LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Trailside Provisions

  • Where you can buy the new 2024 Valentine Card and more Valentine 411

    Where you can buy the new 2024 Valentine Card and more Valentine 411

    In the photo above is CeeCee Collins the President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and Lauren Connolly revealing Lauren’s winning design at a recent event at City Hall. (Photo by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2024)

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2014 Loveland Valentine Card was designed by Loveland artist Lauren Connolly and for the first time represents the world famous Loveland Castle, Chateau Laroche. (Read more about the castle HERE and HERE.)

    The Valentine Program began in 1972 and has grown over the years to include a variety of Valentine community activities, as well as our nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program.

    Cards are out and about around town at the following locations:

    • Fleurish
    • Lemons and Limes
    • Trailside Provisions
    • Alley Boutique
    • Better Blends
    • Mile 42 Coffee
    • Hometown Cafe
    • Bike Trail Books
    • Whistle Stop Clay Works
    • City Hall
    • Union Savings Bank
    • Graeters
    • Pet Wants
    • and Kroger (soon).
    The pricing is $2 each or 3 for $5. The Valentine Ladies will be stamping the cards with Loveland’s unique cachet at the Loveland Post Office from Feb 1st through February 12th, 10 AM until 4 PM on weekdays and until 2 PM on Saturdays.
    About artist Lauren Connolly

    Wildlife Photography, Painting, & Nature Journaling

    Wildlife education through visual arts

    Creating ways to connect to something wild!

    “My passion is for conservation, and my mission is to create ways to use wildlife in visual arts to spark a desire in people to get outside and connect with the natural world.”

    Maritime Studies Degree & Certified Remote Pilot (JL Aerial Views)

    PADI S.C.U.B.A. Instructor & OH Certified Volunteer Naturalist

    Pet Portrait Watercolor Artist & Explorer (WildDevelopments. Etsy.com)

    Read more about Lauren’s adventurous life…

    For inquiries into my work or my availability, please use the form to contact me. I thank you for your interest, and I will do my best to get back to you soon! 

    Email: Lauren@JLAerialViews.com

    Welcome to Wild Developments, a unique podcast inviting you on a profound journey connecting nature, art, and storytelling. Inspired by transformative experiences and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, our founder shares a personal story that led to a departure from a corporate career and a rekindled passion for visual arts. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, nature became a sanctuary, fostering connections through routine nature journaling, photography, and watercolor paintings. The podcast emerges as a bridge to unite people through the power of narrative, encouraging listeners to share their unique stories. In this collective journey toward healing and connection, Wild Developments inspires individuals to venture outside and embrace the transformative forces of nature.

    ___________________

    How to send your Valentine for cachet stamping with the Loveland, Ohio postmark

    Valentine Lady Linda Cox stamping Valentine Cards at the Loveland Post office. (Chamber Photo)

    All valentines are hand-stamped with Loveland’s unique cachet, which is modeled after the year’s winning card, and then hand-cancelled with a special Loveland, Ohio postmark.

    Each year, The ladies re-mail thousands of cards to all 50 states and many foreign countries. They also stamp wedding invitations throughout the year.

    MAIL IN YOUR VALENTINE
    In a larger envelope send your prepared cards with the proper postage attached, the addressee, and your return address and they will add the romantic cachet stamp and the Loveland postmark.

    Mail to:

    The Valentine Lady
    Little Miami River Chamber Alliance
    113 Karl Brown Way, Second Floor
    Loveland, OH 45140

    DEADLINE TO MAIL:

    ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 11th to be mailed in time for Valentine’s Day.

    DROP OFF YOUR VALENTINES
    If you’d like to personally drop off your Valentine cards for stamping, take them to the Post Office during the hours above or at the Chamber office at 514 West Loveland Avenue in the West Loveland Historic District next to Union Savings Bank. The phone number is: (513) 683-1544

    ___________________

    Valentine Breakfast

    Feb 9
    8:30 AM – 10 AM
    Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance along with the Loveland area business community & residents for our 2024 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Event at the Oasis Conference Center!

    Join us as we honor and recognize our 2024:

    -Valentine Lady
    -Valentine Card Designer
    -Poetry Contest Winners
    -Valentino Coloring Contest Winners

    There will be special entertainment and a full, hot breakfast! Come and see why everyone “Loves” Loveland, OH!

    BUY TICKETS

    __________

    [Photo Album] “Ladies” kick off Loveland Valentine’s season

    Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine Lady

    __________

    Valentine’s Season is upon us in the Land of LOVE!
    Parents: Need an activity for the long, cold weekend ahead? Check out our Valentino coloring contest and our poetry contest for all ages!
    Poetry: https://lmrchamberalliance.org/…/valentine-poetry-contest/
    Valentino: https://lmrchamberalliance.org/…/valentino-art-contest/
  • Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

    Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

     

    Right Click to Enlarge Map

    Download, save to your phone or tablet or print map

    David Miller is the managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Special events must provide additional accessible parking and restrooms based on the anticipated number of people who will attend. After our request, City Hall has provided Loveland Magazine with some information for persons with a disability who may need parking spots, accessible bathrooms, or shuttle service for the 4th of July event that will be held in Historic Downtown. Loveland Magazine has provided additional information.

    • The accessible restrooms at the Loveland Bike Trail will be open at Nisbet Park.

