From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Food at The Merchant House

17 November 201616 September 2024

Recommended by Louisa at Kennedy Vineyards, I was eager to dine at The Merchant House in nearby Greenville, Ohio. There was hardly a seat in the house, so I took a place at the bar, which was just as busy. The bartender, Joanne, recommended a great wine and took my order for Pig Candy as a starter. Enjoying my glass of bold red, I took my time admiring the rustic, contemporary architecture and looked over the menu. The exposed brick and hardwood beams added to the charm of this popular new restaurant.

As my appetizer arrived, I could smell the smokiness of the spices along with the sweetness of the brown sugar. My first bite was the perfect blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon and I could have honestly placed another order, it was that extraordinary.

The Merchant House has a gift for taking ordinary food items and turning them into delectable gourmet dishes, The combinations are unique such as fried chicken & mac n’ cheese waffles.

Butter burgers, seafood jambalaya and BBQ are some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, but I had my eye on the Monte Cristo sandwich. All I could think about was a crispy, deep fried sandwich to dip into homemade strawberry preserves. This “thick cut ham, turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich between two pieces of Texas toast” is “dipped in egg batter, breaded, then deep fried golden brown.” The sweet potatoes fries were billowy with a lovely light texture and seasoned perfectly.

The Head Chef of the restaurant, Eric, was taking a break and took a seat next to me at the bar. Joanne, who is married to Eric, explained that they had recently moved to the area from Detroit to help start the restaurant. Since the age of fifteen, they have both been working in restaurants which is where they met Chris and Cassie Campbell, co-owners of The Merchant House. Joanne is also a talented baker opening up her own business, the Delightfully Decadent Bakery while Eric enjoys creating new recipes exploring unique flavor combinations. Many of his creations are listed on the menu.

I had the opportunity to take some photographs of the restaurant, pay my bill and exchanged contact information with Eric and Joanne. Eric was kind enough to introduce me to Cassie and her family and I thanked them for their hospitality, wishing them great success. I know that I will be making a return visit and can’t wait to try the restaurant’s Chicago-style pizza, which will be added to the menu next month.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Merchant House in Greenville? What menu item did you choose? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below. Many thanks for reading about my delightful dining experience at The Merchant House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Eric and Joanne for their generous hospitality and time during my visit at the Merchant House. Please note that all comments and opinions are my own.

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

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 459 4405

Where to Drink:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio. Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous. With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well. I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

Bearing towards the right, I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles. I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks. Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon. I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

What’s a charcuterie board without wine? The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed. The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar. There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

This is not just the average grocery store wine selection. There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

The beer selection is just as impressive. I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week. Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge. I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery. With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity. In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef. One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area. Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna. I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets. From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain. I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping. I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased. Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975. From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore? I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Hours: Daily from 8AM to 8PM; Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving: 8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve: 8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day: Closed, New Year’s Eve: 8AM to 8PM, New Year’s Day: 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
Length of Visit: Minimum 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014
Telephone: 513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45015
Telephone: 513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

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.

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.

More photos

The Cigar Room

International Cheese

My Favorite Cheese! Feta!

Brewfontaine….The Tap of Ohio

3 November 201616 September 2024

Craft beer has made quite an impact on the state of Ohio over the past few years. With approximately 120 breweries currently in the state, beer lovers may find it difficult to visit each one of them, even over the span of a year. So why not visit a taproom where you can try a large selection of local brews all under one roof? And so was the concept for Brewfontaine. During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Brian Wall, who is passionate about his new venture which recently opened in November of 2015.

“A lot of thought went into the planning of Brewfontaine,” says Brian. “The process took us about three to four years. We knew we wanted to open a place where people could try Ohio craft beers as well as ales from surrounding states.” The restaurant and bar has nearly 40 craft beers available at a given time by the bottle or on tap. The selection changes often, so this gives patrons more than one reason to visit to try new local brews. Visitors can also purchase half gallon growlers to fill up with one of their favorite craft beers to enjoy at home.

In addition to all of the planning that went into opening the restaurant, there was also the challenge of its renovation. Brian and his co-owners happened upon prime location in downtown Bellefontaine where historical Johnson’s Restaurant once stood. It had been a well-known eatery for residents in the 1950s but was abandoned about twenty years later, leaving it in major disrepair. According to Brian, there was extensive damage to the building and all that remained was the interior wall and the Ladies Room sign….even the floor was gone. With a design in mind and with the magic of local real estate developer, Jason Duff, the building was brought up to code and transformed into the artistic industrial design that it is today.

Although Brewfontaine’s focus is bringing quality brews to its customers, what else makes Brewfontaine such a popular place? The restaurant and bar also serves Wine on Tap and top shelf liquor for high class drinks. And from the stellar reviews online, there is also the menu which includes simple starters, savory soups, delectable salads and sandwiches served with their signature house-made IPA pickles. The restaurant employs a culinary chef, so many of the items on the menu are homemade.

During my visit, I decided to try a flight of five and, with the suggestion of Micki, my server (and Brian’s wife), ordered the Greek Salad as well. And it wasn’t just ANY salad, it was loaded with olives, feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, croutons, pepperoncini and peppers. The ingredients were so fresh and I honestly had a difficult time finishing it, but it tasted so amazing that I couldn’t put my fork down.

