6 things from Athens County ... besides Joe Burrow
I get it. It's hard to look past him. The heartthrob of Bengals football, the hero of Cincinnati: Joe Burrow.
But of course, he is also a kid from Southeast Ohio. Although he was born in Ames, Iowa, he grew up in the Plains, a town of about 3,000, a short drive from Athens, Ohio, and Ohio University, a region famed for the beautiful natural surroundings of the Ohio valley.
Despite what you might have heard, there is a lot more that comes from the region than just our beloved Super Bowl quarterback. Here's a look at some of the standout products and people with deep roots in Athens County.
1. Jackie O's beer
In Athens, Jackie O's is well-known for its variety of locally brewed beers. The brewery uses ingredients sourced from Southeast Ohio and makes over 50 varieties of beer at its Athens locations. Whether you're a fan of stouts, India pale ales, barleywines or ales, Jackie O's has a flavor for you.
However, if you're looking for something a little closer to Cincinnati, there's a good chance there's a store selling one of its more popular products near you. The Jackie O's website offers a beer finder at find.jackieos.com.
2. Sarah Jessica Parker
Even though the actress, acclaimed for her role in "Sex and the City," began her acting career in the Queen City, she was born in Nelsonville, Ohio. The city of around 5,000 is located about 15 minutes from Joe Burrow's hometown of the Plains, home to Hocking College and the Nelsonville Star Brick.
However, Parker moved to New Jersey after getting some acting under her belt in Cincinnati to be in her first Broadway production. She then went on to star in Annie in the title role on Broadway in 1970s. After that, she headed to the screen with roles in "Footloose" and TV sitcom "Square Pegs" before she landed the main role of Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City".
3. Ohio University Bobcats
While Cincinnati is home to its own well-known institutions of higher education, chances are a few of your friends, colleagues and neighbors are Ohio University alumni. Poised on the Hocking River, Ohio University is best known for its beautiful campus, party culture and outstanding academic programs. However, it can also rival the University of Cincinnati and Louisiana State University in its love for hometown hero Joe Burrow.
A few famous faces who went to Ohio University over the years include late actor Paul Newman, Youtube celebrity Logan Paul,Nancy Cartwright (best known for voicing Bart Simpson), actor Ed O'Neill and entertainer Arsenio Hall.
4. Snowville Creamery
Just down the road from Athens in Meigs County is Snowville Creamery, with production located in Pomeroy, Ohio. The company sells an array of dairy products, including milk, cream, yogurt and cheese. What makes Snowville special? All the milk Snowville uses comes from cows with the A2 gene, the same gene human milk has, making it more easily digestible, according to its website. The cows are fed a non-GMO diet as well.
Many Snowville products are available throughout the Cincinnati area, especially at smaller grocery stores. You can also find the products in select chain locations, like Meijer.
5. Passion Works Studios
Using upcycled materials and creativity, Passion Works Studios produces an array of art pieces, including clothing items, accessories, cards, magnets, ornaments and more. The company's most famous piece is the Passion Flower, made from hand-painted metal and delicately curled to create an iconic statue you can buy in just about any size. Each piece is unique and handmade by Passion Works artists, many of whom have disabilities. However, the studio is a collaborative space for those of all abilities, creating an inclusive community for all of the artists.
You can order Passion Works art pieces from the website passionworks.org/collections.
6. Shagbark Seed & Mill
Chances are, somewhere near you is a Mill Road, named for the mills that once dotted the country. Well, Shagbark is bringing local milling back while still spreading its products, made using regional staple crops, across Ohio. With a focus on locally grown, organic crops, Shagbark Seed & Mill makes tortilla chips, hot cereals, flours, popcorn, beans and more. The company aims to provide nutrient-rich food not only to consumers but to schools and food pantries, offering reduced rates for certain organizations.
Shagbark Seed & Mill products are sold at markets throughout the Cincinnati region and can be found at shagbarkmill.com/where-to-find-us.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joe Burrow's hometown is home to a lot more than just Joey B
