Pam Freeman
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Articles by Pam Freeman
Local Spotlight: Peppermint Pig Animal Rescue and Gift & Thrift Store
Peppermint Pig Animal Rescue in eastern Cincinnati is a 100% volunteer, foster-based rescue dedicated to helping dogs, cats and other animals in need find safe, loving homes. Southwest Ohio Parent talked to Debbie Owens, a volunteer at Peppermint Pig, to learn more about this organization helping animals in Ohio. All monetary donations and proceeds from selling donated goods go directly to the rescue, rehabilitation and care of needy animals in our community.
Hidden Gems: Mike’s Bike Park
From training wheels forward, bike riding is a family journey that can lead to fun and fitness, with great memories made along the way. In Ohio, though, bike riding isn’t possible every day. Think of rain that leads to muddy trails, snow, ice and intense heat. Enter Mike’s Bike Park in Downtown Dayton. The full-service, award-winning bike shop outfits everyone in the family with bikes that fit right now — no growing into it required.
Little Foodies: Mom ‘N ‘Em Coffee
If you’re from Cincinnati, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Gary Burbank and his show on 700 WLW, where he would say, “Hey, how’s your Mom ‘n ‘em?” That familiar phrase gave way to the name of Mom ‘N ‘Em Coffee, currently celebrating seven years in the community with a flagship location in Camp Washington and a second location in Madisonville.
Little Foodies: Old Scratch Pizza
Midwesternly Neapolitan pizza came to a renovated 1960s auto parts store in 2016, and Old Scratch Pizza was born. The location in midtown Dayton started things off, and locations have now spread in Southwest Ohio to Centerville, Beavercreek and Troy, with a Hilliard location opening soon. Neapolitan is a famous flat, round pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It’s all about the crust, which should be thin in the middle, puffy and airy on the outside with just the right amount of char.
Hidden Gems: Lloyd Library & Museum
In downtown Cincinnati, one of the city’s true gems and maybe least-known destinations, the Lloyd Library and Museum is a great stop for curious visitors. The Lloyd was started in the 1870s with the personal collection of three brothers. John Uri, Nelson Ashley and Curtis Gates Lloyd were local pharmacists who made botanical drugs. Today, the collection includes rare books, journals, manuscripts and artwork.
Local Spotlight: Crayons and Beyond
Crayons and Beyond directly impacts children and families by removing barriers to learning and making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Since 1997, the organization has distributed more than $214 million in free classroom supplies and other essential resources. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Stephen Bernstein, director of marketing and communications for Crayons and Beyond, to find out more about their efforts.
Local Spotlight: RAPTOR Inc.
Raptors and birds of prey hold a vital place in our ecosystem, but their survival is not guaranteed. Orphaned, injured or sick birds of prey need help, and that’s where RAPTOR Inc. steps in to rescue, rehabilitate and release if possible. The organization also works to bring conservation education and STEM learning to life for students and adults throughout the tri-state area.
Little Foodies: The Ugly Duckling
Is breakfast the new dinner? At The Ugly Duckling in Dayton, it certainly is. Open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Ugly Duckling is famous for its pancakes, but they are not like your ordinary pancakes. These pancakes are uniquely Ugly Duckling, and made with applesauce and oat milk instead of eggs and whole milk. This makes them thinner and heartier with “crispy edges, rich flavor and a texture all their own,” according to the Ugly Duckling.
Hidden Gems: Black-n-Bluegrass Roller Derby
Women’s flat track roller derby is gaining popularity and growing by the day. In the tri-state area, the Black-n-Bluegrass women’s roller derby team has come back to Northern Kentucky for its 20th season. Home bouts for the fall 2026 season are scheduled for September 26, October 17 and November 7. They are held in the Amory at 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased in advance online at black-n-bluegrass.com.