I will admit that I am not a beer connoisseur, but I am always up for trying new brews. So my flight of beers arrived and I started from left to right. First I tried Barley’s Scottish Ale which originates from Columbus, Ohio, Barley’s Brewing Company.

At first glance this craft beer, Boulevard 80 Acre, looks more like lemonade than an ale. My take on the wheat ale is that it was very light with a slight hoppy aftertaste giving the Indian Pale Ale a run for its money.

I have now moved on to beer number three and I have selected the Ei8ht Ball Tarnished, really because I liked the name of the ale. Ei8ht Ball Brewing is located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in the small town of Bellevue, Kentucky.

My number four selection was based on the fact that Sierra Nevada was probably the first beer I tried outside of the Budweiser family. I wasn’t sure how I would like the IPA, but even though it was a little hoppy, I could smell the tropical fruit and it reminded me of the Sierra Nevada beer I have come to love.

I have come down to my final selection and decided on Wyder’s Pear Cider. I have to admit that it almost looks like a two drink glass of chardonnay, but quickly realize at the first taste that it is a sassy cider, with an amazing smell of pears.

Ordering the flight of beers is definitely the most fun way to experience craft beers. With such a wide selection, I could come back several times to try another flight or two. And of course, Brewfontaine makes it so easy for craft beer lovers to keep up to date with its beer menu and to know what brands will be coming to the restaurant in the near future. Just download the BeerMenus app, set up an account and search for Brewfontaine. Make sure you select them as a restaurant to follow and you will be able to track the information for yourself. But don’t try to log in while you are at Brewfontaine, with a focus on Eat, Drink and Be Social, they prefer that you make a few friends while you are in town.

Being a new business, what does the future hold for Brewfontaine? Of course there will always be the opportunity to add new craft beers to the list or make changes to the menu, but I also learned from Brian that there are plans underway to expand and enclose the patio adding an additional 30+ seats to the restaurant. That is quite a successful accomplishment having only been open for a few months.

But if I had my opinion, it would be that the success of Brewfontaine is the passion that Brian and the owners have for the bar and restaurant. Brian, who is formerly a surveyor, knows a thing or two about beer. He started his own home brewing which has helped him understand the process and then put himself through college to strengthen his business skills. The owners take so much pride in the restaurant that even the employees are required to submit a resume making the extra effort to show their interest in becoming a part of the Brewfontaine family.

But the enthusiasm doesn’t stop with Brian…if you are lucky enough to meet his wife, Micki, you can’t help but feel her heartfelt excitement for her husband’s business as well. So don’t be surprised if she happens to take your order. It’s a group effort and everyone is available to pitch in to make Brewfontaine a success.

Brewfontaine is located at 211 South Main Street in Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Check out their informative website at brewfontaine.com for a current drink list, menu and live music schedule. You can also provide your email address for news and updates about the restaurant.

I had such a great time trying out some Ohio brews at Brewfontaine. I would like to thank Brian and Micki Wall for their time and hospitality extended to me during my visit. Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brewfontaine? I would love to hear about your experience, so kindly leave your comments below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Brewfontaine and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: 937 404 9128

Where to Eat:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: 937 404 9128

Brewfontaine is known for their Signature Pretzels served with a sweet pepper mustard. Beer cheese is available for an additional fee. The Greek Salad is loaded with ingredients and the filling Grilled Reuben is absolutely spectacular.

Where to Stay:

The Cabins at Maple Grove
5040 OH-29
Urbana, OH 43078
Telephone: 937 620 4952

Where to Drink:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: 937 404 9128

Check Brewfontaine’s website prior to visiting for a list of beers or follow them on BeerMenus for future brews.

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

Canal Market District in Newark, Ohio

27 October 201616 September 2024

Fresh fruit and vegetables, new products and crafts were just a few of the items available at the Canal Market District in downtown Newark.

Opening in 2016, the market began with close to ten vendors and offered a summer schedule of local entertainment.

Some of the amazing merchants I met included Nay and Terry Dismore from Pretzels with a Twist. Their company offers miniature gourmet pretzels with lots of flavor. From ChipotleQue to Peppermint Cocoa, there is a fantastic combination for any pretzel lover.

JC’s Lemonade was such a refreshing drink and I absolutely loved the pineapple twist flavor.

The marketplace was once a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal which passed through this space in the early 1800s. Horse-drawn boats would transport goods along the 308 miles of waterway until 1913 when the Great Dayton Flood destroyed much of its banks, aqueducts and locks. A beautiful black and white mural memorializes the canal’s culture and history.

The market is located at 36 East Canal Street and is open on Fridays between 4 – 7PM from May through October. While there are several downtown restaurants, food trucks are also available for food and for those who prefer to drink, Canal Market District is also located in the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), allowing person s aged 21 and older to buy alcohol. In addition, the Canal Market District’s covered pavilion may be rented to host weddings and memorable occasions for up to 190 attendees.

What to See and What to Do:

Canal Market District
26 East Canal Street
Newark, OH
Telephone: 740 527 0420

Where to Stay:

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
50 N. Second Street
Newark, OH 43055

Where to Eat:

Bummie’s On Main
400 West Main Street
Newark, OH 43056
Telephone: 740 522 0730

Best Reuben sandwich in town!

