Petra Archaeological Park: Jordan’s Rose City

Mystery and intrigue surrounds the phenomenal red sandstone city of Petra set in the cavernous landscape of Jordan.  A civilization lost for over 500 years, it was re-discovered in 1812 by John Lewis Burckhardt and is now an amazing archaeological park.

Known as the legendary Rose City, Petra was once the capital of the Nabateans who established this civilization over 2500 years ago.  A nomadic people, much like the Bedouins of today, it is speculated that they arrived from Western Arabia to build a stop along the important trade route between Gaza and Syria which then led on to Egypt.  Today, the Petra Archaeological Park encompasses about 100 square kilometers of rugged landscape overhanging Wadi Araba.

Gathering at the archaeological park’s museum before tackling the trail, we were offered the opportunity pass through the Siq by either horseback or horse and buggy for a fee of $20 per person.  Most of us decided to accept the challenge of hiking the path with our guide to learn more about our surroundings and to explore the cavernous landscape.

As we prepared to enter al-Siq (translated as “the shaft”), we noticed square blocks and what appeared to be caves in the rocks along the trail.  The cube shaped structures are known as Djinn blocks, which the Bedouins believe house the spirits that live throughout the land.  Archaeologists believe that they were monuments and tombs that served as memorials for the dead that have stood here before the 2nd century BC.

Approaching a rock cut monument on our left of the trail, our guide explained that the structure is actually two memorials, one on top of the other.  Built between 25 – 75 AD, the upper shrine is known as the Obelisk Tomb which appears to have four mountain peaks carved above a natural cave entrance.  Below the tomb, a triclinium, or a dining hall, was built to prepare banquets and serve wine to honor either a loved one that has passed or one of the gods.

The path leading down to the Treasury is known as the Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses).  It is thought to have been the location where Moses smote the rock and gushing water was provided to the Israelites.  This intimate valley, with its twists and turns, was created by natural events.  First an earthquake developed the 1.5 kilometer long crack while rushing waters softened the edges to create this phenomenal gorge.

The Nabateans were obsessed with collecting water and creating cisterns for water containment. Developing a sophisticated system, carved out niches along the side of the Siq contained clay pipes which delivered water into the city from the fresh water springs.

By the time the Romans brought their influence to the area, the town of Petra was a metropolitan city.  Niches were built into the sides of the red sandstone where statues of various gods and carvings were placed to protect travelers through the Siq.

We have reached the end of the Siq and directly in front of us is the Treasury of Khazneh, immortalized by the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  The breathtaking image glows by the light of the sun and is the most photographed image of Petra.  The best time for photos is mid-morning and late afternoon.

The monument measures 43 meters by 30 meters and is not a treasury at all, but a mausoleum, thought to have been the tomb for Aretas IV.  Built around the 1st century AD, there are three tombs inside and three below.    Several images have been carved into the rock to create the façade to include Dioscuri with their horses, winged Victories, dancing Amazons, eagles, lions and Medusae.

Our guide suggested that the façade may actually represent a calendar where the columns represent the twelve months of the year and the frieze of 31 flowers symbolizes the days of the month.  Under the triangle there are seven chalices signifying seven days of the week and the 365 “teeth” denoting each day of the year.

Departing the courtyard of the Treasury, I followed the path out towards the Outer Siq where the landscape opened up and additional tombs led to the theater. Referred to as the Streets of Facades, this is the main funerary of Petra, lined with rock cut burial chambers.  Cut into the cliffs and leading into the caves, these carvings represent a variety of architectural influences from the Assyrian, Greek and Roman civilizations.

The main theater marks the end of the Outer Siq, but there were many more tombs and exciting sites that continued down the road.  Resembling Roman and Greek architecture, the stadium seated 6,000 people and may have been used as a meeting place for pilgrims who frequented the city on a regular basis.    The structure includes an auditorium, an orchestra, seating area, stairways and passageways on each side of the theater.

With only a few minutes to shop before making the uphill trek back through the Siq, I stopped at a couple of stalls to find a piece of jewelry and have a look around. I would have loved to have spent a couple of days here to explore the monastery and additional tombs, but we had a long drive ahead of us and another full day of sites tomorrow.