Local Spotlight: Carry Her
Carry Her, a program of the nonprofit Impacting Tomorrow in Loveland, provides free diapers, menstrual products, postpartum supplies and hygiene essentials to women, children and families across the region. The program addresses feminine care and diaper insecurity while working to restore stability, confidence and hope for the families it serves. Laura Baker, foundation relationship manager at Impacting Tomorrow, talked with Southwest Ohio Parent about the program.
Hidden Gems: Free Parking
Free Parking isn’t a desired parking spot, though free parking is available at this Cincinnati bar and social gaming spot. Named after the space on the Monopoly board where nothing is required of the player, Free Parking wants to be the same kind of stop for its guests: no pressure, just a place to have fun. Board games are having a moment again, and Free Parking leans into it with a full library available for in-store play six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Local Spotlight: Magnified Giving
We teach our kids a lot of things, but what about how to give? Through Magnified Giving, students learn the impact of philanthropy firsthand. They are inspired to give their time, talent and treasure throughout their lives and help to lighten the concerns of others. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Lindsey Barta, director of communications, to learn more about this organization. How do you define “philanthropy” versus simply volunteering or fundraising?
Local Spotlight: Bi-Okoto Cultural Center
The Bi-Okoto Cultural Center, located on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, serves as an educational and cultural platform dedicated to preserving and sharing Africa’s rich heritage. Founded in 1994, Bi-Okoto has grown into a trusted community resource, engaging children, families and audiences of all ages through African music, dance, language and storytelling while fostering cross-cultural understanding locally and beyond.
Hidden Gems: Factory 52
When you visit Factory 52, the sense of newness is immediate. Located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati in Norwood, this vibrant lifestyle destination blends dining, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and apartment living into one dynamic space. At the same time, Factory 52 honors its roots by preserving and reimagining the historic buildings of the former United States Playing Card Factory site.
Little Foodies: Winans Coffee & Chocolate
Fans of Winans Coffee & Chocolate have plenty of delicious reasons to stop in. This beloved Southwest Ohio favorite offers handcrafted chocolates and small-batch coffee at multiple locations throughout the region, including five spots in the Dayton area—Far Hills, Feedwire, Beavercreek, The Greene, and Downtown—as well as shops in Troy, Springfield, and Maineville.
Kawa Revolving Sushi: Fun Family Dining in Cincinnati
If your kids think sushi is “too fancy,” Kawa Revolving Sushi in Cincinnati is here to change their minds. This family-friendly spot turns dining into an experience — where sushi rides by on conveyor belts and special orders arrive by bullet train or mini semi-truck. It’s equal parts meal and entertainment, making it a perfect choice for adventurous eaters and curious kids alike.
A Hidden Gem Amusement Park in Hamilton, Ohio
Step back in time at Stricker’s Grove, a family-owned amusement park in Hamilton County that has been bringing nostalgic fun to generations of families since 1924. Known as one of Ohio’s best hidden gems, this park offers everything from classic wooden roller coasters and a Ferris wheel to mini golf, cotton candy, and snow cones — all with an old-fashioned charm that’s hard to find today.
Hidden Gems: Tikkun Farm
Tikkun Farm is celebrating 10 years as a neighborhood farm in Mt. Healthy on the west side of Cincinnati. The farm’s vision is to restore people, community and creation. Filling that mission has taken many forms by offering opportunities to engage in meaningful work and spiritual practices. What does this look like in real life?
ROCK & GEM FIELD GUIDE: Peridot
Rock&Gem Magazine | August 2025 Peridot is the bright green gem-quality variety of the mineral forsterite, a magnesium silicate. Large, Faceted Peridot 764 carats Both are commonly referred to as “olivine,” which is intended to refer to samples with a composition between forsterite and fayalite (an iron silicate). While many gemstones can be found in multiple colors, peridot occurs in shades that range from yellow-green to olive or brownish-green.
Little Foodies: Milkshake Factory
With family roots back to 1914 in Pittsburgh, the Milkshake Factory brings indulgence to today’s fast-paced life. Using family ice cream and chocolate recipes, a trip to the Milkshake Factory means handspun shakes, craft sundaes and gourmet chocolates for the most discerning of sweet tooths. What’s on the Menu In addition to classics like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, signature milkshakes take things up a notch to include campfire s’mores, chocolate-dipped strawberry and cookie jar.