Hartman Rock Garden, A Fine Example of Folk Art Restoration

20 October 201616 September 2024

Approaching the residential house on the corner of Russell and McCain, Hartman Rock Garden could easily be missed if it wasn’t for the welcome signs. I found a parking spot nearby and began to walk towards the left side of the house. I entered towards the back through a white picket fence where I found a guide book and a map.

Ben Hartman began his work on the Hartman Rock Garden during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job at the age of forty-eight. Over the next twelve years, he continued to add on to his garden by constructing over fifty projects including famous monuments and figurines.

I skimmed through the booklet to learn more about about Harry George “Ben” Hartman, the man behind the artwork and noticed the self-guided walking tour. I was so excited to start my visit to this unique little garden and to learn about each of the lovely structures Ben had created.

I left a donation, reviewed the guide and began the walking tour at The Fishing Pond towards the center of the yard. This was the first project of Hartman’s that started this “garden of love” known today as the Hartman Rock Garden.

Ben loved nursery rhymes, so the Rose Basket was filled with figurines recreating some of the most well-known nursery rhymes: Jack & Jill, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater. These small delicate figures made of stone are available for viewing only during special events and behind the scenes tours.

In addition to fairy-tale figurines, Mr. Hartman reproduced some of the local landmarks of his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Fascinated by historical structures from all over the world, he re-created several of these as well. The Cathedral is the largest project completed by Hartman, standing 14 feet tall. Replicating the spectacular cathedrals of Italy, inside are niches showcasing several Madonna figurines.

Because Mr. Hartman also took an interest in American History, there were a few designs based on several historic buildings and events that took place throughout the United States. Mount Vernon, the childhood home of the country’s first president, George Washington was beautifully created with stately columns and multiple windows. Peeking through the windows, I could see small, period figurines that would have coincided with this historical period.

Hartman gathered small stones on his property to create the structures of George Washington’s Valley Forge. The delicate stonework and the dormers shaped into the concrete roof showed Hartman’s attention to detail as well as his love for creating these amazing pieces of art.

A continuation of the Valley Forge display showcases the smaller lodging areas for sleeping. One of the details that Mr. Hartman included were the icicles that clung to the rooftops of the miniature buildings. I also noticed the small, weathered handwritten cards identifying some of the structures. Unfortunately they were difficult to read, so I made my next stop at Custer’s Last Stand.

I was soon approaching my favorite part of the garden known as The Castle. Rising twelve feet high, this masterpiece is surrounded by a moat and equipped with a working drawbridge. This medieval fortress was created by Hartman out of mixed stone, concrete and grey dolostone. With 107 windows and 100,000 stones, it took him only fourteen days to build.

With a pathway of animal pairs making their way to the entrance of this large boat, there was no mistaking this was Noah’s Ark. The recreation was perfect to the last detail with a pair of doves on the top of its roof and fourteen pairs of metallic animals making their way to the ark’s entrance. I absolutely adored this rendition of one of my favorite Bible stories.

From Death Valley to the Oregon Trail, even Hoover Dam was unmistakable.

The White House, made from concrete and granite, was another lovely tribute to American History.

Adding a little color to the collection is Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Also known as Freedom Hall, this meticulous miniature was built from red brick.

It is said that the Tree of Life was one of Ben Hartman’s favorite works and is considered one of his most impressive. The tree symbolizes country, school and church, which Hartman felt were the most important things in a man’s life. There are close to 20,000 stones used to create this sacred tree.

Created around 1932, a colorful planter depicts two Bible stories. With flowers to the left, the figurines to the right represent both Daniel in the Lion’s Den atop the structure and the Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace below.

Based on his Christian faith, Hartman designed a beautiful nativity, the place where Jesus was born, Calvary Hill where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where Jesus would rise from the dead.

My last stop was to the Wishing Well made of concrete, dolostone, granite and a mix of stones. Beneath the cover was an old wooden bucket, so I made a wish and placed a few coins inside.

There are close to fifty structures on display at Hartman Rock Garden. Each unique, they held a special place in Ben’s heart. Today the garden is considered a work of “in situ folk art” and thousands of visitors come from all over the world to admire the unique works of Harry George “Ben” Hartman. You may be so inspired to create a beautiful garden for yourself.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio? I would love to hear about your time spent here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
Email: info@hartmanrockgarden.org

Admission Fee: Free but a $2 per person donation is appreciated.
Hours: Open daily, 364 days, from dusk until dawn
Amenities: Self-guided tours
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a flyer on the property for the self-guided tour. Directions: Traveling south down South Yellow Springs Street leaving downtown Springfield, you will pass John Street and will see McCain Avenue to your right. Turn onto McCain and within a couple of blocks there is a white picket fence which was the home of the Hartmans.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Seasons Bistro and Grille
28 South Limestone Street
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 521 1200

My favorite item on the menu is the Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with marinated beef strips and seasonal vegetables served over white rice. Topped with a fried egg and Korean chili paste.

Another seasonal favorite that is offered on a limited basis is their grilled Chilean sea bass!

One of my favorite views of The Castle

John Brown’s Fort

The Heart Man is the symbol of the garden. It is made from concrete, granite and mirrored glass.

The Oregon Trail

Lincoln’s Cabin

Lincoln’s Tomb

Explore Medieval Life at the Ohio Renaissance Festival

13 October 201616 September 2024

Stepping into another place and time, I entered the charming medieval village of the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg, Ohio. This festival was voted one of the best in nearby Warren County, and I imagined a day of eating overesized turkey legs and drinking lots of beer. What could be better than that? So, on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon, I set out to enjoy a day in the Middle Ages.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place yearly on the weekends running from late-August to October. Dating back to 1990, the venue eventually established a permanent location in Harveysburg and began building a medieval village.

