Posts with tag 'Pickaway County OH'

Do you ever feel like you're always rushing to get somewhere? When you long to slow it down, unwind with the relaxed pace of a horseback ride. Enjoy this healthy and eco-friendly activity at one of these top riding facilities around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Chagrin Valley Farms 

9250 Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Chagrin Valley Farms has a mission to serve all riders through every stage of the "horsemanship cycle." Whether you're a veteran rider or a first-timer, their experienced staff will help you reach your goal. The 85-acre facility includes two heated indoor arenas and four outdoor rings along with pastures and trails. Group, private, and semi-private lessons are available for all ages. Newcomers take an introductory ride so instructors can accurately assess your level and make sure you receive optimum placement. Visit the website for information about their horsemanship camps for kids that are offered year-round.

River Road Horse Farm

1009 River Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233

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For the owner and caretaker of River Road Horse Farm, horses and riding are literally their life. Both live on-site so they're easily accessible and stay responsive to the needs of the farm, including horses and riders. Owner Mark Palik, who purchased the farm in December 2011, is continually upgrading the facility to provide a superior experience for guests. One recent change was the addition of a second indoor arena. Lessons are offered for riders starting at age 5, so kids can get started on a lifelong appreciation of horsemanship. 

Stable Solutions Farm

12381 Easton St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601

Loree Stubblefield, owner of Stable Solutions Farm, knows firsthand how powerful the connection between people and horses can be. After Loree's father was stricken with a brain injury and her daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition, she made the decision to run the farm while caring for her family. Today, Stable Solutions is known for its many equine therapy programs, which benefit those with special physical, emotional, and social needs. Guests also love the miniature Australian shepherds raised by Loree's family, who are frequently wandering the grounds.

Sid Griffith Equestrian Center

7380 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026

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The story of Sid Griffith, founder of the popular equestrian center than bears his name, is something of a legend. At the age of 11, when his parents refused to indulge his early love of horses, Sid began working at a dude ranch in order to earn riding time. After purchasing his first horse with money from his 16th birthday, Sid went on to an illustrious career riding, showing, and training horses. These days, Sid remains active running his full-service equestrian center along with his wife and their youngest daughter, an award-winning rider in her own right. 

Field of Dreams

1841 Unbridled Way, Blacklick, OH 43004

You would be forgiven for thinking Field of Dreams is a baseball diamond. The name refers to owner Jennifer Hansen's childhood dream to own a horse. After graduating from law school at Ohio State University, Jennifer finally got her wish and wanted to share the experience with other kids who also thought their dream was unattainable. In addition to offering traditional riding programs, Field of Dreams is the home of Dreams on Horseback, a non-profit organization founded by Jennifer that provides therapeutic riding programs.

Horse-N-Round Fun, LLC

Mount Sterling, OH 43143

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Picture yourself on the back of a magnificent horse, enjoying the serenity of nature as you leave the rest of civilization behind. Horse-N-Round Fun, LLC conducts trail rides from 30 minutes to four hours for riders ages 10 and up. You'll pass through peaceful wooded areas, cross gentle streams, and share the space with wild turkeys, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. If you have a specific trail you want to ride, Horse-N-Round Fun can also bring the horses to you. Hand-led trail rides are available for youngsters ages 4 and up so they don't have to be left out. Plans are in the works to offer riding lessons and other services, so watch their website for news.

Muddy Water Equestrian Park

10129 Mill Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231

Does the idea of riding a horse appeal to you, but you're not quite confident you can handle it? Muddy Water Equestrian Park wants all visitors to be comfortable with their decision to ride. At 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month, they have a horseback riding seminar to help newbies become familiar with the experience. Afterward, you'll head out on the noon trail riding session. One-hour trail rides are held at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each weekend for guests 8 years or older. Price is $30 per person, or $85 if you want to participate in the seminar. Younger kids can have their own staff-led pony rides for only $5.

Winton Woods Riding Center

10073 Daly Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231

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For nearly 70 years, Winton Woods Riding Center has been a leading equestrian facility serving the Cincinnati area. They are known for their outstanding instruction programs as well as their equestrian teams for middle and high school students. Team members get a chance to participate in competitions without having to own a horse. Each Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m., one-hour trail rides are available for ages 7 and up with a fee of $45 per person. Guests are also welcome to bring their own horses and access the trail that's approximately five miles round trip.