Not much is known about the Nabateans except what is documented by Greek writers, Diororus Sicuolus and Strabo.  Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, many people find Petra to be one of their greatest fascinations.  It would come as no surprise that this archaeological site was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the magical land of Petra?  What aspect of the site do you enjoy the most?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the  comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Petra and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Petra
Petra, Jordan

  • Admission Fee:    The fee structure varies.  For an accommodated visitor who stays at least one night in Jordan:  one day = 50 Jordanian Dinar, two days = 55 Jordanian Dinar; three days = 60 Jordanian Dinar;   Fees for an accommodated visitor who visits Petra in the first day after his/her arrival from the border = 50 Jordanian Dinar;  For a non-accommodated visitor, the entrance fee is 90 Jordanian Dinar. Children under the age of 12 are free of charge.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM during the summer and from 6 AM to 4 PM in the winter.
  • Amenities:  Brochures are provided in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German and Italian as well as maps. These items are available at the Visitor’s Center.   Licensed Guides can be booked for those visitors who speak the following languages:  Arabic, English, French Spanish, German, Russian and Greek.  Petra Museum and Nabatean Museum, hiking, archaeological maps. Special event “Petra by Night” (8:30 – 10:30PM) for an additional cost.
  • Scenic View:   The gorgeous view of the Treasury at the end of the Siq; It will take a bit of hiking, but if make a right once you leave the Siq, you will find a set of stairs after passing a few cave like houses and then reach a set of stairs.  Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will see an arrow that tells you to go to the left (photo with a little tent) or to the right you will have a much better view. However, be careful!!  Do not stand out too close to the edge.  Photos of Petra at Night are absolutely phenomenal!
  • Length of Visit:  For the highlights, you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here.  If you can spend two days in Petra, you will be able to experience most of the park.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Obey the rules of the park (i.e., do not litter, do not stand on the monuments).  Visit the website for more information. The best time to take photos is mid-morning and late afternoon.  The archaeological site kindly asks visitors not to purchase any antiquities including rocks or coins.  A valid passport or ID will be required to purchase your ticket.  The ticket does not include the night event “Petra by Night”, which is an additional 17 Jordanian Dinar. The program last 2 hours and it runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. No advance reservations required as unlimited tickets are sold for this event.  A valid daylight ticket is required.

Where to Stay:

The Regency Palace Hotel Amman
Queen Alya Street
Sport City Road
Amman, 11110, Jordan
Telephone:   +962 6 560 7000

Where to Eat:

Petra Magic Restaurant
Touristic Boulevard, Petra
Wadi Musa 86, Jordan
Telephone:   +962 3 215 7500

What to Eat: 

  • Kubbeh is similar to falafal in that it is served in a ball but made with meat and spices then deep fried.
  • Manqusheh is similar to pizza made with flatbread topped with olive oil and spice (usually za’atar which is similar to thyme)
  • Ka’ak is a large pretzel like pastry that is usually eaten at breakfast time.  Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are readily available at bakeries and roadside stalls.
  • Potato swirls are similar to french fries, cut and deep fried.
  • Qatayef is a pancake-style dessert stuffed with cheese, nuts or sugar and spices and are popular during the Ramadan holiday
  • Kunafeh is a pastry similar to baklava covered in syrup and cheese

What to Read: 

  • Khirbet Khizeh by S. Y. Yizhar
  • The Hilltop, by Assaf Gavron
  • Dancing Arabs by Sayed Kashua
  • The People of Forever are Not Afraid, by Shani Boianjiu
  • Five Seasons, by A.B. Yehoshua
  • Twenty-One Stories by S. Y. Agnon
  • Suddenly, A Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret
  • Apples from the Desert, by Savyon Liebrecht
  • From the Four Winds, by Haim Sabato
  • To the End of the Land, by David Grossman
  • A Tale of Love and Darkness, by Amos Oz

Photo Guide for Israel: 

  • The Western Wall for a religious experience
  • Jaffa’s Old Town for its charm
  • The Dead Sea for its interesting topography
  • Caesarea Harbor and its Roman architecture and history are worth a visit
  • Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve provides a phenomenal view of the Sea of Galilee
  • The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Old City Jerusalem is said to be the burial location of Jesus
  • The view of the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives

What I Learned on my Way to Petra, Jordan

In preparation for my trip to Jordan and Israel, I eagerly watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to relive Indiana Jones’ arrival into the archaeological site of Petra.  As the scene approached where Harrison Ford appeared before the spectacular façade, I could hardly  believe that soon I would be arriving in Petra in a couple of days to explore this ancient Nabatean site for myself.

The wake-up call came early, but I was buzzing with adrenaline as I jumped out of bed to prepare for this journey of a lifetime.  Anticipating a long day ahead, our tour group met for breakfast where we ate a hearty meal of eggs, cold cuts, hot dogs (beef), falafel, vegetables and French fries with ketchup.

We met our local Jordanian guide and boarded our motor coach for the three and a half hour bus ride from Amman.  I brought along my notes to read from a series of archaeological DVDs that I rented from the library, “The Holy Land Revealed”.   A total of thirty-six lectures by world-renowned archaeologist, Jodi Magness from the University of North Carolina, I had learned so much from her in-depth review of some of the fabulous sites I would be visiting on our itinerary.

