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24
Northeast Ohio: 9 Places for Furniture Shopping Around Amish Country
If you've ever looked at a new piece of furniture and thought, "They just don't make them like they used to," you've surely been shopping at the wrong furniture stores. Luckily, Stark County is a short drive to Amish Country, granting us access to fine handmade wooden furniture. Here are a few of our favorite places to go furniture shopping around Amish Country.
Walnut Creek Furniture
3473 OH-39, Walnut Creek, OH 44687
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If you've ever been to Walnut Creek Furniture, then you know that it is not your traditional Ohio furniture store. They believe that their customers deserve a quality piece of furniture that meets their standards in style and form. Walnut Creek Furniture invites all customers to collaborate with their decorators and designers to create the piece that they've always dreamed of. You can even bring in other paints or stains from home, and they'll gladly use them in the custom creation of your piece so that it matches your other furniture perfectly.
Dutch Craft Furniture
4774 US Route 62, Berlin, OH 44610
Dutch Craft Furniture understands that sometimes you can't wait up to 10 weeks for furniture to arrive. Thankfully, their showroom conveniently keeps their most popular items always in stock. Visit their store and browse their newest items. Locally handcrafted furniture is fantastic, but the folks at Dutch Craft Furniture make these pieces even better by offering exceptional pricing in their clearance section. Imagine taking home a beautiful custom piece of furniture for a bargain!
Schlabach Furniture
11463 Harrison Road, Apple Creek, OH 44606
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With a 16,000-square-foot showroom dedicated to their handcrafted hardwood furniture, you'll surely find what you're looking for at Schlabach Furniture. We love their wide selection that covers all of the bases. For example, they're ready to outfit your entire office with wooden bookcases, computer desks, file cabinets, rolltop desks, and executive/secretary desks. Schlabach even produces children's furniture like bunk beds, nightstands, and chests. Trust us, one stop at Schlabach Furniture, and you can check off every room of your home.
Schrock's Heritage Furniture
4760 E. Main St., Millersburg, OH 44654
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Experience exceptional beauty and extraordinary quality at Schrock's Heritage Furniture. Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, dining rooms, and entertainment rooms — Schrock's has a unique piece of handcrafted Amish furniture to fit any space. If they don't happen to have exactly what you're looking for, their designers will build any piece according to your specifications and allow you to choose the wood type and finish.
Swiss Country Lawn & Craft
2131 OH-39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
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Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts wants you to enjoy their Amish furniture indoors and outdoors! Their expansive collection of the finest Amish outdoor furniture includes garden décor, swings, gazebos, and lawn furniture. For the interior of the home, their gift shop has plenty of crafts, décor, candles, rhythm clocks, and gifts. Their outdoor handcrafted furniture made from polyethylene is maintenance-free and comes with a lifetime warranty so you'll never have to worry about purchasing outdoor furniture again.
Homestead Furniture
8233 OH-241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660
If you're searching for refined furniture for your beautiful home, look no further than Homestead Furniture. Blending quality Amish craftsmanship with stylish and trendy design, Homestead Furniture prides itself on impressive pieces that you won't believe are featured in an Amish furniture store. While their showroom showcases a variety of different pieces, these items can all be customized to fit your home aesthetic. All upholstery, outdoor, and hardwood pieces can be modified — including color with their in-house color lab — to match any home design scheme. Come and discover custom furniture that will last your family a lifetime.
Weaver's Fine Furniture of Sugarcreek
7011 Old Route 39 NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
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What can you expect to find at the number one furniture destination in Ohio's Amish Country? A 25,000-square-foot showroom with everything you need for your indoor and outdoor spaces. Browse their incredible selection and choose the furniture design that best suits your home. Weaver's Fine Furniture of Sugarcreek will then take the design and turn it into a handmade custom piece, complete with your choice of hardware options, wood, stain, finish, upholstery selection, and more. As one of the most expansive showrooms in the area, Weaver's has earned a reputation for exceptional service, craftsmanship, and the integrity you deserve from a trusted local supplier.
Troyer Furniture
985 W. Main St., Sugarcreek, OH 44681
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Troyer Furniture understands the value of a simple yet elegant handcrafted piece of furniture. They're known for simplifying the Amish furniture selection process by providing customers with an experience like no other. Instead of allowing you to become overwhelmed by so many options, Troyer's staff guide you through the store by first getting to know how you want your living space to reflect your style. Come in for a spell and tell them about your ideas. You can bring photographs, sketches, or even just describe what you're looking for, and Troyer Furniture will be happy to make it to your exact specifications.
