Hidden Gem: The Town of Wooster, Ohio

So last week I told you about the amazing St. Paul Hotel that we stayed at during our trip to Wooster. Besides the amazing nights sleep, and relaxing shower, there was a ton of fun stuff that kept us busy during our stay (the shopping , oh the shopping – let’s just say I’m glad it was a pre-Christmas trip, so at least I had an excuse to spend so much money!) And the food – completely impressive restaurants and delicious foods, which is what I want to start with.

When we arrived, we started with lunch at Broken Rocks Cafe – they specialize in freshly baked artisan bread, and I was told the fish sandwich was to die for. I’d have to agree it was pretty delish, and was a great way to start our day of shopping and adventure in downtown Wooster!

We were lucky enough to visit during a warm December day (that seems odd to say, but it was gorgeous) we walked around town and visited some great local shops, and though I picked up something at nearly every place, I’m already planning a weekend back with my husband for some more great food and shopping.
One of the cool places we went, that we don’t have in the Cincy area is the Local Roots Market & Cafe. Local Roots is a marketplace where you can conveniently shop an amazing array of products from over 100 local vendors/producers.

You don’t have to wait for weekend vendor shows, or local community events to be able to purchase these great products – they are all there for you to buy, all day, every week!
They have some amazing gift products (jewelry, pottery, knitting, and even some really awesome handmade leather-bound journals) but other great products like homemade soaps, lotions, bath bombs and of course bakery items. They even have a café where they sell food all made with the local produce in the area. Everything made local, is also made with other local products, so its a win/win. (I really wish Cincy would follow in these footsteps!)

Another great place we visited was Motts Oils & More . I never realized the different varieties of olive oils and vinegars that they were! A lot of the oils are imported from Italy, and since I’m still a bit of a newbie to using oils for bread dipping and cooking, I decided to get the garlic infused extra virgin olive oil and the Tuscan herb fused as well. (If you can’t make it to Wooster anytime soon, and want to try any of their varieties you can order them online now!)
Another one of our favorite places was The Faithful Little Cupcake – and yes, the name says it all. Delectable, tasty treats cupcake flavors to your hearts desire, and chocolate treats (sea salt caramels anyone?!)
Another favorite place (where my daughter talked me into a Christmas present!) was Lucky Records. They sell (and buy) new and used vinyl, and even retro turntables as well. I NEED a local store like this for my girls to hang out at..  I would always know where to find them!

We seriously had to make a stop by at the hotel to drop off all our goodies, but not before we took a tour of the huge Everything Rubbermaid Flagship Store. The store is 4 floors and the largest selection of Rubbermaid products found anywhere!

If night life is what you crave, the JAFB Brewery is the place for you. JAFB is a family-friendly brewery and reminded me of a place that my grandparents and great-grandparents would of loved. BYOF (bring your own food) and many local beers on tap, and live entertainment – what more could you ask for??! The Chardon Polka Band knows how to have fun and I loved the community atmosphere you could feel through the place – a place to meet up with friends and family, without the normal ‘bar’ feel. Kids playing, families talking and enjoying snacks and brews – JAFB is a must stop during your Wooster trip!

Another must is the City Square Steakhouse. In case you weren’t aware Wooster is home Certified Angus Beef, and City Square takes full advantage. The steak was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. My daughter said her spinach cheese ravioli was worth making the trip back for!

This was just some of the awesome places to visit in Wooster – in fact, this was just day 1 ! Watch later this week for more fun places to shop (and of course eat) in Wooster Ohio!