    • There will be accessible portable toilets placed along/near the Loveland Bike Trail in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot, near Browns Crossing, and near Harrison Avenue.

    Map of Historic Downtown.

    • For the downtown vicinity, there are existing accessible parking spots at Nisbet Park, the Firefighters’ Memorial, City Hall, and Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot.

    • There will also be added, temporary accessible parking spots along the Loveland Bike Trail near Nisbet Park.

    • The shuttle service to the festival is not accessible for persons with a disability.

    Here is the guide to the day’s activities

    Railroad Avenue will be temporarily closed from 2 PM until 11 PM to through traffic on July 4th. There will also be a temporary road closure along the parade route from approximately 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.

    The Parade Route

    • The parade starts on Loveland-Madeira Road near the Loveland Elementary School at 7 PM.
    • It proceeds north on Loveland-Madeira Road to West Loveland Avenue.
    • The parade ends at West Loveland Avenue and the State Route 48/Second Street intersection.

    West Loveland Avenue will be closed from Riverside Drive to Karl Brown Way During the fireworks from approximately 10 PM until 10:30 PM.

    Parking Restrictions

    Some parking will be restricted due to parade and shuttle routes. Some parking spaces will be affected on the following streets:

    • West Loveland Avenue in Historic Downtown
    • Park Avenue
    • Riverside Drive
    • Third Street
    • Railroad Avenue
    • Harrison Avenue

    Kiwanis Park, including the Matt Haverkamp Foundation Dog Park, will be closed to event parking. In addition, the dog park will close at noon on July 4.

    Parking in Historic Downtown

    The city operates more than 10 free public lots. View parking map.

    Parking fees will be waived in the City Hall/Works lot on July 4.

    Keep in mind there are also private lots throughout Historic Downtown and fees may be charged.

    Right Click to Enlarge Map

    Shuttle 

    There are FREE shuttle rides that will run continuously from 4 PM until 11 PM.

    The shuttle is not accessible to persons with a handicap.

    Park-and-ride shuttle locations will be at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road). Drop-off locations will be at Riverside Drive (near Veterans’ Memorial) and Third Street (near Whistle Stop Clay Works).

    A free concert by the band, Pandora Effect be at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater from 8 PM until 10 PM. The band played in the FanZone at GABP when the Atlanta Braves were in town for a sold-out game.

    More

    Concert & Cornhole Tournament — 3 PM until 6 PM — Jackson Street Market

    Live music by Thing1Thing2.

    Kid Zone — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Nisbet Park

    • Meet an FC Cincinnati player
    • Games
    • Reptile petting zoo
    • The Loveland Frog, princesses, and superheroes
    • Loveland High School Robotics Team
    • Martial arts and dance/gymnastics demos
    • Photo opportunities
    • SURPRISE live entertainment
    • And more

    Lawn Games — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Fountain Greene (Near Fleet Feet)
    NEST Community Learning Center will host lawn games.

    Yankee Doodle Dog Show — 4 PM — Nisbet Park
    Meet at 3:45 PM at the Clock Tower in Downtown Loveland (near the Bike Trail crossing). Dogs will parade toward Nisbet Park at 4 PM. Three dogs will be selected as best-dressed winners and will receive a prize basket from Pet Wants.

    Water Zone — 4 PM until 8 PM — City Hall Lawn
    There will be a giant inflatable water slide and misting fans, plus a splash station for little ones.

    Food Trucks — 4 PM until 10 PM
    Food truck vendors will be available throughout the downtown area.

    Bingo — 5 PM & 8:30 PM — City Hall
    Take a break from the heat to play a few cards of bingo! An afternoon and evening session will be held. Prizes for game winners. Monetary donations will be accepted with all proceeds going toward the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to Loveland High School seniors.

    Kids’ Bike Contest — 6:15 PM — Loveland Elementary School
    Decorate your bike/scooter/tricycle for the holiday, and meet at Loveland Elementary School (600 Loveland-Madeira Road) to take part in this annual tradition. Children will gather and then take part in the parade at 7 PM. Trailside Provisions has donated prizes for the top 3 entries.

    Pie Eating Contest — 8:30 PM — Little Miami Conservancy at Nisbet Park (Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center)
    There is an online signup to help gauge interest. Pre-register if you would like to participate.
  • Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland this Saturday, June 24

    Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland this Saturday, June 24

    Advertisement

    Loveland, Ohio – The Art League of Loveland has announced the 3rd annual Art Gallery Crawl, which will be held Saturday, June 24, from 4 until 9 PM.

    The event is back by popular demand and boasts the participation of 118 artists featured throughout the City of Loveland showing their wares and talking with guests about their work. The show includes jewelry makers, painters, sculptors, ceramic and glass artists, fiber artists, and many more. 

    As always, Loveland’s seven primary art galleries will be holding Open Houses and featuring a variety of renowned artists — both past and present.  In addition, eight local businesses will be featuring artists, including Bond Furniture, Hometown Cafe, Trailside Provisions, and more. 

    This year’s Art Crawl will have a Welcome Tent at Union Savings Bank on the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Wall Street, where participants can get more information, such as a map of all the venues and a listing of all the artists participating.

    The Art Crawl brochure will also show the mile-and-a-half route the event’s “Art Buggy” will be taking, so guests can either walk the route or hop on the free shuttle to pursue their artistic journey viewing a wide variety of art and meeting local artists and artisans. The galleries and venues will be providing special deals and light refreshments for all.