What I found most fascinating about the festival was the number of people in costume. From wenches to rowdy pirates, lords and ladies, it was as though I had been transported to England in the 16^th century. I was also surprised at the size of the venue which sits on about 30 acres displaying over 100 shops in the Medieval Marketplace and a large number of outdoor stages for entertainment.

As I wandered through the village, the smell of barbecue drew me to the food stalls where I started my feeding frenzy with, of course, that turkey leg and a beer. It was a difficult choice because there were so many options such as bread bowls filled with soup, fish ‘n chips and corn on the cob.

I could hear cheering from the jousting field and began to wander towards the Tournament Joust. The royal family was joined by their friends and watched the competition from their box seats. The excitement of the crowd was contagious, so I joined in to cheer on my favorite knight, jousting to the bitter end.

The shops were filled with medieval merchandise, including gorgeous gowns and armor. Made-to-order crafts were available for purchase and I enjoyed browsing through the leather goods, stone carvings and jewelry. High end, more expensive items were those made from glass and novelty items such as dragon eggs.

In addition to the shows and entertainment, children and adults played games, competed in feats of skill and enjoyed carnival-like rides. It was an opportunity for me to try my hand at archery, knife and ax throwing, a few tries to “drench a wench”, and a ride on the swinging ship called SeaDragon.

The admission covered most of the activities at the festival. Additional attractions not covered included the Premium Jousting Seating (the Royalty Box), Open House Mead Tasting and the Naughty Bawdy Pub Show and required a small fee.

I spent most of the day at the Festival and found myself browsing the shops, trying a few games and watching some of the shows. I joined in with the singing at the bar and was living the life of a serf. I was amazed at the amount of fun I was having and loved the camaraderie of the crowd.

What was even more amazing was how much time and effort that goes in to setting up the Renaissance Festival each year. The authenticity of the venue was so outstanding that I felt I was actually visiting a medieval village, immersed in the experience.

The Festival also hosts themed weekends, so check them out online to see if there is one that interests you. You may want to dress up and experience the Ohio Renaissance festival in a whole new way,

Have you visited the Ohio Renaissance Festival? What was your favorite part of the festivities? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Ohio Renaissance Festival and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH 45068
Telephone: 513 897 7000

Admission Fee: Tickets for Adults are $19 while General Admission tickets for Children (ages 13+) are $7.50.
Hours: The 2019 festivities will begin the weekend of August 31^st and continue until the weekend of October 26 – 27. The event opens at 10:30 AM to 6 PM each festival day.
Amenities: Themed weekends, entertainment, food, crafts, games and rides as well as special events.
Length of Visit: Full day of food, fun, activities and entertainment
Tips for Your Visit: To immerse yourselves in the spirit of the festival, dress in medieval costume!

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Wilmington
123 Gano Road
Wilmington, OH 45177
Telephone: 937 283 3200

Where to Eat and What to Eat:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH 45068
Telephone: 513 897 7000

1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q for Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Sausages, Baked Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Peach and Blueberry Cobbler
Aleing Knight Pub for King’s Weinie, Hot Dogs, Tots, Scotch Egg, Wedge Fries, Cheese Curds, Spicy Corn Nuggets, Chicken Sandwichies, Fried Mushrooms, Strawberry Cheesecake and Cheesecake on a Stick
Archebald Drake’s for Fish and Chips
Bourbon Chicken at the Dragon’s Lair
Bread Bowls
Davinci’s Pizza
Garden of Eatin for bourmet burgers and Fries
Jerky Stand for Beef Jerky
Turkey Legs, Loaded Potatoes and Fried Pickles
Corn Dogs, Brats and Pork Shops

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

Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

6 October 201616 September 2024

“Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann”, was listed as an exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. I had heard of Adolf Eichmann while attending an exhibit at the National Underground Freedom Railroad Center and recently checked out the book by Hannah Arendt, “Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil”.

I have to admit the exhibit piqued my curiosity. Arendt wrote about the criminal trial of Adolf Eichmann which brought about controversy throughout Europe and the United States. Her book was based on these writings and the transcripts from the trial held in Israel. For the victims, it was an opportunity to tell their story, which was so full of atrocities against the Jewish race, that it was obvious, Adolf Eichmann was a monster. It seemed unbelievable that such a man as Eichmann could elude capture and prosecution for such a long time, I wanted to know the story of his arrest. I wanted to see justice for the Jews.

In preparation for the tour, the guide asked us to pack ourselves into the small area located at the entrance. Our conductor asked us to imagine standing in this space, packed with family, friends and strangers. He then asked if we would be able to stand here for days without food and water and only a bucket to relieve ourselves as a makeshift toilet. We realized that we were standing in a space with the exact dimensions of the railroad cars that were used for transportation to the concentration camps.

A placard posted at this exhibit read, “The Nazis and their collaborators murdered approximately six million Jews across the length of Europe and into North Africa. In some countries, as many as 90 percent of pre-war Jewish populations were eliminated. Communities and cultures that had existed for millennia were obliterated as men, women and children were hunted down like prey, herded into ghettos and enslaved in labor camps and slaughtered in extermination camps. WWII was the most lethal military conflict in human history. Six million of the dead were civilians whose only crime was their Jewish identity.”

