
As the calendar winds down on this unprecedented year, the holiday season is more welcome and reassuring than ever. When it comes to gift-giving, is your motto "Shop 'til you drop," or do you like to get in and out as soon as possible? Whatever your shopping style, have fun getting a head start at these exciting specialty shops around Columbus.
737 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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In this digital era, actual writing has become essentially obsolete. Why not start a trend back to a more personal form of communication with gifts from On Paper? The assortment of elegant stationery and greeting cards will brighten the day of both sender and receiver. Supplement your gift with accessories such as pens and pencils, embosser, and stamps. Get ready for 2021 with a calendar, planner, or journal for yourself or a loved one. On Paper also carries a selection of candles, bath and body products, and other items perfect for a day of self-care. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
5300 Glick Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
Once you visit the Morgan House, you'll be so enchanted that you may never want to leave. Anchored by a reassembled historic log cabin named after John Hunt Morgan, a famed Civil War veteran, the Morgan House is as much a tourist attraction as a gift shop. The five-acre space is the site of an 18,000-square-foot mini-mall that includes departments for furniture and home decor, gourmet foods, clothing and accessories, and specialty gifts. With a full-service on-site restaurant serving lunch, you don't even have to leave the grounds. Shops are open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday, while the restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Shoppes at River Ridge, 4345 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
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Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for your BFF? Bliss Life + Style offers a carefully curated variety of home accessories, jewelry, and gifts from local and global artisans. Finding it hard to decide? Opt for one of Bliss Life + Style's signature gift boxes, which come in whimsical themes such as Drinks Are On Us, Foodie Favorites, and Wanderlust. Tell the staff a bit about who the gift is for, and they'll curate a custom box, or you can create your own. Free delivery is available within a 10-mile radius of the shop, or ship anywhere in the greater Columbus area for just a $10 fee. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
150 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
In 1938, Helen Winnemore's began life as the Afternoon Shop in its namesake owner's home. Thirteen years later, Helen moved the business to a storefront on Broad Street, then to its current location in 1966. Today, siblings John and Julie Jenkins carry on Helen's legacy, featuring items of usable and wearable art. The handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and metal works are gifts your loved ones will cherish for years to come. As Helen herself once said, "No shop is worth anything unless it is a gracious place." Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only. Visit the website to schedule a time for up to four guests.
631 S. Third St., Columbus, OH 43206
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Everyone has at least one bookworm on their list, many of whom still prefer the feel of a hard-bound volume in their hands to the electronic text of an e-reader. The Book Loft, located in vibrant German Village, houses an incredible 32 rooms in its pre-Civil War building. Fortunately, store maps and friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you navigate the different areas. Start a child on the road to a lifelong love of reading with a title or two from one of the country's largest selection of children's books. On your way out, grab a pick-me-up cup of joe to go at Staul's Coffee Roasters next door. The Book Loft is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
233 E. Fifth Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
Everything old is new again, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Flower Child. This wonderfully funky shop is like a time tunnel back to the mid-20th century. You'll have as much fun browsing the Gucci and Halston fashions, vintage jewelry, and kitschy home accessories as your friend or family member will have receiving these unique items. The spacious store includes full-size displays of retro living rooms and kitchens that are sure to inspire some creative ideas. You might end up with a few pieces for your own home from their collection of vintage holiday ornaments and decorations. Flower Child is open noon - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
223 E. Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206
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The Red Stable has a history as colorful as its eye-catching exterior. Built in 1872, the building has served as a horse livery, wagon repair shop, ice storage facility, and auto garage over the years. In the late 1950s, when a group formed to save the German Village neighborhood from demolition, local artist Phil Keintz transformed the Red Stable into a custom art studio and gift shop featuring the works of his fellow artists. Phil's tradition continues today, as more than 100 local artists showcase their work inside the historic building. The Red Stable is open noon - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 6 p.m. Friday, noon - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
30 N. State St., Westerville, OH 43081
Do you enjoy visiting summer art fairs, with the thrill of finding incredible items you wouldn't see anywhere else? Ohio Art Market provides that opportunity year-round. Talented artists from Westerville and all around the state display their works in fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and a variety of media. Since everything is original, each visit to Ohio Art Market provides a different experience. Share your state pride with a gift that literally and figuratively says, "Ohio." Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Columbus is home to several small businesses offering an incredible range of products. What's the most unusual gift you've ever given or received?
Thanksgiving Day is nearly here, bringing with it the opportunity to gather with friends and family and indulge in some hearty American classics. This day typically requires a full day (or more) of preparation from the host, and hours of cleanup after the fun is over.
There isn't just one way to celebrate Thanksgiving, so this year, maybe it's time to explore the city and try something new! While cooking your own meal is certainly fun, there is also a number of high-end local restaurants offering up Turkey Day feasts of their own!
We gathered up some of our favorite Thanksgiving Day deals in Cleveland to make your job even easier—all you have to do is make a reservation.