    “Right Click” this map to see a larger view, and for printing.

     

    “The show really highlights artists living in and around Loveland,” says Deirdre Dyson, the show’s Honorary Chair and one of the city’s award-winning artists. “Loveland has so much to offer artistically, and we’re proud to sponsor this city-wide event celebrating the arts.” Dyson is the owner of Art House II, which features several galleries of her work.

    Overall, 118 artists will be showing their wares, including jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, glass, fiber arts, and many more.

    The Art Gallery Crawl once again will be offering four $250 raffle prizes for participants who complete the Art Gallery circuit and visit each venue. Each prize entitles the winner to select $250 worth of artwork from any of the participating artists/galleries.

    There will be several additions that make this Art Crawl a “can’t miss” event! For example, thanks to the Grail’s Art Director, Caroline DiGiovenale, there will be a Children’s Station at Jackson Street Market offering free crafts and activities to entertain young and old alike. A food truck, Caveman Crepes, will be serving up sweet and savory fare at the Welcome Tent. Plus, there will be live music by Ellen Mershon at Whistle Stop Clay Works! This is a free cultural arts event for the entire family brought to you by the Art League of Loveland and the Art Crawl’s many generous sponsors. All are welcome.

    ABOUT THE LOVELAND ART GALLERY CRAWl

    MISSION:

    The Art Crawl highlights the City’s vibrant art culture — and focuses on the extraordinary creative works by our many Loveland artists!

    This event also introduces participants to Loveland’s rich art history. For example, in historic West Loveland, there are two art galleries that feature internationally renowned artists:

    Nancy Ford Cones (1869-1962), was an award-winning pioneer in photography as an art medium.

    William Schickel (1919-2009), was a prolific liturgical artist and architect whose body of work includes paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and furniture design.

    During this one-day art event, Loveland Art Galleries and Artists hold Open Houses from 4-9 PM and offer light appetizers and drinks, while also showcasing a featured artist or highlighting artwork for sale. Altogether, there are seven art galleries and dozens of artist studios within the city.

    To provide an extra element of fun for our art crawlers, most galleries provide individual raffles, and one large LAGC raffle prize ($250) will be offered to those crawlers who complete the entire art gallery circuit.

    The LAGC “Art Buggy” Shuttle offers hop-on, hop-off transportation from one end of town to the other (about a mile-and-a-half circuit).

    All Loveland artists who live and/or work within the Greater Loveland area are welcome to participate. Many local businesses also support this event by featuring local artists’ works or through sponsorships.

    The first Loveland Art Gallery Crawl was initiated last year by a group of committed artists and art lovers. The success of that event led to the creation of the Art League of Loveland (ALL), a non-profit organization for artists and art lovers that is dedicated to ensuring all artists thrive in the Loveland community.

    This year’s Loveland Art Gallery Crawl is led by members of the Art League of Loveland. For more information: www.ArtLeagueofLoveland.org

  • Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland on Saturday, June 24

    Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland on Saturday, June 24

    Advertisement

    Loveland, Ohio – The Art League of Loveland has announced the 3rd annual Art Gallery Crawl, which will be held Saturday, June 24, from 4 until 9 PM.

    The event is back by popular demand and boasts the participation of 118 artists featured throughout the City of Loveland showing their wares and talking with guests about their work. The show includes jewelry makers, painters, sculptors, ceramic and glass artists, fiber artists, and many more. 

    As always, Loveland’s seven primary art galleries will be holding Open Houses and featuring a variety of renowned artists — both past and present.  In addition, eight local businesses will be featuring artists, including Bond Furniture, Hometown Cafe, Trailside Provisions, and more. 

    This year’s Art Crawl will have a Welcome Tent at Union Savings Bank on the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Wall Street, where participants can get more information, such as a map of all the venues and a listing of all the artists participating.

    The Art Crawl brochure will also show the mile-and-a-half route the event’s “Art Buggy” will be taking, so guests can either walk the route or hop on the free shuttle to pursue their artistic journey viewing a wide variety of art and meeting local artists and artisans. The galleries and venues will be providing special deals and light refreshments for all.

    “Right Click” this map to see a larger view, and for printing.

    “The show really highlights artists living in and around Loveland,” says Deirdre Dyson, the show’s Honorary Chair and one of the city’s award-winning artists. “Loveland has so much to offer artistically, and we’re proud to sponsor this city-wide event celebrating the arts.” Dyson is the owner of Art House II, which features several galleries of her work.

    Overall, 118 artists will be showing their wares, including jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, glass, fiber arts, and many more.

    The Art Gallery Crawl once again will be offering four $250 raffle prizes for participants who complete the Art Gallery circuit and visit each venue. Each prize entitles the winner to select $250 worth of artwork from any of the participating artists/galleries.

    There will be several additions that make this Art Crawl a “can’t miss” event! For example, thanks to the Grail’s Art Director, Caroline DiGiovenale, there will be a Children’s Station at Jackson Street Market offering free crafts and activities to entertain young and old alike. A food truck, Caveman Crepes, will be serving up sweet and savory fare at the Welcome Tent. Plus, there will be live music by Ellen Mershon at Whistle Stop Clay Works! This is a free cultural arts event for the entire family brought to you by the Art League of Loveland and the Art Crawl’s many generous sponsors. All are welcome.