Our guide provided us with background information about Adolf Eichmann and his life before joining the SS (Schutzstaffel), a major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler. Born in 1906, Eichmann grew up around Jews, had a Jewish best friend and once worked for a Jewish family. He later took a position with an American oil company where he learned about transportation.

Eichmann joined the Nazi party in 1932 and having claimed to be an expert in Jewish relations, was provided a position where he would command the deportation of Jews. On display at the museum were documents of Eichmann’s Nazi Party Assignment. The Iron Cross Award was presented to him for the exile of more than 400,000 Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz.

A 1942 German meeting held in Wannsee would be a major turning point in the war. The Nazis came together to determine a “solution to the Jewish question”, which would result in mass genocide. Over the next three years Eichmann was responsible for accelerating this order, killing Jews at an overwhelming pace.

At the time the Germans were defeated in 1945, Eichmann was captured by the Americans and was incarcerated under the alias, Otto Eckmann. He escaped and remained in hiding in Europe until he was able to reach the country of Argentina. Under the assumed name of Ricardo Klement, Eichmann reached South America where many Nazi War Criminals had fled to elude capture.

Israel’s Secret Service, the Mossad, were intent on finding the Nazi War Criminals in hiding. A tip from German immigrant, Lothar Hermann provided one of these leads. Hermann, a Dachau holocaust survivor, became suspicious of a young man that his daughter was dating. The lad, Nick Eichmann bragged about his father’s Nazi affiliation. Hermann contacted Dr. Fritz Bauer the prosecutor-general of the West German state of Hesse with the information. Operatives could not imagine that Eichmann was residing in the poor living conditions on Gribaldi Street in Buenos Aires and no further action was taken. It would take four more years until Eichmann’s arrest.

A dedicated team of members of the Moussad, El Al and the Israeli police were known as the Grab Team. They assisted in the final capture of Adolf Eichmann which took place in 1960.

The Team learned that Eichmann had a job with Mercedes Benz in Argentina. It seemed most likely because he spoke German. Each night, his schedule proceeded like clock work. His agenda was so precise that it was determined that they would arrest him when he arrived at home around 7:30PM.

On May 11, 1960, the day had come for the Team to apprehend Eichmann. In preparation for the take down, they wore gloves in the event Eichmann would take poison or spit on them. They were also concerned that he may try to commit suicide with a gun, should he become aware of his arrest. It was imperative that they capture him alive so that they could bring him to trial in Israel.

When it was his scheduled time to disembark the train, Eichmann was nowhere to be found. The Grab Team was ready to abandon their operations but waited for the next train scheduled to arrive at 8:10PM. Once the Team noticed Eichmann leaving the train, he was detained. According to the Grab Team, they were able to confirm his identity with photographs. In the end, it was his earlobes that gave him away.

Upon capture, the Team asked Eichmann to give them his name. He immediately gave up his SS number and they completed their identification by confirming his scars.

Over the next nine days, the Grab Team would hold Eichmann in a number of safe houses, waiting to deport him to Israel. Ironically, El Al Airlines had just begun flight service from Buenos Aires to Israel. Eichmann was dressed up as a flight attendant, wore a set of goggles and was drugged during transport.

The Team had also been conducting surveillance on another Nazi War Criminal, Dr. Mengele. Some of the Team remained in Buenos Aires in hopes of capturing him but soon learned that the doctor was on vacation. Dr. Mengele was never caught.

It would take less than a year for Adolf Eichmann’s trial to begin on April 11, 1961. Eichmann’s defense was that he was not a policy maker and therefore, was not responsible for the death of the Jews directly. He stated that he was only following orders.

Prior testimony at the Nuremburg Trials in 1945, detailed the activities for which Eichmann was responsible during the Holocaust. It was Eichmann who suggested the use of Zyklon-B poisonous gas to exterminate the Jews in the gas chambers. He was also in charge of the inhumane transportation of Jews from their home to “work camps”. It was determined that ten to fifty percent of Jews would die in the railroad cars due to the appalling conditions. Within three days of the transfer of Jews to concentration camps, many would not survive due to lack of water and deficient waste disposal. Internal Nazi documents showed that Eichmann carried out the command to increase the killing of Jews when the Nazis realized that they were being defeated.

The most emotional stage of the tour was watching the movie screen showing aspects of the trial on three monitors. To the far left, cameras focused on the reaction of the audience while in the center, Eichmann, guarded by two Israeli officers, responds to questions from the panel. The most moving visual was the testimony of nearly one hundred victims displayed on the far right partition, testifying against him. It is a graphic trial lasting 3 days and heart wrenching as Eichmann sits emotionless. In the end, justice prevailed and Eichmann was found guilty. He was hanged on May 31, 1962.

I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that Adolph Eichmann had been punished for his cruel and brutal treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. It will never be enough justice for the victims who lost their lives or the survivors that continue their lives reliving this nightmare. We must never forget them. We have a responsibility to keep their story alive.

Did you have the opportunity to visit the Adolf Eichmann exhibit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a comment in the section below! Many Thanks for reading about my visit to the Maltz Museum and the Adolph Eichmann exhibit. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
2929 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 216 593 0575

Admission Fee: $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors (60+) and Students (12+) and $5 for Youth, ages 5 – 11; Maltz Museum members and children under 5 are FREE. Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
Hours: Open Thursday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and Open on Wednesday from 11AM to 9PM.
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for a list of holidays.

