup time.
What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Dining options are limited when you can't eat an ingredient that's present in virtually everything. Whether you're just mildly gluten-sensitive or have a more serious allergic reaction, navigating the dining establishments in your area can be tricky—especially when you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Don't worry, though. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch in Northeast Ohio with safe, gluten-free menu options, here are nine of our favorites.
12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
If you're craving Italian, Mia Bella is where you want to go. Not only is their food delicious, with a Mediterranean flair, but all of their pizza and pasta menu items have gluten-free options. Try the lobster ravioli with spinach, truffle oil, and tomato cream sauce. Or have some gnocchi with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, or pizzas like pepperoni and basil, prosciutto and arugula, and more. If you're going for lunch, be sure to go on Saturday, as they open at noon. But whenever you go, you're sure to have a great meal.
1809 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
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Ms. Julie's, in Akron, takes pride in their healthy and ethical menu options. The entire menu is vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options are also available. Try their Sloppy Mac—a cross between mac and cheese and sloppy joe, with dairy-free cheese and brown rice pasta. Many of their ordinarily glutenous dishes have gluten-free options as well, including brown rice flour donuts and gluten-free carrot cake with cashew icing. Ms. Julie's has all your favorite comfort foods, made healthy, ethically, and guilt-free. While the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations, Ms. Julie's should be back in business later this month.
2835 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
First opened in 1983, Gregory's provides Canton with fresh and delicious food with friendly, knowledgeable service. Plus, they have an entire, extensive menu for their gluten-free patrons. That includes burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with gluten-free bread, waffles and pancakes with gluten-free flour, and more—plus soups, salads, omelets, and other options that are always gluten-free and always delicious. They even have a gluten-free fryer for their french fries to prevent cross-contamination. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gregory's is a great place for a worry-free breakfast or lunch.
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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This locally owned lunch spot has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and more—all with gluten-free substitutes available upon request. Try their Cuban Quesadilla, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard in a gluten-free tortilla. Or their BBQ chicken panini with gluten-free bread. And be sure to check out their array of grilled cheeses, like jalapeno popper, cilantro lime, and bacon pickle. They also serve a wide array of coffees, teas, energy drinks, and more. Open until 4 p.m., it's a perfect spot to grab lunch in Akron.
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
While many of the locations on this list offer gluten-free substitutes, Taza simply has a wide range of menu options that aren't bread-based, making them gluten-free naturally. The shish lamb specialty salad has tomatoes, olives, and feta, with lemon herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The mixed grill has a selection of beef, lamb, and chicken. They also have kabobs, kaftas, and other options, many of them served with rice rather than a glutenous side. Be sure to confirm with the staff which items are gluten-free before ordering, but your lunch options here are pretty wide.
2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Dedicated to making food that's both healthy and flavorful, Bam! makes it a point to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a great lunch, try one of their amazing salads, like goat cheese and almond, or hot and spicy pecan. You can order in advance for pickup or delivery or just go in and let them know your dietary needs. They're always happy to help you find something safe and healthy that you'll love.
4223 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708
If you're looking for simple and delicious casual dining, Pete's Family Restaurant in Canton is a great option. Their gluten-free options aren't labeled on the menu, but ask your server, and they'll help you find something you'll love. Customers rave about their gluten-free pasta dishes, from spaghetti marinara to chicken alfredo, rotini, and more. And they prepare their gluten-free items separately from the rest of their menu to avoid cross-contamination.
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
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This Mediterranean eatery features a wide variety of gluten-free offerings on its menu, all clearly labeled as such. Try one of their charcuterie boards, with various cheeses, fruits, honey, and roasted nuts. If you want something more substantial, go for the chicken avgolemono, poached with dill, parsley, lemon, and golden rice. Or try the Tuscan kale salad with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and garlic-herb breadcrumbs, which can be made gluten-free upon request. Some of their menu offerings come with crackers, for which they also have gluten-free substitutes. Overall, Astoria Cafe is very accommodating to its gluten-free patrons and eager to help you find a lunch dish you'll love.
Which delicious, gluten-free menu options do you want to try?

Pierogi are delicious dumplings originating in Poland but also popular in Germany and Eastern Europe. They're stuffed with a range of fillings such as potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, and ground meat. You don't have to be Polish to enjoy pierogi — especially on October 8th! It's National Pierogi Day, the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to this satisfying comfort food. You could buy some pierogi and prepare them at home or visit a Northeast Ohio restaurant in celebration.
1979 West 25th Street #E5, Cleveland, OH 44113
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Pierogi Palace is a vendor inside West Side Market in Cleveland. It's a great place to get your pierogi fix after doing your weekly produce shopping. The pierogi here are huge; two or three could make a complete meal. Choose from multiple fillings such as mushroom and artichoke hearts, classic potato, and crab meat.
