
Whether the occasion is a romantic getaway with your significant other or a rowdy, light-hearted family gathering, a charcuterie board is a great selection for a picnic. Sliced meats and cheeses, bite-size veggies and finger foods provide a nice variety of items that are perfect for day-long nibbling.
When it's time to start planning, you'll find everything you're looking for and more at these wonderful specialty food and beverage shops around Northeast Ohio.
5600 Highland Rd., Highland Heights, OH 44143
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DiStefano's Authentic Italian Foods has been a Northeast Ohio tradition since 1972. Their imported and domestic cold cuts, ranging from prosciutto to turkey breast, are sliced fresh to order for the highest quality. While you're there, pick up some imported olives and ready-to-eat salads to complement your meal. If you have a larger group, DiStefano's offers party and antipasto trays for a minimum of 10 people. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Native son Jeremy, accompanied by culinary school pals Allie and Kenny, came home to open Larder Delicatessen & Bakery in the historic Ohio City Firehouse building. In their first year, the trio was rewarded with a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. True to its name, Larder stocks a sizable variety of meats, cheeses, and other groceries to fill your picnic basket. Save time by purchasing one of Larder's traditional or vegetarian charcuterie boards. Larder is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
6610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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The namesake of the Gust Gallucci Company arrived in Cleveland from Faeto, Italy during the early 1900s and found a number of fellow transplants longing for food from their native land. Gust's first "shop" was a large wooden cart, and succeeding locations grew to accommodate the booming business. The Gallucci family still operates the store with its fine selection of deli meats, gourmet cheeses, and Italian and Hungarian specialty items. Hours are 8 a.m - 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.
4138 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
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How good are the products from Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.? Brides have actually ordered "wedding cakes" made with their cheese wheels. Old Brooklyn makes their own cheeses using non-GMO-certified cow's milk aged for at least 90 days. Their pickled and beer-infused whole mustards were developed for use in-house, but they proved to be so popular that Old Brooklyn began selling them at retail. With 48 hours' notice, Old Brooklyn will prepare one of their specialty charcuterie boards or create one customized to your request. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
668 U.S. Hwy. 250 E., Ashland, OH 44805
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How could you resist a name like Grandpa's Cheesebarn? There really was a Grandpa Baum, and the third generation of his family recently entered the business to carry on his tradition. Product selection includes local and imported, smoked and grilling cheeses along with homemade cheese spreads and cheese curds. Grandpa's beef jerky, beef sticks, and summer sausage pair nicely with the cheeses. In 2018, granddaughter Misty Ankerman opened Best of Grandpa's Cheesebarn at 3916 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. in Norton. The original location is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Hours at Best of Grandpa's are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
55 Kidron Rd., Orrville, OH 44667
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Yes, Shisler's Cheese House is literally a house. John Shisler opened his modestly charming shop in 1958 for the purpose of showcasing local cheeses and gourmet foods to the community and passers-by on the Lincoln Highway. Its success led to the opening of a second location at 1275 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. in Copley as well as a thriving business shipping products around the world. The third generation of Shislers now runs the shops with the same emphasis on customer service pioneered by their grandfather. Shisler's Orrville location is open daily from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. except Sunday, when doors open at 9 a.m., while the Copley location's hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Originally opened in 1912, West Side Market is such an institution that it's a popular tourist attraction featured on Travel Channel and Food Network. The market is home to more than 100 vendors selling every food item imaginable, from meats and seafood to spices and nuts. With more than a dozen produce vendors on hand, you'll find the widest assortment of fruits and vegetables direct from the field. While you're there, pick up some crusty breads and other fresh baked goods for your picnic basket. West Side Market is open 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and now 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday as well.
4641 Broadview Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
If you're looking for a slick, modern "food shoppe," Ziggy's Produce & Farm Market isn't the place for you. But if you want a modest, family-run store where the focus is on high-quality produce, this is it. Butternut squash, watermelon, apples and other fruits and vegetables come fresh from local Amish growers. Have a sweet tooth? Slip some of Ziggy's imported chocolates and candy into your order. Customers especially appreciate the friendly, helpful service from Ziggy's staff. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Sunday, when Ziggy's closes at 4 p.m.
