Some dogs are destined to be stars. Just ask Jason and Pam Sommer, owners of Boscoe’s Place in Covington, Ohio. Boscoe’s Place is named in memory of the couple's longtime canine companion, a delightful little pup who was very special to them. Today, this small-town restaurant in Ohio is known for its friendly service and delicious food, warmly welcoming guests in a way its namesake would have appreciated.
If there's anything more All-American than a burger and fries, it's a dog. Man's best friend, dogs are a quintessential part of life for us here in the US of A, with some 65.1 million of us proud pup owners!
So an All-American restaurant in the middle of small-town USA that's not only named after a playful pup, but celebrates all things dogs? It doesn't get more iconic than that.
Welcome to Boscoe's Place, a local hub in Covington, Ohio, serving up delicious craft pizzas, burgers, appetizers, salads, beer, and mixed drinks. It's your classic eatery serving up your classic American fare... but there's more to this restaurant than simply delicious food and great company.
This dog was very special to the couple, who sought out to not only create a warm and welcoming restaurant, but a warm and welcoming restaurant that made folks feel loved and cared in the way that Boscoe did -- in the special way that dogs just can.
To that end, Boscoe's welcomes four-legged friends to join their pawrents as they dine at the outdoor patio -- it's dog friendly and open regular hours as long as it’s not raining.
In fact, it's not just diners who dig dogs at Boscoe's. Everyone loves dogs at Boscoe's -- it's kind of a restaurant requirement. In addition to regular paw-trons on the patio, you might even see your server snuggling one of Boscoe's furry friends, too. Aww.
With so many wineries in Ohio, it's hard to choose which ones to visit! While you can never go wrong with a trip to Ohio's wine country, I want to take you on a virtual visit to a hidden gem that's off the beaten path. It's one of my favorite wineries in Ohio, and it has it all — gorgeous views, affordable bottles, and goats. Yes, you read that right... this winery has goats, and they're a highlight of each and every visit. You're going to love The Winery at Wolf Creek. If you're not local to the Barberton area, you might consider booking a stay in the area, because visits to this quaint winery are well worth the road trip.
advertisement
Located off the beaten path in a rural stretch of Barberton, Ohio, The Winery at Wolf Creek is a true treat to visit.
Nikki Rhoades
While the Tasting Room is open daily, I prefer to grab a flight or a bottle and head outside. The views are absolutely spectacular! The dining area is located at the top of a hill that stretches down to the Barberton Reservoir, and it's dotted with trees and grape vines. See that little playground off to the righthand side of the picture above? It's not for kids, believe it or not. Well, I suppose it is for kids, but not the kind you're thinking of. That's where the goats live. You can buy snacks inside at the counter to feed them, and I highly recommend doing so. They don't particularly want to interact with you unless you have food to share, which is totally understandable and relatable.
This charming winery got its start in 1980, and the very first grapes planted here were Cayuga White, Seyval, Vignoles, Dechaunac, Chancellor, Leon Millot, and Vidal varietals. The winery has since expanded, and it's built a brand based on fun names and big flavors. Enjoy a glass of Blind Faith, Sweet Revenge, or Original Sin... Whatever you choose, it's bound to be delicious.
ana LOCCI/500px via Getty Images
Like many local wineries, The Winery at Wolf Creek uses estate-grown grapes, local fruits, and imported grapes to make their wines. Ohio's climate and soil type produces excellent and flavorful wines, and our latitude is similar to that of Europe's famous wine regions. As such a promising agricultural region, you can expect locally-produced wine to be delicious.
Unlike many Ohio wineries, however, visits to The Winery at Wolf Creek won't break the bank. Most of their bottles are offered for under $20, and I highly recommend getting a few bottles for your group to share. It's a great way to sample local wine and bond with friends. While the winery does offer a few small snacks, it's a bring-your-own-food destination. Bring a picnic with your favorite snacks, order a pizza, or opt for the on-site refreshments... whatever you do, just make sure it pairs well with wine!
The setup of this winery makes it a family-friendly outing. Kids can easily set up a blanket and play while their parents socialize, and Yappy Hour Tuesdays are the perfect time to bring your pup for a picnic. If you do decide to bring your pup, just make sure they don't get too close or bother the goats. This is their home, and while they're used to guests, they're not used to being bullied.
