Catanzaro’s Pizzas and Subs for Old World Style Classics

The Catanzaros have been a family name from my hometown of Springfield, Ohio since the late 1880s.  It wasn’t until I had visited Springfield’s Heritage Museum that I learned how well connected the family had been in the community.

I learned that the Catanzaro’s had once rented a booth at the downtown City Market until it was later converted into a museum and they also owned a corner Fruit and Vegetable stand.  Our family would stop by the outdoor stand on our way home from church when I was growing up.    I remembered hearing about their submarine sandwiches from a friend of mine and stopped by their shop on the west side of town to pick up some lunch.

Guaranteed the best pizza in town and serving overstuffed subs, their specialty is the 3 Meat Italian Grinder.  This sandwich includes a hearty serving of hickory smoked ham, Italian Salami and sweet pepperoni, topped with aged Provolone cheese, onions, sweet bell peppers, garden fresh tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, light herb, creamy mayo and Italian dressing.

I decided on an overstuffed sub with ham, turkey and bacon on a homemade Italian roll.  At $10 for a 12-inch sub or $7 for a 6-inch, I could have lunch for the next couple of days.

In addition to my sandwich, the store also offered a variety of chips and soft drinks so I picked up the jalapeno kettle chips and a Diet Coke.

I looked over the menu while my order was being completed and checked out the pizza menu for some of their gourmet pizza selections such as the Rosario’s Original Mediterranean Wonder, the Catanzaro’s Deluxe, Meatball Explosion, Hawaiian Delight and the Philly Cheese Pizza. Additional meals and sides include several salads, breadsticks, Italian Bread Pizza, homemade lasagna and chicken wings.

Of course a take out Catanzaro’s meal wouldn’t be complete without one of their amazing cannolis on display.

Have you visited Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs?  What did you order?  What will you order on your next visit?  I would love to hear about your stop at Catanzaro’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my lunch experience at Catanzaro’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs
433 Dayton Avenue
Springfield, OH  45506
Telephone:  937 322 3791

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield, OH
1751 W 1st Street
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone:  937 322 2200

Where to Eat:

Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs
433 Dayton Avenue
Springfield, OH  45506
Telephone:  937 322 3791

The Old Cabin at Fort Hill State Park in Hillsboro, Ohio

Looking for some great hikes in Ohio, I came across the opportunity to hike Fort Hill in Highland County.  With over 1300 acres, many believe that Fort Hill has some of the best hiking in the state and I would add that the scenic drive to Fort Hill is spectacular as well.

Similar to Fort Ancient, the Hopewell Indians built a stone and earthen wall  enclosure at the top of the hill.  Accessible only by hiking, the ancient earthwork covers over 40 acres.  Resembling a fort his how it received its name.  For this trip,  I decided to hike the 4.1 mile Gorge Trail.

The preserve features 11 miles of hiking trails and is included in a portion of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail.  Owned by the Ohio Historical Society and operated by the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System, it was a significantly spiritual place to the Hopewell Indians.  A second Hopewell structure on the south side of the park is known as the Circle Earthwork.

The earthwork measures one and a half a mile by the Hopewell tribe that lived between 100BC – 500AD.  It is thought that this location included a small village in the Brush Creek Valley as well as two ceremonial buildings.

Researchers believe that the earthwork was built for ceremonial purposes but the walls vary from six to fifteen feet,  Could it possibly be some type of fortification? The trail winds along Brush Creek where the pathway is clear and well marked.  It travels up then  down from the gorge and reaching the rim throughout the hike.

At one point the the trail passes through a log cabin.

From the base of the gorge to its rim, we had beautiful views of the creek and the valley.  In 1856, Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis excavated the area, writing about it in their book, Ancient Monuments of the Missisippi Valley.  Fort Hill was named a National Natural Landmark in 1974.

It was a beautiful day exploring Fort Hill and I wondered how it would have looked during the time of the Hopewell Indians.

Have you visited Fort Hill State Memorial?  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 Fort Hill and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve
13614 Fort Hill Road
Hillsboro, OH  45133
Telephone: +800 283 8905

  • Admission Fee:  There is no admission fee.
  • Hours:  The park is open each day from 8:30AM to 9PM
  • Scenic View:  The valleys and hills of the Appalachians, bird watching, Indian mounds, the gorge.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Enjoye the sandstone outcroppings, the hike along the creek and views of the gorge.

Where to Stay:

Coyote Creek Farm
8871 OH-124
Hillsboro, OH  45133
Telephone: +937 393 5166

Stay in this beautiful bed and breakfast cabin surrounded by nature.

