Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

Arriving by sea, the cruise ship pushed forward, edging closer to dramatic views of whitewashed villages atop Santorini’s crescent-shaped caldera. The scenic view of watching the island appear between the islands of Sikinos and Ios is breathtaking. Undeniably one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini’s history, scenic views and whitewashed buildings are incredibly fascinating, but it is the island’s gorgeous sunsets that make the “Devil’s Isle” worth a stop in the Cyclades.

Santorini is one of a group of islands that includes the isles of Santorini and Therasia, while the uninhabited islets of New Kameni and Palaia Kameni (the “Burnt Isles”), Aspronisi (“White Isle) and Christiana are great for day hiking. Surviving one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, what remains of Santorini are the steep 1100 feet cliffs and the water-filled caldera.

When the island was first established, it was appropriately named Kallisti which means the “the most beautiful one”. By the thirteenth century, the Empire of Romania renamed the island Santorini after Saint Irene of Thessoloniki, who was martyred in the 4th century BC. Locals may refer to the island as Thera, which became its official name in the 19th century.

To confuse matters a little, Santorini’s capital is also Thera (Fira), located on the northern side of the island. The town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful domes, displays the typical scenery that one sees in travel magazines and photographs.

Anchoring within the cove of the caldera, passengers boarded the ship’s tender offering transportation to the south end of the island, the New Port at Athinios.

After researching the opportunities available on Santorini, I decided to purchase the ship’s excursion which included a stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Greek-inspired lunch and then sunset in Fira. That morning, the tour group boarded the bus and our driver began the steep climb up the side of the cliffs. As the bus rounded the corner, I could see the cruise ships in the harbor and, in the distance, the smaller islands in the caldera.

As we entered The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, I had not imagined the complexity of the archaeological dig. I was impressed that the site was enclosed under a large structure, which was built to protect the ancient ruins. Unlike many excavations, the structures, streets and artifacts were intact and in pristine condition.

Boarding the bus, I was left thinking about how terrifying it would have been for the Santorinians during the time of the volcanic explosion and was relieved to think that they were smart enough to leave town before the event.

Next, we had the lovely pleasure of spending time in the picturesque town of Oia (or Ia) which is located at the northern tip of the island. Oia’s charm is seen in its white-washed buildings and gorgeous bougainvillea making it the most photographed village of the Aegean. Walking through Santorini’s second-largest town, I noticed the beautiful whitewashed fences, narrow passageways and staircases that disappeared into restaurants and hotels. Searching for the central square, there were gorgeous views of the cobalt sea and rust-colored lava cliffs in the distance.

White washed churches with their stunning blue domes are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Santorini. The charming combination actually keeps the buildings cool over the hot summer months.

After learning about the local cave houses, I found the Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House in Oia. I had plenty of time to stop by to explore this gorgeous home before finding a restaurant to try the local wine. Carved into the rocks on top of the cliff, some of these beautiful structures have remained here for many years. This amazing location was once a bakery and the interior and decor were completely stunning. The views from Old Bakery were spectacular and would have been the perfect location to watch the sunset.

I easily found an authentic Greek restaurant that offered all of the local dishes and was interested in sampling the world-renowned wines of Santorini where the grapes are grown in volcanic ash. I ordered the tzatziki sauce with pita bread and a glass of Aryitiko, the island’s popular dry white wine. My second glass of wine was the Vinsanto, which is a sweeter white, produced from dried grapes at Gavalas a local winery in Megalochori. Santorinian wines are served in some of the most upscale restaurants in the world and I knew I had to buy a few bottles.

The dramatic cliffs provided several opportunities to witness a bird’s eye view of the town. The awnings, walkways and balconies along the side streets piqued my interest as I strayed away from the main street to enjoy the extraordinary scenery. Wandering the streets, I could easily lose myself among the unique landscape with scenic views all around me.

