Maumee, OH

Before European settlers arrived in the Toledo area, Native Americans called the land home. The Ottawa tribe found valuable resources along the Maumee River, and many of them settled in what would become the community of Maumee. The Northwest Indian War during the late 1700s brought violence to the region, and several of the battle sites still exist in the area.

For a deeper look at the heritage and culture in Maumee, plan a visit to a few of the neighborhood's museums. The Maumee Valley Historical Society welcomes residents to its headquarters at Wolcott Heritage Center, where you can browse documents and artifacts related to the neighborhood's history. Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial Park stands at a former battle site in Maumee. Residents visit this historic landmark to learn more about Maumee's role in the Northwest Indian War. The neighborhood also hosts several annual events, including Maumee Summer Fair.

Casual and chain restaurants share the streets of Maumee with a variety of locally-owned dining locales. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a classy night out, this neighborhood has options that are sure to please all tastes.

For local home-cooked flavor, stop into Dino's Family Restaurant on Golden Gate Plaza. Try a classic steak dinner or Greek shish kababs. Regulars claim that this restaurant serves the best chili mac in town. Dino's also serves breakfast all day, and locals can't get enough of the chops and eggs — a breakfast dish served up with two juicy pork chops, three eggs, toast and hash browns.

If you're in the mood for upscale seafood and an unforgettable atmosphere, look no farther than Mancy's Bluewater Grille. Pair hazlenut crusted mahi-mahi with a handcrafted bloody Mary. For steak lovers, Mancy's also serves sirloin and filet mignon. Be sure to save room for a creme brulee martini for dessert.

Nightlife in Maumee includes several casual bars and a few destinations for live music. Located in Maumee's oldest historic commercial building, Degage Jazz Cafe pleases visitors with live entertainment and an intimate atmosphere. Sip cocktails on the club's outdoor patio while enjoying Jazz music in a historic venue.

Pedestrians find Maumee an extremely walkable neighborhood. With plenty of shops and dining options within a few short blocks, residents can easily hoof it to almost any destination in the neighborhood. For commuters to downtown Toledo or other neighborhoods, diving remains the most convenient option. Maumee features easy access to Highway 24 and the Ohio Turnpike, so commuting by car proves fast.

If you're looking for an alternative to driving or walking, give the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority bus a try. TARTA provides several routes throughout the neighborhood. Don't plan on hailing a cab in Maumee, though taxi services do provide call-ahead rides in the area. Uber also serves the neighborhood of Maumee.

Maumee's riverfront parks make the neighborhood a getaway destination for people from all over Toledo and the surrounding area. Side Cut Metropark provides outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages. Walleye swim upriver in early spring, and fishing enthusiasts flock to the park for this unmatched fishing opportunity. The park also features several parking shelters and playgrounds. Children love Side Cut's winter sledding hills. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring your furry friend to join the outdoor fun.

For an up-close and personal experience with nature, venture to Audubon Island Nature Preserve in the middle of the Maumee River. Visitors must apply for a permit through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The area can be accessed only by watercraft, so the natural habitat remains isolated and protected from urban development. Birdwatchers especially enjoy this island sanctuary, where they can observe and study many regional birds.

The cost of living in Maumee stand about equal to other parts of Toledo. When it comes to dining, shopping and housing expenses, expect to pay about the same in Maumee as the surrounding Toledo neighborhoods. Renters in Maumee pay an average of $574 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, about the same as in comparable suburban neighborhoods. This rental rate remains slightly below rates in downtown Toledo.

Commuters enjoy gas prices in Maumee that reflect the national average. A ticket on the TARTA metro bus to other parts of the city costs only $1. At local bars and clubs, residents expect to pay between $4 and $6 for a pint of beer.

Maumee's shopping scene includes a variety of shopping centers, large stores and small specialty boutiques. Major grocery stores Meijer and Kroger serve the area with a wide variety of affordable food options. If you're looking for locally grown produce and baked goods, take a short drive to the Perrysburg farmers market. Open May to October, the market provides vegetables, fruits and other homegrown fare from local farmers.

If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, Maumee Valley Chocolate and Candy can't be missed. Step into this classic chocolate shop, owned and operated by Maumee locals, to find boxed chocolates, nuts, specialty popcorn and gift baskets. If you're looking for the perfect gift for a special someone, order a candy bouquet. The shop even offers full-service catering for parties and other events.

For an antique treasure hunt, be sure to stop by Maumee Antique Mall. Browse rows of antique art, furniture and home decor. Take a walk down memory lane as you sift through the shop's selection of antique toys and games. You can even rent space at the antique mall to sell your own unique historic items.