Hidden Gems: Hidden Gems Bookshop
First things first: It goes without saying that we love the name of this bookshop! On a different note: While digital book sales are growing, print books and readership remain strong. New books, however, can be expensive. About the Bookshop Enter Hidden Gems Bookshop, which is digging into the retro vibe by selling lightly used books in a pop-up format. Based out of Norwood, Hidden Gems may be the affordable answer for book buffs.
Local Spotlight: ScoopAble Ice Cream
ScoopAble Ice Cream founder Amy Pennington describes her shop as more than just ice cream. The Loveland ice cream shop also employs people with disabilities. “This venture isn’t just about ice cream — it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change in our community,” Pennington says.
Grow Bag Gardening: What Works and What Doesn’t
Grow bag gardening was originally popular in the 1970s for use in greenhouse gardening and has seen a resurgence of popularity over the past several years. Grow bags are a great option for those with limited space and those with acreage alike. Grow bags are soft-sided containers that come in various sizes, ranging from wide and shallow to deep and narrow. They allow you to grow plants in spaces that you may not otherwise be able to.
Little Foodies: Parlor Doughnuts
Never heard of Parlor Doughnuts? That’s because this craft doughnut and coffee shop is relatively new on the scene, opening its first location in Evansville, Indiana, in 2019. The dream for this unique shop came as Darrick Hayden traveled with his son Noah’s band for a few years. Each stop became an opportunity to sample the best local doughnuts and coffee.
Hidden Gems: Little Miami Scenic Trail
Running more than 78 miles, starting in Springfield and ending on the east side of Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is the fourth-longest paved trail in the United States. Abundant in recreational options, visitors can take their pick. Land options included bicycling, hiking, rollerblading, backpacking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing by permit in the winter.
Local Spotlight: Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Cincinnati is beautiful, and the nonprofit Keep Cincinnati Beautiful is committed to keeping it that way. Through programs that help communities transform into vibrant spaces, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful’s success can be seen in tree plantings and vibrant artwork, but its greatest success may be unseen through removing over eight million pounds of litter across the Queen City.
Little Foodies: Graeter's Lil Pints Playrooms & Birthday Parties
Ice cream and birthday parties are the perfect combination and Graeter’s makes it easy to bring both together. At select locations, Graeter’s offers private party rooms and birthday party packages, and makes a great indoor location to celebrate. At Kenwood and Cherry Grove in Cincinnati, kids can also enjoy the indoor Lil’ Pints playground for an extra bonus. Lil’ Pints Playground Lil’ Pints is open to kids ages 7 and younger, and offer climbing zones, slides and fun.
Hidden Gems: Cat Cafes in Cincinnati & Dayton
Calling all cat people! Cat cafes are gaining popularity across southwest Ohio and globally. They are a purrfect way to relax and experience the comfort of a café with good food, drinks and friends — both human and feline. Interacting with cats can be therapeutic by reducing blood pressure and stress hormones. The other good news for cat cafes is that they are becoming a way to find homes for adoptable cats.
Little Foodies: Spaghetti Warehouse
Even the pickiest of eaters can find something to munch on at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Dayton. This family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of American-Italian favorites on their menu, which is extensive and set up for celebrating a simple night out or a festive gathering. And if you’re lucky enough to sit in the historic trolley car, a highlight of this restaurant chain, then the experience is complete.
Hidden Gems: Special Needs Accessibility at Your Family's Favorite Places
Heading out as a family can be fun for everyone, with many local hotspots offering accommodations and resources for special needs and sensory sensitivities. Here’s a helpful list to make planning for everyone easier. Cincinnati Museum Center Quiet zones are located throughout the building, including the nursing rooms on the mezzanine and lower level and the parent resource room. These zones are equipped with a minky-covered 5-pound weighted blanket, noise-reducing earmuffs, fidgets and more.