Where to Eat:

62 Classics’ Diner LLC
1581  N. High Street 9495
Hillsboro, OH  45133
Telephone:  +937 661 6113

Known to have the best burgers in town.

What to Read: 

  • Ancient Monuments of the Missisippi Valley, by Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis

The Springfield Farmer’s Market, From History to the Here and Now

Update!  Vendor List Revised on August 13, 2018

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During the summer months, the Springfield Farmer’s Market sets up shop downtown outside the Heritage Center.  With vendors lining the side pedestrian area, the  market brings visitors here each Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

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I had the opportunity to visit the Market on its opening day and was excited to see the diversity in products that were available.  From baked goods to produce, local services and artwork, this venue is the perfect location for learning about some of the small businesses that are helping to revive the economy of Springfield.  The Painted Pepper, a well known food truck from town, was on hand for visitors to purchase breakfast items.

Here is just a small list of wonderful vendors that I met during my visit:

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Slice of Heaven Bakery

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En.Jamb.Ment

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Davidson Family Growers

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Sobaby Jam Company

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Stevens Bakery and Orchard

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Robin’s Nest Granola

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Champion City Jam

Additional services and products were provided by:

One of the great advantages of shopping at The Springfield Farmer’s Market, is that they make it easier for those on federal food assistance programs to use their benefits at the market by using tokens and with the use of EBT.

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Unbeknownst to many local Springfielders, the downtown Springfield Farmer’s Market was first established in the late 1800s.  After the completion of the new city building by Oliver S. Kelly (today’s Heritage Building), the first floor was designated as the location for the new city market, which replaced the old market house.

The opening of the City Building and Market included “parades, opening exercises and the illumination of natural gas standpipes and arches”. The event was covered nationally as over 40,000 people joined in the festivities.  It was a grand night for the city of Springfield.

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Over the years, the market assigned stalls to vendors where they would bring their produce, meats and items for sale.  It was described as having an “accumulated fragrance of the…annual crops of pork and cabbage – not always the freshest – ascended to the upper floor – and where the fumes of tobacco and possibly stronger stimulants, penetrated from the time-honored Springfield forum to the vicinity of the market stalls…”

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I can imagine that the Springfield Farmer’s Market would have been similar to a small version of the North Market in Columbus, Ohio.  Measuring only 50 x 500 feet, each vendor was provided with a permit authorizing him to sell his merchandise.  A copy of this permit can be seen at the Clark County Historical Society located in the Heritage Center.

Establishing the rebirth of Springfield’s Farmer’s Market has added a level of depth to the revitalization of this once prosperous town.  The downtown continues to add a number of new businesses and restaurants and the Farmer’s Market has only added to the growing attraction to my hometown of Springfield.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Springfield Farmer’s Market?  What items did you purchase?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Springfield Farmer’s Market (Heritage Center)
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 207 1950

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

The Painted Pepper Food Truck
Telephone: 937 969 0877

I ordered the breakfast burrito with extra jalapenos and it was amazing!

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs (seasonal sunflowers)
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild

Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis put Mykonos on the map when she vacationed here in the 1960s (imagine big black sunglasses, miniskirts and go-go boots).  A popular cruise ship port, this island has a reputation of having a free-spirit and party atmosphere.

130904, D6 Boat in the Cove of Mykonos

Mykonos’ iconic whitewashed buildings and colorful blue roofs can be seen from miles away.   The island is considered one of the Greek Cyclades and measures 7 by 10 miles.  The main town of Mykonos is called Chora or Hora, translated as “The Village” and is also referred to as the “Old Port”.

130904, D6 Greek Orthodox Church in Mykonos Town

We were tendered in from where the cruise ship was anchored where small fishing boats occupy the harbor.  A small Greek Orthodox church, which had been converted into a ticket kiosk, was where I purchased my ferry ticket to the island of Delos.

130904, D6 Beautiful White Church in Mykonos

With a couple of hours to explore Mykonos before catching the ferry, I began my adventure looking for “Little Venice”, a popular village neighborhood that mimics the Italian city with the same name.  Along my route, I passed the most photographed church on the island, the Church of Panagia Parapotiani.  The whitewashed stucco walls and the sky blue rooftops of the church are the perfect representation of Greece’s iconic Cycladic architecture.

130904, D6 Close up Windmill

I knew I had arrived when I could see the symbolic windmills on the ridge of Kato Myloi.  Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the purpose of the these cylindrical stone structures was to grind the grain for their bread.  At one point, there were over 600 mills throughout the islands of the Cyclades.  Today, a total of five still remain on the western side of the island and one, the Boni Myli windmill, is open to visitors.