Oia is full of surprises and one of them is the Venetian Kasteli (Castle) of Agios Nikolas. Built in the Middle Ages, as a beautiful church carved in the side of the rock, it also served as a lookout point. Much of the structure was damaged in the earthquake of 1956 and only the Goulas (watchtower) exists. It is one of many ideal locations to watch the sunset.

Another gem located below the town of Oia, at the base of the cliff, is the Harbour of Amoudi. From Oia, there are 300 stairs that reach the harbor, known for its red lava cliffs.

From the Harbour of Amoudi, the ferry service takes tourists out to the islet of Therasia. A piece of land untouched by tourism and commercialization, the landscape draws hikers and adventurers. Within fifteen minutes, tourists can experience an authentic Theran village and view the caldera from a different perspective.

What remains of the volcano wraps around to create a semi-circular basin. The spectacular formation of the caldera dominates the view at every angle and I wondered how it would have looked before the eruption.

Taking in the sunset in Fira is highly recommended, but not before we lunched at Restaurant Iris. We boarded the bus for a short ride and arrived at the restaurant to enjoy a buffet of Greek food and desserts. Since I had already eaten, I had a lovely conversation with our tour guide who was happy to give me an insight to the current economic situation in Greece. We had a lovely dining experience and looked forward to winding down our day where we would witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the world.

Fira is located close to the cruise ships dock and is the starting point for most tourists visiting the island. The town has made it very easy to find the perfect location to enjoy the sunset although it can be more crowded than Oia at sunset. From this vantage point, the structures built into the lava cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and view.

Several options are available to reach the town of Fira. For the adventurous, brave and strong, a set of 587 stairs reach the top. This is also the way of the donkeys, so if one does not mind sharing the route with donkeys, there are no lines and no waiting. Riding up the cliff on a donkey-for-hire is another possibility as long as the mule is not stubborn.

Cable car rides run every 20 minutes and takes only a couple of minutes to go up or down. Each car transports 36 people at a time and is very convenient, quick way to travel. The cost is 6 Euros one way and there may be a wait, especially when cruise ships are in port.

The town has made it very easy to find a cliffside, seaside spot to enjoy the sunset and there are many more options here in the energetic village of Fira. Fellow cruise ship passengers waited for the spectacular show as the sun began to hide behind a piece of the caldera. We watched in awe as the sunlight reflected off of the iconic Clycladic architecture.

Undeniably, the view from Santorini a couple of hours before sunset is phenomenal. As the sun slowly disappears behind the caldara, the sun’s light dances upon the cove below and reflects off of the cliffs and islands to create a magnificent pink glow.

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.

No one can deny that Santorini is magical, spectacular and everything in between. Picturesque at every turn, the island is one of the most scenic and enchanting of the Greek isles. What a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Fira at twilight. I could have stood in this moment forever but this moment of awe would soon come to an end.

Moving towards the cable cars, I looked back at the extraordinary scene. I couldn’t help but contemplate if the ancient Greeks knew that they were living among one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I think I have found my Atlantis.

Have you been to Santorini or any of the other Greek Islands? What would you recommend doing on my return visit? I would love to hear your comments below! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 081939

Admission Fee: 12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31; open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: Amazing archaeological artifacts
Length of Visit: 4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation. Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece 84700
Telephone: +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini:

Akrotiri Lighthouse
Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
Oia
Skaros Rock
Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Reaching Sioux Falls, South Dakota from Ohio! What a Drive

30 July 201821 September 2024

With an early morning departure of 5AM, I have set out for my week’s vacation out west. The estimated number of miles I plan on traveling today are approximately 925 (Now that’s a lot of driving!). Estimated drive time is 13.5 hours with an added 2 hours for stops. Arrival time estimation is 8:30PM Central time (will gain one hour). Today I will pass through the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. My route will take me from I-70 West catching I-74 West in Indianapolis. Next I will take I-80 East and finally I-29 North.

