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According to artist Martin Firrell, "The road to freedom is bordered with sunflowers." Follow your bliss to these spectacular sunflower fields around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Maria's Field of Hope 

Jaycox Road, Avon, OH 44011

The story behind Maria's Field of Hope makes a visit even more special. When Maria McNamara was diagnosed with brain cancer, her parents Ed and Megan founded Prayers for Maria in her honor. The foundation raises funds to support research and treatment of childhood brain tumors. Sunflowers became Maria's symbol, which inspired the development of the pet-friendly Field of Hope. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. You can also dedicate a sunflower for a minimum $20 donation. Fields are open daily from sunup to sundown. If you're visiting Cedar Point, stop by the second location of Maria's Field of Hope, adjacent to the hotel.

Bloom Hill Farm

10475 Hoover Ave., Uniontown, OH 44685

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North Canton natives Judd and Shannon Allen had a long-held dream of owning their own farm with a garden. Their wish came true when they purchased Bloom Hill Farm on Hoover Avenue, their favorite street. The couple turned a two-acre parcel at the back of the property into a flower farm that produces amazing sunflowers and other colorful blooms, such as zinnias and dahlias. Shop their convenient self-serve flower stand, where all bouquets are $20. The stand is stocked Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

JK Orchard & Farm

1345 Lutz Rd., Lima, OH 45801

Want to release the stress of everyday life? Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of walking through the sunflower and wildflower fields at JK Orchard & Farm. The two-mile long, six-foot wide path allows you to fully experience the sights and smells of sunflowers, poppies, morning glories, and other exquisite plants. There is also a designated patch where you can cut your own sunflowers. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about hours and admission fees. 

CherryHawk Farm

16220 Springdale Rd., Marysville, OH 43040

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CherryHawk Farm first made a name as a popular spot to pick your own apples, with varieties ranging from Braeburn and Fuji to Granny Smith and Red Delicious. Not long ago, the farm added sunflower fields for even more appeal. Admission is included with the purchase of one peck of apples, which covers an individual, couple, or family. Receive one sunflower stem to take home, with additional stems available for purchase. Visit their website or Facebook page for information about current hours. 

Blooms and Berries Farm Market

9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland, OH 45140 

Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family at Blooms and Berries Farm Market. Based on the season, farm crops include blueberries, peaches, potatoes, and sugar snap peas, many of which are available on a pick-your-own basis. In addition to the produce stand, Blooms and Berries has an incredible market barn with home decor items, specialty food products, garden supplies, and an on-site bakery. The sunflower fields are a main focus of Fall on the Farm, their signature annual event, with a corn maze, petting farm, hayrides, and many other activities. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-date schedule information.

Gorman Heritage Farm

10052 Reading Rd., Evendale, OH 45241

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At Gorman Heritage Farm, sunflowers are so important that an annual festival is dedicated to them. Live music, hayrides, sunflower and corn mazes, food trucks, and a Farm Fun Education Station are just a few of the activities packed into this popular event. This year's festival takes place on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-17 and must be purchased in advance. During the rest of the year, the farm is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-17.

SchoolHouse Farms

5486 Ross Rd., Rockford, OH 45882

Local history meets Mother Nature at SchoolHouse Farms. Their office is in the restored Frysinger School, a classic one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1862. Sunflowers grown on the farm are used to make sunflower oils and roasted sunflower kernels, which are sold at retail along with gourmet popcorn and heirloom cornmeal and grits. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. 

Rogish Farm 

8637 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

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Spend a leisurely afternoon picking your own sunflowers at Rogish Farm. For a $15 fee per car, receive an empty quart mason jar to fill with sunflowers. Additional jars are available for $10 each. During the rest of your allotted half-hour, take pictures of the spectacular views to document the experience. This year, the family-owned farm increased the sunflower field size and added a third planting to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Pick-your-own-sunflowers is offered by reservation only. Visit the website to select a date and time.

Follow the Sun(flowers)

Sunflowers have been memorialized in songs by several musical artists, from Glen Campbell to Frank Sinatra to Lenny Kravitz. What's your favorite flower-related tune?

Nothing beats the authentic Southwest flavor of a sizzling skillet of fajitas, which combines your favorite base (steak, chicken, shrimp, or chorizo) with sauteed bell peppers and onions. They're served with cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and warm tortillas. They're tasty, filling, and very easy to share! It's no wonder why everyone loves them.