D6 Mykonos' Little Venice

Mikri Venetia, more commonly known as “Little Venice” is also set along the coast on the western side of the island, within sight of the windmills.  Considered one of the most romantic locations in Mykonos, its charming quarter overlooks the bay.  Offering elegant restaurants and a scenic backdrop to include spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, it is the perfect location for enjoying the evening sunset.

D6 Mykonos Town Shopping

I became easily lost among the winding streets of Mykonos.  The beautiful chaos of cobblestones led me through narrow passages lined with charming shops and cafes.  I enjoyed the white and blue storefronts with the bougainvillea flowers flowing down from  overhead.  I eventually referred to my map to lead me back to the harbor where I would catch the ferry to Delos.

D6 Mykonos Town Waterfront

Soon, I found myself back at the cove mesmerized by the deep blue shades of the Mediterranean Sea.  A stretch of restaurants lined the beaches and tourists were strolling in to take a seat on the patios to place their order for food and drink.   With the ferry terminal in view, I placed an order for tzatziki and pita bread to compliment the Alfa, a local Greek beer.

D6 Little Black Cat, Mykonos

I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the island’s most famous resident, Petros, but the local pelican had not appeared.   Instead, I watched the cats as they crowded near the fishing boats, waiting for scraps of fish.   I studied them, lazing in the sun with their bellies full and couldn’t help but wonder if they knew how lucky they were to live on the spectacular island of Mykonos.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Mykonos?  What did you do while you were there?  I would love to hear about your adventure and thoughts of this fabulous Greek island if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Church of Panagia Parapotiani
Xwpa, Mikonos, 84600 Greece
in the neighborhood of Kastro in the town of Chora

Boni Myli windmill
Ano Mili, Mykonos Town, Greece
On the east side of town

Mikri Venetia
Mitropoleos Georgouli, Mykonos Town, Greece

Where to Stay:

Harmony Boutique Hotel – Mykonos Town
Pros Palaio Limani
Mykonos Town 846 00, Greece
+30 2289 028980

Where to Eat:

Old Port, Akti Kampani,
Mykonos Town, 846 00, Greece
Telephone: +30 2289 028256

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:

  • Murder in Mykonos by Jeffrey Siger
  • The Lion of Delos by Anne Worboys
  • The Double Image by Helen MacInnes

Photo Guide for Mykonos:

  • Little Venice…especially for the sunsets
  • The Windmills of Kato Milli
  • Chora, the Old Town of Mykonos
  • The Doors, Stairs and Walkways of Chora
  • The Cats of Mykonos
  • Mykonos Harbor
  • Paraportiani Church
  • Nammos Beach Club
  • Scorpios Beach Club
  • Cavo Tagoo Resort
  • The beautiful Bougainvillea
  • Hotel Little Rochari
For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Santorini: Life on a Volcano
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

Ohio’s Amish Community: Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant

Settling into a cozy booth at Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant, I had worked up an appetite while shopping the local boutiques and waiting in line for twenty minutes for breakfast, but I knew it would be worth the wait since this is “where the locals eat”.

Before there was Boyd and Wurthmann, there was Hummel’s Market which operated from 1938 to 1945.  The market was purchased by Herman Wurthmann and Dayle Boyd and the converted the market into a restaurant in the 1950s specializing in Amish-style home cooking.

Browsing the menu, there was an endless selection of home cooked meals. From traditional breakfasts to meatloaf and mashed potatoes, it was possible I could spend another twenty minutes making my decision.

While I should have ordered a saIad, I finally selected the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich on homemade bread and a side of thick cut, deep-fried onion rings.  Within minutes, my meal appeared and I couldn’t wait to bite into my perfectly prepared sandwich.

Boyd and Wurthmann lives up to its reputation of serving delicious, traditional meals for over 75 years, and you will want to save room for one of their 15 to 20  homemade, freshly-baked pies.   But don’t take my word for it.  You should visit this amazing Amish restaurant in the heart of Berlin, Ohio and bring cash because they don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Thank you for reading about my visit to Boyd and Wurthmann’s in Ohio’s Amish community and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Restaurant Information:

Boyd and Wurthmann
4819 East Main Street
Berlin, OH  44610
Telephone:  330 893 4000

The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30AM to 3:30PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:30AM to 7:30PM and closed on Sunday.

Ohio’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Part II

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum was a beautiful way for me to spend a lovely fall afternoon.  Rolling hills, vast open spaces and sporadic woods total nearly 500 acres of canvas displaying over 80 contemporary works of art.

I have assembled a list of sculptures that cover the areas of the park’s North Woods, Central Valley and Overlook Hill as Part II of my visit.  In addition to the artwork, the Ancient Sculpture Museum showcases terra cotta sculptures and old coins, an Egyptian sarcophagus and several other displays within a 10,000 square foot space.  Check out my earlier post that covers the East Ridge of the park.