I was mesmerized by my surroundings on the road to Petra and shortly into our journey, the bus pulled into the local police station.  Our guide explained that Jordanian law requires groups of ten or more in size to retain a police escort.  In addition to safety, our guard would assist with any unforeseeable traffic issues as well as provide any services that may require additional security.   It was here where we were met our friendly, handsome security guard, who would be travelling with us throughout Jordan.

Shortly thereafter, the bus made another stop, pulling into a store with a small café where we purchased snacks, washed up and shopped for souvenirs.  We learned quickly that it is customary to pay a small fee to use the facilities, so we stashed away small coins for future stops.  Loading up on chips and sodas, buying a few keffiyehs (Arabian head wraps), we set off for a couple more hours on the road until we reached the Rose City of Petra.

A small set of buildings with shops and restaurants was our stop for lunch outside of the archaeological site of Petra. We enjoyed a buffet style meal for $15 per person which included an amazing spread of food and a soft drink.  Three tables of Middle Eastern cuisine and chicken cooked on the grill were prepared for our arrival.   The Jordanians love vegetables, so we found them stuffed, sautéed, grilled and baked.  They are known for their blend of spices called za’atar, which includes the key ingredient Sumac.  We had an abundance of olives, chick peas, yogurt, falafel (chick peas rolled in a ball and fried), pickles, tabbouleh (a salad made of tomatoes, parsley, mint, bulgur, onion, olive oil and lemon juice) cole slaw and baba ghanoush (eggplant, tahini, olive oils and seasoning).   The desserts included a wide selection of fruits, figs, baklava and halva, a peanut type paste which is absolutely delicious.  The multi-colored selection was extravagant and gave us a wide range of options from which to choose.

My eyes were drawn to the twelve foot glass windows along the back wall of the restaurant that framed a spectacular landscape. Craggy mountains loomed in the distance towering over the valley of houses below.  We learned that this is Mt. Hor, where Abraham had once lived.  After lunch, we ventured out onto the balcony for a few photos when the afternoon Muslim prayer came over the speaker from a nearby mosque.

Soon we would be arriving into the ancient civilization of Petra where we would have a long trek ahead of us.  With full stomachs and a burst of energy, we departed the little town to explore the legendary archaeological site of the Nabataeans to experience our own Indiana Jones adventure.

Have you visited Jordan?  Which sites and restaurants did you see?  I would be interested in learning more about your travels to Jordan if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my pilgrimage to the Middle East and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Petra
Petra, Jordan

  • Admission Fee:    The fee structure varies.  For an accommodated visitor who stays at least one night in Jordan:  one day = 50 Jordanian Dinar, two days = 55 Jordanian Dinar; three days = 60 Jordanian Dinar;   Fees for an accommodated visitor who visits Petra in the first day after his/her arrival from the border = 50 Jordanian Dinar;  For a non-accommodated visitor, the entrance fee is 90 Jordanian Dinar. Children under the age of 12 are free of charge.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM during the summer and from 6 AM to 4 PM in the winter.
  • Amenities:  Brochures are provided in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German and Italian as well as maps. These items are available at the Visitor’s Center.   Licensed Guides can be booked for those visitors who speak the following languages:  Arabic, English, French Spanish, German, Russian and Greek.  Petra Museum and Nabatean Museum, hiking, archaeological maps. Special event “Petra by Night” (8:30 – 10:30PM) for an additional cost.
  • Scenic View:   The gorgeous view of the Treasury at the end of the Siq; It will take a bit of hiking, but if make a right once you leave the Siq, you will find a set of stairs after passing a few cave like houses and then reach a set of stairs.  Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will see an arrow that tells you to go to the left (photo with a little tent) or to the right you will have a much better view. However, be careful!!  Do not stand out too close to the edge.  Photos of Petra at Night are absolutely phenomenal!
  • Length of Visit:  For the highlights, you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here.  If you can spend two days in Petra, you will be able to experience most of the park.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Obey the rules of the park (i.e., do not litter, do not stand on the monuments).  Visit the website for more information. The best time to take photos is mid-morning and late afternoon.  The archaeological site kindly asks visitors not to purchase any antiquities including rocks or coins.  A valid passport or ID will be required to purchase your ticket.  The ticket does not include the night event “Petra by Night”, which is an additional 17 Jordanian Dinar. The program last 2 hours and it runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. No advance reservations required as unlimited tickets are sold for this event.  A valid daylight ticket is required.