East Fork Stables

2215 Snyder Rd., Batavia, OH 45103

Horses are definitely a family affair for George Wisbey, owner of East Fork Stables. As chief of the Cincinnati Fire Department, George's great-grandfather trained the department's horses and later founded the first retirement farm for the fire horses. George, his father, and his grandfather all had successful careers training horses for racing and movies, and his wife Judy runs the summer horse camp. East Fork Stables includes an indoor arena, a riding track around a lake, and 50 miles of trails to accommodate whatever experience you're looking for.

A Horse with No Name

Race horses are known for their quirky, colorful names. If you owned a horse, what name would you choose?

One of Cutler Real Estate's core values is to Be Passionate: Passion and enthusiasm are contagious and the foundation of any great experience. Every month, our Realtors do just that to help buyers and sellers around Northeast Ohio, Columbus & Central Ohio, and Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky achieve their real estate 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 to...

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June is Great Outdoors Month, and Ohio is a particularly beautiful place to spend some time outside in June. In every corner of the Buckeye State, an endless array of parks, lakes, rivers, and trails are just waiting to be explored. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure this month, be sure to check out these wild destinations in Ohio!

Geneva State Park

4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva, OH 44041

Overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio, Geneva State Park is one of the state's true gems when it comes to summer fun and relaxation. Geneva State Park includes a sandy swimming beach, beautiful picnic areas, and a campground with nearly 100 sites for tents and RVs. But one of the park's greatest attractions is fishing. Lake Erie provides some of the best fishing in America for walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, and other species. You'll find a marina and boat launch facilities along with a fishing pier and ample open shoreline in Geneva State Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels worlds away from civilization despite being less than an hour from major cities like Cleveland and Akron. It is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular outdoor attractions in Northeast Ohio. Spanning more than 50 square miles, the park follows the course of the Cuyahoga River through its namesake valley, providing a haven for native plants and wildlife. You can explore more than 125 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails within the park, including the beautiful Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. If you're experiencing Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the first time, the Boston Mills Visitor Center is a great place to start.

Rocky River Reservation

Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, OH 44070

One of 18 reservations that make up Cleveland's extensive Metroparks system, Rocky River Reservation is a long, narrow park that follows the meandering course of the Rocky River. Trails and other attractions draw visitors to both sides of the river, which is a prime waterway for fishing and paddling. But what makes the Rocky River Reservation really stand out is its equestrian trails, which stretch for miles through the riverside forests. It's one of the best destinations in Northeast Ohio for horseback riding. Rocky River Stables offers riding lessons and guided horseback riding trips.  

Alum Creek State Park

3305 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

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A popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports of all kinds, Alum Creek Lake is one of Ohio's largest reservoirs and is located just minutes from Columbus. The lake is long and narrow, making it ideal for water skiing and personal watercraft, but it also has plenty of secluded coves and shorelines perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing access, and a swimming beach are located within Alum Creek State Park. Alum Creek Lake can get a little busy on summer weekends, so it's always a good idea to visit mid-week if you want to beat the crowds. 

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

7925 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43235

We hope you aren't afraid of heights! ZipZone Outdoor Adventures offers one of the most thrilling, adrenaline-fueled outdoor adventures in Ohio, and you can experience it all without leaving the Columbus city limits. ZipZone provides a wide range of aerial thrills, including zip line tours high in the forest canopy, and an exciting treetop obstacle course with five routes and over 60 challenge elements. There's a ground-level kids' park as well, making ZipZone a great option for the entire family.

Hocking Hills State Park

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

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The entire Hocking Hills region has a reputation as one of Ohio's great outdoor playgrounds, a haven for everything from hiking and paddling to camping and fishing. Hocking Hills State Park, just over an hour southeast of Columbus, is one of the region's great destinations to enjoy all of the above. The park's rugged landscape includes towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and dense, shady groves of hemlock trees crisscrossed by hiking trails. Campsites and cabins are available too. 

Little Miami National Scenic River Trail

211 Railroad Ave., Loveland, OH 45140

Flowing between Dayton and Cincinnati, the Little Miami River was one of the first streams in America to be designated a National Scenic River. It's one of Ohio's most beautiful paddling destinations, meandering through mile after mile of forests and farmland. The community of Loveland, OH is a popular place to begin paddling trips on the river. Guided trips and gear rentals are available through Loveland Canoe & Kayak. For anyone who prefers to stay on dry land, the river is paralleled by the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220

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Always one of Cincinnati's biggest summer attractions, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is operated with a commitment to inspiring visitors and helping preserve wildlife. One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., it's been open since 1873 and is currently home to the world-famous hippo Fiona. The adjoining botanical gardens are just as impressive, displaying a spectacular variety of Ohio native plants and trees, as well as non-native plants from around the world. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is frequently ranked among the best Zoos in America, although the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gives it a run for its money! 

