Valley Cafe
All of us have been itching to get back out and about with businesses reopening after the pandemic, and what better way to get out than to spend a day strolling around downtown Wadsworth?
Nicole and BJ Mikoda started the Valley Cafe 13 years ago this upcoming August. The Valley Cafe’s first location was in Akron’s Merriman Valley, but when the two were presented with the opportunity to open a second Valley Cafe in downtown Wadsworth, they jumped on it immediately.
The original concept of Valley Cafe is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. However, at the Wadsworth location, they also offer dinner service and alcoholic drinks. The Wadsworth restaurant closes at 3 p.m. and then reopens with a dinner menu at 5 p.m.
The Valley Cafe has a variety of menu items ranging from sweet to savory, so everyone is bound to find something they will love. They have breakfast items such as Glazed Amish Cinnamon Toast and lunch items like Mo’s Chicken Pita. For dinner, they have a variety of Cajun-spiced features as well as sandwiches, salads, seasonal items and comfort foods.
“One of our biggest approaches is that you will always be getting fresh food whether it be at the Valley Cafe or Dolce. The food will always be fresh and made on site. Inspiring service is important to us and we are very community-based. That’s our heartbeat,” Nicole says.
For more information about Valley Cafe, please visit Valley-Cafe.com or call 330.331.7555. Valley Cafe is located at 101 High Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281.
Dolce at the Strand
Do you have a sweet tooth after eating at the Valley Cafe? Well, have no fear! Nicole and BJ Mikoda opened up Dolce at the Strand in downtown Wadsworth just across the street from the Valley Cafe in the old Strand theater. Dolce is an Italian-inspired gathering place with homemade gelato, pastries, cocktails and coffee.
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, homemade sweet treats, then Dolce is the place for you. All their gelato is made on-site from scratch. Nicole and BJ actually learned how to make gelato by attending classes with an Italian chef in California. Dolce’s baked goods are made by their team of in-house bakers. In addition to items offered daily, delicious custom cakes and cupcakes have been growing in popularity.
Do you ever have a difficult time deciding which gelato flavor you want to try and/or eat? Well, last month, Dolce introduced their gelato flights which have been one of their most popular items that people absolutely adore. “It’s six little tastes of gelato. It’s the same amount of product as getting two flavors regular-sized, but now you just divide it and get six flavors. You can enjoy it on your own, with one other person or with a whole group of people. It’s been really successful,” Nicole said. Talk about samples galore!
In addition to great treats and drinks, Dolce also has a multitude of fun activities that create inclusive and special experiences for anyone looking to gather with others and have a memorable time. They put on storytime and other events for children. They also have live music, a large patio, fire pits, cocktails, cheese plates, gelato flights and even bocci ball leagues! Nicole and the Dolce team have even put together themed nights and weekends, such as a “Harry Potter” theme with wizard/magic-inspired gelato and sorting hat cupcakes!
“We wanted something that would bring more people downtown. We wanted a multigenerational gathering place where you can comfortably come with your kids, but you can also come on a date night, you can come for a bridal shower or a bachelorette party. We believe in multigenerational experiences,” Nicole says.
Nicole, BJ, the Dolce and the Valley Cafe teams love being a part of the downtown Wadsworth community. They try their best to encourage people to visit the downtown Wadsworth area and to see everything that it has to offer. “Downtown Wadsworth is beginning to wake up – it’s becoming vibrant and revitalized,” Nicole says. “When people think about where they can go for the day, for a date night or for an experience we just hope that what we’re doing will put Wadsworth on people’s radar. That’s really what we’re trying to do.”
If you bring your same-day receipt with you to Dolce at the Strand after going to the Valley Cafe, you will receive 10% off your order!
For more information about Dolce at the Strand, please visit DolceAtTheStrand.com or call 234.217.8007. Dolce at the Strand is located at 123 Broad Suite H, Wadsworth, OH 44281.
Manic on Main
Manic on Main Art Gallery and Gift Shop was opened in April of 2019 in the iconic downtown storefront that once was home to both the beloved Apropos and Ben Franklin Store. This one-of-a-kind destination place features a white-walled gallery with new exhibitions by local artists monthly, cultural events, a gift shop made up of artisan goods and fine art from over 100 artists and makers, as well as fun and engaging classes taught in the back studio space by talented local teachers.
Entering the space from the charming streets of downtown Wadsworth will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a big city gallery, but with the friendly warmth and inclusivity of a small town business. At Manic, you can browse the incredible local talent or pick up a unique gift from the shop's extensive selection of jewelry, ceramics, original paintings, terrariums, wood carvings and other eclectic offerings.
For an exciting night, make sure to check out one of Manic’s exhibition openings to meet the artists, learn about the creative community and mingle with other appreciators. With Unwined, Wadsworth Brewing Company and Sonnet’s right next door, drinks and dinner are an easy addition to the evening.
For more information about Manic on Main, please visit ManicOnMain.com or call 330.245.6751. Manic on Main is located at 136 Main Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281.