Pierogi Palace sells their pierogi individually, so you can purchase as many as you like. They're all on display in a glass case, and the employees pack them to order. If you need suggestions for cooking and preparing them, just ask.
8467 Memphis Avenue, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Mom's Pierogies is a takeout restaurant known for traditional Polish pierogi. You can order your pierogi either boiled or fried. Their takeout menu includes a Pierogi Meal with four potato cheddar pierogi, caramelized onions, sour cream, and two sides. The cucumber salad and potato salad are both delicious side options.
Mom's Pierogies also sells frozen pierogi. In addition to their classic potato cheddar variety, they have mushroom and cheese, potato cheddar jalapeno, sauerkraut, and breakfast pierogi. The breakfast pierogi are stuffed with sausage, cheese, and scrambled eggs, and they're a crowd-pleaser.
13046 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111
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Beer and pierogi pair together so well, which is probably why Der Braumeister serves both. This German restaurant has a great selection of German and Eastern European beers you can't find anywhere else in Cleveland. Grab a pint, then order a round of pierogi. Here, they are made with ricotta cheese and served with applesauce and sour cream.
The pierogi here are a starter, so you may want to order an entree too. The chicken paprikash is a tried and true favorite, as is the potato pancake Reuben.
12859 Brookpark Road, Parma, OH 44130
If you want to go out to eat for National Pierogi Day, then Dick & Alice Sausage and Pierogi Haus is a great choice. This casual, welcoming restaurant serves all of the polish favorites, plus a few unique twists. Guests love Moons Over Parma, a pierogi dish consisting of beer braised pierogi, pepperkraut, crispy pork belly, and Flaming Cheeto dust.
The Polish sausage at Dick & Alice is incredible and the perfect pairing for pierogi. Try the Buffalo chicken, Asian Persuasion, or Cleveland Standard sausage, and add on two pierogi for an extra $3.
2207 West 11th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
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For a gastropub-like atmosphere, head to The South Side for your pierogi fix. This American restaurant has an awesome patio, great service, and a varied menu. Their pierogi are on the "Sharable" menu, and indeed, they are a great dish to share with friends at the bar. Served with rosemary garlic butter, they're a bit unique but not too far a departure from traditional pierogi.
You can order a larger portion of pierogi as an entree, too. Or, start with the pierogi and follow up with some tacos, chicken and waffles, or shrimp and grits. Pierogi heat up well, so having leftovers is never a bad thing.
5728 Pearl Road, Parma, OH 44129
If you're in the Parma area, stop by Das Schnitzel Haus for your pierogi meal. This festive German restaurant serves classic, house-made potato-and-cheese pierogi with grilled onions and sour cream. They also have other German favorites like sauerkraut balls and potato pancakes.
Don't leave Das Schnitzel Haus without ordering dessert. Even though it's National Pierogi Day, you have to try their handmade strudels. The cheese is incredible, as are the apple and cherry options. The German chocolate cake is delicious too.
1404 West 29th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
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What do you get when you combine good music and pierogi? You get Jukebox, a unique Cleveland restaurant. Guests can select songs to play on the jukebox and enjoy their meal on a spacious patio, weather permitting. They have several options for vegans and those following gluten-free diets.
Jukebox has a whole menu section dedicated to pierogi. Fillings include potato and cheese, potato and bacon, sweet potato black bean, and Buffalo chickpea. You can also choose your dipping sauces, with options including creamy dill, stadium mustard, and house ranch. Add a side of kraut for good measure, and dig in while listening to your favorite band.
20 North Main Street, Hubbard, OH 44425
With a name like Lena's Pierogi House, you can bet this place serves some incredible pierogi. They serve the classic options daily but have specialty "Daily Pierogies." On Fridays, try the Sweet Cottage Cheese pierogi. The Buffalo Chicken variety is also incredible whenever it's featured.
In addition to pierogi, Lena's sells some other delicious German and Hungarian fare. Guests love the Hungarian Platter, which comes with cheddar pierogi, cabbage rolls, mashed potato, chicken paprikash, and slaw. The Kielbasa and Kraut Hoagie is also great and served with a cheddar pierogi on the side. Lena's sells frozen pierogi you can prepare at home too.
Where will you celebrate National Pierogi Day in Northeast Ohio?

Most people are familiar with frozen margaritas and daiquiris, but have you tried a wine slushie? It's a delicious mash-up of a Slurpee-like consistency combined with your favorite wine to create a deliciously sweet and icy treat. Slushies are an especially delicious way to cool off during the summer.
