Month: November 2023

8 Winter Activites for Ohio Families

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OHIO WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Thanksgiving Break has passed and kids are on the downhill slope before Winter Break. Are you wondering what kind of opportunities Ohio has to offer to make this winter special for you and your family? Look no further than this list of Ohio winter activities for your family!

 

Mad River Mountain; Zanesfield, OH

“Located in Central Ohio, Mad River Mtn is Ohio’s largest ski resort and the perfect place to learn to ski.”

“Explore our expansive terrain offering, enjoy The Loft Music Series & après, indulge in a Buckeye S’more (free on Sundays!), or visit our family-friend bubly Tubing Park. Your winter staycation starts here, at Mad River Mtn.”

Learn more: https://www.skimadriver.com/ 

 

Woodland Lights; Dayton, OH

“Woodland Lights offers a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along the half-mile paved path. The month-long festival has more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors each year.”

Learn More: https://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/woodland_lights/about_woodland_lights 

 

A Christmas Story House; Cleveland, OH

“A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours and overnight stays. Directly across the street from the House is A Christmas Story Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving the movie at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. You can even shop through our online gift shop here. Proceeds from the gift shop and overnight stays help support and maintain A Christmas Story House & Museum”

Learn More: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/ 

 

The Christmas Ranch; Morrow, OH

“Christmas is about making memories, and The Christmas Ranch is the perfect place to add that special touch to your holiday season. The lights, the music and the bonfires combine to create a place that is fun for every member of your family. But there is so much more to see and do! We have created a special place for Christmas celebrations in Morrow, Ohio. When you visit us, make sure you take some time to enjoy everything we have to offer! Visit our Christmas shops for gifts, decorations and mementos that you will treasure and pass down through your family! Watch your children’s eyes light up as they take in the lights, and tell Santa what they want for Christmas this year. Enjoy a treat made especially for you by Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Bakery and Cafe! There are so many ways to make this season bright!”

Learn More: https://www.thechristmasranch.com/ 

 

Winter Solstice Hike; Burr Oak State Park

“Join the naturalist for a 1.5-mile hike to enjoy evergreen plants on this shortest day of the year.  Enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies by the fire after the hike.  Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather.”

Learn More: https://ohiodnr.gov/home/news-and-events/all-events/parks-wc-events/SE-Ohio/WinterSolsticeHike-BurrOak-12-21-23 

 

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill; Clifton, OH

“For 36 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Our light display, featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, is one of the country’s finest with over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland which includes a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, a Toy Collection and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge.”

Learn More: https://cliftonmill.com/christmas-lights/ 

 

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights; Delaware, OH

This drive through light display in Delaware, OH allows you to stay in your car and enjoy the magic of Christmas time. During Military Appreciation Week (December 18th – 22nd), all active duty military members and spouses get in free.

Learn more: https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/ 

 

Castle Noel; Medina, OH

“Step into the fantasy world of Mark Klaus, creator of CASTLE NOEL. “America’s Largest Year Round Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction.” Experience 40,000 square feet of amazing installations, as seen on “Entertainment Tonight,” “PBS,” National, SyFy channels: “Profiles in History,” “The Today Show,” “Treasurer Hunters Road Show,” Fox8: “Kenny Crumpton,” WKYC, WOIO, WEWS and many more.”

Learn More: https://castlenoel.com/ 

For more ideas for activities during  the holiday season, visit https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/ohios-guide-to-winter-break-with-the-kids.

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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We’re counting down the days until Thanksgiving, but you might be wondering what you’re going to do with all of that leftover food. Don’t want to eat the same meal ever night for the next week? Luckily you’ve made it to a complete list for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, leftover meals for after the big feast.

 

Breakfast – Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Leftover Stuffing Waffles

Are you wanting to make the stuffing last a little bit longer past Thanksgiving Day? Throw that stuffing batter in the waffle maker, and you’ll have yourself some leftover stuffing waffles! Top your waffles off with mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Get the full recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/leftover-stuffing-waffles-5478358 

 

Lunch – Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Reubens

Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Reubens

Make the perfect lunch sandwich by incorporating your leftover turkey and stuffing. Pair the turkey and stuffing with sauerkraut, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese and you have a classic Reuben sandwich.

Get the full recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/leftover-turkey-and-stuffing-reubens-5478357 

 

Dinner – Giada’s Turkey Bolognese

Giada's Turkey Bolognese

Make an entirely new meal with this Turkey Bolognese! Incorporate shredded turkey with a classic bolognese sauce. 

