Feature

’Tis the season to give and be thankful. Show your friends and family how much you appreciate them with a gift that supports local business. Whether picking out something at a local shop or treating your friend to the flexibility of a gift card, you’ll find exactly what you need at these local businesses.

Designer Yves Saint Laurent once famously declared, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” We couldn’t agree more. While fashion bends to trends, style reflects the whole person. Oscar Wilde embellished the thought, writing in The Importance of Being Earnest: “In matters of great importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.” If you want to honestly know a person, get a sense of their lifestyle.

While looking good and feeling good are often different goals, we think it’s easiest to achieve them in tandem. Want to take some positive steps forward? We asked local professionals for their opinions on making changes that stick.

When we want to know what to eat, where to drink, and how to celebrate, we ask our readers. Who else would know the best bar in downtown Toledo, the coolest new restaurant, or the hippest place to be seen? Read on to see who TCP readers voted for during this year’s dining guide awards.

Hip hop in Toledo was conceived in the 1980’s at house parties and school dances; places where DJs, graffiti artists and rappers often gathered to create and share compositions. These homegrown collaborations were reminiscent of a holiday dinner, where everyone was welcomed, recognized and appreciated for their contributions.

Don’t get us wrong—we love large, outdoor festivals—but as the warm weather dissipates, so does the appeal of beer-fueled crowds and daytime art fairs....

The term “no-kill” is defined differently, depending on who you talk to. Because pet-owners, or those hoping to adopt a pet, might not realize the difference, Toledo City Paper examined the policies of local shelters. While approaches may vary, all shelters agree: it is much better to find a pet at a shelter than to support the often inhumane and shockingly unregulated puppy mill industry.

“Truly being able to feel, for one day, like you’re the majority, or like your voice is the loudest. It is kind of a different feeling for most people in minority groups. That goes for not just the LGBT community, but minorities in general,” said Hayman-Staples.

Bozarts Gallery was filled top to bottom with original works from regional visual artists. “Bozarts was open and producing almost monthly exhibitions for nearly six years and a series of weekly exhibitions called ‘A Series of One Night Stands.’ I never had a contract with a single one of my artists. Everything was done with a handshake,” explains Gray. The list of veteran Bozart artists is a stunning reminder of Toledo’s talent. “We tried to be true to the artist’s ideals…”

These area businesses are like Toledo— they’re diverse. Whether they supply electronics, serve meals, or offer medical advice, all of these business owners have three things in common: they love Toledo, they’re passionate about their customers, and they couldn’t be more excited about this city’s future.

We aren’t sure who the first person was that said, “I LOVE being single,” but we’re pretty sure they were a goddamn liar. Most people hate being single. What’s to love? Low life expectancy. Sure, that sounds great! And maybe you’re one of the rare people that are actually #singleandlovingit—and that’s great, but we doubt it—then this guide won’t apply to you. Most likely, you are one of the many Toledoans who are #singleandtoleratingit. To that, we say: Welcome. You aren’t alone.

There are two essential rules of good sword fighting. First, don’t get hit and, second, hit your opponent.

Here’s a look back at a sampling of our most recent winners and why they were selected as the Best. Hey, winners celebrate all year long!

Loud, assertive, and out all night aren’t typically included in the list of “ladylike” qualities. But hey— we aren’t listening to archaic gender roles, and neither should you. We’re listening to bold, badass, and beautiful babes who are making Toledo’s music scene something worth shouting about.

Aja and Dale Pope Married June 18, 2010 | Renewed their vows April 7, 2018 Bride | Aja Pope, 32 Occupation: Intensive Care Nurse at St. Charles...

Tucked into the Orleans Building in the recently named Entertainment District of Levis Commons is a new restaurant, Basil Pizza and Wine Bar.