How Old Do Chickens Need to Be to Lay Eggs?
Reading Time: 2 minutes How old do chickens need to be to lay eggs? Get answers to this and other chicken egg laying questions in this article. By Pam Freeman At Backyard Poultry, we love to tackle common reader questions, such as why have my chickens stopped laying? and why are my chickens laying soft eggs? With our popular Chickens in a Minute video series, we’ve created quick, informative videos to answer your common queries in an entertaining way.
Local Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton
Since 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Dayton has provided comfort, compassion, and care for families with critically ill children. Located steps from the medical treatment their children need, RMHC Dayton is built on the belief that families should be able to focus entirely on their child’s health. That’s why they provide a welcoming home away from home — completely free of charge.
Hidden Gems: Spooky Nook Sports
The motto says it all: “Bringing families together through sports, entertainment and events.” And that’s exactly what Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill does, with something for everyone: a sports complex, fitness center and Mill 2 Conference Center. By size, this is almost no “hidden” gem, considering it houses Ohio’s second-largest convention center and the nation’s largest sports complex all totaling over 1,000,000 square feet.
Little Foodies: Cincy Sammys
There’s nothing better than cookies and ice cream when you’ve got a sweet tooth, and Cincy Sammys offers both. Named after the owner’s beloved pup, Samson, who was notorious for stealing birthday cakes, Cincy Sammys starts with a simple premise — pick a cookie type and ice cream flavor and combine them for a delicious ice cream sandwich. The DIY Sammy is a build-your-own option. Choose from five to six rotating cookie flavors, eight ice cream choices plus sauces and toppings.
Hidden Gems: Bonnett’s Book Store
Strolling through Dayton’s historic Oregon District is a step back in time as one of the earliest surviving examples of residential and commercial architecture with buildings dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s. The charming streets are lined with restaurants and shops that offer unique and eclectic browsing. Part of that browsing since 1939 is Bonnett’s Book Store, opened as Bonnett’s Back-Issue Magazines by Harold and Ruth Bonnett.
Local Spotlight: Queen City Book Bank
Literacy is key to high school graduation and later success. However, 40 percent of area students do not read proficiently by third grade. Helping to stem this tide is the Queen City Book Bank, whose mission is to get the right books and resources to the children who need them most. Southwest Ohio Parent spoke to Michelle Otten Guenther, executive director of Queen City Book Bank, to learn more about this noble nonprofit.
Local Spotlight: American Sign Museum
We pass by signs every day. They guide us. They inspire us. They’re part of our pop culture and history. The American Sign Museum (ASM) brings all of this together with almost 100 years of signs displayed in a family-friendly experience that informs, delights and entertains. More Local Spotlights David Dupee, executive director of ASM: The Museum was founded by Tod Swormstedt back in 1999.
Hidden Gems: Glen Helen Raptor Center
Glen Helen in Yellow Springs is Ohio’s largest most-visited private nature preserve and is connected on its southern edge to John Bryan State Park. A highlight of visiting Glen Helen is a stop at the Raptor Center. More Hidden Gems What to Expect The Raptor Center features over 20 native raptors and birds that can be viewed in outdoor enclosures. It’s an opportunity to see up close the birds that occupy our skies. On Saturdays and Sundays, the indoor classroom offers a more interactive experience.
Hidden Gems: Spots to See the Changing Leaves
State parks are perfect for getting outdoors to do some serious leaf peeping and hiking as a chill fills the air and pumpkin spice is top of mind. Here are some top spots to visit and stretch your legs. The inaugural fall for Ohio’s newest state park in Xenia deserves a visit to the trails and a stop by the Little Miami River as its waters reflect fall’s colors.
Cincy Book Bus
Housed in a 1962 Volkswagen pickup truck, The Cincy Book Bus is a bookstore on wheels. It parks inside the Book Bus Depot on Reading Road in Cincinnati when it’s not out and about, says owner Melanie Moore, who sells hand-curated books from the bus. The profits from book purchases go toward purchasing children’s books for area low-income schools and organizations. After 25 years of teaching in various inner-city schools across the country, I decided to reroute my career.