Get the full recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-bolognese-recipe-1944775c 

 

Bite Size Snack – Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto

Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto

Looking for an easy recipe that will create a yummy snack for you and your family? Check out these deep-fried stuffing bites that are served with cranberry pesto.

Check out the recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/second-day-fried-stuffing-bites-with-cranberry-sauce-pesto-recipe-2013854 

Listed adapted from The Food Network. For more recipes, visit https://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/leftovers/best-thanksgiving-leftover-recipes

6 Activities for Ohio Families During Thanksgiving Break

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The end of the year is quickly approaching, but not before the holiday rush! First up, we have Thanksgiving, and you might be looking for fun things to do with your family during the break. Here is a list of activities throughout Ohio for you and your family to enjoy.

 

Columbus Turkey Trot 

November 23rd, 9:00AM

“We are proud to partner with Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio to bring you a fun and rewarding experience that brings together family and friends from across the country. A great Homage designed t-shirt, handsome finisher’s medal, and more.

Participants have their choice of a 5 mile or 2.5 mile course, plus a special “Dick’s Tot Trot” for kids 9 and under. Those who wish to participate remotely can also register through our virtual option. Bring a camera and a smile and we look forward to seeing you Thanksgiving morning!”

Learn more: https://www.columbusturkeytrot.com/ 

 

Tobogganing – Cleveland Metroparks

Opening November 24th

“The 2023-2024 Toboggan Season is scheduled to open Friday November 24, 2023. Reservations will begin Friday November 17 at Noon. Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Parkway Strongsville, OH 44136, located on Valley Parkway between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville (a short distance from both I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike). The twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes operate with or without snow through late February, weather permitting.”

Learn more: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/activities/activity-types/tobogganing

 

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

November 17-January 7  |  Sunday-Thursday: 5:00PM-9:00PM  |  Friday-Saturday: 5:00PM-10:00PM

“The yuletide season comes alive as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Wildlights! This holiday event features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and other holiday festivities that can only be found at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 

Admission to Wildlights is included with your Zoo admission or with your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership.”

Learn more: https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmNeqBhD4ARIsADsYfTfugNldwJv05jiCijg2tFOPEmBwwm95JBWnhrSEHkchek-1AwaH9cUaAiBBEALw_wcB 

 

Cleveland Pops Orchestra Concert: Holiday Cheer!

November 26 2:00PM-4:00PM

 “Get in the holiday spirit with the Cleveland Pops and Pops Chorus! Listen to your favorite tunes, join in the sing-along and enjoy the famous Dancing Santas. Don’t forget to stop by the lobby to visit Santa Claus and adoptable puppies and kittens from area shelters plus more holiday magic!”

Learn more: https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/cleveland-pops-orchestra-concert-holiday-cheer! 

 

Portsmouth Winterfest

November 17-December 31, 2023

“Open skating will be from Thursday to Sunday. Private Parties on Monday to Wednesday (click here to email for more info on party bookings). Ice hockey school is from Monday to Wednesday. Vendor booths and food trucks on weekends. FOP Christmas Store. Merchant Saturdays featuring 20 to 30 booths leading up to Christmas setup on National Church Residences Square. Choirs and bands on Sunday afternoons. Vehicle props and Manger Scene. Downtown lights on 2nd and Market Streets. Old-time trucks at 2nd and Courts streets. Grinch hut with hot chocolate, coffee, sweets, and s’mores. Jingle Bell 5k run/walk. Character Saturdays in December at the ice rink. Visit Winterfest and create memories. Click the links above for more information.”

Learn more: https://www.ohiotraveler.com/portsmouth-winterfest/ 

 

Dayton Holiday Festival

November 24th

“Dayton Holiday Festival in Dayton, Ohio:  The holiday season is everyone’s favorite time of year! With family, food, and entertainment, what’s not to love? Throw in some gingerbread homes, carriage rides, a holiday village, and one of the largest tree lighting ceremonies in the region and that’s only a taste of what the Dayton Holiday Festival has to offer! The Dayton Holiday Festival was started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering so that everyone in the community, regardless of their economic means, could enjoy the holiday season. And today, it still offers most activities to all for free. The festival has since expanded to include carnival and horse drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts in the Holiday Village and Gingerbread homes on display in the Old Courthouse! The fun doesn’t end there! The tree lighting will occur on Courthouse Square at 7:45pm and the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular and Lights will immediately follow. All this and much more at the Holiday Festival in downtown Dayton. Other activities are featured throughout December.”

