Hidden Gems

During a recent visit to The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, fondly known as “the Kroc,” someone said, “What a great facility! I never knew this was here.” I lived and breathed Kroc for six years during its development and early years of operation, so I was surprised by those words. Yes, it’s not as visible as the iconic presence of Grandpa’s Cheesebarn at the interstate exit, but it has signage on East Main Street, and has enjoyed generous coverage in the Ashland Times-Gazette over the years. It has hosted at least five thousand birthday parties, baby showers, retirement parties, and various community events since its opening in April 2009. Hasn’t everybody in Ashland County been to the Kroc Center? Apparently not.

I’ve always been curious about the space around me, exploring the neighborhoods of my hometown by bicycle long before I acquired my driver’s license. As Larry and I moved from place to place, I wondered, what were the gems of our new communities? What was hidden in plain sight?

Some of those gems involved food (surprised?). I loved to buy pasties from a neighborhood storefront in Wharton, NJ, and eat at Carmen’s lunch counter in Dover, across the street from our house. 

Moving next to the thriving metropolis of Philadelphia, I was attracted to the steep and narrow streets of Manyunk (before its rebirth) and “the Ridge,” running for miles from the city’s western border, past our first assignment in Roxborough, to our second on North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. There, I was intrigued by the Divine Lorraine Hotel, once the home to Reverend Major Jealous Divine and the International Peace Mission, and known as the first hotel of its kind to be fully racially integrated. Now, the long-abandoned building has undergone a massive renovation resulting in 100+ luxury apartments. Later, Cleveland and Canton brought similar discoveries, of best-kept secrets known only to long-time residents, and spaces reclaimed from the dust of history. 

What about the hidden gems of Ashland? As in other communities, some places seem to stay the same forever, such as the Lyn-Way (best pie crust on earth), the Dairy Bar, O’Bryans’ Pub, and Kelly’s on Claremont. Others choose the makeover path, as David Lee’s buildings, as well as Uniontown Brewing Company and Water’s Edge Event Center (Bella Bleu’s) show what vision, investment, and elbow grease can accomplish. Coming attractions: Schine’s Theater and Fig & Oak. Tucked away in the countryside are other gems: The Parsley Pot (Middle Rowsburg Road), Mitchell’s Orchard and Farm Market (TR 1153), Honey Haven Farm (CR 1475), and the renaissance occurring in Hayesville. Donuts, anyone?

There’s an additional gem in Ashland County, not known for its exceptional architecture or historical significance, but for its sense of community and its focus on connecting local producers with local consumers. Seven years ago, Local Roots in Ashland was birthed by Local Roots in Wooster, first in the South Street warehouse, then the Appleseed fruit stand, and now at the triangle where Cleveland Avenue and Middle Rowsburg Road split. Based on a co-op model, it understands that “Improving access to food that was grown close to home, by people who cared for the land, meant a stronger community and a healthier, more sustainable world.” 

This local gem is now leaving its parent umbrella, changing its name to “Ashland Roots.” With locally-sourced products, including fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and meat, and craft items, soaps, and more, this co-op provides space to shop local, attend classes, and engage in meaningful conversation with neighbors. If you’re saying, “I never knew this was here in Ashland,” stop in this week and get acquainted – and enjoy some local strawberries before they’re gone.

We’re not scheduling a grand vacation this summer, but as we wander about Ohio, I’m hoping to uncover a few more hidden gems along the way. In a landscape marked by golden arches and neon signs, it’s worth veering off the beaten path to see what’s below the radar. No secrets, though –let me know what you find, and I’ll bring our discoveries to the pages of the T-G before the summer’s over. Happy treasure-hunting!