NORTH WOODS:

Extent / Clement Meadmore

Australian-born, Meadmore’s Extent was created from painted aluminum in 1981.

Ohio Star / Joel Perlman

New York native Perlman’s Ohio Star was commissioned by the park and stands 18 feet tall.  It is one of three of his sculptures displayed at the park.

Still Life / Ed Benevente

California sculptor Benevente claims that his work “is a product of the sum of my life experiences up to that point.”

Adam’s First Breath / Sam McKinney

McKinney’s Adam’s First Breath sculpture was created out of 1800 pounds of bronze.

Keepsake / Antoinete Prien Schultze

Made from granite and glass, Prien Schultze’s Keepsake is over 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Off Minor / Richard Heinrich

Heinrich’s work can be seen at various outdoor sculpture parks as well as galleries in both the United States and abroad.

Untitled / Ken Valmaki

Two Thumbs Up / Ed Casagrande

Ed Casagrande is a Cincinnatian known not only for his metal sculptures, but also his jewelry.

Untitled / John Leon

John Leon is a Cincinnati sculptor who also teaches and provides consulting services.   According to John’s website, the figure seated on the bench is Harry Wilks, the park’s founder.

CENTRAL VALLEY:

Laocoon / Alexander Liberman

Liberman’s Laocoon was constructed from wielded steel in 1982.

Tory’s Comet / Harry Gordon

Gordon first studied ceramics until working with Borias Blai in Philadelphia.

Sky Walk / Joel Perlman

Perlman has studied at Cornell University and continued his education in London and Berkeley.

Wherefore Art Thou / Sam McKinney

The second of McKinney’s pieces at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, he has been a freelance painter and sculptor over 30 years.

Abracadabra / Alexander Liberman

Liberman’s Abracadabra was made of painted steel and created in 1992.

Pteasuaurus II / John Parker

Having attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, Parker has worked extensively with metal fabrication and welding.

Long Wall / Joel Perlman

The Cube / Tony Rosenthal

Rosenthal’s The Cube can also be seen in New York City and on the University of Michigan campus.

J.S. Bach’s Fugue #1 / Tony Rosenthal

White Face / Jon Isherwood

Restoration / Jim Agard

Agard’s restoration measures 10 and a half feet tall and 18 feet wide, constructed from steel.

Cincinnati Story / George Sugarman

Sugarman’s Cincinnati Story was commissioned by the Chiquita Corporation to be placed in front of their corporate offices.

Clash of Arms / Dan Kainz

Kainz, born to a family of stonecutters, spent many hours cutting stone, creating his first sculpture at the age of 9.

Serpentine Column / Christoph Spath

German-born Spath came to the US in 1982.  Serpentine Column is carved from African black granite and stands 126 feet tall, 32 feet wide and 16 feet deep.  Plate glass layers are enclosed in the center giving off a green tint.

Pier Portal / Barry Tinsley

Tinsley’s sculpture was created using steel and cast concrete.

This concludes my second post about my experience at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.  For more information about the park, check out my initial post which covers the East Ridge area of the property.

Photos cannot adequately describe my amazing experience exploring this phenomenal sculpture park and I highly recommend you visit in person.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum?  What was your favorite sculpture and why?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 868 1234

  • Admission Fee:   General admission to the park is $8 for general admission and $3 for children between the ages of 5 – 12.  Art cart rentals are available for $20 for the first hour and $15 per hour thereafter.  Members receive a discount of $15 for the first hour and $10 thereafter.
  • Hours:  From April  – October, the park is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM.  On Saturdays and Sundays they are open from 8AM to 5PM.   During the months from November to March they are open from 8 AM to 5PM seven days a week.  The museum is open from 12 to 5 PM year around.
  • Amenities:  Concerts in the Park, museum, Holiday Lights on the Hill and Annual Art Fair.
  • Length of Visit:   To visit all of the sculptures by car, give yourself at least a couple of hours.  If walking, you will need more time.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the park and museum’s website for upcoming events and the most up-to-date information. There are benefits of becoming a member and you can research this information on the parks website!

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton
1 Riverfront Plaza
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 896 6200

Where to Eat: 

Hyde’s Restaurant 
130 South Erie Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 892 1287

Serving the community since 1946, Hyde’s is an amazing restaurant to try some down home cooking.  I ordered the breaded cod sandwich with a side salad with ranch.  Should you visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum on a Thursday, save room for Peanut Butter Creme Pie.