    ABOUT THE LOVELAND ART GALLERY CRAWl

    MISSION:

    The Art Crawl highlights the City’s vibrant art culture — and focuses on the extraordinary creative works by our many Loveland artists!

    This event also introduces participants to Loveland’s rich art history. For example, in historic West Loveland, there are two art galleries that feature internationally renowned artists:

    Nancy Ford Cones (1869-1962), was an award-winning pioneer in photography as an art medium.

    William Schickel (1919-2009), was a prolific liturgical artist and architect whose body of work includes paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and furniture design.

    During this one-day art event, Loveland Art Galleries and Artists hold Open Houses from 4-9 PM and offer light appetizers and drinks, while also showcasing a featured artist or highlighting artwork for sale. Altogether, there are seven art galleries and dozens of artist studios within the city.

    To provide an extra element of fun for our art crawlers, most galleries provide individual raffles, and one large LAGC raffle prize ($250) will be offered to those crawlers who complete the entire art gallery circuit.

    The LAGC “Art Buggy” Shuttle offers hop-on, hop-off transportation from one end of town to the other (about a mile-and-a-half circuit).

    All Loveland artists who live and/or work within the Greater Loveland area are welcome to participate. Many local businesses also support this event by featuring local artists’ works or through sponsorships.

    The first Loveland Art Gallery Crawl was initiated last year by a group of committed artists and art lovers. The success of that event led to the creation of the Art League of Loveland (ALL), a non-profit organization for artists and art lovers that is dedicated to ensuring all artists thrive in the Loveland community.

    This year’s Loveland Art Gallery Crawl is led by members of the Art League of Loveland. For more information: www.ArtLeagueofLoveland.org

  • Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland on Saturday, June 24

    Art Gallery Crawl in Loveland on Saturday, June 24

    Advertisement

    Loveland, Ohio – The Art League of Loveland has announced the 3rd annual Art Gallery Crawl, which will be held Saturday, June 24, from 4 until 9 PM.

    The event is back by popular demand and boasts the participation of 118 artists featured throughout the City of Loveland showing their wares and talking with guests about their work. The show includes jewelry makers, painters, sculptors, ceramic and glass artists, fiber artists, and many more. 

    As always, Loveland’s seven primary art galleries will be holding Open Houses and featuring a variety of renowned artists — both past and present.  In addition, eight local businesses will be featuring artists, including Bond Furniture, Hometown Cafe, Trailside Provisions, and more. 

    This year’s Art Crawl will have a Welcome Tent at Union Savings Bank on the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Wall Street, where participants can get more information, such as a map of all the venues and a listing of all the artists participating.

    The Art Crawl brochure will also show the mile-and-a-half route the event’s “Art Buggy” will be taking, so guests can either walk the route or hop on the free shuttle to pursue their artistic journey viewing a wide variety of art and meeting local artists and artisans. The galleries and venues will be providing special deals and light refreshments for all.

    “Right Click” this map to see a larger view, and for printing.

    “The show really highlights artists living in and around Loveland,” says Deirdre Dyson, the show’s Honorary Chair and one of the city’s award-winning artists. “Loveland has so much to offer artistically, and we’re proud to sponsor this city-wide event celebrating the arts.” Dyson is the owner of Art House II, which features several galleries of her work.

    Overall, 118 artists will be showing their wares, including jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, glass, fiber arts, and many more.

    The Art Gallery Crawl once again will be offering four $250 raffle prizes for participants who complete the Art Gallery circuit and visit each venue. Each prize entitles the winner to select $250 worth of artwork from any of the participating artists/galleries.

    There will be several additions that make this Art Crawl a “can’t miss” event! For example, thanks to the Grail’s Art Director, Caroline DiGiovenale, there will be a Children’s Station at Jackson Street Market offering free crafts and activities to entertain young and old alike. A food truck, Caveman Crepes, will be serving up sweet and savory fare at the Welcome Tent. Plus, there will be live music by Ellen Mershon at Whistle Stop Clay Works! This is a free cultural arts event for the entire family brought to you by the Art League of Loveland and the Art Crawl’s many generous sponsors. All are welcome.

    ABOUT THE LOVELAND ART GALLERY CRAWl

    MISSION:

    The Art Crawl highlights the City’s vibrant art culture — and focuses on the extraordinary creative works by our many Loveland artists!

    This event also introduces participants to Loveland’s rich art history. For example, in historic West Loveland, there are two art galleries that feature internationally renowned artists:

    Nancy Ford Cones (1869-1962), was an award-winning pioneer in photography as an art medium.

    William Schickel (1919-2009), was a prolific liturgical artist and architect whose body of work includes paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and furniture design.

    During this one-day art event, Loveland Art Galleries and Artists hold Open Houses from 4-9 PM and offer light appetizers and drinks, while also showcasing a featured artist or highlighting artwork for sale. Altogether, there are seven art galleries and dozens of artist studios within the city.

    To provide an extra element of fun for our art crawlers, most galleries provide individual raffles, and one large LAGC raffle prize ($250) will be offered to those crawlers who complete the entire art gallery circuit.

    The LAGC “Art Buggy” Shuttle offers hop-on, hop-off transportation from one end of town to the other (about a mile-and-a-half circuit).

    All Loveland artists who live and/or work within the Greater Loveland area are welcome to participate. Many local businesses also support this event by featuring local artists’ works or through sponsorships.

