Reynolds Corners - Toledo, OH

Early growth of the Reynolds Corners area began in the 1830s, with the coming of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad, when the community first developed as Adams Township. The area's principal expansion began in 1902, with the introduction of the Toledo and Indiana Interurban Railway. Interurban streetcars provided convenient access to Toledo, opening Adams Township as a residential subdivision. Gradually annexed by Toledo, the township disappeared altogether by 1966, becoming known as the Reynolds Corners neighborhood.

Toledo Botanical Gardens presents a center for horticulture and the arts, including an artisan village of studios and shops. In addition, the Hands-On Studio teaches creative arts and crafts workshops. The Blair Museum of Lithophanes displays the largest collection of three-dimensional porcelain plaques in the world. Northwest Ohio’s leading fine arts festival takes place at the botanical gardens, annually featuring the work of more than 200 artists from across the country.

Many restaurants border Reynolds Road, which runs north-south through the center of the neighborhood. Choices include ethnic dining and old-fashioned diners, as well as national chains. Not much nightlife occurs in the area except for a few sports bars and pubs. Just west of the neighborhood, the University of Toledo sponsors sporting events, concerts and other entertainment. Established in 1948, Schmucker's Restaurant features homemade comfort food like Swiss steak and chicken over biscuits in a small diner where time rushes back to the 1940s and '50s. Grab a counter stool and watch the cook at the grill. Order a thick chocolate malt with your cheeseburger and fries, and regulars know to save room for pie. The menu board lists more than 20 varieties of pies that are made from scratch every day, and customers are known to rave about the chocolate peanut butter cream pie. Byblos specializes in Lebanese and Italian food and also sports an impressive wine list. The cozy atmosphere makes it a nice spot for date night. Diners on special diets appreciate the vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Lebanese appetizers include babaghannouj, a roasted eggplant spread made with tahini. Regulars particularly enjoy the char-grilled shish tawook or the brachololi. If you're looking for a lively place to hang out with old friends or meet new ones, Mulvaney's Bunker Irish Pub & Grub fits the bill. Pub food includes Irish nachos and Dublin club sandwiches. Drink-wise, try a cheesecake martini made from raspberry and vanilla vodkas, cranberry juice and cream, and groove to the live music and other entertainment while you sip it down.

Residents of Reynolds Corners depend on cars for transportation, and most errands require a car. Interstate 475 provides convenient access to the neighborhood, and the Ohio Turnpike lies just a few minutes to the south. Ample free parking exists throughout the area, in private store lots and on the street. A spread-out design makes the area less walkable than other nearby neighborhoods.

TARTA provides bus service to the area, with convenient stops right next to apartment complexes and shopping centers. Thirty taxi companies serve Toledo and can be summoned by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Uber does not serve the area.

Bike lanes do not exist in the Reynolds Corners neighborhood, though Metroparks maintains the University/Parks Trail, a 6.3 mile paved path from the University of Toledo to King Road in Sylvania.

Swan Creek Metropark sports miles of scenic trails along the wooded banks of a meandering creek, a perfect setting for walkers, joggers and bikers. Families enjoy the picnic and playground areas, and can bring along the family dog as long as he stays on a leash. For wildlife lovers, the Window on Wildlife provides an opportunity for close observation of a wildlife feeding station from indoors, and the South Toledo park provides a habitat for birds and other animals, such as foxes and raccoons.

Toledo Botanical Gardens contains 60 acres of plant collections and gardens in the only botanical garden in the region. The shade garden comes into its own in spring when the wildflowers bloom, and there's never a fee to experience the beauty and serenity here. Art aficionados admire the sculptures throughout the garden, and music fans chill to the sounds of local jazz performers during summer concert series. Children particularly enjoy pioneer living activities and the Navarre cabin.

The cost of living in Reynolds Corners hovers at about 2.4 percent higher than the Toledo average — though this makes it a relatively inexpensive option, at 8.7 percent less than the national average. Plan to budget about $467 for an average monthly rental. Residents of the neighborhood enjoy bargain transportation costs. Fill up your car’s gas tank for about 81 percent of the national average. A one-way TARTA bus ticket to downtown Toledo costs $2. Expect to pay less than $10 for lunch at a sit-down restaurant, and a draft beer will set you back about $3.

Reynolds Road offers plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. Stores and strip malls the length of this street provide everything from dollar stores to car dealers.

Mountain Man Sports sells clothing and equipment for skiing and other outdoor sports, including snowboards as well as high-end bicycles and in-line skates. The store carries a large selection of outerwear by manufactures such as Northface and Patagonia, and rents everything from snowshoes to complete ski packages. HH Antiques displays thousands of antiques and collectibles from more than 20 vendors. Frequently added merchandise encourages browsers to repeatedly return and enjoy treasure hunting in this delightful 9-room house. The selection includes furniture and vintage clothing, among other finds, including 1950s Tonka trucks, vintage Fiesta dinnerware and artfully crafted glass paper weights.

The Purple Martini carries tons of fun gifts. The boutique features high-quality glassware, such as Lolita brand hand-painted Martini glasses. Check out the cute party-ready aprons and other kitchen accessories from Kitchen Diva. Locals shop here for wedding or bridal shower presents as well.

Besides plentiful super centers and chain stores, several specialty grocers serve the area. Middle East Market supplies halal meats and Middle Eastern groceries, The Far East Supermarket serves Asian foods from many countries and Monnette’s Market stocks a wide selection of fresh produce and deli items. Although no Farmers markets meet in the area, Ohlman's Farm Market and Greenhouse sells fresh local milk and eggs, as well as produce that's in season.