Exploring Hamilton, Ohio’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, East Ridge

Opening in the spring of 1996, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum was once the home and property of Harry T. Wilks.  Wilks dedicated this piece of land for the artistic display of larger than life sculptures.  Within a year, the popularity of the park led to the facility’s expansion offering Concerts in the Park, Holiday Lights on the Hill and an annual Art Fair, which has attracted over 100 vendors.

Out of curiosity, I spent a beautiful fall afternoon to walk the park’s paved trails and to explore the large scale works of art on display.  Here is Part One of my visit to include an overview of the fascinating East Ridge display area.  Stay tuned for an additional post that covers the North Woods, Central Valley and Overlook Hill.

Phase I, Harold Betz

This was the first sculpture installed in the park.  Harold Betz owned a metal business in Hamilton, OH.

Torre II, Alexander Liberman

Alexander Liberman has three sculptures on display at the park.

The Gates / John Hock

Located in front of the gift shop, this  sculpture is made  from painted steel, stained and then waxed.

Triumph / Michael Tearney

A trained artist, Tearney’s education was augmented by his working with welding supply companies.

The Bench / Tony Rosenthal

Rosenthal’s Coriolis (Bench) Sculpture won him the 1997 Pyramid Hill Bench competition.

Jonah’s Passage / Jon Isherwood

Located near the amphitheater, Isherwood’s Jonah’s Passage is one of five sculptures the artist has on display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Age of Stone / Jon Isherwood

Nine pieces of granite comprise Isherwood’s masterpiece, “Age of Stone.”

Remembering / Jon Isherwood

Born in England, Isherwood studied under Anthony Caro, a leading sculptor over the past 30 years.

Strength of the Silent / Jon Isherwood

Untitled Bench / Jon Isherwood

Stan Thomson / Butterflies

Thomson is a local Cincinnati artist who also spends time in Naples, Florida.   One of many of his sculptures can also be seen at the Dayton International Airport.

Roxane / George Sugarman

Roxane is one of two Sugarman sculptures on display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Citizen / Walter Driesbach

Driesbach’s Citizen is a bronze casting created for a mold of the original walnut carving.

Dragonfly Dome / Voss Finn

Finn is a Cincinnati native who studied in New York.  His dragonfly dome was created from aluminum.

Trilogy / Obie Simonis

Simonis constructed the Trilogy sculpture from stainless steel and epoxy.

Paul / Martin Gantman

Gantman donated his winning entry for the Bench Competition 2000 to the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Melinda at the Beach / Bill Barrett

Two of Barrett’s bronze sculptures are on display at The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Venus and Psyche / Bill Barrett

Originally from Los Angeles, Barrett’s sculptures are featured in museums in the USA, Japan and Bulgaria.

Euclid’s Cross / Michael Dunbar

Dunbar’s Euclid’s Cross is a tribute to Euclid, the father of geometry and America’s industrial resourcefulness.

Pattern IV / Greg Johns

Australian-born sculptor Greg Johns is known throughout the world for his contemporary works with steel.  He has worked as a full-time sculptor for over forty years.

Untitled / Ken Valmaki

Fourth Obelisk / Tom Gibbs

Standing 16 feet tall, Gibbs’ Fourth Obelisk was constructed of painted steel.

A Smile from Bayon / Joseph Manino

Winning the 2004 Bench Competition, Manino’s 375 pound bench was created from stoneware.

The Web / Brian Monaghan

Canadian sculptor Monaghan’s beam sculpture measures 18 feet high by 20 feet wide.

The Quantic of Giza / Tim Scott

The Quantic of Giza is one of a group of three sculptures designed by Tim Scott in the mid 1960s.

Clear View / Michael Steiner

Talented Michael Steiner displayed his artwork at New York’s Fischbach Gallery at the age of eighteen.

Falline Flora / Don Creech

The sculpture was donated to the park and museum by Don Creech’s family to ensure that his artwork would forever be on display.

General / Unknown Chinese Artist

Photos cannot adequately describe my amazing experience exploring this phenomenal sculpture park and I highly recommend you visit in person.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum?  What was your favorite sculpture and why?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 868 1234

  • Admission Fee:   General admission to the park is $8 for general admission and $3 for children between the ages of 5 – 12.  Art cart rentals are available for $20 for the first hour and $15 per hour thereafter.  Members receive a discount of $15 for the first hour and $10 thereafter.
  • Hours:  From April  – October, the park is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM.  On Saturdays and Sundays they are open from 8AM to 5PM.   During the months from November to March they are open from 8 AM to 5PM seven days a week.  The museum is open from 12 to 5 PM year around.
  • Amenities:  Concerts in the Park, museum, Holiday Lights on the Hill and Annual Art Fair.
  • Length of Visit:   To visit all of the sculptures by car, give yourself at least a couple of hours.  If walking, you will need more time.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the park and museum’s website for upcoming events and the most up-to-date information. There are benefits of becoming a member and you can research this information on the parks website!