Darkness continued to cover the sky as I left my home state of Ohio. I made my first gas stop in Clayton, Indiana where I purchased a $20 tank of gas. In Le Roy, Illinois, I payed $25 for fill up the tank and I was good until making a stop at the Taylor Pick Quick in Mo Valley, Iowa to refuel, costing me $24.

My drive was uneventful and I had great weather! Overcast and no rain, what a perfect day to be on the road! Most of the drive is flat and I find myself passing by farmlands and long stretches of land.

I have made great time as I pull into the hotel and check into the Days Inn, Sioux Falls which is located on Gateway Boulevard, conveniently located off of the highway. It is 6:30PM Central taking me about 13.5 hours including stops. I made great time but it was definitely a LONG drive! Left OH at 5:10AM; arrived in Indiana at 6:36AM; arrived in IL (8:51AM, eastern); arrived in IA (12:04PM, eastern); arrived at the SD border (5:36PM, eastern/4:36PM central). Wanted to check out the Falls tonight instead of waiting until the next day (which was scheduled for tomorrow). The sun was just starting to set and it was a beautiful evening.

Sioux Falls, SD weather: High 82 and Low 63 with a chance of an evening thunderstorm

Stopped at Taco John’s on the way to seeing the falls for a couple of tacos and a diet coke. This cute little taco place has been in business since 1969, and is a spicier version of Taco Bell.

Have you taken a long road trip? Where did you go? I would love to hear about your cross country travel trip if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Thanks for following my trip out West and wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to See and What to Do:

Falls Park, Sioux Falls
131 E. Falls Park Dr.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Telephone: 605 367 7430

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Falls Park.
Hours: Open daily from 5AM to 12AM
Amenities: waterfalls, observation tower, picnic shelters, sculptures, restrooms, restaurant, open air shelter, bike trail access point, historic displays, drinking fountains and visitor center
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the falls and an observation deck for incredible scenic views of nearby Sioux Falls.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and be careful on the rocks.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
200 E. 8th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Telephone: 605 373 0153

Where to Eat:

Taco John’s
1920 W 12th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Telephone: 605 338 8518

I ordered two tacos which tasted like Taco Bell with a little more heat.

What to Eat:

Buffalo: A meat substitute for beef which is much healthier to eat.
Chokecherries are a Native American cherry that is made into jam, preserves, butter, wine, jelly and sauce. Wojapi is a chokecherry sauce.
Dakota Martini is made of three-fourths beer and one-fourth tomato juice
Fleisch Kuchele is a meat pie originating from Germans who lived in Russia. The dough is filled with meat and onions, then deep fried until the pastry is hot and flaky.
Hot Beef Commercial, also known as hot beef sandwich, beef combination, hot beef combo and hot beef combination. This is a sandwich made of real mashed potatoes and chunks of seasoned roast beef sandwiched between two pieces of white bread and smothered with homemade gravy until it floods the plate.
Indian Fry Bread is the state bread of South Dakota, a recipe of the local Indians.
Indian Tacos are made with a specially spiced beef and beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, black olives and house made picante sauce on the top.
Kolache is an amazing Czech dessert made from pastry and filled with fruit filling such as apple, cherry, lemon, apricot, prune and strawberry.
Kuchen is German for cake and in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy this pastry filled with custard and fruit.
Lefse is a flat potato bread coming from Norwegian-American origin and served with butter
Mocha Cakes, also known as Blarney stones, are square or rectangular blocks of light and airy white cake. Frosted on all sides with vanilla buttercream, they are rolled in lightly salted crushed peanuts for ideal flavor and texture.
Pasties are savory hand pies.
Tiger Meat is South Dakota’s answer to steak tartare.
Wasna is a buffalo and berry dish passed down by the Lakota Indians.
Zebra Donuts are marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts that is fried, dunked in sweet glaze and hand-dipped in homemade chocolate frosting which feeds 15.