Where to Stay:

The Regency Palace Hotel Amman
Queen Alya Street
Sport City Road
Amman, 11110, Jordan
Telephone:   +962 6 560 7000

Where to Eat:

Petra Magic Restaurant
Touristic Boulevard, Petra
Wadi Musa 86, Jordan
Telephone:   +962 3 215 7500

What to Eat: 

  • Falafel are crisp balls made of chickpeas and is a staple street food of Jordan.
  • Fattet Hummus is a chickpea based spread which also includes pieces of pita bread, tahini, pine nuts and topped with a generous portion of olive oil.
  • Kunafa was one of my favorite desserts from Jordan made of a pastry and stuffed with cheese and syrup.
  • Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish. This aromatic meal is served family style and layered beginning with a thin flatbread, rice, meat (camel or goat) then garnished with toasted nuts and yogurt.
  • Maqluba was served at our Jordanian local dinner with a Christian family.  Our host brought a large pan filled with chicken, rice, potatoes and vegetables and turned the pan upside down on a large plate.  One of the tasty spices in this dish is sumac, so I purchased several bags of this spice to bring home.
  • Shawarma is a pita bread filled with lamb, chicken or beef.
  • Zaarb is traditionally cooked over a campfire.  A stew-like meal made of beef and vegetables, it is traditionally cooked in a pit.

What to Read: 

  • Married to a Bedouin, Marguerite van  Geldermalsen
  • Leap of Faith, by Queen Noor
  • Appointment with Death, by Agatha Christie
  • Pillars of Salt, by Fadia Faqir
  • The Tower, by Allesandro Gallenzi
  • Seven Pillars of Wisdom, by T.E. Lawrence

Photo Guide for Petra: 

  • The Siq (walkway that reaches the Rose City) to include the chariot shot as well as the crack
  • The Treasury as you enter from the Siq and from above by taking a path leading up to the perfect viewpoint
  • The Royal Tombs’ Urn Tomb

Arriving in Amman, Jordan

Leaving the airport of Amman, Jordan, the bus sped by miles of desert as the back window beside my seat rattled incessantly.  Our guide pointed out interesting sights along the route while our driver remained focused on delivering us safely to the hotel before dinner. The early afternoon sun shone down upon the sandy, arid landscape where abandoned concrete outbuildings sporadically appeared along the highway.  Small green bushes rose up from the barren wilderness providing a feast to nearby herds of sheep that seemed to disappear into the dust as the motor coach raced down the open road.

We were traveling the King Hussain Highway towards our destination for the night, where we would stay at The Regency Palace Hotel in downtown Amman. Small villages appeared on occasion providing a brief glimpse into the everyday lives of the Jordanians.  Coffee shops, mini marts and automobile repair services were in abundance while wedding shops displayed beautiful gowns through second story windows. On occasion, space opened up between the buildings exposing a deep valley with additional outcropped structures and skyscrapers standing within the basin.

With over four million inhabitants living in Amman and its surrounding towns, this large city appears like any other with tall buildings, rush hour traffic and a beautiful urban skyline.  The city continues to grow with the addition of over 50,000 Syrian immigrants settling into Jordan each year.

It was a long day, so most of us took some time to relax before dinner.  Searching for a scenic view, I explored the hotel’s rooftop bar which looked as though it had not been used for days.   A glass door led to the entrance where chairs were overturned and heat lamps had been left on their sides.  Empty glasses rested on the bar and crumpled up napkins scattered on the sticky floor.  I was drawn to the north side of the building where I could hear cheers coming from the local football (soccer) stadium.   Peering over the edge of a glass partition, I hoped to catch a glimpse of the sports field but was caught off guard by the Muslim call to prayer coming from the minarets of the local mosque.  The spectacular hues of pinks and oranges poured out from the cloudy skyline as the sun began to set in the distance,  The wind began to pick up and the temperature dropped dramatically as soon as the sun disappeared into the horizon.

The buffet style dinner at the Regency Palace consisted of local cuisine including  hummus, and a number of salads with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.  Bowls of fresh and grilled vegetables were filled with eggplant, coleslaw, baba ghanoush and falafel.  For the main course, I couldn’t resist the panko-fried fish which was cooked to perfection.

Our guides announced that we would be departing for Petra in the morning and that they would arrange an early wake up call for 6:30 in the morning.  i could hardly contain my excitement knowing that we were in for quite the adventure  filled with camels, Bedouins and a historical review of this beautiful World Heritage Site.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Jordan? Where were some of the places you visited and what was your most memorable experience?  I would love to hear about your adventures if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my unforgettable trip to Jordan and check out my upcoming posts about the breathtaking site of Petra!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Regency Palace Hotel Amman
Queen Alya Street
Sport City Road
Amman, 11110, Jordan
Telephone:   +962 6 560 7000

Endless Views of Lake Erie from Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I was surprised I had never heard of the Lake Erie Islands when a friend asked me if I wanted to spend a long weekend exploring Put-in-Bay.  Curious to learn more about this popular Ohio vacation spot, I found that Put-in-Bay is a town on one of the thirty-three islands that make up the Erie Islands archipelago.  The three most visited in Ohio include Kelleys Island, South Bass and Middle Bass islands off the shore of Port Clinton.