Where to Stay:

Aloft Beachwood
1010 Eaton Boulevard
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 215 595 0900

Where to Eat:

Moxie, the Restaurant – permanently closed in 2019
3355 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Telephone: 216 831 5599

Since oysters were in season, I placed an order for a half dozen, flavored with hot sauce, parsley and lemon. For my main entree I ordered the Bronzini with a tabbouleh salad, chilled cucumber & dill broth, watermelon radish, mint oil. The combination of unique foods was absolutely amazing and I had so much food left over for a least a couple of meals.

John Mariani from Esquire Magazine raves about Moxie, “The hot new Moxie has picked up on the style of restaurants in downtown New York with a little New Orleans thrown in. Portions are gargantuan.”

What to Read:

Eichmann Before Jerusalem by Bettina Stangneth
The House on Garibaldi Street by Isser Harel
Hunting Eichmann: How a Band of Survivors and a Young Spy Agency Chased Down the World’s Most Notorious Nazi by Neal Bascomb

Photo Guide for Cleveland:

Abbey Road Skyline
Brewnuts is not only a lovely donut shop, but its nostalgic art deco interior is perfect for unique photos
A Christmas Story House in nearby Tremont
Civic Center District to photograph Cleveland’s City Hall, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Football Field
The Cleveland Arcade is one of the most photographed location in Cleveland so arrive early (8 or 9) before the crowds arrive.
Cleveland MetroParks Zoo
Cleveland Murals in Ohio City (close by)
Cleveland’s Museum of Art for its phenomenal architecture and exhibits
Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland Signs
Coastal Taco has some of the best views of the river in the city of Cleveland.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville is for nature lovers.
The Flying Fig is a yummy cafe where outdoor photos are a must.
East Fourth Street is where you will find cozy cafes lining brick walkways
The Fountain of Eternal Life honors local residents who served in the military (photograph during the day AND night)
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Heinen’s Grocery Store to photograph the rotunda overlooking the food court and check out the terrace for additional photos
Holden Arboretum in nearby Kirtland
Lakeview Cemetery
Hope Memorial Bridge is the best place for photographing a cityscape photo of Cleveland
Located at Playhouse Square, Yours Truly is a chic cafe with exposed brick and stylish furniture and the infamous GE Chandelier
Pour Cleveland is a lovely coffee shop with an artsy interior.
Q Arena is home of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its spectacular architecture and historical exhibits
Settler’s Landing Park is perfect for photographing several iconic locations in Cleveland.
Superior Viaduct Bridge
West Side Market is absolutely amazing for shooting food photos at each of the stalls, but a trip up to the second level by way of the corner staircase will provide a photo-worthy shot of the market from above.

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

Decadent Cupcakes at Abby Girl Sweets, Cincinnati

29 September 201616 September 2024

Abby Girl Sweets first opened in downtown Cincinnati on January 7^th, 2010. Owned and operated by Nathan and Andrea Thompson, I was first introduced to these decadent cupcakes on a recent visit to Cincinnati. Having worked at Carew Tower a few years earlier, I was excited that this new cupcakery was located around the corner on Fifth Street. I happened upon this pretty pink shop and couldn’t resist stepping inside to try a cupcake or two.

Each day, Nathan bakes 10 – 12 cupcake flavors per day, while his wife Andrea frosts them. From cake to cheesecake based cupcakes, there are so many amazing confections to try. Fans of the cupcakery can rest-assured that they can order from the menu of regular flavors while new flavors will be added weekly.

With so many spectacular choices, I finally decided on the Red Velvet cupcake which was decadent and moist. Additional flavors include carrot cake, vanilla buttercream, pistachio, peanut butter cup and chocolate supreme which are all baked from scratch.

Paying $3.50 each for cupcakes up to five while a half a dozen to a dozen brings in $3.25 for each cupcake. Call Abby Sweets for pricing on large orders. Today there are three locations to include downtown, Blue Ash and Eastgate.

I’m looking forward to checking out their Facebook page to see which new flavors are added to their menu. I’m sure their daughter Abby, the taste tester for the company, will give her stamp of approval.

Have you visited one of Abby Girl Sweets’ three locations? Which cupcake(s) did you order? Do you have a favorite? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Abby Girl Sweets
Downtown Location
41 West 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 335 0898

Blue Ash Location
4773 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242

Eastgate Location (next to Jungle Jim’s)
4450 Eastgate South Drive #253
Cincinnati, OH 45245

Where to Stay:

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
35 W. 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 9100

Where to Eat:

Hathaway’s Diner
25 W. 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 1332

Hathaways has been serving diner comfort food and breakfast all-day since 1956. On a recent visit, I ordered the wings which were perfectly cooked and served with fries. Check out a part of Cincinnati’s history.

The Cincinnati Museum Center and the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci

22 September 201616 September 2024

Ranked in the United States as one of the top museums for kids, the Cincinnati Museum Center was hosting a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit in July of 2016. Housed within Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, the museum is a local icon in itself. Inside, I stood in amazement at the spectacular half dome, the “largest in the western hemisphere”, the colorful murals painted at the base of the dome and breathtaking views of downtown. I had noticed an exhibit of one of the great masters of Renaissance art, Leonardo da Vinci and I decided I had to visit during this spectacular event.