Learn more: https://www.ohiotraveler.com/dayton-holiday-festival/ 

 

A Crock Pot Recipe to Keep You Warm this Fall – Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

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The weather is getting cooler and the days are shorter. Use this easy and cost efficient lasagna soup recipe to keep you and your family warm this fall!

Close up image of Lasagna Soup in a black bowl with a side of bread.

Ingredients:

  • Ground Beef
  • Onion 
  • Red Bell Pepper 
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes 
  • Crushed Tomatoes 
  • Minced Garlic
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Beef Broth (use chicken broth, if you prefer)
  • Gluten Free Rotini Pasta
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Mozzarella Cheese 
  • Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

  1. Brown your ground beef by your preferred method. Drain the excess grease.
  2. Place your ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning and beef broth in the crock pot.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Cover and cook on a medium high heat setting for 20-40 minutes until the noodles are cooked through to a tenderness you prefer.
  5. When serving your gluten free lasagna soup, top it off with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, and a handful of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  6. Enjoy your yummy meal!

It isn’t necessary to cook the pasta before adding it to the sauce, as it will cook in the sauce. You can freeze the gluten free lasagna soup and reheat it for some delicious leftovers. 

Adapted from Eating on a Dime

Events and Celebrations for National Veterans and Military Families Month

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November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. During this month we recognize and pay homage to the sacrifices and services of our nation’s veterans and military families.

Throughout November there are many events and celebrations across the state of Ohio for veterans and military families. Continue reading to learn more about the events offered for National Veterans and Military Families Month.

 

Veterans Day Ride – Akron, OH

November 7

“Join us for a heartfelt appreciation of duty and service! Depart from the Akron Depot and embark on a memorable 90 minute excursion. As you journey through the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park, spanning 26 miles of track, take in the beauty of nature while honoring those who have bravely served our nation. This special train ride is exclusively for veterans and up to three family members, and it’s absolutely free!”

Learn More: https://www.cvsr.org/national-park-scenic-3/ 

 

USO Wright-Patt Coffee Connections-Playdate Edition – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Center

Nov 8, 2023 10:00 am

“Military spouses are encouraged to gather at the USO to hang out with other mil spouses, meet new friends, enjoy coffee and tasty treats! Children welcome, but not required! 10am-12pm Wednesday, 8 Nov, USO Wright-Patterson.”

Learn More: https://ohio.uso.org/events/313 

 

Veterans Day Event & Expo – Canton, OH

Nov 11, 2023, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 

“The day will include:

  • Free admission to all U.S. Service Members, National Guard members and Veterans plus one (1) guest.
  • Free admission for Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families.
  • A free commemorative Veterans Day pin, while supplies last.
  • 20% discount at the Hall of Fame Store.
  • The Hall will also present a Veterans Day Expo from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. featuring Veteran-based services and organizations.

A special giveaway of a Salute to Service helmet will be raffled off. Guests will receive a checklist at the point of entry — every booth must be visited to enter the raffle.”

Learn More: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/62062/ 

 

Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum – Columbus, OH

Sat. Nov 11, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 

“Join us to honor and celebrate the selfless service of millions of Veterans who have defended our freedoms and way of life during our annual Veterans Day Ceremony.”

Learn More: https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/61777/ 

 

Veterans Day Ceremony – Beavercreek, OH

Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:00 p.m.

“Every year, the City of Beavercreek hosts a special Veterans Day Ceremony to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.”

Learn More: https://www.beavercreekohio.gov/810/Veterans-Day-Ceremony 

 

USO Ohio Dandelion Club Virtual Book Club – “Otto Tales – Today is Thanksgiving” – Virtual

Nov 18th, 2023 11:00 am

“Join us for the USO Military Child Youth Dandelion Club Book Club – Virtual -Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11 am. This month’s book is “Otto’s Tales – Today is Thanksgiving” by Prager U. This program is for Military Kids (dependents) of currently serving (active, guard and reserve) military members. Please contact tkarabanovs@uso.org with any questions”

Learn More: https://ohio.uso.org/events/305 

 

For more events and celebrations, visit:

https://news.va.gov/125526/find-your-veterans-day-events/ 

https://ohio.uso.org/events