What to Read:

The Spirit of Sioux Falls, by Terry Wooster
The Road to Grace, by Richard Paul Evans
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

Photo Guide for Mount Rushmore, South Dakota:

The park’s artwork along the Sculpture Walk
A view of the falls from the overlook or the restaurant
A close up look of the falls along the outcroppings

Hiking the Sunken Gardens Trail at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania

23 July 201817 September 2024

Visiting my brother and his family over the Labor Day Weekend, my parents rented a camper for the drive to Butler County, northern Pennsylvania. They parked the RV at a campsite near Moraine State Park for afternoon hikes and fishing.

The Saturday before the holiday, we decided to hike the Sunken Garden Trail at the nearby state park. The hike is located on the southern side of Lake Arthur, one of the largest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania. Marked with blue blazes, there are three different trail options ranging between 2 to 3 1/2 miles.

The children were more excited about the hike than the adults, but their energy made it just as fun for us. Pointing out cattails, tiny orange flower and tall trees, no one was in a hurry to complete the easy nature walk.

After a short distance, we crossed over a small bridge.

We were surrounded by thick trees enjoying the shade.

On a few occasions we would catch a glimpse of the lake.

Colorful flowers bloomed along small sections of sand where the waves from the lake lapped the shoreline. A man and his two children had brought fishing poles in hopes of catching Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass.

From here we noticed Pleasant Valley Beach on the opposite side of the lake. A family or two had set up blankets and lounge chairs as a couple of children were wading in the shallow end.

We approached the marshy area and heard a couple of frogs croaking under the vegetation. Just across the marsh, we could see the boat dock and parking areas so we knew it wouldn’t be long until we had finished the hike.

Overall, we had a wonderful hike at the Sunken Garden Trail with the children and had worked up an appetite, so it was time to return to the campground to make some lunch.

Have you visited Moraine State Park and hiked the trails? 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 our family day at the park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road
Portersville, PA 16051
Telephone: 724 368 8811

Where to Stay

Smith Grove Camp Grounds
1085 Herman Road
Butler, PA 16002
Telephone: 724 285 3600

Where to Eat:

Reclamation Brewing Company
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

Loved their pizza and beer mac-n-cheese!

What to Eat:

Pierogie Pizza

Old Stone House, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

16 July 201816 September 2024

Over the weekend, we passed the Old Stone House in Slippery Rock several times that we made plans to stop by the house on our way back to Ohio. The home, a two-story, six-bay structure made of sandstone was built by John Brown in 1822 and is today, a museum of rural life.

Perfectly situated at the crossroads of the Pittsburgh-Franklin and Butler Mercer Pikes, it was the perfect location as a stagecoach stop and tavern for those who were moving away from the east coast. First, a small log tavern provided ale and food to travelers, but when the family home was completed, it became a historic inn.

Within its interior are three rooms on the first story, each room fitted with its own fireplace and exterior entrance. Upstairs is one large room which is separated by curtains. The 2 story wooden porch is accessible from each level.

The stone structure may have already existed when Brown purchased the property and may have been used as a tavern room for travelers passing by. Locals would also arrive to the tavern to meet with the travelers in hopes of news from other states. The tavern would have offered food and drink and an overnight stay when room was available.

Of course, not only did the Stone House attract everyday travelers, highway bandits were also known to hang around the taverns and stagecoach stops. A list of rules was posted to reduce rowdy behavior and local disturbances.

There were two separate counterfeit gangs who were known to hang around The Old Stone House, led by a man nicknamed “Old Man North Pole”.

According to historian, Brad Pfugh, the Mohawk/Wigton story has ties to the Old Stone House as Mohawk journeyed by stagecoach to the town of Butler. Roaming around town, it is said he stopped by the Kiester House, a local tavern where he was given milk. He fell asleep and after awaking, returned to the Old Stone House where he fought the owner who would not serve him alcohol. Mohawk spent the night outside not far from the Old Stone House and at some point, visited the Wigton family home. Mrs. Wigton was alone as her husband had left town that day and Mohawk killed her and her family then fled. Mohawk was eventually captured and hung on March 22, 1844.