Try a wine slushie at the following eight spots around Northeast Ohio.
234 W. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266
At West Main Winery, Brewery & Cider House, all of their libations are made in-house using the finest ingredients from throughout the world. You'll find a variety of slushies to suit your tastes, and they all start as non-alcoholic versions until your favorite wine is added. Try the pomegranate, which uses nectar of the vine pomegranate frappe, mixed with Six Seeds Wine for a refreshing taste of summer. The Very Very Berry, with nectar of the peach mango frappe mix and peach wine, is also a customer favorite this time of year.
109 State Route 44, Hartville, OH 44632
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Named after the year in which the barn it calls home was built, 1875 Winery & Restaurant has plenty of space in which to gather with friends and enjoy a slushie. The barn has three floors of dining area, and the winery and restaurant has two outside patios, two pavilions that sit on a lake, and more. You can even sit up in the silo or by a 24 feet tall, four-sided fireplace or a water wall. While you're there, order a slushie of one of their wines, such as the Drop'd Out, a sweet and fruity pink option, or the Gatsby, a semi-sweet red.
2180 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
CLE Urban Winery, located in the historic Cedar-Lee neighborhood, hand-crafts and bottles their wines onsite from premium grapes. You'll find the winery's atmosphere to be chic and interesting, so you'll be comfortable unwinding with a refreshing Frose Wine Slushie. Order a glass or carafe of three-plus glasses of the slightly sweet drink made with the winery's Rust Belt Rose. Or for some extra refreshment, try the Frose on Vacay slushie, which is topped with a floater of Malibu Coconut Rum. If you'd like some to take home, three varieties of Frose Wine Slushies—Hometown Heroes Peach Chardonnay, Rust Belt Rose, and Buckeye Blackberry Merlot—can be ordered for takeout.
5228 State St. NE, Canton, OH 44721
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You'll find Lost Trail Winery on 13 acres in Marlboro Township on the outskirts of Canton in a setting and building inspired by Adirondack camps in New York. Their wines are made from carefully chosen grapes and then hand-crafted in small batches. Favorites include Kienuka, a sweet wine that will remind you of the grape juice you drank as a child, and the Altitude, a dry Chardonnay with aromas of yellow apple, pineapple, cantaloupe, and more along with tastes of pear and peach. If you'd like to try one of their wines or a wine slushie made for the day from one of their signature wines, you might want to time your visit for when a band is playing to further increase the fun quotient.
6011 Old Route 39 NW, Dover, OH 44622
A wine manufacturing facility, tasting room, and cafe, Hans' Place aims to offer something for everyone on the menu. One of its two outside decks is the perfect place to sit since it creates a natural amphitheater surrounded by hills and woods. Instead of looking out, you look up and see woods and a waterfall, so it's a great spot to take selfies with your friends. Order a white, red, or blush wine, or choose one from the large fruit and berry wines section. Blueberry, blackberry, peach, and strawberry are ideal for ordering as a slushie, either by the glass or pitcher. If you can't decide what you want, try a four- or six-glass flight of two ounces each before ordering.
2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, OH 44203
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Winery at Wolf Creek lives up to its slogan of "wine, romance, and a view for miles." The beautiful setting feels like it's a world away, making it the perfect spot to enjoy mostly Ohio-grown wines. Bring a picnic or buy a cheese and cracker basket at the winery, cool off with a slushie, and spread out to enjoy the view. If you'd like to bring your dog along, visit from 5-8 p.m. from May-October, when pooches are welcomed on the patio, food trucks visit, and local rescues are supported.
12251 OH-39, Big Prairie, OH 44611
Sunny Slope Winery has been a part of the community since 1927 and caters to wine connoisseurs as well as those just starting to expand their interest in wine. The small-batch, hand-crafted winery specializes in delicious fruit wines bottled right at the winery. Try the Big Prairie White, a light sweet moscato grape wine, or the peach, strawberry, or plum wines. Each is delicious on its own or in a refreshing slushie.
3950 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44319
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If you're looking to relax with a wine slushie in hand, Nauti Vine Winery's cozy, laid-back atmosphere and great views of the Portage Lakes makes the perfect spot. The menu includes a nice number of reds and whites as well as a rose from Nauti Vine, and additional guest wine selections are also offered. If you need help finding a favorite, you can try three wine tastings for $5. Once you've made your choice, order it in a cold, refreshing slushie in a glass or a tumbler if you're feeling even more thirsty. Head outside to the brick patio on the lake, and enjoy the view along with your slushie and an appetizer like a meat and cheese plate.
Where will you visit to try a wine slushie this summer?