Educational Day Trips
Ready for your next unforgettable family adventure packed with learning and fun? Dive into these five exciting destinations, perfect for exploring history, science, and nature together. Each spot offers hands-on educational experiences that kids and adults will love. Best of all, they’re close enough for a quick day trip from Cincinnati or Dayton—or you can turn them into a longer getaway.
Little Foodies: Culp’s Cafe
Brand new at Carillon Historical Park is Culp’s Café, which also features an eat-in restored 1903 Barney & Smith Interurban railcar, reminiscent of the soda fountains and lunch counters of Dayton in the early 1900s. More Little Foodies Articles The last name, Culp, is not unfamiliar in Dayton. Charlotte Gilbert Culp was a young widow in 1902. To support her six young children, she started making baked goods for them to sell door-to-door.
Urban Krag Climbing Center
If you like to climb or want to give it a try, Urban Krag Climbing Center offers Ohio’s most diverse and largest indoor climbing walls in what was once an abandoned and decrepit church at the corner of Clay and Cass streets. We tend to think of climbing as an adult exercise, but in reality, kids can climb, too. The minimum age to climb is 4 years old, accompanied by a belay-certified legal guardian or parent.
“I CAN SWIM!” Project
Every day, about 10 people (children and adults) die from unintentional drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s “I CAN SWIM!” project is working to lower this number by offering swim lessons with American Red Cross instructors for all ages to develop and refine their swimming skills.
You to The Rescue
Rehoming is the theme at You to the Rescue. This upscale resale boutique offers a place for your gently used items to find a new home, including clothing, accessories and home goods. The bonus is that You to the Rescue is a nonprofit helping animals to find new homes by contributing up to 70% of its profit to two local rescue organizations — the Animal Adoption Foundation (aafpets.org) in Hamilton, and Save the Animals Foundation (staf.org) in Cincinnati.
Aces Pickleball + Kitchen
The fastest-growing sport in the country — pickleball — meets a yummy mix of sports bar food. You’ve got a winning combination for the whole family at Factory 52, an entertainment complex for the whole family — even the family dog. It starts with the pickleball courts with indoor and lit outdoor options. The seating plaza is like the best backyard ever, with fire-pits, TVs, ping pong and more. Fido can join the fun at the dog park.
Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar
Attention, cereal lovers! Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar in Cincinnati might be your new best friend. You know you’ve done it before, whether you’ve combined the final dregs of two different cereal boxes or couldn’t make up your mind between two different tastes. Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar takes this to the next level. Combine cereals. Add fun toppings. Try limited edition varieties. Play games.
Hidden Gems: 2nd Street Market
If you’re longing to visit a European market, Five Rivers MetroParks’ 2nd Street Market should be on your must-visit list. Housed in a charming historical block-long former 1911 B&O railroad building, the 2nd Street Market is full of local growers, bakers, culinary specialists and artisans. It’s a place to grab a coffee, stroll and snag some goodies for your weekend meals or refresh the pantry for the week ahead.
Local Spotlight: La Soupe
Have you ever wondered where the food that isn’t used at restaurants and grocery stores goes? Food waste is a big concern in our country, and La Soupe, a chef-led initiative in Cincinnati, is helping to address that issue locally. The nonprofit partners with 150 local grocers, farms, restaurants, manufacturers and distributors to rescue an average of 25,000 pounds of fresh food weekly.
Local Spotlight: Heartfelt Tidbits
Transitioning to American life can be tough for immigrants. Heartfelt Tidbits offers a helping hand and support for recent immigrants to Southwestern Ohio. We talked to Sheryl Rajbhandari, the founder and executive director of Heartfelt Tidbits, to learn more about this important organization helping people. Immigrants arrive with expectations from what they’ve heard about America. Some will say they expected to start working after a few days and move into a home.
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