With so many good Mexican restaurants across Ohio, you don't have to travel far to find some phenomenal fajitas. Here are some of our top choices.

Señorita Bonitas

6000 Enterprise Pkwy., Solon, OH 44139

Once you see a skillet of sizzling fajitas coming out of the kitchen at Señorita Bonitas, you'll know you have to order them. This colorful Mexican restaurant and cantina serves the specialty "Fajita Texanas," a spicy mix of steak, chicken, and shrimp with a side of fajita salad. You can also try the Fajitas Del Mar with scallops, shrimp, and broccoli. Either way, you'll definitely want to order your fajitas "suiza" style, which adds a layer of shredded, melted cheese on top. Enjoy your fajitas with a delicious margarita from the cantina!

El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant

1313 W. 117th St., Cleveland, OH 44107

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For some truly authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious fajitas in Cleveland, stop by El Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant. Seafood, steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas are all options on the menu at this low-key restaurant, and each plate comes with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. Fajitas are the special of the day on Sundays when you can order the #44 fajitas for only $15.50. Fajitas are great when enjoyed with a margarita pitcher.

Si Señor Mexican Restaurant

16800 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111

Si Señor Mexican Restaurant is one of the most popular local Mexican eateries offering many traditional dishes and great drinks. The food is high quality, and the service is fast. For something different, try the seafood fajitas, which mix scallops, mussels, and shrimp with sautéed peppers and onions. Steak, chicken, and shrimp are also available. Fajitas are the special of the day on Sunday, and a wide selection of beer and margaritas are also available.

La Casita

1355 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

You'll find quite an extensive fajita menu at La Casita in Columbus. This cozy cantina actually serves octopus fajitas! If you're looking for something more traditional, try the La Tierra Fajitas, which combines steak, chorizo, and chicken breast with bell pepper, onion, rice, beans, and ensaladita. Choose to dine indoors or out on the beautiful patio and take advantage of numerous drink and happy hour specials.

Chile Verde Cafe

4852 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, OH 43235

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This desert-themed Tex Mex restaurant has a colorful, comfortable interior and all your favorite Mexican dishes, including some unique fajita options. Choose from Chili Verde Fajitas (your choice of meat), Hawaiian fajitas (chicken, peppers, and pineapple salsa), or Uncle John's fajitas (low-carb and gluten-free). Enjoy excellent service, great drinks, and delicious food in this fun, festive, and colorful atmosphere. Curbside pickup and online ordering are available.

El Acapulco 

7475 Vantage Dr., Columbus, OH 43235

You'll find fajitas, tacos, burritos, and more at El Acapulco. Tender-sliced beef, chicken, or shrimp are all options on this menu, and be sure to add a side of Salsa Diablo for some extra spice. This family-owned and operated restaurant makes all dishes from scratch using fresh local ingredients. Happy hour is on weekdays from 4-7 p.m., with specials on nachos, daiquiris, beer, margarita pitchers, and more.

Los Potrillos

316 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220

Customers rave about the fajitas at Los Potrillos. Located in Cincinnati's Clifton neighborhood, this restaurant serves huge portions of your favorite Mexican dishes. The Fajitas Jalisco is a delicious combo of steak, chicken, and shrimp. Chorizo, crab, and fish fajitas are also options. Before your meal, snack on an order of fresh chips served with some of the best salsa in Cincinnati. 

Taqueria Mercado

100 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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For some of the best fajitas and tacos in Southwest Ohio, head to Taqueria Mercado in downtown Cincinnati. This Mexican restaurant serves authentic cuisine made from recipes passed down for generations. We recommend the Super Fajitas for Two, which includes a shareable skillet of sizzling steak, chicken, shrimp, and chorizo with two fajita salads and warm tortillas. The menu is filled with tons of other great Mexican favorites, appetizers, and drinks.

El Jinete

3972 Red Bank Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227

One of the most extensive fajita menus in Ohio can be found at El Jinete. This restaurant has friendly service, a beautiful atmosphere, and some fajitas you can't find anywhere else. Try the Fajita Tropicana (fajitas served inside a pineapple) or the Texas Parrilla for 2 Fajitas, a delicious combo of meats and sauteed vegetables. You'll also find tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and much more. They also offer a drink menu with several top-shelf margaritas.

Now We're Sizzling!

Where will you order fajitas around Ohio this weekend?