With the invention of railroads, the stagecoach stops were no longer needed for travelers, so the Old Stone House became a family farmstead in the 1870s. By 1918, it was abandoned and hidden beneath the underbrush, in need of repair where eventually, only the north wall and chimney were left.

In 1963, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy restored the property with the help of Charles M. Stotz a local Pittsburgh architect and converted the space into a museum for the next 20 years. The 1980’s recession led the Conservancy to consider selling the property but the local community was outraged as it had poured large donations into its restoration. They came up with a solution to allow Slippery Rock University to rent the property, maintain its condition and manage its tourist events. With this agreement, Old Stone House is available for visitors to learn more about rural life in Western Pennsylvania.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Old Stone House in Slippery Rock? I would love to hear your thoughts about the property if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my stop at Old Stone House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Stone House
865 William Flynn Highway
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Telephone: 724 738 4964

Where to Stay:

Springhill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City
125 East Jefferson Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 844 207 5336

Where to Eat:

Reclamation Brewery
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

What to Eat:

Pierogie Pizza

What to Read:

Rage, Murder and Execution! The Story of Sam Mohawk and the Wigton Family Massacre, by Bradley Pflugh
An Unconventional Life, 1815 – 1884, by Jane Grey Swisshelm

Butler, Pennsylvania: Downtown Walk

9 July 201816 September 2024

We had just finished lunch at Reclamation Brewery and decided walk off our meal by exploring downtown Butler, Pennsylvania. The children were more excited to play in the fountain, so we started out on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.

The city of Butler, Pennsylvania was established in 1800 and is named after General Richard Butler, who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

Butler County, Pennsylvania’s original stone courthouse was built in 1807. It was later replaced by a second building which was destroyed in a fire in 1883. Architect James P. Bailey was provided the commission to build the third courthouse which he completed in 1885. Bailey designed the county’s third courthouse in the High Victorian Gothic style which is the tallest structure in downtown Butler.

Reaching three-stories, the sandstone and brick building showcases a beautiful four-faced clock tower along with two double pyramid shaped roofs on its exterior and stained glass windows, marble floors, domed ceilings, several crown moldings and a grand staircase connecting the first and second levels. In 1977, the Butler County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The simple fountain in Butler’s downtown square is a great place to cool off and pose for photos.

Located in Diamond Park, there are several memorials in honor of the local veterans who fought in war to protect our country’s democracy.

While Pittsburgh may be known as the Steel City, there are several counties that also have a strong steel heritage. Butler County is recognized under the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

In addition, Butler, Pennsylvania is known as the “Birthplace of the Jeep.”

The invention was made possible with the United States Army reached out to several auto manufacturers to design a reconnaissance car within 49 days and The American Bantam Car Company accepted the challenge, resulting in the design and production of “The Jeep” in 1940. The car company produced 2,675 Jeeps but eventually closed in 1956.

Butler has been celebrating the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival each year since 2011. The first festival drew 1,000 jeeps to the area and last year they broke the record when 2420 jeeps arrived in downtown Butler arriving from over 30 states and Canada. It’s a Jeep Thing.

Have you visited Butler, Pennsylvania and did you stroll its downtown? Which restaurants or shops did you visit? 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 family day in Butler, PA and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Explore Downtown Butler

Where to Stay:

Springhill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City
125 East Jefferson Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 844 207 5336

Where to Eat:

Reclamation Brewery
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

What to Eat:

Pierogie Pizza

What to Read:

Jane Grey Swisshelm, An Unconventional Life, 1815 – 1884

Reclamation Brewing Co., Butler, Pennsylvania, NOW CLOSED

2 July 201816 March 2025

During a weekend visit to Butler, our family stopped by Reclamation Brewing Co. for lunch. It was a place that my brother had visited often and highly recommended their food….especially their Beer Cheese Macaroni.

As we passed the bar, the large chalkboard provided a list of their craft brews while a smaller board posted their daily specials. We placed our orders for drinks as we reviewed the menu and made our decision for lunch.