2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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Owners of The Wine Spot aim to be more than just a purveyor of the finest brands of red and white. Their goal is to be a valued Cleveland Heights neighbor as a gathering place and resource for the local community. The Wine Shop is housed in the former Seitz-Agin Hardware, whose sign is still lovingly displayed above the coolers, and the store serves as the student-run gallery of Cleveland Institute of Art. Store hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
6060 Broadview Rd., Parma, OH 44134
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Named Best Wine Shop on Cleveland Hot List, The Little Birdie Wine Nest is one of a trio of businesses that grew out of owner Robin's passions. The Little Birdie is joined by The Morning Owl Coffee Bar and The Balancing Flamingo Yoga Lounge. Robin is a professional sommelier who uses her extensive knowledge to curate the shop's selection of more than 1,000 wines from around the world. Still can't find the right wine? Special orders are cheerfully accepted. The Little Birdie is open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
What's your favorite picnic spot around Northeast Ohio? Don't worry, we won't tell!

What is a mother? A best friend, a shoulder to cry on, a compassionate caretaker, a role model, and guide through our toughest moments in life — being a mom involves being everything a son or daughter needs, whenever they need it. Moms, step-moms, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and maternal figures all deserve recognition and celebration for their profound impact on our lives. This Mother's Day will certainly be different than all others, and while social distancing may prevent us from being together physically, it doesn't have to stop us from showing the women in our lives just how much we care about them. Send the mom in your life a beautiful floral arrangement from one of these florists that conveniently deliver around the Cleveland and Akron areas.
730 S. Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306
Looking for a Mother's Day arrangement that will suit any style mom may have? Look no further than Robinson Florist. Not only will they match you with a bouquet that is bright and beautiful, but they will also deliver it to any doorstep across the nation. No matter if your mom lives in downtown Akron or all the way in San Jose, California, Robinson Florist is determined to deliver the perfect Mother's Day gift to your mom wherever she may be.
1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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This florist in the heart of historic Cleveland creates upscale floral arrangements that exceed expectations. Urban Orchid specializes in crafting bouquets and floral designs for special events such as weddings which means your everyday order will be made with the same talent and stunning beauty that men and women desire for the most important days of their lives. With one location in Ohio City and another in Little Italy, they'll send your mom a completely customized creation that will leave her breathless.
17458 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111
Why can you unquestionably trust Al Wilhelmy Flowers with your Mother's Day gift? They've been the reliable, professional florists that Cleveland men and women have counted on for over 140 years! Al Wilhelmy Flowers will go the extra mile to make sure your mother only receives the finest floral arrangement. With delivery available across the United States, Canada, and other international locations, Al Wilhelmy will be your first choice for flowers for every occasion.
11520 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland, OH 44104
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The best and freshest flowers in Cleveland are available from Orban's Fruit & Flowers. Their popular bouquets, fruits, and gourmet baskets can include everything from roses and pineapples to roses and champagne. Please keep in mind that Orban's is functioning with a limited staff to prioritize the health and safety of their employees so consider making your order as soon as possible or opting for a delivery date other than Mother's Day Sunday.
1843 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
With sweet gifts and fragrant flowers readily available, shopping for a Mother's Day gift is effortless with Colonial Florists. Unlike other services that may deliver flowers in a box — sometimes causing the arrangement to become damaged during shipping — Colonial Florists always create your arrangement by hand and deliver it anywhere in the United States personally. When you choose Colonial Florists for a Mother's Day gift, you're ensuring that your mom receives an arrangement that's as beautiful and cared for as she is.
2132 Noble Rd., East Cleveland, OH 44112

Show you care even if you can't be there with Mother's Day flowers from Nela Florist. Since 1939, Nela Florists has delivered thousands of gorgeous arrangements to mothers and grandmothers around the city. They offer a wide variety of bouquets for a range of prices, including their special Deal of the Day bouquets that are perfect for sons or daughters who want to pick out the perfect Mother's Day gift on a tight budget.
110 Merz Blvd., Akron, OH 44333
Offering free delivery for local online orders, Pam's Posies guarantees your complete satisfaction with all of their florist-designed and hand-delivered arrangements. If you're not sure which flowers would be best for your mom, choose the Florist's Choice Bouquet. One of their talented florists will create a custom arrangement with the freshest flowers available with a vase included.