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton
1 Riverfront Plaza
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 896 6200

Where to Eat: 

Hyde’s Restaurant 
130 South Erie Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 892 1287

Serving the community since 1946, Hyde’s is an amazing restaurant to try some down home cooking.  I ordered the breaded cod sandwich with a side salad with ranch.  Should you visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum on a Thursday, save room for Peanut Butter Creme Pie.

Exploring Geneva-On-the-Lake

Screams and giggles filled the air as I passed the water slide on my way to the Old Firehouse Winery.  The children were having the time of their lives and enjoying the beautiful, hot sunny day at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake has been a popular resort town since the late 1800s.  It was the perfect location for me to stay while I explored the 23 wineries a short drive from here.  During the summer, Geneva-on-the-Lake boasts a fabulous schedule for their Lake Summer Concert Series and a robust Calendar of Events throughout the year.  Some of the notable events that piqued my interest include:

I swore to mark my calendar and make plans to attend each of these amazing events.

The Old Firehouse Winery is located on the shore of Lake Erie and came highly recommended by Marge at the Visitor’s Center.  The Center was my first stop of the day before enjoying breakfast at Deb’s Diner on the Street and ordering their breakfast special. The whimsical, cartoonish map which acted as a placemat, contains an extensive list of restaurants, shops, attractions and wineries.

I compiled a list of wineries from the Visitor’s Guide and Fun Map as visiting them were a priority for my weekend as well.

  • Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • Deer’s Leap Winery Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
  • Harpersfield Winery – post coming soon!
  • Lakehouse Inn Winery
  • Old Firehouse Winery
  • Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
  • The Winery at Spring Hill – post coming soon!
  • Virant Family Winery –  post coming soon!

Additional wineries provided by the Ohio Wine Association in Geneva:

  • Wineries from the Ohio Wine Association as the Vines & Wines Region
    • Bari Beauty & Health Plus Granny’s Wines, Euclid
    • Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry Village
    • The Brew Mentor, Mentor
    • Buccia Vineyard, Conneaut
    • Candlelight Winery, Garrettsville
    • Country Porch Winery, Cortland
    • Emerine Estates Winery, Jefferson
    • Farinacci Winery, Austinburg
    • Goddess Wine House, Ashtabula
    • Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland
    • Hundley Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Juliet Sky, Willoughby
    • Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield – post coming soon!
    • Laleure Vineyards, Parkman
    • Laurello Vineyards, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • M Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison
    • Markko Vineyards, Conneaut
    • Sharon James Cellars, Newbury
    • Silver Creek Wine Cellar, Garrettsville
    • South River Winery & Red Eagle Distillery, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Joseph Vineyard, Madison – post coming soon!
    • Tarsitano Winery & Vineyard, Conneaut
    • ThornCreek Winery & Vineyards, Aurora

After visiting the Old Firehouse Winery, I strolled the streets of historical Geneva-on-the-Lake starting at the Cove, the resort’s one time legendary rock ‘n’ roll bar.  What fascinated me most about the Cove were the acts that once performed here such as the Coasters, Platters, Drifters and the infamous Jimi Hendrix, not to mention owner, Pete Macchia’s connection to Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

Slipping into the 1940’s Fascination Game, I played a few games here against the attendant as I was the only visitor, but it was so much fun realizing that I was sitting in the midst of Geneva-on-the-Lake history. There are less than a dozen of these venues that remain in the US. The object of the game is to secure a “Bingo” using balls that light up when they are deposited in the holes.  The winner receives a coupon which can be redeemed immediately or accumulated over a period of time for much larger prizes, even a cruise.

Although the building has since been torn down, the historical Pier Ballroom was considered the “finest of its kind between Cleveland and Buffalo”.  Its roster of Big Band performances is impressive with the likes of Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk.  The Pier held its final dance in 1973 and by 1994, the ballroom, bathhouse and beach were dismantled and permanently closed.

When I asked my friends if they had any suggestions on where to visit while I was at Geneva on the Lake, they recommended Eddie’s Grill.  This adorable little restaurant is located on the corner of Lake Road East and has been serving steakburgers, hot dogs and French since 1950.  You can’t visit the Lake without Eddie’s.  It’s a Geneva tradition.

Sunrise Café is another go-to restaurant for an amazing breakfast. Don’t let the outside fool you.  This is one hot spot for locals, and a hidden gem for tourists.  You won’t be disappointed.

If you are in the mood for some amazing Italian fare, Piero’s Pasta House should be on your list.  With great portions and big flavors, expect to pay a little more here and wait for a table.