The kids ordered hot dogs and beer cheese macaroni and it looked absolutely delicious.

I was happy when my bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich arrived with a side of beer cheese macaroni while my brother and his wife ordered burgers and beer cheese macaroni as well.

We sat over lunch catching up and listening to the kids talk about their school. It felt like old times when my brother’s family had lived closer and it was so wonderful to see how much they had grown since my last visit.

Have you been to Reclamation Brewery in Butler, Pennsylvania? What was your favorite menu item? 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!

Where to Eat in Butler, PA:

Reclamation Brewery
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

RV Camping in Butler, Pennsylvania

25 June 201822 September 2024

Anytime spent with my nieces and nephews is the best time, so when I went up to Butler to meet them for the weekend, we would be staying in an RV and exploring nearby Slippery Rock. Here are some of my favorite photos from that weekend at the park.

What a great weekend of camping…the kids had lots of fun and so did we. It was hard to leave Butler, but will be back soon….

Featured Ohio Winery: Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard

18 June 201817 September 2024

It was a beautiful spring day and I had set out for Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard to sample wine on the Canal Country Wine Trail. The tree branches were just beginning to bud with new leaves as I approached the winery. I had stopped short of a set of railroad tracks ahead in rural Rootstown, Ohio. Stepping through the arbor, I entered the beautiful white farmhouse turned winery.

What was once a family farm over the last four generations, is now a vineyard with French-American hybrids. These varietals, known to successfully grow in the climate of Ohio, are cold-hardy vines and resistant to disease. Barrel Run Crossing planted their first crop in 2008 with a selection of grapes to include Corot Noir, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, Noiret, St. Pepin, Traminette and Vidal Blanc.

Excited to sample a few wines, I studied the menu and soon realized the selections were cleverly themed around the railroad. The $9.95 BRX Wine Tasting flight included a choice of five wines and a customized wine glass to take home. Hardly noticing the description of the wines, I based my decision solely on the names starting with Locomotion, Engine Number 5, Tipsy Conductor, Off the Tracks and All Aboard.

Locomotion was labeled as a dry white blend of Chardonnay, Traminette and Vidal, a new crafted wine recently added to the menu. The combination of estate grown varietals with the Chardonnay was the perfect balance resulting in a nice, smooth finish which could find myself easily pairing with a white sauce pasta.

“A True Ohio Dry Red Blend Wine with Cherry Notes and Blackberry and Plum Aromas” adequately described the Engine Number 5. I enjoyed the subtle tart stone fruit flavors of this wine while tasting a hint of blackberry at the finish.

An estate wine, “crafted entirely from Frontenac and Frontenac Gris grown onsite”, the Tipsy Conductor is satisfyingly crisp with a lovely sweetness from a semi-sweet white.

All Aboard, was a white wine much sweeter than my previous selections. Produced from the estate grown Vidal Blanc, I imagined this wine would be perfect on a spring or summer afternoon.

Off the Tracks, a sweet red created from the local estate Frontenac grapes is popular among Ohio wine drinkers. The addition of blackberry juice gives this wine an added element of sweetness.

Barrel Run Crossing offers the Sugar-Luv chocolate pairing of truffles with five complementary wine samples for $7.50, every third Friday of the month. They also host a food and wine pairing event by reservation only and encourage visitors to facilitate the space for family gatherings.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard? I would be interested in hearing about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reviewing my port about my visit to Barrel Run Crossing and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard
3272 Industry Road
Rootstown, OH 44272
Telephone: 330 325 1075

Where to Stay:

Rocking Horse Inn
248 W Riddle Avenue
Ravenna, OH 44266
Telephone: 330 297 5720

Where to Eat:

Lil’ Paisan’s Pizzeria
4129 Tallmadge Road
Rootstown, OH 44272
Telephone: 330 325 4000

I went for the 9-inch Deluxe Supreme made with homemade pizza dough and fresh toppings. I wished I would have ordered a larger size it was so good!