Yoder's Oak & Cherry
5911 S. Kansas Road, Apple Creek, OH 44606
Yoder's Oak & Cherry Furnishings has a full line of high-quality hardwood furniture ready to find a spot in your home. They have 10 species of wood to choose from and are happy to offer you a free quote on your next piece of custom furniture. From entertainment centers and office desks to rockers, coffee tables, and pie and jelly cupboards, Yoder's is a must-visit stop when shopping for authentic Amish furniture.
Fitting Furniture
Do you own a fantastic piece of Amish furniture? Let us know where you purchased it in the comments below!
15
Northeast Ohio: 10 Places for Charcuterie Board Picnic Ingredients
Whether the occasion is a romantic getaway with your significant other or a rowdy, light-hearted family gathering, a charcuterie board is a great selection for a picnic. Sliced meats and cheeses, bite-size veggies and finger foods provide a nice variety of items that are perfect for day-long nibbling.
When it's time to start planning, you'll find everything you're looking for and more at these wonderful specialty food and beverage shops around Northeast Ohio.
SPECIALTY DELIS
DiStefano's Authentic Italian Foods
5600 Highland Rd., Highland Heights, OH 44143
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DiStefano's Authentic Italian Foods has been a Northeast Ohio tradition since 1972. Their imported and domestic cold cuts, ranging from prosciutto to turkey breast, are sliced fresh to order for the highest quality. While you're there, pick up some imported olives and ready-to-eat salads to complement your meal. If you have a larger group, DiStefano's offers party and antipasto trays for a minimum of 10 people. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Native son Jeremy, accompanied by culinary school pals Allie and Kenny, came home to open Larder Delicatessen & Bakery in the historic Ohio City Firehouse building. In their first year, the trio was rewarded with a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. True to its name, Larder stocks a sizable variety of meats, cheeses, and other groceries to fill your picnic basket. Save time by purchasing one of Larder's traditional or vegetarian charcuterie boards. Larder is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Gust Gallucci Company
6610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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The namesake of the Gust Gallucci Company arrived in Cleveland from Faeto, Italy during the early 1900s and found a number of fellow transplants longing for food from their native land. Gust's first "shop" was a large wooden cart, and succeeding locations grew to accommodate the booming business. The Gallucci family still operates the store with its fine selection of deli meats, gourmet cheeses, and Italian and Hungarian specialty items. Hours are 8 a.m - 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.
CHEESE SHOPS
Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.
4138 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
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How good are the products from Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.? Brides have actually ordered "wedding cakes" made with their cheese wheels. Old Brooklyn makes their own cheeses using non-GMO-certified cow's milk aged for at least 90 days. Their pickled and beer-infused whole mustards were developed for use in-house, but they proved to be so popular that Old Brooklyn began selling them at retail. With 48 hours' notice, Old Brooklyn will prepare one of their specialty charcuterie boards or create one customized to your request. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Grandpa's Cheesebarn
668 U.S. Hwy. 250 E., Ashland, OH 44805
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How could you resist a name like Grandpa's Cheesebarn? There really was a Grandpa Baum, and the third generation of his family recently entered the business to carry on his tradition. Product selection includes local and imported, smoked and grilling cheeses along with homemade cheese spreads and cheese curds. Grandpa's beef jerky, beef sticks, and summer sausage pair nicely with the cheeses. In 2018, granddaughter Misty Ankerman opened Best of Grandpa's Cheesebarn at 3916 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. in Norton. The original location is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Hours at Best of Grandpa's are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Shisler's Cheese House
55 Kidron Rd., Orrville, OH 44667
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Yes, Shisler's Cheese House is literally a house. John Shisler opened his modestly charming shop in 1958 for the purpose of showcasing local cheeses and gourmet foods to the community and passers-by on the Lincoln Highway. Its success led to the opening of a second location at 1275 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. in Copley as well as a thriving business shipping products around the world. The third generation of Shislers now runs the shops with the same emphasis on customer service pioneered by their grandfather. Shisler's Orrville location is open daily from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. except Sunday, when doors open at 9 a.m., while the Copley location's hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.
PRODUCE MARKETS
West Side Market
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Originally opened in 1912, West Side Market is such an institution that it's a popular tourist attraction featured on Travel Channel and Food Network. The market is home to more than 100 vendors selling every food item imaginable, from meats and seafood to spices and nuts. With more than a dozen produce vendors on hand, you'll find the widest assortment of fruits and vegetables direct from the field. While you're there, pick up some crusty breads and other fresh baked goods for your picnic basket. West Side Market is open 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and now 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday as well.