The drive was nearly three hours from Dublin so we checked into the Sleep Inn on OH-53 to drop off our luggage and have lunch.  We found this great Mexican place next door and had a couple of drinks and tacos at Casa Las Palmas.  Just over 10 minutes and we reached the parking lot to catch the ferry, courtesy of Miller’s Ferry, which dropped us off at the island.  We had the option to walk or wait for a  bus to drive us into town, so we chose the bus for a $2 fee.

The bus dropped us off at the edge of town where we immediately recognized its charm as we found ourselves at the corner of Main Street and Langram Road.  Deciding to reach the pier, we made our way through the large tree-filled lawn.  To our right I noticed a large Doric column out of the corner of my eye which looked more like a Washington DC monument than an Ohio memorial.

We had some drinks at the Boardwalk and then wine at Put-in-Bay Winery overlooking the lake taking in the boats docked in the harbor.  It was the perfect day to slip into the nearby bars for a drink and bar hop the afternoon away.

A long sidewalk arrives at the base of the tower which connects downtown Put-in-Bay to East Point.  We arrived at entrance within minutes from the pier and paid the $10 entrance fee.  With sunny skies and miles of visibility, I was looking forward to reaching the top.

We boarded the elevator to reach the platform with 360 degrees of breathtaking views.  Sailboats and speedboats dotted the crescent shaped harbor.

A closer look at the peninsula that rounds out the moon-shaped edge of the island, shows beautiful homes with gorgeous views of Lake Erie’s clear water.

The monument was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who fought against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie.  With his famous motto, “Don’t Give Up the Ship”, Perry took control of Lake Erie, which helped win the War of 1812.

A map of the site where the war took place has been engraved in steel on the observation deck.  Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was first built in 1915 to represent the long-lasting peace between the United States, Canada and Britain.  Standing 352 feet above Lake Erie, it is the tallest Doric column in the world.

The copper rotunda at the top of the tower is decorative and stylish.  In memory of those who fought in the battle, the names of Perry and the six soldiers who lost their lives are commemorated on its walls.  The bodies of the six have been buried under its rotunda.

Standing 47 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty, Perry’s Memorial is the only international peace memorial in the US National Park System and ranks high on my list of things to do in Put-in-Bay.

Have you visited Put-in-Bay, one of Ohio’s Lake Erie vacation spots?  What were some of the activities that are on the top of your list?  I would love to hear about your experience if  you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument
93 Delaware Avenue
Put-in-Bay, Ohio  43456
Telephone:  419 285 2184

Where to Stay:

Sleep Inn, Port Clinton
947 OH-53 N
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 732 7707

Where to Eat:

Casa Las Palmas
4000 E Harbor Light Landing Drive
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 734 6593

What to Read:

  • Put-In-Bay books by Robert Adamov

Photo Guide for Put-in-Bay:

  • Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
  • Front entrance gate at Cedar Point
  • Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island
  • Inside Crystal Cave, Put-in-Bay
  • Sunset from West Bay, Kelleys Island
  • Lake Erie Love signs, Nickel Plate Beach, Huron and Waterworks Park, Port Clinton
  • “Greetings From” murals, Port Clinton and Vermillion

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Ohio Wine Month! Visit these Fabulous Ohio Wineries!

Updated May 17, 2024

In preparation of Ohio Wine Month in June, I began researching Ohio wineries and made a list of those I planned to visit.   Here is a comprehensive list of all of the fabulous wineries in Ohio, according to Sip Magazine!  I have provided links to my blog post for the wineries I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit!  I will continue my quest to visit more wineries and hope that you will explore them for yourselves!