Award Winning Wines at Henke Winery and Restaurant, Cincinnati

11 June 201817 September 2024

Spending the day in downtown Cincinnati, I made a quick visit to my old neighborhood on the west side of the city. Entering Henke Winery and Restaurant, I was surrounded by several wine awards as well as the yummy smell of garlic coming from the kitchen. Sounds of Paul Simon were streaming over the intercom, I could not wait to start my wine tasting and fill up on some amazing pasta.

Escorted into the tasting room, I could not help but notice the beautiful bay window with an urban view of the historic Cincinnati neighborhood town of Westwood. The room was bright, cheery and I found a small table by the bar. While waiting for a few moments, I took the liberty to explore the various wine displays and familiarize myself with the wines I would be sampling.

Established in 1996, owner and vintner Joe Henke has a well-founded approach to his winery and restaurant. With his focus on passion, quality and pride, it is no surprise that awards adorn the walls of the rooms, providing recognition for a large number of his wine blends, using a wide variety of grape varietals. Joe began making wine as a hobby and for nearly 25 years, he has turned his passion into a living. Ohio now boasts over 300 wineries, yet when Joe first started there were a total of 36.

I am excited to be working with Clay, one of the sommeliers at Henke, to assist me with my wine tasting. I am offered seven wines for a nominal cost of ten dollars, which includes the beautifully etched glass as a souvenir.

The Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in the Appalachian region, aged six months in American Oak barrels with a hint of apple, pear, butter and lemon flavors. The color of the wine is a very light lemon shade, served warm, which I rather enjoyed. I could taste the buttery flavors and agreed that there was a low acidity, which gave the wine a very smooth texture. This wine is sold for $6.25 per glass or $14 per bottle to take home.

Bottled in a beautiful blue container, the Vidal Blanc is a white wine made from grapes in the Ohio Valley. Stored in stainless steel containers, this is a sweeter wine with flavors of apple, grapefruit and pineapple. The taste of pineapple is stronger than the other fruits and the acidity of the wine can be tasted at the back of my tongue. It was served chilled and I found it to be quite refreshing. This wine can be purchased for $5.50 per glass.

Winning the Gold Award this year, the Cellar Blush is Henke Winery and Restaurant’s best seller. I love the beautiful peach hue to the wine and the smell is heavenly. Served chilled, it is a sweeter wine with flavors of kiwi, apricot, bubble gum, strawberry with an apple finish, which is what I adore about this wine. This is a rosé, sweet blush wine that sells for $11 per bottle and $5.50 per glass.

The Cabernet Franc has a perfect blend of flavors that include vanilla, blackberry and black cherry resulting in a full body taste. Spending 12 months in new neutral oak barrels, this wine is perfect with steak. The alcohol content of this wine is 15.5% and I can taste the blackberry on the top of my tongue. It is a drier red and as I continue my tasting, there is a wonderful tang of cherry that lingers as well. This wine has won several awards over the last few years both in Indianapolis and Ohio.

Red Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, so I was looking forward to trying the CinZin. Henke Winery has been making this fabulous wince since the early 2000s and they have definitely perfected it. With flavors of raspberry, prune, raisin and blackberry jam, this amazing combination gives the wine a fruity taste with a spice that hits you at the back of the tongue.

Sadly, I am nearing the end of my wine tasting as I eagerly await the Cabernet Sauvignon. Clay mentions that this wine is similar to the Cabernet Franc in regards to the processing, but only 15.2% alcohol content and no residual sugars.

A glass of Merlot was one my early red wines of choice and this was my next selection. Made from Amador grapes grown in California, this wine exhibits flavors of nutmeg, vanilla, cherry and strawberry. It also has a nutty flavor with a hint of raisin. This wine is divine and rates high above most of the Merlots I have ever tasted.

Throughout this wine tasting, I have enjoyed savoring every drop of wine in my glass and I am down to my last sample, the Vendange a Trois. This wine is a 10% blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while the remaining 80% is Merlot. With aromas of black cherry and violets, this is a softer wine with an alcohol content of only 13.7%.