Ziggy's Produce & Farm Market
4641 Broadview Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
If you're looking for a slick, modern "food shoppe," Ziggy's Produce & Farm Market isn't the place for you. But if you want a modest, family-run store where the focus is on high-quality produce, this is it. Butternut squash, watermelon, apples and other fruits and vegetables come fresh from local Amish growers. Have a sweet tooth? Slip some of Ziggy's imported chocolates and candy into your order. Customers especially appreciate the friendly, helpful service from Ziggy's staff. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Sunday, when Ziggy's closes at 4 p.m.
WINE SHOPS
The Wine Spot
2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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Owners of The Wine Spot aim to be more than just a purveyor of the finest brands of red and white. Their goal is to be a valued Cleveland Heights neighbor as a gathering place and resource for the local community. The Wine Shop is housed in the former Seitz-Agin Hardware, whose sign is still lovingly displayed above the coolers, and the store serves as the student-run gallery of Cleveland Institute of Art. Store hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Little Birdie Wine Nest
6060 Broadview Rd., Parma, OH 44134
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Named Best Wine Shop on Cleveland Hot List, The Little Birdie Wine Nest is one of a trio of businesses that grew out of owner Robin's passions. The Little Birdie is joined by The Morning Owl Coffee Bar and The Balancing Flamingo Yoga Lounge. Robin is a professional sommelier who uses her extensive knowledge to curate the shop's selection of more than 1,000 wines from around the world. Still can't find the right wine? Special orders are cheerfully accepted. The Little Birdie is open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
A Loaf of Bread, a Jug of Wine, and Thou
What's your favorite picnic spot around Northeast Ohio? Don't worry, we won't tell!
10
Northeast Ohio: How to Spend 24 Hours in Hartville
Hartville is a historic village that's home to approximately 3,000 people, and each year this charming spot draws upwards of two million visitors. Explore the delights Hartville has to offer with this look at how to spend a fun 24 hours in this popular community.
WHERE TO STAY
Quail's Covey Bed & Breakfast
3631 Swamp St. NE, Hartville, OH 44832
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Visit Quail's Covey Bed & Breakfast and you'll truly enjoy the comforts of home. The stunning Tudor-style house features a comfy great room and cozy sunroom where you can read, play games or simply relax. Stroll the peaceful grounds and view the gardens, waterfall, koi pond, and bass-filled lake with swans Gracie and George. Fall asleep to the sounds of waterfalls and wildlife, then wake to the scent of Charlotte's homemade apple dumplings. Call 330.312.0083 for reservations.
Comfort Suites Hartville-North Canton
953 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Visiting Hartville became even more convenient with the opening of Comfort Suites Hartville-North Canton, the first hotel of any kind in the area. Pet-friendly Comfort Suites is within walking distance of the famous Marketplace & Flea Market, hardware store, and other Hartville attractions. Hotel amenities include free WiFi and hot breakfast, flat-screen TVs, fitness center, heated pool, and hot tub. Call 330.587.4347 for reservations.
WHERE TO SHOP
Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Recognized as one of the top 20 flea markets in the United States, family-owned Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2019. The 12-acre grounds, largest in the country, accommodate 1,000 vendors displaying everything from antiques to collectibles to fresh produce. There's also a full calendar of events such as specialty markets, craft workshops, and movie nights. Weather isn't cooperating? No problem! Spend the day browsing the three-acre indoor marketplace, which includes dozens of vendors along with Sarah's Market Fresh Grill and The Coffee Mill. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The Shops at Hartville Kitchen
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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From jewelry by Alex and Ani and Pandora, to bags from Vera Bradley and Brighton, The Shops at Hartville Kitchen have something for everyone. Shop for gifts or treat yourself to figurines by Swarovski, shoes by Crocs, or apparel from Life is Good. Don't forget to browse the Children's Shoppe for toys, clothing, and other essentials. The Shops at Hartville Kitchen is open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday.
Hartville Hardware & Lumber
1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH, 44632
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Hardware stores may not be on the must-see list in other cities, but Hartville Hardware & Lumber is on a level of its own. Founded in 1947 as a general farm store, Hartville Hardware has grown to become the largest independent hardware store in the country. With nearly seven acres under its roof, the store includes unique features such as Idea House, a complete 1,850-square-foot showcase home, and the Row House, a facade of various architectural styles. Check out the Farm and Pet area, which features a section of the original livestock auction barn from Hartville Hardware's humble beginnings. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday.