Madsen Donuts has been serving donuts at The Lake since 1938 and I was in need for some sugar.  Their cream ticks come highly recommended as they are not too sweet.  I orders one of the cream sticks, a chocolate iced and cream filled donut.

There are so many great dining options here:

  • Capo’s Pizza
  • Sand Bar
  • Sandy Chanty Seafood Restaurant
  • The Gallery Shops at the Landing, A Festival Marketplace
    • Wild Water works was just opening
    • Next to Pera’s Motel
  • Putt Putt
  • Joe’s Place with their Marieta’s Homemade Pina Coladas

Veteran’s Memorial Pipe Band: practicing for a performance at the Firehouse Winery – there was a craft show with a few booths set up behind the winery, open from noon to eight…prime location on the water.

Sunset Bar…I am certain that this would be my hangout if I spent the weekend….here, the winery and Joe’s Place with their Homemade Pina Coladas.

Some of the other attractions and restaurants include:

  • The Oak Room Dinner Theater
  • Murphy’s Pub and Ale House
  • Swiss Chalet, open Memorial Day thru Thunder Weekend
  • Signs for Mary’s Kitchen
  • Bob’s Food Court
  • Krazy K Shirts
  • Grumpy’s Ole Fashioned Lemonade
  • Time’s Square Restaurant

I had a wonderful time visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake and look forward to another opportunity to visit.  If you have any favorite places at GOTL, please let me know in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my Geneva-on-the-Lake adventure and wishing you many amazing travels!

Cheering Myself Up at Brandeberry Winery

“Wine cheereth God and Man” is a Proverb posted on the wall of the Brandeberry Winery and I could not agree more.  Having spent the afternoon in the charming  village of Yellow Springs, I was happy to visit this lovely winery in nearby Enon.

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It was a beautiful country drive to the winery where I easily found the entrance into the tasting room.  I immediately noticed the impressive display of awards that hung from the wall and was greeted by the winemaker himself, Jim Brandeberry.  He is an extremely smart, soft-spoken man with a passion for wine who was eager to share with me the history of Brandeberry Winery and the wines that he produces.

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There are several award winning wines on the tasting list and I had the opportunity to try a few of them.  While I made my selection, I read through the descriptions and noticed the many accolades.  From Bronze medals to Double Gold, there were also a few that held the honor of the Ohio Quality Wine Award.  I decided that I would choose six wines so that I could keep the complimentary glass.  Most of the samples cost $1.00, with the exception of the Reserve Premium Syrah and the Polar Crush Ice Wine which are $1.50.

My first selection was IKE, a dry white table wine.  This wine was originally named after Hurricane Ike, whose strong winds reached the Midwest region in 2008.  It was during that time that a stray cat found his way to their front door and made the winery his home.  “Ike” immediately became a part of the family and was a favorite resident among the winery’s guests.

I was happy to see a wide selection of sweet wines, which are popular varietals produced in Ohio.  The remaining samples that I selected just happened to fall under this category and I was ready to try the Sweet Mingo.  It too is named after one of the Brandeberry’s beloved pets and is a grape wine with natural peach flavors.  Mingo is a sweet little black and white dog that the family rescued when he was just four months old.  For the past three years he has been seen hanging around the winery greeting customers and adding to the wine tasting experience. The Sweet Mingo was definitely one of my favorites wines.

I could not resist sampling the blackberry wine, made from 100% blackberry juice.  It was no surprise that this was a silver medal award winner.

Pink Passion is a delicate wine made from a blend of Cayuga grape and cherry wines.  This beautiful pink wine is absolutely delicious.

The cherry truffle is a blend of cherry and grape wine with a flavor of chocolate and of course I had to try the Polar Crush Ice Wine.  Made from the Vidal Blanc grape, Polar Crush has an elegant peach color and tastes just as sophisticated.

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After my wine tasting, Mr. Brandeberry provided me with an impromptu tour of his production room, which was quite impressive.  I enjoyed learning about the technology and science that goes into creating wine.  Although he is an engineer by trade, he explained the process in a language I could understand.  I admire his passion for making wine and great sense of humor.

Brandeberry Winery provides live music, holds several events and caters to private parties.  One of their most popular events is the Annual Dogtober Fest where patrons bring their dogs dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes.  On occasion, the winery will also host release parties to introduce their new wine creations. This summer they will release a new wine titled “Party Girl”.  I had the pleasure of seeing a draft of the label and it is going to be spectacular.

