Ashland's Hidden Treasures

On days slightly more temperate than we’ve been experiencing in February 2015, the lovely Madelyn Simone and I like to visit the playground at Cahn Grove Park on Ashland’s Southeast side. When I finally coax her off of the swings, we usually head back home, but if an act of true love ever allows warm weather to return to Ashland’s own version of Arendelle, we’re going to spend a day in the park’s neighborhood. Yes, I’ve watched “Frozen” one too many times, but “baby, it’s cold outside.”

Here’s my plan when the weather decides to cooperate. We’ll start our day at The Dairy Bar with some home-cooked breakfast, although I do really like their French fries and the burgers with grilled onions. We’ll miss seeing Alan Hart at the grill, the big-hearted owner who died in late December, but the regulars will still be at their favorite tables. We’ll make our car payment to the welcoming people at Directions Credit Union, and then we’ll spend some time at the playground, where I’m going to teach this child to “pump” so I don’t have to push her on the swing for hours on end.

As a bribe to get her off the swings and across the street, I’ll give her a dollar and let her roam the aisles of the Family Dollar store to see what she’ll choose from its assorted merchandise. I’m hoping to talk her into bubbles instead of candy - we’ll see how that goes. By then, the pizza  ordered from Donna D’s should be ready, and we can head back to the park with our delicious lunch for more outdoor play.

After another stint at the playground, we’ll wander over to Ashland’s great pie restaurant, AKA the Lyn-Way. Will they have any raspberry pie, or will I have to settle for apple pie a la mode – or maybe coconut cream? I’ll convince Madelyn to order something I like, because she’ll end up eating mine anyway. Who can resist, “Can I taste yours, Nana?”

Our last visit to Cahn Grove Park was cut short by the arrival of heavy rain, but that won’t send us hustling home if the skies open up again. Instead, we’ll visit the new location of Local Roots Market at 1221 Cleveland Avenue. This wonderful cooperative of farmers, producers and consumers first gathered in the South Street warehouse, and then spent some time out on Route 60. But they’re back in town, and it’s now a gathering place for all kinds of locally-produced items and fascinating, friendly people.

You never know for sure what you’ll find on the shelves of Local Roots, but their Facebook postings alert their friends to the arrival of new items nearly every day. They carry an assortment of gluten free treats, locally grown produce, and yummy baked goods. You can also purchase Ecuadorian tamales (call ahead for availability), free range eggs, Millie’s essential oils, and Miss Kitty’s low suds laundry detergent. If you’d rather do some gift shopping, they display a wide variety of items from local crafters and artisans, and they’re now stocking books written by Ashland authors, including yours truly. It makes my day when Madelyn looks at one of my books and says, “That’s your picture, Nana,” so we’ll be sure to check out the book display. She may even notice her picture on the cover of “Family Ties: Reflections of a Smitten Grandmother.”

There’s one last critical stop before we head for home. The meat counter at the Cleveland Avenue Market will save my marriage as it provides the answer to the perpetual question, “What’s for supper?” That, along with a take-out pie from the Lyn-Way and we’ll be good to go.

Can’t wait till summer? While the park may be in hibernation for a few more weeks, its neighboring businesses are open and inviting. Pies are in the oven at Donna D’s and the Lyn-Way. Local Roots has heat, wi-fi, music and Miller’s Creamery Caramel Corn, so who needs summer? We’re supposed to have a tropical heat wave today (in the 20s), so maybe I’ll see you out and about at one of these hidden treasures here in Ashland, Ohio.