Best Bib and Tucker
127 Mill St. SE, Hartville, OH 44632
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Tired of looking at the same things in national clothing store chains? It's easy to put together a one-of-a-kind wardrobe at Best Bib and Tucker. Mother-and-daughter team Barb and Megan Wise's stylish boutique combines high-fashion consignment items with a carefully curated selection of jewelry, handbags, and accessories from their buying trips to Chicago. Sign up for the BBT newsletter and get birthday discounts, secret sales, and other perks. Hours are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
WHERE TO EAT
Peace, Love & Little Donuts
115 S. Prospect Ave., Hartville, OH 44632
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Peace, Love & Little Donuts is the result of a fortunate mistake made by founders Ron and Marci when their used fryer produced tennis ball-sized cakes. By the time the couple realized they had simply assembled the machine incorrectly, they had a hit on their hands. The range of creative flavors, including salted caramel macchiato, Fruity Pebbles, and Robert Brulee, is enough to make Homer Simpson's head spin. Phone ahead and your order will be ready for pickup when you arrive. Hours are 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday.
Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
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Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery is part of the same family-owned group operating Hartville Hardware, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market and Hartville Collectibles. After more than 50 years, Hartville Kitchen is still serving tasty homemade meals created from the recipes handed down by grandma Soloma Miller. The menu features comfort food classics such as hot roast beef sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, and breaded pork chops. Don't leave without pastries, pie, or breads from the onsite bakery. Plan a special night out at one of Hartville Kitchen's dinner shows featuring comedians, musical actsm and tribute bands. Hartville Kitchen is open 11 p.m. - 8 p.m. every day but Wednesday and Sunday.
Carlo's Trattoria
733 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632
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Italian restaurants are appropriate for every occasion from a family dinner to a romantic date night for two. In fact, true love led to the opening of Carlo's Trattoria when the restaurant's namesake met his future wife on a cruise ship and followed her back to her hometown of Hartville. Carlo's signature dish is the plate-sized stromboli, a turnover-style sandwich loaded with cheese, sauce, and fillings. Other customer favorites include chicken Parmigiano and lasagna. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE TO ENJOY NATURE
Quail Hollow Park
13480 Congress Lake Ave. NE, Hartville, OH 44632
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When you want to spend some quiet time away from it all, you're just minutes from scenic Quail Hollow Park. Explore the 700 acres of meadows, marshes, and woods on foot, horseback, or mountain bike or try your luck fishing in Shady Lane Pond. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. The nature center is open weekends for live animal exhibits and interactive educational programs. Cross-country skiing, skating, and sledding are available Saturdays and Sundays during winter for a minimal fee. Quail Hollow Park is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
The 'Hart' of Ohio
Which activities in Hartville will capture your fancy?
26
LoLo Gifts for June: Plan a Visit to These Small Businesses
It's summertime and the livin' is easy, especially when enjoying free gifts from top local vendors. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts are excited to present this month's special treats.
Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are rich in restaurants, shops, and services that make an area a great place to live. Our agents at Cutler Real Estate have teamed up with LoLo Gifts to offer this monthly program showcasing the best local businesses.
June Gifts:
Cincinnati: Wrap, Juice or Smoothie
Canton: Small Drink Combo
Healthalicious
32 Erie St. S., Massillon, OH 44646
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Want a quick and satisfying meal on the go? Pick up a tasty meal replacement shake from Healthalicious. Choose from dozens of mouthwatering flavors such as cherry cordial, banana nut muffin, and Fruity Pebbles.
About Healthalicious
You'll have a whole new concept of nutrition after a visit to Healthalicious. The smoothie and juice bar offers an incredible variety of meal replacement shakes, energy drinks, and herbal teas. With more than 100 flavors to choose from, you'll find something to fit any mood or cravings.
Contact and Hours
330.556.4523
Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cincinnati: Wrap, Juice, or Smoothie
Total Juice +
631 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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During summer, higher temperatures and more activity often lead to lighter eating. Stay nourished and refreshed with a wrap, fresh-squeezed juice, or smoothie from Total Juice +.
About Total Juice +
For more than 20 years, family-run Total Juice + has been committed to educating the community about healthy eating. Located in downtown Cincinnati, the quick-service shop provides convenience without sacrificing quality. The menu of wraps includes vegetarian options, while juices are fresh-squeezed to order and smoothies include natural fruit with no syrup added.
Contact and Hours
513.784.1666
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Akron: Gourmet Hot Dog
Stray Dog Cafe
75 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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Who says hot dogs are just for baseball games? Stop in at the charmingly-named Stray Dog Cafe for a gourmet grilled dog (beef, turkey, or veggie) dressed up with your choice of toppings and condiments.