11519 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111

Don't worry if you don't have a green thumb — the talented staff at Green Thumb Florist have the talents necessary to create an unforgettable Mother's Day arrangement. Although they have a number of excellent Mother's Day bouquets ready for delivery, we suggest looking at their "Flowers in a Gift" options as well. These bouquets come in a number of adorable vase designs such as water pitchers, smiley-faced mugs, and even a cute terrarium. Not only will you give mom a beautiful bouquet, but you'll also gift her a great vase that she can use again and again.
1099 Grant St., Akron, OH 44301
It's all about mom at Amedeo's Florist this month, and they're ready to help you show your love and appreciation to the maternal figure in your life! This local florist knows exactly how to say "Thank you for everything" with an amazing floral arrangement — they've been doing so for over 70 Mother's Days! Make this Mother's Day extra special with one of their colorful bouquets that can be delivered right to your mom's doorstep.
What's your favorite flower for Mother's Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Let's be honest — these last few weeks have been tough on everyone.
To say that COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has disrupted life around the world is an understatement. Within a matter of weeks, our everyday lifestyles were completely altered in unprecedented ways — so much so that the CDC recommends that all men, women, and children wear protective masks over their mouth and nose when leaving the house. This is, understandably, a scary reality for all of us, but it's an especially frightening way of life that our essential workers have to adopt.
At Cutler Real Estate, we want to support our family members, friends, neighbors, and service workers in the communities throughout Northeast Ohio in any way we can. One way that we can unite and proactively slow the spread of coronavirus is to make, wear, and donate homemade masks. You can make these masks from many items that you already have in your home. Let's go over a few ways that you can make these masks at home, why you can protect yourself by wearing them in public, and how do donate these masks and other vital medical supplies to facilities around Northeast Ohio.
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Sadly, there are thousands of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ohio. Until widespread accessibility to testing, more effective treatment options, and a better understanding of the virus itself become a reality, we need to take every opportunity we can to slow the spread. This means practicing social distancing by staying in our homes as much as possible and always wearing a protective mask whenever we leave home.
Although the virus itself is microscopic and can pass through most face coverings, the virus often attaches itself to water molecules that come out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze or cough. Many types of fabric can effectively contain most of these molecules, which means any type of face covering is better than none at all.
While officials ask that all non-medical personnel refrain from purchasing the N95 surgical masks and procedure masks so that our healthcare workers who come in contact with this virus on a daily basis have access to them, the CDC encourages all individuals to make their own face masks. Currently, JOANN fabric and craft stores across the nation have free tools, supplies, and guidance available for anyone wanting to make masks. Many other businesses and organizations around Northeast Ohio are also providing supplies to those who want to join the effort and support the community.
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There are two ways that you can make a homemade mask, the first of which is to sew one. Here are the abridged UH-approved steps to make your own (full directions and materials needed available at this link).
An alternative way that you can make a mask is with a simple pair of scissors. While you can use any fabric on-hand, it's suggested that you use at least two layers of cotton. A bandana, old shirt, or pillowcase are good options. You can fold and tie these fabrics around your face, with or without a filter inserted into the center. You can also cut out ear holes or use ties, rubber bands, or other straps to secure it around your face.
Ideally, this fabric will completely cover your face from the bridge of your nose down underneath your chin. It shouldn't restrict your breathing or speaking, but it must be thick enough to prevent water molecules from passing through the fabric. Please also remember to refrain from touching the front of your mask as that could place your hands in contact with the virus, which you could potentially spread to other parts of your face or to others you come in contact with.
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You have the option of either disposing of your mask or washing it in the washing machine for safe reuse. If you're social distancing, you'll ideally only need to wear your mask a limited number of times throughout our quarantine. Unfortunately, our healthcare workers are constantly exposed to potentially infected patients which means their supply usage is drastically higher.
Believe it or not, healthcare workers in Ohio will use 13 N95 face masks, 14 protective gowns, and 36 pairs of medical gloves while caring for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit over a 24-hour period. As potential new coronavirus cases continue to rise, as well as the daily need for medical care not associated with the virus, our healthcare workers will need more masks than ever before.
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There are dozens of medical facilities around the area that desperately need masks. Here are a few that you can send homemade masks and other supplies to right now:
If you know of any other healthcare or frontline facilities that need masks or other vital medical supplies for their essential workers, please tell us in the comments below.