There are so many reasons to like Henke Winery, not to mention the fifteen amazing wines they produce. The wine tasting experience is formal and carried out with such precision. I enjoyed the professional manner in which Clay provided me with such in depth information about each wine and gave me plenty of time to enjoy each sample.

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Joe Henke, the owner, who has been producing award-winning wines for over twenty years. Prior to opening the winery and restaurant, Joe worked at Mallinkrodt Tool Company, but I could see that he was in his element, greeting customers, visiting tables and noticing how happy he was to talk about his wines. His passion for winemaking extends to ensuring that each patron has a fabulous winetasting experience.

I was fascinated to learn that each year, Henke Winery hosts a cork contest called “The Window Garden”. On display are various objects of artistry that have been created out of corks and some of them are unbelievably outstanding.

I recommend visit Henke Winery and Restaurant for a fabulous winetasting experience and delectable meal. I absolutely enjoyed my visit and was happy to learn that their products can also be found at Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield. Henke Winery exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting here again soon.

Have you visited Henke Winery and want to share your experience? I would love to hear which wines rank high on your list, so leave a message in the comments section below! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

Visit their website for additional information about their wines, weekend entertainment and future special events.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Road
Cincinnati, OH 45248
Telephone: 513 574 6000

Where to Eat:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

For a starter, I selected the Awesome Pan Seared Cheese and ordered the Center Cut Yellowfin Tuna as my entree. Henke makes their own Ricotta Tortellini which is exceptional!

More of My Favorite Places to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

4 June 201817 September 2024

It was harvest time for grapes in Ohio, and with so many vineyards, I planned to spend a weekend exploring some of the more established wineries around Ashtabula County. Traveling as far northeast as possible, I found the little town of Conneaut, the home to Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, a vineyard with a charming bed and breakfast.

Joanna and Fred Buccia have been tending to their vineyard since the 1970s and I looked forward to sampling a broad representation of this region’s wines. Resting under an arbor of grapes above me, Joanna picked a few grapes for me as she sat down at the picnic table eager to tell me more about the history of grape growing around this area. She reminded me that the weather in May was cold and while July and August were unusually hot, the harvesting of grapes would come early this year.

From dry and full bodied Cabernet Francs to the semi dry Lake Erie blend of Reflections, there seemed to be an endless selection of premium wines and new grapes of which I had never heard. For example, the Baco grape produces a wonderful red wine that was dry, smooth, with a minimum acidity while the Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid that thrives in the cold temperatures, producing a red wine with a higher acidity and low tannins.

Many of the wines at Buccia Vineyard are made from the grapes that they grow on the property, called estate wines, while the remaining grapes and juice come from Chile, Argentina and California. My next sample was the Seyval, another French hybrid that is grown mainly to produce white dry wines.

A small group of four unloaded out of an early model station wagon. Inquiring if they could try a few of the wines, they also asked if they could stay the night at the bed and breakfast. Joanna excused herself from our conversation and tended to the visitors as I overheard Fred tell them that the winery was for sale.

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by vines full of grapes, I continue sampling the Vignoles and another new wine for me, the Agawan that has “fruity start with an herbal finish”. Rounding out my wine tasting, I poured a small taste of Reflections, a red blend made from the “best of Lake Erie grapes”, then took my last sip of Maiden’s blush, a sweet wine combined with the juices of local blueberries.

Joanna returned after setting up her new guests in one of the four rooms at the bed and breakfast. She gave me a quick tour of the property and showed me the available rooms with quiet decks, hot tubs and fireplaces. I listened to the faint sounds of Jimmy Buffett coming over the radio as I gave Joanna my list of remaining sites I planned to visit in Conneaut. It was a lovely summer day and I had the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to explore.

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard? Did you have a favorite wine? 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 visit to Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, Ohio 44030
Telephone: 440 593 5976

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast or there are several options along the Lake Erie seashore.

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH 44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.