    The first Loveland Art Gallery Crawl was initiated last year by a group of committed artists and art lovers. The success of that event led to the creation of the Art League of Loveland (ALL), a non-profit organization for artists and art lovers that is dedicated to ensuring all artists thrive in the Loveland community.

    This year’s Loveland Art Gallery Crawl is led by members of the Art League of Loveland. For more information: www.ArtLeagueofLoveland.org

  • Trailside Provisions; a little “pop” of Loveland paradise!

    Trailside Provisions; a little “pop” of Loveland paradise!

    Sean Behling
    Sean Behling

    by Sean Behling

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland is known for many unique and authentic experiences! People from all over Cincinnati come down to the “Sweetheart of Ohio” just to experience the local delicacies Loveland has to offer. One shop located right off the Loveland Bike Trail specializes in all things homemade and local, encompassing what Loveland is really all about. 

    Introducing Trailside Provisions; a little pop of Loveland paradise!

    Trailside Provisions is a family-owned store that specializes in homemade treats and features local vendors’ handcrafted products. Trailside opened in Loveland two and a half years ago, in a more expansive location after operating in Mason for 13 years. Owner Vickie Larcomb has an extensive background in the food industry, as she grew up in her family’s butcher shop. 

    “I’ve always been in the food business. I was a caterer and grew up in my family’s butcher shop. We were just looking for something that there wasn’t. There was not a popcorn shop, nor was there a chocolate shop in Mason, so that’s where we started and we just kept getting bigger.”

    After working in the food business for such a long time, Larcomb wanted a shop of her own. She said, “Instead of running around catering for others and planning events, doing everybody else’s stuff, I wanted my own place.”

    After looking for a market in Mason that didn’t exist, she settled upon owning a shop that sold popcorn and sweets, opening Main Street Sweets and Popcorn in 2006. Though it was tough to start her business in Mason, she kept adapting and growing further and further. After 13 successful years, Main Street Sweets and Popcorn closed in Mason, reopening as Trailside Provisions in a larger building here in Loveland.

    “You know, whenever you start, not everything works, and we had to make changes and adjustments as we went along, so it made it easier when we made the change from Mason to Loveland because we already had 13 years behind us in this business,” said Larcomb.

    Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic started flaring up after Trailside Provisions had only been in business for two months. However, Larcomb managed to keep the business running using an online order system through Facebook. Larcomb established “pickup days” outside of the storefront, which carried Trailside through until its full reopening in late May of 2020.

    Larcomb said, “The pandemic hit us a little differently because we had only been open 2 months before it hit. So we were open for 2 months and then closed down. But, Loveland being Loveland, we did Facebook business.”

    When I arrived at Trailside Provisions, Larcomb was hands-deep in chocolate preparing treats for the Easter season, which only enticed me more about what the local shop had to offer. Trailside Provisions is most well known for its delicious selection of chocolate treats, and scrumptious array of gourmet popcorn. Their most popular popcorn is the caramel corn, which Larcomb makes fresh and serves warm every day. Luckily I got the opportunity to personally try Trailside’s caramel corn, and I found it to be a delectable combination of sweet and salty.

    Trailside Provisions is also known for its locally sourced products. The shop carries Wolf’s Honey Bee Farm honey from Goshen, Thomas Ireland Smith Farm maple syrup from Morrow, La Crema Coffee Company coffee from West Chester, and The Jam and Jelly Lady jams and jellies from Lebanon just to name a few.

    “When you start with one local product, they talk to you about somebody else that they know. It’s sort of like a network”, said Larcomb.

    To my surprise, Trailside Provisions not only sells local businesses’ products, but they also sell small businesses’ products from all over the country.

    “What other things we buy we try and buy from small businesses, women-owned businesses, and family-owned businesses from across the country. So we’ve got stuff from the East Coast, West Coast, North and South,” said Larcomb.

    On top of supporting small businesses from all over the country, Trailside Provisions also plays a part in many community events. Whenever there is a City or Chamber of Commerce event or fundraiser, you can be sure that Trailside Provisions will participate. On top of that, they also help with other events as well, such as giving out samples and holding giveaways at events to lend a helping hand to the people running them.

    Larcomb is always trying to find new products to add to her shelves, scouring food shows looking for great new products to sell. Not only is she always searching for new local products, but she’s always coming up with new and interesting popcorn recipes to line their shelves as well. Soon, they’re planning to roll out a seasonal assorted mix of glazed popcorn to celebrate Easter.

    “So I went to a food show in January, found new things and they’re starting to come in now. We found a few new things that will go with what we have here, and we’ll just keep adding to it as long as I’ve got room,” said Larcomb.

    Trailside Provisions is located at 120 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, OH 45140, and is open from 10 AM until 6 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10 AM until noon on Fridays, and noon until 5 PM on Sundays. 

    If you’re craving some delectable local treats, head on down to the Loveland Bike Trail to taste and see what Trailside Provisions has in store for you.

  • [Video] Hearts Were Filled During Loveland’s First Hearts Afire Weekend Celebration!

    [Video] Hearts Were Filled During Loveland’s First Hearts Afire Weekend Celebration!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio- Valentine’s Day 2022 couldn’t have been better in the Sweetheart of Ohio! Loveland hosted its first Hearts Afire Weekend February 11th-13th in the heart of the Downtown Historic District. People from all over the Cincinnati area grabbed their friends and family for the historical event so that they could get a first look at all the Valentine’s Day fun!

    Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend included a plethora of Valentine-themed activities, treats, music, dancing, ice sculptures, and decorations that many members of the community and local businesses helped organize making the weekend that much more special.

    I got the opportunity to be a part of the event committee for Hearts Afire Weekend and wow was it rewarding to see how many people came downtown to celebrate love! I of course wanted to take in as much Valentine fun as possible so I grabbed my boyfriend and my dogs and made it my mission to get as much footage as I could of all the things Hearts Afire Weekend offered.

    I kicked off my Loveland Hearts Afire experience with a Tarot Card reading from Francine Haydon, a highly talented woman who does intuitive readings, energy work, and classes. I was astonished at how much information and advice Francine was able to give me based on what each card I pulled out showed! Each card represented a month of the year and would display several different images or objects that Francine would then explain. After the reading, I felt as though I was fully prepared for what 2022 had in store for me!

    After my Tarot Card Reading, I ventured out to the Loveland Stage Company where there was a beautifully decorated Kitty Kissing Booth and several kittens that you could adopt on the spot. Needless to say, I wanted to take home all the kittens they had along with the 20-pound rabbit that they had sitting peacefully in a baby stroller. Next, I went to Eads Fencing and the Loveland Hardware store where I participated in an impromptu photoshoot in their Puppy Kissing Booth with my dogs Dean and Nala! I also got the pleasure of meeting volunteers from the Furgotten Dog Rescue organization along with some little buddies who were up for adoption. If I was able to facilitate a small zoo I would have taken all the puppies too! 

    I was sure to stop in Mile42 Coffee on my way out as they always decorate for holidays and events with such style. The coffee shop was decorated gorgeously displaying sparkling red and pink Valentine hearts, streamers, and balloons. Parked right near Mile42 Coffee was Dolph’s Dogs and of course, Dolph was serving up only the most quality hot dogs! Owners of Mile42 Katie and Tim Butler couldn’t resist grabbing one of Dolph’s Dogs, which I thought was just another beautiful example of Loveland’s local businesses supporting one another!

    Next, I took a stroll down the Loveland Bike Trail where pristine ice sculptures were displayed everywhere! One of my favorite ice sculptures was Trailside Provision’s as it was a gourmet popcorn box with ice cubes acting as the popcorn kernels. Trailside Provisions is known for its delicious homemade popcorn and treats so after seeing the ice sculpture I had to check out their decked-out Valentine’s Day shop. Not only did the shop go all out with the Valentine’s Day decor, but they also intricately made each product in the shop to in some way represent Valentine’s Day. From the homemade Valentine’s cards made for the Loveland Healthcare residents to the sprinkle and chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, and caramels to the Valentine gift boxes filled with goodies, Trailside Provisions truly embodied the meaning of Hearts Afire Weekend!

    Shortly after getting my sweet tooth fix, I visited Alley Boutique which also had beautiful Valentine’s Day decorations throughout the store. Inside the shop were caramel chocolate samples, a heartfelt gift basket raffle, and an endless amount of perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. As I left Alley Boutique I began to see more ice sculptures on display in front of each local business which really made for some excellent photo opportunities! 

    After capturing each ice sculpture in a photo I took a tour of Eskimo Kisses Village which was located on the Fountain Greene. Wow was it incredible! The entire area was decorated with signs that lit up saying things such as “Marry Me,” “I Love You,” and “Love.” In addition to the love-themed signs, there was an LED Putt-Putt station with 9 holes, a game similar to whack a mole called “Penguin Escape,” corn hole, “ice” skee ball, and a ring toss completely made out of ice! There, of course, were more photo opportunities including a Loveland Hearts Afire ice sculpture in which you could insert your face into the carved-out head and take a photo keepsake. Once it became dark outside the entire Eskimo Kisses Village was decked out in LED’s creating quite the ambiance as The ShamRocker entertained the community with music. One of the best moments during my time in Eskimo Kisses Village was when Premier Dance and Tumbling began a Flash Mob in the middle of Downtown Loveland’s main road to L-O-V-E! It was the epitome of love seeing the community sing and dance with the talented group of ladies from Premier Dance.

    After enjoying the Flash Mob, I stopped by Loveland Sweets. The window display was awesome as it displayed heart-shaped boxes filled with homemade truffles on one side and hot chocolate sitting on top of marshmallows on the other side! Loveland Sweets’ ice sculpture that sat right in front of the store really brought on the nostalgia as it was sculpted into candy hearts all saying “sweet nothings.” Everything inside the shop was prepped and ready for Valentine’s Day. Not only were there boxes filled with gourmet chocolates decorated with big bright red bows, but there were also decorated Oreos, chocolate bark, and Valentine’s themed candies such as “Gummy Hugs and Kisses,” “Cherry Sweethearts,” and “Valentine Gummy Bears.” One of the treats that caught my eye was the “Donut Pretzels,” which were chocolate-covered pretzel rings! 