Hanneke Vollbehr/Moment via Getty Images
If you want to keep The Winery at Wolf Creek on your radar, be sure to connect with them on Facebook. It's a great way to keep a pulse on special events like concerts, food trucks, and the annual Goat Derby. (If you haven't noticed, the goats are kind of the stars of the whole experience. You're going to love them!)
While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by Barberton's bottomless lake. While it isn't actually bottomless, there's some fascinating lore surrounding this beautiful glacial kettle lake.
One of the most magical things about Ohio dining is the superabundance of local farmers. This means that farm-to-table restaurants can easily ensure the freshest ingredients possible, and diners can enjoy an experience they won't soon forget. Today, we're going to take a road trip to the scenic countryside of Medina County, where The Tilted Farmer is serving up deliciousness on a stretch of country road between two cities. This rustic yet modern eatery is a newcomer on the local dining scene, but it's already got locals talking. If you're visiting from beyond Northeast Ohio, you might consider booking a hotel... there's so much to explore in this area.
Medina County is located just south of Cuyahoga County, barely beyond the Cleveland Metropolitan area yet boasting a distinct vibe. With nearly 200,000 residents spread across 423 square miles, this area isn't quite rural, but many of its communities are small with wide, open, and undeveloped natural areas. To help visualize its historic roots, Louisa May Alcott's uncle owned a house here... I like to imagine Little Women was written in part in the area, though that's more than a longshot.
To get to The Tilted Farmer, you'll likely pass through Medina Square, as one of its main roads turns into Wooster Pike. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the historic area! With gorgeous architecture, mom and pop shops galore, and frequent farmers markets and events, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. The Farmers Exchange is a great way to sample what local growers and producers are up to before you even arrive at the restaurant!
Heading south from the Square, you'll start making your way toward Seville, Ohio. This community also has historic roots, but it has a much more storied past. This area was once home to the Bates family, two giants who found love and craved a quiet life. Martin Van Buren Bates was nearly eight feet tall, and his wife, Anna Bates (née Swan), was just one inch below eight feet. The pair charmed everyone they met, and Queen Victoria even gifted them a wedding present. The Tilted Farmer is right between Medina and Seville, so if you're itching to discover some history, keep heading south to see their historic home and final resting places.
I'm a sucker for cauliflower wings, and these guys genuinely served some of the best I've had in Ohio. Deliciously crispy and served with a side of homemade ranch, they're an easy start to any meal. Honestly, though, any of the apps are a great way to connect with the core of The Tilted Farmer's philosophy: commitment to fresh, high-quality food. The restaurant takes a farm-to-table approach, partnering with local farmers and producers whenever possible. Local ingredients mean that every dish served is brimming with seasonal flavors, supporting the area's agricultural community and giving you a dish you won't forget. Whatever apps you decide, you'll have to promise me you'll try the cheese curds. Holy cow, were those good. They tasted like fair food without the tummy ache of fair food.
When it comes to entrees, they've got your traditional gastropub offerings. Burgers, pastas, wood-fired flatbread pizzas... you name it! If you're stumped on what to choose, don't hesitate to ask the servers for their recommendations. The staff is friendly and passionate about the flavors they serve.
If you've brought a designated driver along, you'll also love their tap wall and selection of local brews and wines. With an ever-rotating selection that showcases local breweries and small-batch wineries, the tap wall allows patrons to sample a wide variety of beverages, giving them a true taste of Ohio's rich brewing and winemaking scene. It's one more layer of local support, in a nutshell, so don't be afraid to get your sample on!
If you plan your visit accordingly, you might also be able to enjoy one of their live events. Live music is weather-permitting, and you'll want to bring a lawn chair. Despite its rural location, the restaurant feels like a cozy home away from home. The rustic décor, complete with wooden accents, warm lighting, and old farming tools, invites guests to settle in for a comfortable and laid-back dining experience. You'll love the vibe whether you're listening to music outside or digging into dinner at a table.
The restaurant is open for dinner daily, and it also has lunch hours on Sundays. Swing by, bring your appetite, and don't forget to explore all that Medina County has to offer. With gorgeous parks and friendly small towns, you'll love this little corner of Ohio.
Want to take a hike before your meal? A visit to Lake Medina is an easy addition to the trip, and it's right off the highway!