Surprising to some, Leonardo da Vinci was also an inventor and influential scientist in the areas of chemistry and anatomy. While I was familiar with his artwork such as the “The Last Supper”, “Mona Lisa” and “The Virgin of the Rocks”, I was extremely surprised by the number of innovations credited to da Vinci. The exhibit showcased the art, the inventions and the research of da Vinci, a spectacular genius and innovator.

Leonardo da Vinci’s pen and ink drawing of The Vitruvian Man is one of his most recognized sketches. His notes penned on the illustration are based on the works of architect Vitruvius, which defines the perfect proportions of the male body. First-century Vitruvius claimed that the human image could fit into both a circle and a square.

Da Vinci’s artwork measures 13.39 inches by 9.45 inches and is displayed in Venice, Italy at the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

One of my favorite paintings in the exhibit was the “La Dama con l’Ermellino” translated as “Lady with an Ermine.” The original artwork resides at the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, Poland.

Da Vinci was captivated by the science of light, shadows and perspective when painting his artwork. He studied their effects on objects and experimented with pigments to perfectly capture images to resemble real life. He was such a perfectionist that he often critiqued his own work repainting his images over and over again.

Of the approximate twenty-five pieces that da Vinci painted, only a few remain as copies. In addition, Leonardo documented his thoughts and findings in volumes of notebooks, but only about a quarter of these writings exist, totaling nearly 6,000 pages.

As I stepped into the gallery that displayed Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, I had no idea that he was known for developing war weapons. Da Vinci was known as a pacifist, but when Cesare Borgia employed him to design military machines, Leonardo knew that this opportunity would provide him an extravagant income.

The tank, one of his war machines, was not perfected during da Vinci’s time, yet the concept would come to fruition during World War I.

Musical instruments (portable piano), technology (film projector), clothing, and clock mechanisms were among the brilliant inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

As I approached the final hall, I was interested in learning more about Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the “Mona Lisa,” I was taken by surprise to learn the scientific research that had been conducted on the artwork and the information it revealed.

Under the direction of French engineer Pascal Corte, the original Mona Lisa was removed from its frame and photographed to examine and analyze the painting. Using a specialized high resolution camera, Corte was able to inspect characteristics of the Mona Lisa undetectable to the human eye.

Once the photos were taken, experts accessed and scrutinized their findings which took over two years. On display at the museum were various images that disclosed an insurmountable size of data revealing spectacular secrets of the painting. For example, over the years, art aficionados have wondered why Mona Lisa was missing eyelashes and eyebrows, This question was answered when further research revealed that Leonardo da Vinci had, in fact, painted eyebrows and lashes on the Mona Lisa and that they had faded over the years.

Professional analysts, with the help of Pascal, identified twenty-five secrets of the Mona Lisa.

In addition to the ability to photograph the Mona Lisa with an extraordinary resolution of 240 megapixels, there were several other techniques applied to the painting. Reverse false color infrared and black and white infrared bring to light several layers to the painting, its many stages and restoration efforts.

Interesting facts about the Mona Lisa:

The painting is quite small measuring 30.31 by 20.87 inches.
Monna, an Italian name, is the actual spelling as documented at the Louvre.
The Mona Lisa was never completed. Leonardo da Vinci began painting her in 1503 and was still working on her until the time of his death in 1519
Napoleon Bonaparte once had possession of the Mona Lisa, hanging it in the bedroom and then the bathroom
The painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911, but was recovered two years later.
In 1956, the painting was damaged when doused by acid and later that same year, a man threw a rock at it.

While many of the Mona Lisa’s secrets have been uncovered, her identity remains a mystery. With the use of Layer Amplification Method (LAM) technology, there is proof that da Vinci painted different versions of the Mona Lisa, one on top of the other.

The most popular work of art in all of the world draws nearly 10 million visitors a year to the Michelangelo Gallery at Paris’ Louvre Museum. Mona Lisa’s famous smile and gentle gaze have captured the attention of many who have had the opportunity to view this spectacular painting.

The Leonardo da Vinci exhibit proved the genius of this multifaceted Renaissance man. I spent hours pouring over his talents as artist, musician and inventor and found myself amazed at all that he had accomplished.

Having been so impressed by the exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci and wanting to see the Mona Lisa for myself, I found myself booking a trip to Paris in hopes of seeing this spectacular wonder of Renaissance art and coming face to face with this magnificent beauty.

Are you familiar with the accomplishments of Leonardo da Vinci? Have you attended an exhibition of his work? I would love to hear about your experience and what amazed you about this prolific contributor to modern day inventions. Please leave your comments below and I thank you for taking the time to read about my visit to the Cincinnati Museum Center for the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45203
Telephone: 513 287 7000

Where to Stay:

Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn
6880 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Telephone: 513 271 2100

Where to Eat:

The National Exemplar
6880 Wooster Pike
Mariemont, OH 45227
Telephone: 513 271 2103

I began my meal with the Fresh Oysters of the Day, a half dozen lightly steamed, followed by the half order of linguini and clams made with prosciutto, white wine and chili flakes.

What 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.

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

Catching Up with Cats at the Divine Felines Exhibit, Cincinnati

15 September 201616 September 2024

Having just visited the Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I was excited to learn that the Cincinnati Art Museum would be showcasing their own Egyptian display titled “Divine Felines”. Presenting artifacts from Egypt with a cat theme, I could not wait to make the trek down to Cincinnati to learn more about the ancient domestication of my favorite animal.