Appalachian Region

Canal Country Region

  • 3 Roses Wine Cellar
  • Al-Bi Winery – CLOSED
  • Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard 
  • Bent Ladder Cider and Wine
  • Blue Barn Winery & Vineyard
  • The Blue Bird Winery at The Little Forest Inn
  • Breitenbach Wine Cellar
  • Cana Valley Winery, LLC
  • Casella Winery
  • Cherry Road Winery, LLC
  • Country Porch Winery
  • Crafted Artisan Meadery
  • Creekside Cottage Winery
  • Das Weinhaus
  • Diletto Winery
  • Doughty Glen Winery
  • Dragonfly Winery
  • Feisty Brood Meadery
  • Filla Cellars
  • Gervasi Vineyard
  • Gillig Winery – post coming soon!
  • Grape & Granary 
  • Green Eagle Winery
  • GRZ Vineyards, LLC
  • Halliday’s Winery
  • Island Palm Winery, LLC – CLOSED
  • It’s Your Winery
  • JC Wine Cellars
  • LaPorte Winery
  • Lil Paws Winery, LLC
  • Lincoln Way Vineyards
  • Lost Trail Winery
  • L’uva Bella Winery
  • Maize Valley Winery – post coming soon!
  • Mastropietro Winery Inc. – post coming soon!
  • Michael Angelo’s Winery
  • McAlpine Meadery
  • Meniru Meadery – CLOSED
  • Myrddin Winery 
  • Nautl Vine Winery
  • The New Frontier Cider Co.
  • Newman Creek Cellars
  • Perennial Vineyards
  • Red Horse Winery, LLC
  • Salvage Winery
  • Sarah’s Vineyard Winery and Art Gallery
  • School House Winery
  • Silver Moon Winery
  • Silver Run Vineyard & Winery
  • Slutz & Slutz Winery
  • Sunny Slope General Store & Winery
  • Swiss Heritage Winery
  • Tipsy Farmer Winery
  • Troutman Vineyards
  • Twigg Winery
  • Ugly Bunny Winery
  • Viking Vineyards & Winery – CLOSED
  • The Vine n Hop Shop
  • The Vineyards at Pine Lake
  • Vino Fabbricanti, LTD – CLOSED
  • Vino Novello Winery
  • West Main Street Winery
  • Weymouth Winery
  • The Winery at Wolf Creek
  • Winetageous
  • YOLO Winery

Capital City Region

  • 1285 Winery – post coming soon!
  • Autumn Rush Vineyard
  • Bear Vine Winery – post coming soon!
  • Blend of Seven Winery
  • Bokes Creek Winery – post coming soon!
  • Brandeberry Winery
  • Brothers Drake Meadery
  • Buckeye Lake Winery 
  • Buckeye Winery 
  • Bunker’s Mill Winery
  • Camelot Cellars
  • Clearcreek Country Vineyard
  • Cote Winery
  • Cypress Hill Winery – post coming soon!
  • Dalton Union Winery – post coming soon!
  • Eldchrist Winery – post coming soon!
  • Fox Winery – New Winery!
  • Good Vibes Winery
  • Hafle Winery
  • Hidden Lakes Winery
  • Manchester Hill Winery
  • Otter Creek Winery – New Winery!
  • Plum Run Winery
  • The Powell Village Winery & Tasting Room
  • Quail Crossing Cellars
  • Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars
  • Rhetoric Brewing Company
  • Rockside Winery Vineyards
  • Sand Hollow Winery
  • Shamrock Vineyard
  • Signature Wines
  • Slate Run Vineyard
  • Smart 1 Winery
  • Soine Vineyards – post coming soon! 
  • St. Ives Winery – post coming soon!
  • Three Oaks Vineyard
  • The Vault Wine Bar 
  • Via Vecchia Winery – CLOSED
  • Wagon Wheel Wines – New Winery!
  • The Wine Maker’s Shop
  • The Winery at Otter Creek, LLC – CLOSED
  • Wyandotte Winery 

Lake Erie Shores & Island Region

  • Benfeld Wines
  • Brady Vineyard & Heron Creek Winery
  • Chateau Tabeau Winery
  • The Corks Winery – post coming soon!
  • Crooked Tree Vineyard
  • D&D Smith Winery, LLC
  • Firelands Winery
  • Flat Rock Mead and Winery – CLOSED
  • Gar-Nay’s Winery
  • Gillig Winery
  • Heineman Winery
  • Hermes Vineyards & Winery – CLOSED
  • Hillside Winery – CLOSED
  • Jilbert Winery
  • Johlin Century Winery – CLOSED
  • John Christ Winery
  • Jubilee Winery – CLOSED
  • J. W. Dover & Heartland Winery – CLOSED
  • Kelley’s Island Wine Co. – post coming soon!
  • Klingshirn Winery
  • Knotty Vines Farm and Winery
  • La Familia Winery
  • Leisure Time Winery 
  • Lumberyard Winery & Supply
  • Majestic Oak Winery
  • Matus Winery
  • Mulberry Creek Winery
  • Gideon Owen Winery, previously Mon Ami Winery 
  • North Coast Wine Club
  • Paper Moon Vineyards
  • Quarry Hill Winery & Orchard
  • Rocky Point Winery
  • Sandy Ridge
  • Ski Lodge Winery
  • Stoney Ridge Winery 
  • Sycamore Lake Wine Co.
  • Vermillion Valley Vineyards
  • Vineyard at Evergreen Farm, LLC
  • White Shutter Winery
  • The Wineree
  • Wishmaker House
  • Your Wine Cellar, Inc. – CLOSED
  • Wolfs Wine Club