    After visiting my second Valentine’s treat shop, I decided to wander around and take photos of Loveland’s local business’s decor. Along my journey, I of course saw more ice sculptures but I also was able to see what activity each business had planned for the weekend. Hometown Cafe put on a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar accompanied by Loaded Sweet Potato Chips, The Works Pizza decked out their historical train car for “Single in the City” Speed Dating, Cappy’s Wine and Spirits held a Valentine’s Day-themed Charity Date Auction, and Loveland City Hall opened up their building to feature the “Heartland Market,” which included several local vendors all offering homemade gifts to give to your Valentine! I must say the atmosphere in Heartland Market was one for the books as each vendor had their products festively displayed while purple and pink strobe lights covered the walls.

    Hearts Afire Weekend also featured many other local businesses and food trucks throughout downtown that I stopped by just to see what they had in store for the big event. The Chili Hut food truck served up its homemade Cincinnati Style Chili for dinner while The Cheesecakery offered one-of-kind cheesecakes to those who wanted to skip dinner and go straight to dessert! Parked right in front of Alley Boutique was Old School Pix, a vintage truck perfect for any photoshoot. Old School Pix had a lovely Valentine’s Day set-up for those who wanted to hop in the truck’s bed and have their photo taken with their loved ones. I decided to take full advantage of the photoshoot opportunity with my boyfriend and my two furbabies and wow did the photo turn out great! It was a perfect keepsake to remember how fantastic Loveland’s first Hearts Afire Weekend was!

    The Hearts Afire Saturday “night-time” activities featured a live ice sculpting demonstration, fire performers, vow renewals, and fireworks. What a way to end the night with a bang! 

    It’s safe to say that Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend was a success. Seeing the community celebrate Valentine’s Day the Loveland way with those they love the most is exactly why Loveland will forever be the Sweetheart of Ohio! 

    If you couldn’t make it to Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend or would like to simply reminisce on all the fun festivities, check out the Loveland Magazine TV “Hearts Afire All-Access Pass” below!

    We hope you enjoyed your All-Access Pass to Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend! This event has definitely become a new Valentine’s Day tradition! To all those who attended, we hope you had an absolute blast, and for those that didn’t get to attend, we want to see you in your best Valentine’s attire next year! 

    Stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia for the latest local event updates!

  • Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks off the Holidays for the Community!

    Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Kicks off the Holidays for the Community!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree thank you for lighting up Loveland so beautifully! 

    The community gathered around one another on Saturday night as the City of Loveland celebrated its first Community Christmas Tree Lighting. The festive fun-filled night kicked off at 4 PM with local holiday gift vendors that sold everything from Hot Chocolate Bombs to homemade mitten ornaments from J Timmerman Pottery to jewelry made from silverware from Silverware to Wearable Art. Alley Boutique, Blume, and Haven Grey also participated in the festivities allowing the community to shop in their festively decorated stores until 7 PM.

    The beautifully illuminated Browns Crossing along the Loveland Bike trail featured local food trucks Travelin Tom’s Coffee and Hot Chocolate and Smokin Inferno BBQ, as well as Christmas activities for the kids, a vintage holiday photoshoot with Old School Pix and the infamous Dancing Elves, Toys For Tots Stuff a Cruiser Toy Drive hosted by the Loveland Citizens Police Academy Alumni, and Trailside Provisions Christmas Cupcakes, Brownies, Caramel Apples, and several holiday gourmet popcorn combinations. The Loveland Girl Scouts also came out for Loveland’s special night as they entertained crowds of friends and families with Christmas carols! 

    As the night grew dark and the Christmas lights shined bright, at around 7 PM Mayor Kathy Bailey lit the gigantic magical Loveland Christmas Tree, and shortly after Rozzi Fireworks put on a “merry” night-ending firework show.

    I decided to bring some of my family along with me to the Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, including my 2 furbabies, Dean and Nala. Wow were we impressed with how flawless the night came together for the City of Loveland and the community! The endless amount of lights, Christmas decor, holiday activities, Christmas treats, and gift ideas from some very talented local vendors made the night that much more special.

    The Loveland Christmas Tree was quite the spectacle once it was completely illuminated! Throughout the night I couldn’t help but revisit the Tree over and over again. As I stared up at the lights, and glistening candy canes I realized that Loveland truly had succeeded in becoming a Christmas Winter Wonderland! 

    After walking through Browns Crossing bike trail light spectacle I decided to grab some homemade Christmas gifts from J Timmerman Pottery and Silverware to Wearable Art! Shortly after I of course had to visit Trailside Provisions to get my weekly popcorn fix. This time I chose a caramel popcorn drizzled in dark chocolate and I am not ashamed to say I ate the entire bag in just 2 days! Next, I decided to stop by Old School Pix’s holiday vintage photoshoot where they snapped photos of myself, Adam, and the Dancing Elves in a vintage truck all decked out in Christmas decor. After wandering around Loveland’s Winter Wonderland, the night ended perfectly with a firework show put on by Rozzi’s Fireworks!

    • My Christmas Themed Balcony
    • My Neighbors Unbelievable Christmas Display
    • J Timmerman Pottery Coffee Mug I Bought in Support of Local Vendors
    • Old School Pix Snapped a Photo of Adam and I in Their Vintage Truck Decked in Holiday Decor
    • Old School Pix Decided to Get a Photo of us With the Dancing Elves
    • Silverware to Wearable Art Elephant Inspired Earrings Made from Forks That I Bought for my Best Friend Stacie
    • J Timmerman Pottery Mitten Ornament

    For more photos and videos from Loveland’s best events stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • New Mom and Pop Shop Brings Both the Sweet and Salty “Provisions” to the Loveland Bike Trail!

