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December
20

Another year has come and gone and we can hardly believe it! Before the clock strikes midnight, there's still time for one last celebration. Luckily, Cincinnati is bursting with fun and unique New Year's Eve experiences to help us say goodbye to 2018! We've rounded up 18 events in the Cincinnati area that will help you ring in 2019 in style. You'll find family-friendly events like Noon Year's Eve parties and even a kid's New Year's Eve cruise — as well as some more adult-friendly events like a Carnival party and a few brewery hosted celebrations. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, there is sure to be an event on this list to match your taste. Have fun out there, and have a happy New Year!

For the Kids

New Year's Eve Kids Cruise

Where:

Click Here to Read More...

December
19

Akron, Ohio is known to many as "The Rubber Capital of the World", one of the disputed birthplaces of the hamburger, hometown of Lebron James, The Black Keys, James Ingram and so many others — but for us, it's home. With its population of nearly 200,000 people, Akron is perfect for those looking for a city with a small town feel. While we do have a great selection of high-quality tires, we're much more than that. Akron is a hub for artists, musicians, poets and authors so you'll feel at home no matter what your passion is. We love it here, so we've rounded up eight reasons why we're thankful to live in Akron.

1. Living is Affordable

Reasons to move to Akron, Ohio...

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December
18

1Another year is coming to a close. It's time to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome 2019 — preferably by attending a grand celebration! Luckily, Columbus is bursting with New Year's Eve parties and events so you can ring in 2019 the right way. From kid-friendly celebrations with balloons and fireworks to 21+ parties and champagne toasts — we've gathered up the events we're the most excited for this New Year's Eve. Enjoy!

For the Kids

New Year's Eve Kids Countdown

Where: Skate Zone 71 When: December 31, 4-7 p.m.

Click Here to Read More...

December
13

With the ease of online shopping, it may be tempting to throw your entire holiday shopping list into your Amazon shopping cart and call it a night. But what if we told you that Cleveland is home to a bunch of amazing boutiques and shops where you could find unique, handmade gifts — without leaving the comfort of your hometown? By #ShoppingLocal, you can support makers and small businesses from our own backyard, all while purchasing original items that you can't find in a big department store. On this list, you'll find trendy boutiques, pet shops, candle companies and more — so that you can find the perfect gifts for your friends and family members. Feel good about your holiday shopping knowing that you've supported a small business this season!

Men's and Women's Clothing

 

Whiskey Grade

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December
11

"Fragile… Must be Italian." "Naddafinga." "You'll shoot your eye out!" Since its release in 1983, "A Christmas Story" has been a seasonal classic. It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching Ralphie Parker sulk in his bubblegum pink bunny pajamas and wish desperately for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. While "A Christmas Story" is a movie that is close to pretty much every American's heart, for Clevelanders — it's so much more. The famous home where the Parker's story takes place is located just outside of downtown Cleveland in the Tremont neighborhood. A Christmas Story House has become a Cleveland landmark and is now open to the public year-round as a museum.

The History Behind the "A Christmas Story" House

A Christmas Story House Cleveland

Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House

While a lot of "A Christmas Story" was shot in Toronto, Canada, the exterior shots of the Parker residence were of a modest 19th-century Victorian home in Cleveland. The creators of the movie scoured Cleveland neighborhoods to find the perfect place that would resemble story creator Jean Shepard's childhood home. They finally found it at 3159 West 11th Street. Bob Clark, director of the film, ultimately chose this specific home because it gave off a classic-American feel while also having features that they were looking for such as steel mills in the backyard, a wrap around porch and an empty lot next door — perfect for the crew to set up camp. In December of 2004, Brian Jones, a San Diego entrepreneur, bought the house on eBay for $150,000. He had been a massive fan of the movie since childhood and had even founded his own business based off of the film; the Red Rider Leg Company, which manufactures replicas of the "major award" Ralphie's father wins. The previous owners of the home had remodeled the house, installing new windows and covering the original wood siding with blue vinyl. Jones watched "A Christmas Story" frame by frame to draw detailed plans of the interior and spent $204,000 to gut the structure and reconfigure it into the floor plan we know and love. Today, the house sits as a near-replica of the set.

The "A Christmas Story" House Today

A Christmas Story House is open year-round, seven days a week excluding major holidays. When you visit, you'll be able to tour the home and have an incredibly interactive experience. Take photos next to the famous leg lamp or even under the sink, act out your favorite movie scenes, and more! You can even stay in the house overnight in the private third floor with up to five of your friends or family members. Or, for a more eclectic experience — you can stay next door at the Bumpus House, the fictional home to Ralphie's hillbilly neighbors and their 785 smelly hound dogs. The interior of the Bumpus House is decorated in a 1940's style with a slight redneck flair, while still providing all the modern amenities you could want. You can see the inside of the suites available here. A Christmas Story House Cleveland

Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House

The neighborhood is also home to two more "A Christmas Story" inspired buildings — the museum and gift shop! At the museum, you can see behind the scenes photos, props, costumes and memorabilia. While you're there, be sure to check out the Higbee's Department Store holiday toys, Randy's snowsuit and zeppelin he receives for Christmas and even the family car! After spending a day immersed in the Ralphie's world, you'll definitely want to pick up a souvenir, which you can do at the A Christmas Story Gift Shop. There, you can purchase your own leg-lamp in any size you please as well as apparel, miniature figurines and more. If you can't make it to the gift shop in person, visit their website where you can purchase memorabilia from "A Christmas Story", "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone" and many more classic holiday movies.

Local Holiday Festivities

The lovely neighborhood of Tremont has fully embraced the holiday attraction and is filled with festive events all season! A Christmas Story House

Walkabout Tremont: Light Up Your Holidays

When: December 14th, 5-10 p.m. Soak up some art this holiday season at Walkabout Tremont! Art galleries and retail shops will have extended hours, with special art installations displayed around town. Several bars and restaurants will host live music and special menus. Get a little holiday shopping done while supporting local artists and businesses! You can see a full itinerary and list of the featured art on display here.

Tremont Light Displays

Throughout the Christmas season, Tremont homes are adorned with beautiful lights and decorations. Make sure to visit this suburb after dark to take in the breathtaking displays! Also, make sure to drive by A Christmas Story House while you're at it — the festive lights and perfectly backlit leg-lamp in the window make for a stunning sight.

Holiday Spirits

The Rowley Inn

1104 Rowley Avenue The Rowley Inn A Christmas Story House

Photo courtesy of The Rowley Inn

This holiday season, The Rowley Inn, the restaurant right across the street from A Christmas Story House, will be serving up several "A Christmas Story" themed cocktails and dishes! Make sure to check out this special spot and see where the cast and crew of the movie hung out after filming.  

Miracle at the Spotted Owl Pop-Up

710 Jefferson Avenue The Spotted Owl

Photo courtesy of The Spotted Owl

Join the Spotted Owl during their special Christmas cocktail popup this season! They'll be hosting this special event until December 30th in their vintage 1850's bar space. The bar will be decorated head-to-toe in Christmas decor and they'll be serving up original Christmas cocktails every day!

I Triple-Dog-Dare You

…to have a fantastic Christmas! For other local holiday events, check out our Complete Guide to 28 Holiday Events in the Akron and Canton Area or Where to See Santa in Cleveland This Year.  
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