With many businesses in Northeast Ohio shut down, and "social distancing" in full effect, it's time to start getting creative about finding things to do. Productive hobbies are becoming more popular, and taking up knitting is a great choice.
If this appeals to you, then you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can learn to knit online. Once you're ready, you can support the local area knitting shops that so desperately need your business right now. Here are some tips for getting started and a few of our favorite stores in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
There are plenty of online resources where you can learn to knit. Start by checking out some YouTube channels, like AllFreeKnitting or Craftsy Knitting. If you prefer a more structured class style, you may want to take a look at the classes on websites like SkillShare or Instructables.
Once you've got the basics down, you'll want to visit the websites for some of the area's best knitting stores. Here are a few of our favorite Ohio stores where you can shop for all of your knitting needs.
1387 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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River Colors Studio carries a huge selection of gorgeous yarn. They also have all the materials you'll need to start your knitting projects including needles, hooks, accessories.
Check out their selection of patterns, including some great free ones that are perfect for beginners. You may also want to order a few publications, like Pom Pom Quarterly and Mason-Dixon Field Guides. These are a great way to learn more about your new hobby.
100 North Main St. Suite 230, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
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A fun, boutique-style shop, The Artful Yarn carries an internationally-curated selection of yarns. They currently offer curbside pick-up, limited-distance delivery, and 2-day USPS shipping. You can order over the phone and even video chat via FaceTime. They have some inventory online and will be expanding their online offerings very soon.
On March 30th, they're starting a "Magical Mystery Knit" that you can join right from the comfort of your home. Sign up for their email list or follow them on social media so you can keep up on all the latest news and updates.
129 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
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Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium carries an eclectic selection of yarns and prides itself in offering reasonable prices. You'll love browsing through their gorgeous yarns, and you can also find all of the needles, hooks, bags, and accessories you need.
If you're a beginner, check out the "Yharma's Basement Clearance" section. This is a great way to stock up on supplies without breaking the bank.
12620 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
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You'll find everything you need to get creative with your knitting projects at Fine Points. They specialize in unique yarns and offer kits that have all the materials you need to make a specific project. They also carry needles and accessories, patterns, books, jewelry, and more.
15708 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
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Destination Yarn is an independent shop that hand-dyes their yarn onsite. It's easy to lose yourself in their website, where you can shop by yarn type, dye technique, or collection. They also sell lots of great kits for sweaters, shawls, and pullovers and fun gifts for other knitting-lovers in your life.
13572 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072
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Fiber Addiction carries a wide variety of brand-name yarns including Euro, Berroco, and Cascade. They also offer products from indie dyer Cornbread & Honey. In response to recent events, they're offering individual appointments for those who want to come shop in person, or you can shop online. In addition to yarn, they also carry a fun selection of bags, books, notions, needles, and hooks.
You can get some great deals right now, including free shipping through April 15th. They also offer pick-up orders for those who live nearby.
Other shops around Ohio worth checking out online:
1200 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
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Do you want to make a truly luxurious knitting project? If so, then you'll want to pay a visit to Alpaca Meadows' website. These Ohio residents have a happy herd of alpacas that provide a limited amount of fiber each year. It's either processed on-site or by a local mill. Alpaca yarn is incredibly soft. It's also warm, comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic.
If you see something you like, make sure to stock up, because once it's gone, it's gone. Not sure what to do with alpaca yarn? Take a look at some of their beautiful patterns as well!
1 N. Main St., Mt Vernon, OH 43050
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The Makery also carries a wide selection of hand-dyed, hand-spun yarns and fair trade fiber. You can choose from a variety of materials, including alpaca, cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, wool, and more. They also carry needles, hooks, and notions.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of their super-cool books with many interesting ideas. They also carry fun craft kits designed especially for kids, so if you're home-schooling right you, you'll definitely want to check this out as well.
35 S. High Street in Dublin, Ohio 43017
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For a wide selection of yarn at a variety of price points, as well as needles, buttons, and books, you'll definitely want to take a look at Knitting Temptations' website. They carry many popular brands and you can keep yourself on-budget by shopping by price range.
Don't have a ton of money to spend right now? Create an account and build a wish list! This way, when you're ready to move on to future projects, you'll already have your shopping list ready!
