Long ago, in a bit of a holiday funk, I wrote what I thought was an obviously cranky piece about "Food & Shopping." Surprise, surprise--turns out it was, and continues to be, one of the most often-read of all my articles at Suite101. Well, I can take a hint. In the interest of giving readers what they want, here's another bit on...oh, you know.
Hey wait! Before you run off (to eat or shop, or both), I've got a proposition for you: I'll update this page several times a year if you'll send me your suggestions and additions (use my Suite101 e-mail address or start a discussion on this article).
Now...have at it! ~ Diane
Food
If you're not sure what you want to eat, and you're willing to drive all over the state to find something to suit you, go to the Ohio pages at "Virtual Tourist" site for personal restaurant reviews by about 40 travellers. http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/520/2/ It's hard to search, but there are some nuggets worth digging for. A description of the mushroom soup at Palomino Bistro in Cincinnati, for example, made my mouth water. Another reviewer offered a nice, nostalgic comment on an oldie-but-goodie: Buns Restaurant in Delaware.
You can save money at restaurants in the Northwest corner of state with coupons from http://www.ohiocoupons.com/ohcateg_resta... and if you're really looking for a deal, click over to http://www.ohiobizbrokers.com/ohio_resta... where you can find a whole restaurant for sale. Then, you can make whatever you want.
Shopping
Again, we start with the unfocused--those who aren't offended to be called "recreational shoppers." Visit http://www.ohio.worldweb.com/Shopping/ to plan your next shopping adventure. More focused types will prefer the approach taken at the Ohio Tourism site http://www.ohiotourism.com/discover/shop... which allows visitors to select shopping-specific tours in antiques, handicrafts, pottery & glass, wineries, and more.
Finally, if you like shopping from your pc, here's a smart spot: http://www.ohiotaxpayers.com/generic.htm... Begun by the Ohio Taxpayers Association (OTA) in 1992, the concept is beautiful: Start your shopping here, clicking on links to Ohio merchants and national ones (yes, Amazon has a link here) and the merchant will make a contribution to the OTA, presumably, helping keep Ohio taxes down. How's it working? I have no idea, but hey, it's as worthy an idea as any.
Now, in the interest of total disclosure, I must admit I'm not a recreational shopper. If I can buy it online or order it over the phone, I'm happy. I'll save my gas and time for something else (road trip to the zoo, anyone?). So, if you're like me, take a virtual trip over to the Suite101 "Co-op" whenever you need to shop. Chances are good you'll find something to meet your needs there. The Co-op has links to Amazon and its many affiliated vendors, to my favorite online sporting goods store REI, and special deals on stuff ranging from fresh flowers to Dell notebook computers to Oprah's book picks. That's my kind of shopping! But now, back to the subject at hand...
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