Ohio River Valley Region

Vines & Wines Region

  • Auburn Twin Oaks Winery – CLOSED
  • Bari Beauty & Health
  • Benny Vino Urban Winery
  • Biscotti’s Family Winery – CLOSED
  • Blind Squirrel Winery
  • The Brew Mentor – CLOSED
  • Buccia Vineyard
  • Candlelight Winery
  • Cask 307
  • CLE Urban Winery
  • Country Porch Winery
  • Day Dream Winery
  • Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • Deer’s Leap Winery – post coming soon!
  • Emerine Estates Winery
  • Emeritas Winery
  • Farinacci Winery
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante 
  • Goddess Wine House
  • Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant
  • Grande Wine Cellars – CLOSED
  • Greene Eagle Winery
  • Harpersfield Vineyard – post coming soon!
  • Hartford Hill Winery – recently added!
  • Hundley Cellars 
  • Juliet Sky
  • Kelly’s Island Winery – post coming soon! 
  • Kosicek Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • The Lakehouse Inn Winery
  • Laleure Vineyards
  • Laurello Vineyards, LLC – post coming soon!
  • Laurentia Winery
  • Lina Wines, LLC
  • M Cellars – post coming soon!
  • Maple Ridge Vineyard
  • Markko Vineyard 
  • Old Firehouse Winery
  • Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
  • Park Avenue Winery
  • Put in Bay Winery – post coming soon! 
  • Rosabella
  • Sharon James Cellars
  • Silver Creek Wine Cellar
  • South River Vineyard & Red Eagle Distillery – post coming soon!
  • Spirits in Willoughby
  • Stable Winery
  • Baci Winery, previously St. Joseph Vineyard 
  • Stonegait Winery
  • Susec Chalet and Winery
  • Tarsitano Winery & Vineyards – CLOSED
  • ThornCreek Winery
  • Urban Vintner
  • Virant Family Winery
  • The Winery at Spring Hill

Make sure you visit the winery’s website to confirm hours of operation, wine menus and a list events for each location as some of the information may change each season.

If you are unable to visit ALL of the Ohio wineries, consider attending one of the many Ohio Wine Festivals throughout the state:

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast

Passing through the picturesque town of Bellville, I noticed a pristine, gorgeous white bed and breakfast built along the charming main throughway, Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  A full moon gave additional light to the brightly lit home advertised as a winery and wine bar.  Catching my attention, I decided to stop for a glass of wine before continuing my drive home from visiting Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron.

The wine bar was open on this Saturday night and I immediately made the acquaintance of the guests sitting to my left, Tammy and Bill, who were staying at the bed and breakfast for the weekend.  They had recently learned that the B&B won the Best of Ohio award and although they lived close by, they wanted to investigate it for themselves.

With the list of beers written on the chalkboard behind the bar, the server explained that there were additional twelve house wines available as she handed me a menu.  I placed my order for the Artisan cheese plate and requested to sample a few of the wines before making my decision on which bottle to purchase.

I started out with an ounce pour of Harvest Moon but favored my next sample of Midnight Rendezvous which was a Niagara/Concord blend sweet wine.  Having learned that the Moscato had won Double Gold at the 2015 Ohio Wine Competition, I requested to try this one and agreed it was a great wine.  My last two samples were Star Bright and Pear (very light and crisp) before I decided that I would order the Midnight Rendezvous.

Brad and Karen Smith opened this beautiful 10,000 square foot bed and breakfast in 2013. With eight guestrooms, decorated with Amish-made furniture, several have fireplaces and balcony access with charming town view.  One room is handicap accessible and the 1200 square foot suite is also available for booking.  Guests are provided a full breakfast using local ingredients and the winery and wine bar are a welcome addition opened over the weekends. Vic and Carrie Swisher (Carrie is Brad and Karen’s daughter) produce the wines in the basement of this elegant 1890’s home, bottling about 1000 gallons of wine per year.

My Artisan Cheese tray arrived and the serving size could have fed a family of four.  I offered to share with my new friends, but ended up having to take half of it home (super exited about that!), only to save it for the next day with my remaining wine (yes, I actually had some wine left over…).  The tray included a variety of local cheeses, served with crackers, olives and meat, worth the $!3.  The next time I will have to try their Buffalo Shrimp Po Boy or the Cuban Pizza Flat Bread (yum!).