217 South B St., Hamilton, OH 45013
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Lambikin's Hideaway is a local yarn store that prides itself on offering amazing customer service, fair prices, and a huge selection of yarn. Here you'll find a variety of options including lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, and super bulky yarn. While you're on the website, don't forget to subscribe to their newsletter to stay in the loop about their latest classes, promotions, and specials.
What kind of knitting project are you looking forward to trying first?

Who says you need to leave the house to immerse yourself in the wonderful art, history, and culture that Northeast Ohio has to offer? As our country enters a time of public space shutdowns and social distancing, now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the virtual tours hosted by many museums around Cleveland, Canton, and beyond. Settle into your favorite chair and take a journey into the wonders of these digital domains.
1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702
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While most museums give you a glimpse into the past, the Canton Museum of Art allows digital visitors to take a look into their past by showcasing previous permanent exhibitions on their website. Over 30 of these diverse exhibits are available for online-viewing, including Crowns: Crossing into Motherhood, Scrimmage: Football in American Art from the Civil War to the Present, and Continuum: Art of the Cleveland School and Beyond, which was created in partnership with ARTneo.
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Explore the Historic Zoar Village without ever going outside. As one of the most successful communal settlements in U.S. history, Zoar Village continues to be the home of dozens of families. Their virtual tour allows you to select various homes and buildings from the village to learn more about their history.
1300 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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One of the only public law enforcement museums in the country, the Cleveland Police Museum features 13 online exhibits showcasing Cleveland's police force over the years. This includes fascinating information about their Mounted Unit, 19th Century Policing, Prohibition, and a Fallen Officers exhibit.
11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
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An interesting museum located in the Allen Memorial Medical Library of the Case Western Reserve University, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History offers online exhibits for students and nonstudents alike. These photo collections, some featuring audio archives of lecture recordings, include exhibits such as Photographing Dermatology: The Collections of Dr. William Thomas Corlett.
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
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Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland Starts Here campaign, the Digital Cleveland Starts Here virtual library and museum features over 150 years of Cleveland history as told and donated by residents over countless generations.
21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
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While the NASA station in Florida receives rave reviews, many Ohio natives forget that we have the amazing Glenn Research Center right in our backyard. This facility designs and develops innovative technology that fuels our nation's space exploration. Their convenient virtual tours are out of this world, offering a look into 10 facilities with accompanying photographs and videos of the testing labs.
Northeast Ohio contains only a small fraction of the many museums the Buckeye State has to offer. Here are a few other Ohio-based museums offering free virtual tours:
1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431
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Dayton is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest and oldest military aviation museum on the planet. Thankfully, you don't have to go all the way to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see it up close — you can take a virtual tour of the entire museum on your computer. Each of the icons displayed in the galleries allows you to read, watch, and listen to information about each exhibit.
1665 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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The Ohio Craft Museum, in collaboration with the Ohio Designer Craftsmen, is a special space showcasing exhibits and offering workshops for art lovers of all ages. They've made all of the current, past, and permanent galleries available online for crafters to browse. The current exhibit is the Found Again Quilt Exhibit, which showcases gorgeous quilt art from local Ohio quilters. Their permanent collection includes clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, wood, and mixed media pieces. You can also look at all past exhibits featured in the Ohio Craft Museum dating back to 2008.
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Cincinnati Art Museum has digitalized its permanent collection to share with the world. So far, over 67,000 works of art are featured in their virtual museum. This is an exciting tour for art lovers because, although not every item on display in the physical museum has been uploaded online, many of the pieces on the website are no longer available to view inside the museum.
For a trip around the country without leaving your couch, check out virtual tours of these famous United States museums:
10 St. & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
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Dive into the National Museum of Natural History and go room-to-room, viewing current and past exhibits like Last American Dinosaurs, Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, and the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems.
1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028
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The Met is world-famous, and you don't have to leave home to see why. Experience the museum online via their Open Access initiative, which allows you to explore over 400,000 images created over the last 5,000 years.
205 S. Whiting St. Suite 254, Alexandria, VA 22304
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The National Women's History Museum offers nearly 30 interactive online exhibits charting the great moments in the history of women in the United States.
Which is your favorite national or international museum to tour virtually? Let us know in the comments below!