There’s No Place Like Home: Our Favorite Things to Do

At Imagine Homes, everyone is proudly local. We don’t just work in our markets—we live here, too! So, if you’re looking for the best local spots and hidden gems nearby, who better to ask than the people who call the place home?

We reached out to our team and asked them to list their favorite spots and activities close to home.

Cincinnati

Whether you’re into sports, history, food, or alcoholic drinks, Cincinnati has a little something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite local spots in Cincinnati.

Vita’s recommendations:

• Hungry for adventure? Head on to The Little Miami Scenic Trail! It has multiple entry points beginning in Newtown, in Hamilton County, and extending approximately 75 miles to the northeast to Springfield, in Clark County. Whether you enjoy walking, running, rollerblading, biking, or even horseback riding, this scenic trail has everything you need.

• Loveland Bike Trail is the Loveland, OH section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. It consists of 26 miles of paved trails encircling Loveland and connecting to other regional trails, including Long View Trail and the Colorado Front Range Trail. It is an absolutely terrific trail for bike riding or walking with lots of places to grab food and drinks along the way.

• Carter Park in Mason, OH features paths with canopied trees, native plants, and wildflowers, making it an amazing spot to go on a nature walk, take a hike, or ride a bike.

• Discover a different side of Cincinnati. Take a guided tour of brewery tunnels under the old Kauffman Brewery and learn about the city’s lesser-known history.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a paradise for every outdoor adventurer, foodie, sports fan, and art enthusiast. It’s a place that has all the hustle and bustle of a big city but with all the charms of a small town. If you’re looking for hidden gems and the best local spots around Cleveland, OH, here are our best picks.

Allison’s recommendations:

• “My favorite restaurant is in Streetsboro, OH—New Peking Express—with a fantastic buffet. I’ve been eating there for 10+ years and love the honey chicken!

• All the Metro Parks are great places to visit and they offer a variety of outdoor activities.  Rocky River Reservation has a great Nature Center, plus miles of multi-purpose trails.  Don’t miss the view from the top of the Fort Hill Stairs.  

• My favorite hiking spot is the Indian Spring Trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park.  It’s a nice place to visit year-round and see how the scenery changes every season.

• Richfield Heritage Preserve is a little-known gem of a park.  The land was formerly two Girl Scout camps but is now a park with hiking trails and a chance to see relics of the past.”

Stephanie’s recommendations:

• “I love Chagrin Falls. So many cute boutique stores, the popcorn shop, and trails along the falls. My favorite restaurant is M Italian followed by dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.”

Vicki’s recommendations:

• “One of my favorite things to do is to travel down to Murray Hill/Little Italy for authentic Italian Food and then go to the feast, art walk, or the many art museums that are along the street. So cute and quaint and the food and pastry shops are the very best in the city.”

Kansas City

Kansas City is a destination that will take you by surprise. There are hidden gems you won’t find through the Kansas tourist information center including the following.

Lisa’s recommendations:

• “Chicken N Pickle is a super unique and awesome find! Good food, fun atmosphere, and games—what else could you ask for? They have a unique, indoor/outdoor entertainment complex that includes a restaurant, sports bar, and pickleball courts. If you are looking for great food and a game of pickleball, visit one of their branches in Overland Park or NKC!

• Check out beautiful Antioch Park in Overland Park, KS. Dog walks, walking trails, and playgrounds—what’s not to love? Aside from those, the park also features various amenities such as:
  • Tennis Courts
  • Loop trail
  • Parking
  • Swings
  • Picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • Reservable shelters”

Tessa’s recommendations:

• “I know Lisa already mentioned this, but Chicken N Pickle is also my favorite!

• Union Station Downtown has a lot of awesome things to do with the family. There are many great restaurants to choose from. If you’re in the mood for a movie or a play, there are seats in several theaters waiting for you.

• KC WineCO always has food trucks and different events every weekend. It is a huge place with many things to do, so plan on making a day of it!”

Minneapolis

We get it—you want to find hidden gems and visit all the local spots Minneapolis has to offer. But, putting together an itinerary can be tough. We have you covered—here are some local spots you can start with.

Rajané’s recommendations:

• Stop and smell the roses at the Munsinger Clemens Gardens. The gardens are well-maintained with a terrific mix of sun and shade leaves. There are also sections of Hostas and roses, color-themed gardens, and mixed annual and perennial plants.

• Get artsy at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens across the country, featuring 40 permanent art installations and several other exhibits that come and go.

• Lose yourself to the Minneapolis Institute Of Art. It is one of the best free-admission art museums you’ll ever visit. Whether you’re looking for some inspiration or just want to appreciate art, this is the place to be.

• Take the kids to Como Zoo & Conservatory. Spend the day admiring the beauty of wildlife including lions, tigers, giraffes, orangutans—and the list goes on! They also have several gardens where a plethora of flora grows. Admission is free, but it is best to make a reservation before visiting.