Summer can be sweltering in Central Ohio! Luckily, there are ample opportunities to hit the lake and cool off in the Columbus area. If you're looking for a place to swim and soak up some sun this summer, visit these beaches near Columbus, OH.

Alum Creek Lake

3400 Lewis Center Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035

Located less than 30 minutes north of Downtown Columbus, Alum Creek Lake is one of the most popular lakes for outdoor recreation. The lake spans 3,387 acres and is known as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio. Anglers often catch bass and panfish in the area around Alum Creek State Park, which is also the lake's primary swimming destination. The park features a 3,000-foot sandy beach—the longest beach in any Ohio state park—and includes amenities like restrooms and changing areas, outdoor showers, beach vendors, and sand volleyball courts.

Buckeye Lake

2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046

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Spanning 3,173 acres in Fairfield and Licking counties, Buckeye Lake is a beautiful swimming and boating destination just half an hour east of Columbus. The shoreline of this large reservoir is home to Buckeye Lake State Park, Ohio's oldest state park, which remains a popular day-use area for summer picnics, hikes, and beach trips. The park includes two beaches: Fairfield Beach on the south side of the lake and Crystal Beach on the north side. Both beaches are open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Madison Lake

4860 E. Park Dr., London, OH 43140

Madison Lake is located in a region west of Columbus known as the Darby Plains, which offers some of the few remaining wild prairies in the state of Ohio. A small 106-acre reservoir that was built in the 1940s, Madison Lake is a highlight of the region. The lake is surrounded by Madison Lake State Park, which includes a 300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and boat launch facilities on the east side of the lake. A separate dog swim area, where pets are allowed to swim off-leash, is located on the opposite side of the lake. Boats are restricted to electric motors and non-powered craft only, making this an excellent lake for paddling as well.

Delaware Lake

75 Downing Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

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Delaware Lake is a long, meandering reservoir just north of Columbus in Central Ohio. The lake spans 1,300 acres and offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and muskellunge. It's also a great swim spot, and Delaware State Park provides an 800-foot sandy beach where visitors can take a dip and soak up some sun. A picnic pavilion, playground, and modern restrooms are available at the beach, and there are also two designated boat swim areas on the lake. Delaware State Park also has a beautifully wooded campground with over 200 sites for tents and RVs.

Deer Creek Lake

20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143

Just under 40 minutes south of Columbus, Deer Creek Lake is a picturesque 1,277-acre reservoir with a 15-mile shoreline surrounded by farmlands and forests. It's a great place to spend a long summer weekend, with rental cabins and over 200 electric campsites in Deer Creek Lake State Park. The park includes a beautiful 1,700-foot swimming beach, a popular spot to cool off on hot days. There's also a designated boat swim area located in the cove adjacent to the Deer Creek Lodge. Boats are allowed with unlimited horsepower, and Deer Creek Lake is also known for excellent fishing.

Prairie Oaks Dog Beach

2755 Amity Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026

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Looking for a place where your four-legged friends can cool off? Located just minutes from Downtown Columbus, Prairie Oaks Metro Park is one of the city's best places to take dogs for a dip. The park has a designated dog beach on the shoreline of Lake 1, part of a cluster of small lakes within the park. Pets are also allowed on the park's hiking trails, but they must be leashed outside the immediate area around the dog beach. And while there's no designated "human swimming area" in the park, there's also no rule that says you can't go in with your canine pals!

Lake Hudson

Old River Road, Granville, OH 43023

Lake Hudson is a unique swimming destination in the Columbus area. This privately owned recreation lake offers crystal clear spring-fed waters that stay pleasantly cool even during the dog days of summer. There's a beautiful beach and picnic area on the lakeshore, along with fishing access and a place to launch small boats like canoes and kayaks. Membership grants you access to Lake Hudson any time, but there are also opportunities for some non-members to enjoy the facilities. Former members and residents of Licking, Fairfield, Perry, Muskingum, and Knox counties may visit the lake as guests.

Indian Lake

13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331

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Originally built as a shallow feeder lake for the Miami & Erie Canal in the 1800s, Indian Lake is now one of Western Ohio's most popular recreation lakes. Located just under an hour northwest of Columbus, Indian Lake offers 5,100 acres of water, making it one of the largest lakes in the state. Its wide-open spaces make it popular for boating, fishing, and jet-skiing, and the area around the lake offers great camping and hiking opportunities. If you're looking for a place to swim, head to Indian Lake State Park, where Old Field and Fox Island beaches offer 1,400 feet of beach access. 

