TOLEDO, Ohio — Kyle Boyers grew up in Sylvania and ran his online outdoor gear and apparel company Ridge & River for seven years.
After moving back to the Toledo area during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to expand his business with a brick-and-mortar location. And downtown was the spot to be.
"Downtown was the move, not only because of the revitalization of the city and wanting to be a part of that, but also with what the Metroparks are doing here on the riverfront and the Glass City Metropark," Boyers said.
Ridge & River opened in May 2023 on the corner of Erie and Adams streets, employs 18 associates and offers gear, equipment and apparel for camping, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and more.
Along with offering all of the gear you could need for almost any outdoor warm-weather activities, the store has also recently expanded to offer plenty of gear for winter activities.
Although northwest Ohio doesn't host any skiing hills, Boyers said the region is still a great place to get your new hobby started.
"It is a great destination to start learning core skills," he said. "Whether it be camping, hiking, kayaking. And even skiing and snowboarding, you have great snow hills within an hour, an hour-and-a-half drive from here."
The store now offers a full line of skiing and snowboarding equipment and gear.
With a full maintenance shop, customers can make sure their equipment is in working order and the right fit before hitting the slopes.
"Usually when you're at a resort, you have to pay those resort prices," said store manager Zach Obert. "So, having the option in the shop to save some money and time getting them locally is definitely a good thing for the people."
To help get more people out and about and enjoying some winter weather activities, Ridge & River is holding a "New Year, New Hobby" promotion with deals and discounts on many items. The store is also offering a $79 all-weekend ski rental.
"At the end of the day we just want to promote outdoor recreation and continue to fuel people's adventures," Boyers said.
Ridge & River is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.