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Cats, both domestic and wild, played an important role in the every day lives of the ancient Egyptians representing symbols of protection, fertility, beauty and sexuality. For example, the resting lion symbolized the country’s tranquility as well as the confidence and power of the king. Stones or glass were embedded into the eyes of the sculptures to show the watchful nature of the mysterious feline.

Lion shaped furniture leg, during the reign of Aspelta, 690-664 BC

According to archaeologists, the ancient Egyptians were the first to use the image of cats as elements of architectural design. Cats and lions were found carved in items that were used on a daily basis to include furniture, weapons and cosmetic items.

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Pictures and paintings of lions were a common theme in Egyptian hieroglyphs. At least four images of lions were utilized as one of many animal shapes represented in hieroglyphic designs. These shapes include the standing lion, recumbent lion, full-bodied lion, the forepart lion which included its front legs and head as well as the hind parts of the lion (its legs and tail).

Sculptor’s Model Bust of a Lion, Ptolomaic Period

The Egyptians were fascinated by the prowess of the lions, their ferocity and ability to move quickly. Considered positive qualities that were often used to describe Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, these characteristics were the primary attributes that symbolized their divinity and royal standing.

Necklace with Bes and Taweret Pendants, Dynasty 18, 1539 – 1292 BC

Jewels made into the likeness of Bes, the goddess of fertility and protection, were worn by women of child-bearing age or during their pregnancy. These trinkets were used to ensure the safe-keeping of the child until birth. Bes was depicted as a man with a lion’s head and tail. The images also took on the form of a lioness or a woman with a lion’s head, representing the daughter of Ra, the Sun god.

Roman Period, 1^st Century Reportedly from Saqqara, Egypt

Tutu was the male equivalent of Bes, taking the form of a pacing sphinx with the tail of a snake. He was known for protecting the dead in the Afterworld and for taking charge of one’s fate.

Coffin of a Cat, Late Period, Dynasty 26 – Dynasty 31, 664 BC- 332 BC, or later

The Sarcophagus of a cat mummy showed the importance of cats as pets to the ancient Egyptians. According to the placard, “Most cat mummies were buried in either rectangular or cat shaped coffins made of wood. Carved from costly limestone and decorated with scenes that typically appear on coffins of humans, this sarcophagus may have belonged to a pet cat. A scene on the shorter side to your left shows the deceased cat in front of an offering table, flanked by the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. Isis protectively spreads her wings around one of the longer sides of the sarcophagus.”

Roundel, 5^th Century BC, depicting dogs as pets

Just as cats were highly regarded by the Egyptians as both pets and deities, dogs and jackals also had a place in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The dog’s ability to protect its territory and their loyalty to their owners were attributes that were important to the rulers. Evidence of dogs as pets can be traced back to the 5^th millennium BC.

In addition to Tutu, there were several dog deities including Wepwewat, a god that would lead the dead through the passages of the Underworld and provided them protection. The name means “Opener of the Ways” and comes from the dog’s keen sense of smell and its ability to escape danger.

Anubia was another dog deity that was so named due to the dog’s extreme sense of smell. He was responsible for protecting the deceased in the Underworld.

According to the museum, a fragment on display “represents Anubia lying on the top of shrines, coffins, or canopic chests, which were boxes containing jars with the internal organs of the deceased.” It was difficult to determine if the figures were those of dogs or jackals, as both were portrayed as black.

Even as late as the 2^nd Century when Rome ruled over Egypt, the influence of Egyptian gods were present in the carvings of the Roman-Egyptian cities. As depicted in the funerary stela of C. Julius Valerius, the Egyptian god Horus and the Roman-Greco god Nemesis were present as well as the dog, representing either Anubis or Wepwawet. Just as in the Egyptian culture, the dog led and guarded the deceased through the Afterworld.

It was not surprising that the characteristics of both cats and dogs were highly admired by the Egyptians. Independent or loyal, swift or sassy, the importance of these furry friends continues even into today’s culture.

In addition to the Egyptian exhibit, I learned the museum was hosting a “Modern Cats” collection. With over 20 pieces on display, the artwork was added to demonstrate the “lasting appeal of the domestic feline”. I enjoyed exploring the cat-themed pieces proving that even today, cats are an important part of our global culture.

Which attributes of your pet also resemble your character? Are you surprised that the Egyptian culture developed a fondness for cats in their religion and everyday lives? I would love to hear your thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum to check out the Divine Felines Exhibit. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 2787

Admission Fee: General Admission is Free. Special Event Ticket Pricing is $12 for Adults, $6 for Seniors (60+), Students and Children (6-17) and children under 5 are FREE. Exhibit hours on Thursday from 5 PM- 8 PM is free. Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and open Thursdays from 11AM to 8PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Amenities: Terrace Cafe, Mary R. Schiff Library, museum shop, Rosenthal Educational Center, gallery map and guides and MyCAM Art Hunts
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for special events.

Where to Stay:

Millennium Hotel Cincinnati
150 W. 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 352 2100

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar and Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 3666

I ordered the Fried Jalapeno Ravioli served with marinara sauce.

What 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.

Figurine of a Cat during the Late Period Dynasty 26 – Dynasty 31, 664-332 BC or later

Modern Cat Exhibit

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