Fun in the Sun

Where's your favorite swimming hole in the Buckeye State?

Burying your nose in a good book is a great way to leave your worries behind for a few hours. People who read typically have more active imaginations. Plus, reading can help ease stress and depression, prevent cognitive decline, and build your vocabulary. Whether you love mystery novels, non-fiction, or something in-between, Northeast Ohio has several local bookstores worth visiting. Head to one of these book shops to find your next read.

Loganberry Books

10515 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120

Located in the historic Larchmere neighborhood, this Cleveland bookstore first opened in 1994 and has kept readers happy ever since. They have more than 100,000 different titles in stock, including many on women's history and literature. Loganberry Books carries both new and used titles, including some leatherbound books and first editions. If you're not only a reader but a book collector, this is the place to go.

Loganberry books is open daily. Shoppers can join their Perks Program for free and earn a $10 coupon for every $100 spent. Perks Program members also get a bonus coupon on birthdays and extra store credit when they sell books.

Half-Price Books

1607 Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

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Half-Price Books is a family-owned bookstore that sells secondhand books and other media. You can take them your already-read books to sell and go home with new titles to enjoy. The store has a good selection of books on philosophy, martial arts, and animals. The wide aisles and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to shop with kids.

Half-Price Books is open daily. They offer online ordering and curbside pickup, which are great if you're in a rush.

Fireside Book Shop

29 N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Fireside Book Shop has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1963. The store has an old-fashioned appeal but in the best way. They not only have a great selection of books, but also countless puzzles, greeting cards, and board games. The helpful staff members can help you find the perfect book, whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one.

Fireside Book Shop is a woman-owned business and is open daily. Their Trade-In Program is a customer favorite, allowing shoppers to trade in their used books for store credit. Stop by regularly, and you'll always have something new to read.

The Learned Owl Book Shop

204 N. Main St., Hudson, OH 44236

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The Learned Owl Book Shop has been open on Main Street since 1968. Although the shop is small, its selection of books is incredible. The owner knows everything on the shelves and is very helpful. They also have a children's nook and a selection of adult coloring books.

This bookstore is open daily and is within walking distance of many great cafes and restaurants. You could spend an afternoon picking out a book, walking around the neighborhood, then treating yourself to a nice meal.

Horizontal Books

1921 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113

If you find yourself in Cleveland, stop by Horizontal Books and browse their shelves. This shop sells overstock books. If you purchase one, you save 50% off the standard retail price. Purchase more than one, and you save even more. Horizontal Books brings in new titles every day, so there's always something else to discover.

Horizontal Books is open daily from 10 am - 6 pm. They're in the process of opening up their own coffee shop, too.

Mac's Backs-Books On Coventry

1820 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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Mac's Backs-Books on Coventry is a one of the largest bookstores in Ohio. They have three stories of books and community rooms where they host educational events. This shop has a great sci-fi collection and lots of young adult fiction. The entire basement is full of non-fiction titles.

Mack's Backs is walking distance from Case Western Reserve University and is therefore popular with college students. Keep an eye on their website for events such as book signings, writing workshops, and live readings.

Novelty Shop Used & Rare Books

14948 Chillicothe Rd., Novelty, OH 44072

If you're looking for a specific rare or antique book, Novelty Shop is the place to go. This boutique book store sells used, rare, and antique books, along with a small selection of other antique items. You'll find original hardcovers of classics, leatherbound books, and first editions galore.

Novelty Shop has been open since 1999 and is frequented by many of Ohio's book collectors. You're bound to learn something just by stopping in and taking a look around. 

Visible Voice Books

2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113

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Visible Voice Books wants to make reading cool again. This independent bookstore has a very relaxed, inviting atmosphere and stocks titles in almost every genre. But they also have so much more than books. There's a bar and coffee shop where you can grab your favorite drink to sip while you read. Selections include craft beers from Fat Head and Left Hand Brewing. They even host wine tasting events.

Inside Visible Voice Books, there is also a neighborhood pizza shop called Crust. So, you can enjoy lunch, find a new book, and buy a bottle of wine—all under one roof. The shop is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Get Lost in a Book

Where will you discover your new favorite novel? Let us know which one of these bookstores feels most like home.

One of Cutler Real Estate's core values is to work with purpose: Life is busy, but the immediate shouldn't take priority over the important. Our Realtors always focus on what's important to buyers and sellers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.

Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for June 2022.

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