20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
This unique dining destination is located right across from the runways of the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Watch planes take off and fly in as you dig into your Thanksgiving feast! This year, enjoy their famous Thanksgiving buffet from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for $58.95 per person ($27.95 for children 5-12). You can make a reservation by visiting their OpenTable page.
1613, 10 East College Street, Oberlin
1833 Restaurant inside the Hotel at Oberlin in Tappan Square serves soul-warming food year-round, which makes it the perfect destination for your Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet on the big day, featuring a butter and sage roasted turkey; a brown sugar glazed Virginia ham; whipped potatoes; green bean casserole; and plenty of sweet, festive treats! Reservations are required, so call (440) 775-7001 to reserve your spot.
2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland
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Housed within Cleveland's prestigious Metropolitan Hotel, Adega serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that is delicious all year long. While they won't be serving their usual menu on Thanksgiving Day, be sure to expect equally delicious dishes like a honey smoked turkey, sweet potato fettuccine and pumpkin creme brulee! Visit OpenTable to make your reservation.
28810 Lake Shore Boulevard, Willowick
At the Cabin of Willowick, diners come hungry and leave happy. The menu features fresh sushi, incredible steaks and fresh sandwiches alongside hand-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine list. Diners can expect the same excellent quality at their annual Thanksgiving Day dinner! Expect succulent turkey and a wide assortment of delicious trimmings! Reservations are required.
8922 Ridge Road, North Royalton
Carrie Ceninos, a family-owned event venue and restaurant, is known for its mouthwatering Italian cuisine. The restaurant hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner and buffet—and this year is expected to be the best yet! Indulge in all of your holiday favorites for just $29.50 ($15.50 for children 8-12 and $12.50 for children 4-7). Click here for more information.

Photo courtesy of Horizons Restaurant at The The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
Nestled in Ohio's wine country, The Lodge at Geneva On The Lake is a gorgeous place to escape to this holiday season. This Thanksgiving, you can enjoy their Thanksgiving Day Buffet, which is stuffed with traditional holiday favorites and tasty new dishes that the whole family will love. While the lodge is about a 45-50 minute drive from Cleveland proper, we promise the stunning scenery and delicious food will be entirely worth it. Call (440) 415-1546 to reserve your seats today!
2035 East 4th Street, Cleveland
For just $39.95 a person ($14.95 for kids ages 4-12), you and the family can sit down to a spectacular feast at Pickwick & Frolic. Buffet offerings will include freshly carved turkey and glazed ham, mashed potatoes, candied yams, a chocolate fountain, and all of your favorite seasonal items.
The sweeping views, modern setting, elegant natural finishes and live piano make Pier W a spectacular place to celebrate Thanksgiving! Dinner at Pier W is always amazing—and their Thanksgiving offerings will be no exception. The selection will be fresh and delicious, and you can eat your fill of trimmings while marveling at the breathtaking view of Cleveland and Lake Erie. Call (216) 228-2250 for more information on their holiday menu and to reserve your seat!
792 Mentor Avenue, Painesville
The cozy yet elegant atmosphere at Rider's Inn draws you in from the beginning. Cozy up at a table on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner along with ham and a non-traditional menu. Call (440) 354-8200 to make your reservation—and think about spending the weekend there while you're at it!
2207 West 11th Street, Cleveland
Nestled in Tremont, Southside is famous for their spacious patio and incredible brunch (we even featured them in our article on the best brunch spots in Cleveland!) so it's no surprise that they also have a great Thanksgiving menu! This year, they're planning on serving their late-night menu from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring special holiday dishes. Click here to make a reservation.
1325 East 6th Street, Cleveland
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While Urban Farmer isn't technically "open" on Thanksgiving, they're still on a mission to make putting a Thanksgiving dinner on your table as easy as pie! That's why they're offering a curbside Thanksgiving meal pick-up on the big day. All you have to do is place your order before November 21st at 6:00 p.m. and you'll be treated to a fresh, roasted turkey, smashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie—which will be hand-delivered to your car on Thanksgiving Day. Have a vegetarian in your life? Don't worry, they'll also have a roasted vegetable wellington available. Visit their Eventbrite page to reserve your meal before they're gone!
Did we miss your favorite spot to celebrate Turkey Day in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments!
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.
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.
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.
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!With the holidays fast approaching, it's easy to run into the nearest department store for last minute holiday shopping or to get free two-day shipping from Amazon Prime. But what if we told you there was a way you could spend the day at a fun event, eat great food, all while perusing art and handmade gifts from local artisans in one central location? This season, Cincinnati will play host to several fantastic holiday arts and craft shows where you can not only check off everyone on your shopping list — you can also support local artists! We've curated a list of the winter-themed arts and craft shows that we are the most excited for this year. Grab your bags and get ready to #ShopLocal!