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

At 1,500 acres. Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It was also, at the time of its establishment in 1911, one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in U.S. history. Today, the park offers some of the best opportunities for Cincinnati residents to get off the grid and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Mt. Airy forest is home to many miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park, disc golf course, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. 

Share Your Adventure

Ohio is filled with incredible destinations where you can immerse yourself in the natural world. Be sure to tell us all about your Great Outdoors Month adventures in the comments section!

Public art has long been part of the fabric of Columbus, with an eclectic collection of sculptures, monuments, and memorials spread throughout some of the city's most popular public gathering places. You never know where you might stumble upon a unique sculpture as you tour the area, and the outstanding collection of parks in Columbus provide the perfect backdrop for many of the most iconic public sculptures in the city. Ready to start exploring? Start with our guide to eight great places for a sculpture walk around Columbus.

Topiary Garden

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

Where else can you find a collection of living sculptures? There are very few places in the world quite like the Topiary Garden, and this Columbus landmark was created by two artists who called the city home. The Topiary Garden features a recreation of a post-Impressionist painting by artist George Seurat, sculpted from living trees, shrubs, and plants. This park is framed by a peaceful pond that represents the River Seine, and the park itself is one of the oldest public parks in Columbus. While the Topiary Garden is open all year long, it's an especially great place for a sculpture walk during the spring and summer when everything in the park is in full bloom.

Garden of Constants – Ohio State University Campus

2055 Millikin Rd., Columbus, OH 43210

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The Ohio State University campus is loaded with history, art, architecture, and beautiful views around every corner. There's so much to explore when you visit the campus for a tour, and the Garden of Constants, also known as The Numbers Garden, is one of the most popular attractions for visitors. The Garden of Constants is filled with large statues of numbers, scattered around beautiful gardens and scenic campus buildings. It was created in 2004 to honor the Dreese Lab where it's located, as a way to honor the academic disciplines of information science and electrical engineering that students at the lab learn about during their university years.

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Scioto Mile is home to some of the most widely visited parks in Columbus, and the next three parks on our list are all part of this outdoor oasis in the city. Public art is one of the big reasons that these parks are so popular, and Genoa Park is home to some of the city's most unique, unusual sculptures. Two of the Scioto Lounge deer sculptures, positioned like people overlooking the scenery of Columbus, are located at Genoa Park. The third is nearby on the Rich Street Bridge, and it's the perfect place to snap a selfie during your sculpture walk.

Schiller Park

1069 Jaeger St., Columbus, OH 43206

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The second-oldest park in Columbus, Schiller Park was established in 1867 and has been one of the city's most popular parks ever since. In addition to a wide variety of athletic fields, gorgeous gardens, perfect picnic locations, and a scenic pond, Schiller Park is also home to some unique public art. The statue of Frederick Schiller, for whom the park was named, towers over a central location in the park. There's also the iconic Umbrella Girl statue, a beautiful bronze work that is part of a fountain in Schiller Park.

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

It's no surprise that the Columbus Museum of Art is a great place to explore sculptures indoors, but you don't even need to enter the building to enjoy a sculpture walk. A walk around the building, which is an architectural, artistic marvel on its own, will allow you to take in six unique sculptures spread around the outside of the facility. The sculptures were created over the course of more than 50 years by both local and international artists. You can tour the outside of the facility anytime for free, and of course, it's more than worth going inside to see even more inspiring, amazing art.

Battelle Riverfront Park

25 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215

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If you're interested in memorials that honor the many people who have shaped Columbus into the fantastic city that it is today, then you'll definitely want to visit Battelle Riverfront Park. This park is home to the City of Columbus Firefighters Memorial, the Freedom sculpture, the Spanish American War Memorial, and the Workers Memorial. The James W. Barney Pickaweekee Story Grove, also located at this park, is a great place to bring the kids for a whimsical sculpture walk with a unique collection of sculptures from renowned artist Jack Greaves.

McFerson Commons

218 West St., Columbus, OH 43215

While it may not technically be a sculpture, the historic arch at McFerson Commons definitely qualifies as a spectacular piece of public art. The arch was salvaged from the Columbus Union Train Station when it was demolished in 1979, but it looks like it could have been pulled straight from an ancient Roman city. The arch overlooks a beautiful green space where you will often find special events, festivals, and sporting events all year long.

Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215

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The Ohio Statehouse is an excellent destination for learning more about the history of Ohio and Columbus. It's also home to eight unique public sculptures created over the course of more than 125 years. Attractions here include The Doughboy World War I memorial, the Peace sculpture, the Ohio Veterans Plaza, and the William McKinley Monument, to name a few. While you're there, head inside the Ohio Statehouse for a fascinating guided tour and stop by the gift shop to pick up a unique souvenir from your visit.

Discover Columbus

There are countless sculptures in the city that didn't quite make our list. Which one will you visit first?

National Library Week is usually recognized as the second full week in April, so it's a great time to explore what's available at your local library.

The Columbus Metro Library is much more than just books on the shelf – although those are certainly still there. You can also get all kinds of help, knowledge, and entertainment courtesy of the library, from downloading a movie to researching your family's history. And even better, resources are free with a library card.

Check out the following 10 things you probably didn't know about the Columbus Metro Library:

You can get free legal advice at the library.

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Need some help from a lawyer? You may think even asking a few questions may be expensive, but you can sign up for 20 minutes of free legal advice from a volunteer attorney through the Columbus Metro Library. Common topics that these attorneys handle include eviction/foreclosure, custody issues, and debt collection, although they also help with other legal issues.

It can help you get your child ready for kindergarten.

The Columbus Metro Library has plenty of resources to help you make sure your child is ready to start kindergarten. It has online classes with readiness tips, as well as free packets you can pick up at any branch library to help your child complete lessons, including cutting and writing, name recognition, and more. Virtual storytimes are held multiple times a week, including interactive ones. Finally, you can sign up to receive emails with tips, activities, and book suggestions for young kids.

You and your child can get homework help from the library.

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If you're like most parents, helping your child with his or her homework can get pretty tricky as they start to get older. Fortunately, the library will help answer homework questions for kindergarten through grade 12 via text, phone call, or online chat. For younger kids in kindergarten through grade 3, they're also available to read with your child. And if your child needs in-person homework help, it's available five days a week for 45 minutes a session at the Karl Road and Reynoldsburg branches.

New branches and renovations of existing branches are underway.

The library plans to greatly increase the sizes of the Karl Road and Hilltop branches, and this work is already underway. Work has also started on new Gahanna and Reynoldsburg branches after being delayed because of COVID-19. This will give more patrons the ability to easily access a library close to them and also allow libraries to have more space for activities and materials.

You can access a treasure trove of digital media – for free.

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The Columbus Metro Library provides library cardholders with free access to Hoopla, a digital media service. You'll be able to borrow movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, ebooks, and comics to your TV, computer, tablet, or phone and enjoy them immediately or save them for later. More materials are added daily, so you'll constantly have access to new content.

The library can help you further your adult education and learning.

The library isn't just available to help children learn to read or help with homework questions. It also has a wealth of resources for adult learners, including technology training for a wide variety of specific programs as well as basic literacy, ESOL, and GED assistance. You'll also find helpful links to community programs offered by The Ohio State University to help with homebuying, renter's education, and money management.

The library hosts many types of interesting events for all ages.

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Even though COVID-19 has caused in-person events to be canceled, the library is still hosting many events online. Storytimes for young children feature books and songs, and adults can attend virtual classes on everything from genealogy to networking and interview preparation. Different branches also host The Breathing Association Medical Mobile Unit, where you can have exams performed, find out information, and get help with prescriptions if you have a breathing issue such as asthma or COPD.

It can help you find a job.

Finding a job – especially during the COVID19 pandemic – can be a daunting task. The Columbus Metro Library has many resources to help, including a job source resource that matches essential businesses with job seekers and a guide to using Indeed, a trusted job search platform. You can also book one-on-one help with a career counselor who can give you personalized advice on your job search and get your resume professionally reviewed within 24 hours.

It contains a wealth of information about local history and genealogy research.

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If you'd like to find out more about your ancestors or local Ohio history, the library has plenty of online resources to help. Links include sites with information about Central Ohio cemeteries, burial indexes, and gravestone photographs, as well as Fold3, which contains millions of military and genealogy records. You can even visit a site to learn about your home's history and articles, books, and images of historic Central Ohio buildings. And if you need more personalized help, you can reserve one-on-one time with an expert to get more help with any of these topics.

You can get help downloading digital content to your devices.

It's one thing to have access to digital content, but if you can't download it to your device, it won't do you much good. Fortunately, the library comes to the rescue with device help. It has step-by-step instructions for downloading content using Google Android, Amazon Kindle, Apple iOS, Windows OS, Nook Color, and Nook Simple Touch. And if you still need more help, book a one-on-one online appointment.

Not Your Mother's Library

Which of the Columbus Metro Library's many resources have you used?