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In addition to the wines, what I love about Brandeberry Winery is its support of the community and local charities.  When their wine, Sweet Mingo was first released, the winery dedicated a percentage of its sales to aid their local Humane Society, an organization dedicated to help stop animal cruelty and suffering.  They are also supporters of Honor Flight Dayton which is “dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of [war veterans] and their friends”.  This organization raises money to transport World War II veterans to Washington DC to honor them and offer them the opportunity to explore our nation’s Capitol.

Brandeberry Winery recently hosted an event, The Red Affair, on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 12PM to 10PM as both a release party for its latest wine and a benefit for Honor Flight Dayton.  The winery’s latest creation is a dry blackberry merlot, “Not Your Mother’s Red”, an honorable tribute to the memory of Jim’s mother, Virginia Brandeberry.   I felt privileged to try a sample during my visit and wished it had been available for sale.  For each bottle sold, Brandeberry Winery donated $5 per bottle to Honor Flight.  The event was a success with patrons dressed in 1940’s costumes to celebrate this new vintage while supporting a great cause.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brandeberry Winery?   I would love to hear about your experience and what wines you enjoyed, so if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Cheers!

To learn more about Brandeberry Winery and their fabulous charities, visit their website at www.brandeberrywinery.com.  You can purchase their wines from the winery as well as local stores such as Belmont Party Store, Wine Works and Keg & Cork.  The winery also creates beautiful gift baskets for sale as well.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Brandeberry Winery
5118 W. Jackson Road
Enon, OH  45323
Telephone:  937 767 9103

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim Brandeberry and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

  • Hours: For Fall (September to December), the winery is open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, 12 PM to 9PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed from Sunday thru Wednesday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, private events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat: 

Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 767 1144

My favorite menu is the Winds Charcuterie Plate, a selection of Winds kitchen’s pates and terrines, including imported and domestic cured meats, pickles and house condiments.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Kieth’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

The bridal party was waiting for the ceremony to begin when I entered the Lakehouse Inn and Winery.   The bride was having a private conversation with her father as her bridesmaids stood in line waiting to begin the wedding procession.  The groom was standing at the end of the stone platform where attendees had taken their seats for the event.  The gorgeous blue lake and small sandy beach provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.  The view was absolutely stunning and I had almost forgotten I was visiting a winery in Ohio.

I quietly ducked into the restaurant before the festivities began.  The elegant tasting bar, with its large window, looked out onto Lake Erie.  As I reviewed the wine menu, the bartender listed a number of wines that were no longer available, including Red Sky, the Scarti Di Cantina and the Cabernet.

I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir, one of my favorite varietals.  I enjoyed the silky texture of this wine and could taste and smell a hint of berry.

The Vino Della Casa NV, translated as the “wine of the house” is a semi-dry, light-bodied, oaky wine with a very nice finish.

Their strawberry wine was a semi-dry and had undertones of strawberries in both its smell and taste.

Just Peachy tastes exactly as it sounds.  I enjoyed the smell of this wine and the light orange color that looked like a freshly picked peach.

I decided to enjoy a glass of the Pinot Noir while looking out onto the lake and although I did not have a direct view of the wedding from where I was sitting, I could not help but feel as though I was imposing. Selfishly, I was hoping for the ceremony to end soon so that I could take the path down to the beach and relax in an Adirondack chair.

By the time I had finished my Pinot, the wedding ceremony was completed and I opted for a glass of Just Peachy that seemed more appropriate for the beach.  There was a light breeze and just enough cloud coverage for a comfortable summer day.  I was mesmerized by the view of the lake and found it difficult to believe I was in Ohio.  Far from the Caribbean, I felt like I was on island time and swore to return at least one more time before the colder temperatures invaded this tropical paradise.

Have you visited Lakehouse Inn and Winery or one of the other Ohio wineries near Geneva?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and wineries if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my visit to Lakehouse Inn and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

Where to Stay:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery offers luxurious accommodations along Lake Erie.  Their cottages are situated 100 yards from the water.  All accommodations include breakfast at their restaurant, Crosswinds Grille.

Where to Eat:

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely winetasting within the restaurant and ordered the Charcuterie & Salumi Board (assorted house made cured meats, pickled vegetables, local cheeses and crostini) as well as the Baked Brie (Mayfield Road brie, puff pastry, seasonal jam, candied walnuts, toast points).   We ordered a bottle of wine and headed out to the beach to relax on the Adirondack chairs for an afternoon of relaxation.

For dinner, we returned for the Caprese Salad and the Wood-Fired White Pizza (garlic, four cheese blend, red onion, red pepper and chicken).

What to Eat: 

  • Madsen Donuts
  • Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read: 

  • Geneva on the Lake, A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort, by Wendy Koile
  • Geneva Lake by Carolyn Hope Smeltzer

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