• Trek the Superior Hiking Trail. If you’re up to the task of thru-hiking, this 310-mile long trail is perfect for you. Throughout the trail, the vistas are plentiful and rewarding. You’ll see rushing rivers, deep gorges, rock outcroppings, waterfalls, views of Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains, and the overlook of the Lake Superior.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city rich in history. It used to be the home of many groups of indigenous people. The city eventually developed into a major contributor to the steel industry. However, that industry collapsed due to its lack of sustainability.

After reinventing itself, Pittsburgh is now renowned as one of the top eleven most liveable cities in the world with great school districts and a booming tourism industry. Today, there are many hidden gems and local spots in Pittsburgh, and we’ve put together a list of which ones to visit first.

Maury’s recommendations:

• “We have dog parks all over! A few are Downtown, River View, South Side, Bernard, Frick Park, Green Tree, Dormont, and Highland Park. My dogs Jacques and Godtrict love the spring weather and enjoy long walks on the Riverview Trail. Beautiful sights for humans and lots of great smells for puppies! There are many local breweries that not only allow dogs indoors but also give out treats!”

• “For family-friendly adventures, try Frick Park, known to Pittsburghers as the “big blue slide” park. Lots of trails for hikers and a big park for the kiddos! This is also a great place to sled ride!”

• “Pittsburgh is home to great museums such as the Carnegie Museums and the Children’s Museum.”

• “The National Aviary located on the north side of Pittsburgh is a great place to learn and see exotic birds. We also have the Carnegie Science Center which has activities for people of all ages! You can even enjoy exploring an old submarine that is still in the water!”

• “There are also a few other little gems I like to visit when I’m in the city.
  • One is Pittsburgh Pinball Dojo in the Northside of Pittsburgh—they actually have pinball tournaments that are fun!
  • Biddle Escape is also a great spot. It’s a small hidden cafe on the east side of Pittsburgh. Dogs welcomed! They have a cute patio with plenty of seating.
  • Another for those with a sweet tooth would be La Gourmandine. It’s a small bakery that has recently expanded into four total locations in Pittsburgh! Great for croissants and their eclairs are to die for!
  • Lastly, for those that would like an adult beverage, Church Brew Works is the place to go! It’s an old church that was turned into a brewery! Inside, you can still sit in “pews” and eat or have a beer.”

Dan’s recommendation:

• “Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe! It’s on Western Ave. on the Northside of Pittsburgh. They are only open until 2 pm. One of my favorite local breakfast spots in the city! Great breakfast and an unbelievable meatloaf!”

Kaitlin’s recommendations:

• Randy Land is a bright, colorful work of art on the northside of Pittsburgh, tucked in behind the Mexican war streets. It’s an all-outdoor courtyard museum of the heart (and the most painted house in the galaxy) built by the creative vision of artist Randy Gilson. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Randyland! Open every day from noon ‘til dark!

• Improv is a comedy club franchise. Initially, it was a single venue founded in 1963 by Budd Friedman and his ex-wife, Silver Saundors. Its first branch was established in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City on West 44th near the southeast corner of 9th Ave.

• Leaf & Bean is a local coffee spot where caffeine and cigar lovers unite! Initially making its debut in 2003, Leaf & Bean in the Strip District has become a true Pittsburgh favorite for cigar smokers, coffee lovers, and even those just looking to escape to a “Florida Keys” environment. Owned and operated by cigar icon Jim Robinson (more commonly known as “Island Jim”), Leaf & Bean fosters an environment that truly feels like you’re taking a step into an island-style oasis getaway. Drop by their fully stocked, walk-in humidor for cigars and cigar accessories. If you’re looking to quench your thirst, they also have various types of freshly brewed coffee and gourmet drinks.

St. Louis

Whether you are an art aficionado, history buff, animal lover, hiker, tourist, or a local, St. Louis has everything you need. Best of all, most of the local spots in St. Louis, MO are free and are within a half-hour drive from downtown.

Aside from zoos, parks, trails, science centers, and museums, we also have some hidden gems we think you should visit!

Terri’s recommendations:

• Looking for a place where you can relax and pet adorable, adoptable cats? Visit Mauhaus Cat Cafe & Lounge in Maplewood. It’s the perfect place to get your caffeine and feline fix!

• Are dogs more your style? Head over to Zoomies Pet Cafe + Boutique. They are the first dog-friendly cafe where you can enjoy an amazing cup of coffee while spending time with your furry friend.

• Itching for a fun night of tabletop games? Stop by Pieces: The Original St. Louis Board Game Bar & Cafe. Dungeons and Dragons? Monopoly? Clue? If you can name it, they’ll probably have it—they have a collection of over 950 board games!

Got places that didn’t make this list? We’d love to hear from you!

We’re big on the idea that if you want to know the best places to visit, talk to someone local—that includes you! Tell us about your favorite spots in your area! Tag @imaginehomesmgmt over on Instagram so that we can share these spots with others in our communities! #JustImagine

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