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast?  Did you stay the night or have dinner?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Stay: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

Where to Eat: 

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, Ohio  44813
Telephone:  419 886 9463

I had ordered the artisan cheese and meat board, but there were several exceptional menu items I would have loved to have tried.

Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar.  As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour.  For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

  • Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99  per bottle
  • Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
  • Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice.  $13.99 per bottle
  • Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
  • Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend.  A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity.  $14.99 per bottle
  • Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart.  Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
  • Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar.  The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family.  Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985.  Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne.  Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines.  Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate.  French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun.  Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience.  There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion.  With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze.  The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online.  Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock.  Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu.  From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery  to sample some of their amazing wines?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH  43219
Telephone:  614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls:  wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of June

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

“It’s all my wife’s fault,” Mike Barker said when I asked him why he and his wife Cheryl opened Stone Crest Vineyard.  Her father, Riece Brown, had been making wine for a few years and the Barkers decided to “hone his craft” and planted their first vines in 2005.   The name Stone Crest is based on both the soil, abundant with sandstone and its location on top of a hill.  Since officially opening in 2007, the Barkers have expanded their vineyards and offer nearly twenty varieties of wine.

Ranging from dry to sweet, Stone Crest Vineyard’s award winning wines are available to sample.  I found a great location at the tasting bar to enjoy some of the vineyard’s amazing wines and had a great chat with Fred.  My tasting included the Chardonnay, Gemstone, Red Stone, Blue Stone and Peach.

  • Chardonnay – lightly oaked, dry white….14.95; My sister loves Chardonnay, so I picked up a bottle for her
  • Gemstone – semi sweet rose blend of pink Catawba 10.95;  I absolutely love rose, so I couldn’t pass up adding this bottle to my collection
  • Red Stone – Concord, sweet red classic concord wine 10.95; Another great wine to have on hand for my friends who like “grape juice”
  • Blue Stone – blueberry and grape, sweet berry blend 11.95;  A gold medal winner at the Ohio Wine Competition for the last 12 years
  • Peach – sweet peach made with peach juice…9.95;  Crisp and fruity

Additional wines on the menu:

  • Winemakers Select 2013 – dry red with dark fruit flavors for 12 95
  • Winemakers Select 2017 (Malbec) – dry, bold red…17.99
  • Pinot Noir (out of stock) – dry red with great finish…17.99
  • Cabernet Franc (out of stock) – dry red with notes of cherry and black currant…17.99
  • Dry Riesling (out of stock) – dry white with hint of lemon….14.95
  • Tranquility (out of stock) – dry white that reminds one of Pinot Grigio …10.95
  • Semi sweet Riesling (out of stock) semi-sweet white with an apricot notes …14.95
  • De Vine – concord semi-sweet red, the fruit of the vine…10.95
  • Bouquet – Niagara – semisweet white with a fragrant bouquet 10.95
  • Dos Vinos – blend of semisweet red where two wines are blended to perfection…12.95
  • Red Raspberry – with a bite of raspberry pie (out of stock) – 9.95
  • Apple – sweet apple with a hint of cinnamon – 8.95
  • Waterfall Wine – out of stock; Niagara sweet white 9.95
  • White Stone (out of stock) – Catawba sweet white with flavors of citrus and kiwi…10.95

In addition to Stone Crest Vineyard’s spectacular wines, they winery offers slushies as well as the mix which is available for purchase. I tried their homemade slushie sangria which was absolutely delectable which is a combination of their Blue Stone, Red Stone, Cherry and Peach wines.  This would be the perfect solution for a hot summer day.

Stone Crest Vineyard is located in the rural plains of Frazeyburg, Ohio. This lovely winery is open year around on Friday and Saturday evenings from noon to eight.  Offering weekend dinners with a selection of two choices, these sold out gatherings include a baked potato, salad, roll and dessert.  Their website’s calendar lists offerings such as pork loin or chicken, prime rib or baby back ribs, scallops with the option of filet mignon or chicken. Reservations required.   Enjoy a bottle of wine with friends relax outside by the hillside waterfall or book a romantic weekend dinner at Stone Crest Vineyard.  The winery accommodates bus tours and private events, so sample a few wines and buy a few wines for the holidays or special occasions.

Have you visited Stone Crest Vineyard?  Which wines did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for supporting The Suite Life of Travel by reading my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stone Crest Vineyard
10310 O’Dell Road
Frazeyburg, OH   43882
Telephone:  740 828  WINE

You can also check out their Facebook page!

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH  43821
Telephone:  740 754 1122

Where to Eat:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH  43821
Telephone:  740 754 1122

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast of Bananas Foster French Toast which was absolutely sumptuous!  In addition, we had a light dinner where we were served a couple of Filipino dishes of eggrolls and Chicken Adobo which were robust with amazing flavor!