Findlay Market: It’s Historic and Happening

Historic Findlay Market is, in my opinion, one of the coolest destinations for local food and artisan products! Right in the heart of Cincinnati, Findlay Market is this beautiful balance of old and new. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the market houses original vendors along with a growing number of new restaurants and businesses.  It’s absolutely one of my favorite spots in the entire city!

Findlay Market is the oldest continually running outdoor market in Ohio. It first opened in 1855 in the predominately German neighborhood of OTR. While quite a bit has changed over the years, it still has some of the original architectural details like the iron frame. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, Findlay is still very much alive and active.

For many years, Findlay has been the place to get all kinds of meat, spices, cheese, pickles, and fresh produce. It still is. Over time, more merchants opened! I found it interesting that some of the original vendors opened out of a longing for the taste of home. For example, Dean’s Meditteranean Imports, which happens to make our hands-down-most-favorite hummus, opened because Dean grew up in Lebanon and wanted access to some of the same foods and spices of home right here in Cincinnati.

Findlay has again been growing, both in the market and around it, which makes it a hub of activity. There are Artisan shops to buy things like pottery, purses, jewelry, fine teas, plants, and flowers. I don’t know why, but I just love seeing people walk around with fresh-cut flowers. It feels so urban! It’s like I’m living in New York City hitting up the local bodega. Shopping at Findlay makes this small-town girl feel cooler than she probably is!

Findlay Market is also a place to taste the flavors of the world. There are too many good places to name. Some of my favorites include Mashed Roots (Puerto Rican), The Arepa Place (Columbian), Mama Lo Hizo (Mexican), and Flavors of the Isle (Jamaican). You can find these foods both inside the market and lining the outside. I recommend trying a few different places and sharing!

Recently, the areas just outside of the market have been developing with everything from new restaurants to coffee shops; from pet spas to bakeries. You can find places like Goose and Elder, a Chef Salazar restaurant focusing on American comfort food, and Bee Haven, a shop featuring local honey, lip balms, lotions, and candles. There is a brand new Korean place, Kanji, that I have my eyes (and stomach) set on.

On the weekends there is often live music and other special events. Be sure to check out their calendar. If you’re worried about parking, there are a couple of lots on both sides and some street parking. One of the lots is right next to the Samual Adams Taproom! Truly, you could start your morning at the market and just spend the entire day eating, shopping, walking, and drinking.

Findlay Market is just one of the places you need to visit, then visit again. There is a Biergarten supported by local craft brewer Christian Moerlein where you can sit outside and enjoy a beverage (or two)! Maybe grab some delicious Dojo gelato or freshly baked goods. There are so many cool items at Findlay that you will not see anywhere else in the city . . . all in one location.

Tip: If there’s the slightest chance you might buy meat or cheese, bring a cooler bag! In fact, bring one just in case– and a shopping bag!

GO THERE (Findlay Market)! TRY THAT (leisurely shopping and dining)!

Yagoot: Real Frozen Yogurt

It’s funny– I’ve been a huge fan of Yagoot for a few years. The only reason I haven’t written about this cold, creamy addiction before now is that I thought Yagoot was a massive chain with stores across the country. Nope. I just found out Yagoot is a local Cincinnati treat with storefront locations in Rookwood Commons and Deerfield Towne Center.

So what makes Yagoot so good? Well, in my opinion, it’s not only really refreshing, but it’s good for you! It’s full of probiotics and active cultures– just like regular yogurt. Don’t think of the typical super sweet frozen yogurt that is almost the same as soft-serve ice cream. Think tart, tingly, and tasty. It’s bright, cold, and kind of packs a punch (in a really good way)

We have our got-to orders: I get a cup of strawberry or black raspberry yogurt topped with kiwi or Yomance (Strawberry Chocolate Swirls with Dark Chocolate Croquants) and my husband gets the original yogurt topped with granola or Fruity Pebbles. As far as toppings, you can keep it super healthy and add fresh fruit or have some fun and add toppings like Rainbow Mochi, Sprinkles, or Cheesecake Bites. You can also get smoothies, sailors (essentially a float with either orange pop or red pop), pints to go, Acai bowls, and more.

Certain flavors like the original (super tart) and strawberry are always on tap. Other flavors rotate in and out monthly so there are lots of fun options such as white peach, pistachio, mango, blood orange, and pumpkin. My fave= caramelized pineapple . . . it’s so refreshing!

If you haven’t tried Yagoot yet, give it a go. If you aren’t sure what flavor you want, just ask for samples! They do let you try before you order. If you are a Yagoot fan, I’d love to hear your favorite combination!

GO THERE (Yagoot)! TRY THAT (Sample the flavors first)!