About Stray Dog Cafe
Since 2009, Stray Dog Cafe has been on a self-proclaimed mission to "make Akron more Akrony." Originally operated as a street cart, the business moved into a brick-and-mortar spot connected to the Main Library in October 2017. Not a fan of hot dogs? Go with a panini, hot sandwich, wrap, or one of the all-day breakfast items. A wrap with a bottle of water and chips or fruit for $5 is one "Doggie Bag" you'll be happy to carry out.
Contact and Hours
330.594.5392
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Columbus: Board Game Rental
Tabletop Game Café
4316 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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When it comes to games, everyone's a kid at heart. Indulge your competitive spirit with a free board game rental at Tabletop Game Café. Choose from a wide range of titles for adults, kids, casual fans, and serious gamers.
About Tabletop Game Café
At Tabletop Game Café, Life is literally a game. The shop stocks an incredible selection of classic and new board games, including recent release Half Truth, co-designed by legendary trivia champion Ken Jennings. Games can be rented by the week, and a $19 monthly membership lets you take two games at a time. If you stay and play from the collection of free games, keep up your energy with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks from the café menu. Please note that social distancing measures are being observed, including mandatory use of face masks.
Contact and Hours
614.725.0328
Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday Noon - 10 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.
Love Freebies?
So what does it cost to enroll in LoLo Gifts? Absolutely nothing! Cutler Real Estate offers the complimentary program as a way to connect area residents with local small businesses.
Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started with your free LoLo Gifts.
19
Don't Curse the Wind ... Adjust Your Sails
Cutler Real Estate's own Dominic Fonte shared his insight in a recent REAL Pros 20 Minute Webinar Series by REAL Trends discussing today's ever-evolving real estate environment.
Fonte was joined by REAL Trends Vice President Scott Wright, William Coin of Beverly-Hanks REALTORS®, and Wendy Moore of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties in an effort to highlight how successful agents are adjusting to the current business climate.
REAL Trends provides brokerage services such as consulting, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and business planning. Brokerages and agents alike look to REAL Trends as a source for news, analysis, and information on the residential brokerage industry. The weekly Trendsetters Agent Panel is just one more way REAL Trends is helping those in the industry move their businesses forward.
Importance of Video
Wright asked how agents like Fonte have stayed connected to clients through the COVID-19 health crisis. Fonte said he continues to have success with email videos as a means of keeping in touch with clients, even if they don't plan to buy or sell a home right now.
"Video's huge," he said. "I think when people have a traumatic experience like 9/11, or 2008, or the Gulf War, or what's happening now, it's not our normal lifestyle, and everyone's freaked out … but the old-timers we keep plugging away.
"How I stay connected is instead of doing email, I do email videos, and I make sure I'm reaching out to them," he continues. "Not necessarily if they want to buy or sell, although if they want to of course we'll help them do that. But just educating them, seeing how they're doing, see how their families are, are they getting their yard work done. Just to try to be there and just provide what's really happening from our perspective if they are in the market, how do they do that in a safe manner."
Preparing for a Rebound
With the country beginning to open up again following the shutdown in many states, Wright asked how agents are preparing for a rebound in the market. For Fonte, it's a matter of top-of-mind awareness and reassuring buyers and sellers.
"It's just a matter of educating people like how we're doing showings," Fonte explained. "If you're not willing to want to go out, we understand that, but if you do have to go out—say your mom has to go in a nursing home and you have to sell her home, how do you do that in a safe manner? Or if you're relocating out of state because you have to take another job. They can't wait for the coronavirus.
"I try to reassure them that if you are in a position where you have to do something, I'm here for you," he continues, "and here are the three or four things we're doing as far as protections, not overlapping showings, and how we also do the virtual walk-through."
Consistent Communication
While no one can be totally prepared for an event such as a global health pandemic, seasoned agents know what it takes to keep their businesses moving forward. For Fonte, that means consistently staying in touch with the database of customers.
"You want to make sure you don't just have a real estate experience with them and forget them," he explains. "You want them on a plan, an action plan, a workflow. I find the quickest way to do it is by video because I can blast out 80 short videos in an hour or so because you're not really stuck on the phone. Then if it's an older person or if it's someone who doesn't use email, you can use texting, and you can also make a phone call. Many times, people don't answer live, you can just leave them something short and sweet and compelling, to let them know you're thinking of them."
Wright also asked how each agent has, and continues to deal with, the stress of the health crisis, and Fonte was quick to point out that adapting is the best way to approach such an event.
"We have great bike trails and walking trails," he said. "I have a hybrid bike so I can go 15 miles and then on the way back, I can cheat a little bit. I'm all about nature, birds singing, and having a little bit of fun.
"So, it just helps you recharge your batteries and remember, all this hard work we do, what's it's really about?" he concludes. "I'm not cursing the wind, I'm adjusting my sails."
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