    New Mom and Pop Shop Brings Both the Sweet and Salty “Provisions” to the Loveland Bike Trail!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The “Loveland” Little Miami Bike Trail offers something for everyone. Whether you like to ride bikes, eat at authentic family-owned restaurants, shop at vintage antique shops, or drink locally handcrafted beers, the bike trail in Loveland allows everyone to enjoy doing what they love to do. Historic downtown has been quickly transforming into a place where families and friends can come and have a vacation like experience in their own backyard. We at Loveland Magazine call it, “The Staycation Resort of Southwest Ohio”. Naturally, business owners have recognized this about downtown Loveland, brought their own businesses into the historic area, and this is why it is thriving.

    Bringing to Loveland the delicious snacks that she has made for her family for so many years is the vision she has for her new shop!

    Over the past couple of years, downtown Loveland has seen several family-owned businesses plant their feet right in the heart of downtown making the area that much more unique. As new and exciting businesses continue to join the historic downtown area businesses coming in looking to join the area have realized in order to thrive now in the area you have to offer something unique. Finding that particular “niche” the community doesn’t know it needs but in all actuality wants is how new businesses are making a name for themselves. Coming in sweet, salty and always fresh the “Loveland” Little Miami Bike Trail introduces to you the community of Loveland, “Trailside Provisions.”

    What’s that lingering scent on the Loveland Little Miami Bike Trail? I’m not talking about the delicious smell of brunch or even something sweet like the scent of beautiful Fall leaves, I’m talking something savory. The smell of something buttery, caramelized and decadent led me to a new business right off the Loveland bike trail where “Plaid Room Records” used to call home. “Trailside Provisions,” just opened their doors to the community on Saturday, November 16th and let me tell you the shop’s lingering smells are bringing people in to see what the new “mom and pop” shop is all about!

    Check out the handcrafted Double Dipped Chocolate Peanuts and Triple Dipped Malted Milk Balls at “Trailside Provisions”

    Vickie Larcomb, began her journey in historic downtown Mason, Ohio at a shop very similar to the concept of Trailside Provisions called “Main Street Sweets and Popcorn.” Larcomb shared that she always had a passion for cooking whether it was creating a whole new “treat,” like the peanut butter caramel popcorn or sticking to more traditional “provisions,” such as the chocolate malted milk balls (and yes they are TRIPLE DIPPED in chocolate), she always enjoyed creating! After much success with her family-run business, Main Street Sweets and Popcorn, Larcomb knew that the shop concept was something that could be used in places similar to downtown Mason. Larcomb said she had heard about the historic downtown Loveland area and all the wonderful growth and development the area had been experiencing. She immediately recognized the similarities between Mason’s downtown area and Loveland’s downtown area and began to think of a “niche” that would fit right into the historic downtown Loveland culture. That’s when the Trailside Provisions concept was born!

    “Trailside Provisions” offers gourmet Pancake Mix Kits, decadent Maple Syrup, and a unique snack called Maple Wafers!

    Larcomb thought why not keep the concept of Main Street Sweets and Popcorn, but add a little “trailside” flare to it as the location she had her eye on was right off the Loveland bike trail. Larcomb brought the idea to her family and from there Larcomb and her family established a new home for their business, Trailside Provisions. After months of planning, building, and creating Larcomb says she can’t wait to see how the community responds to the new shop!

    Owner, Vickie Larcomb, makes a fresh batch of buttered popcorn something she does daily! Yes, that popcorn is as big as it looks!

    So just what is this new shop off the bike trail all about? Well for starter’s Larcomb’s husband, Ron, handcrafted all of the store’s fixtures, giving each guest that comes in quite the woodsy, trail-like experience. On top of getting treated to the top-notch interior architectural ambiance, guests also get to enjoy the aroma of fresh buttery popcorn being made right there in the shop as they walk around. Trailside Provisions, of course, offers a number of unique, whole made goods, but what really sets this shop apart is the gourmet popcorn. From caramel with pecans to caramel with peanuts to cinnamon toast caramel, Trailside Provisions has a popcorn combination for everyone not to mention the shop makes their “original” caramel, cheese, and butter popcorns fresh every day. Eat it in the shop, while walking the trail, or take it home for movie night or your next party.

    Husband and wife, Vickie and Don, organizing their “sweet” provisions on shelving handcrafted by Don

    Larcomb and her family’s shop doesn’t just stop at popcorn, it also sells a variety of Cook Tavern Soup mixes, seasoning and marinade kits, homemade vanilla marshmallows, bagged and freshly brewed coffee, and other “provisional” snacks such as pretzels and chocolate almonds. Oh, and did I mention Larcomb handcrafts all of these sweet and salty treats herself?! I asked Larcomb why she enjoys cooking so much and she said that cooking for her loved ones has always been something she has enjoyed. Larcomb explained that being able to provide the community of Loveland with the delicious snacks that she has made for her family for so many years is quite frankly the vision she has for her new shop!

    So what are you waiting for Loveland? Bike, walk, or jog on down to Trailside Provisions, a shop where you will be sure to get the Loveland “trailside” experience!

    Trailside Provisions (Facebook) is located on the East side of the Brown Building at 120 Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland off the Little Miami Bike Trail. Trailside Provisions is open 10 a.m to 8 p.m Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m to 9 p.m Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m to 5 p.m on Sundays.