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Fish and Chips at the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Hilliard, Ohio

25 August 201622 July 2024

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I called a British friend of mine to meet me for lunch at The Old Bag of Nails Pub and explained that this was one of my favorite go-to places for authentic Fish and Chips.  Surprised by the name, he said he thought that this was a coffee shop rather than a restaurant. I guessed he was confusing the restaurant with Chock Full O’Nuts…who knows, but we agreed that the Hilliard location was closest for both of us.

I quickly learned, through the magic of the internet, that this restaurant had originally opened in a former hardware store, so hence the name, The Old Bag of Nails.  Regardless, you can’t go wrong with pub food and a pint.

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Located on the corner of Norwich and Main Street in Old Hilliard, the restaurant is easily accessible with plenty of parking spaces.   Graham was waiting as I parallel parked and we were quickly seated at a nearby booth. Handed our menus, we each placed our order for a pint of Guinness.

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Although I usually know what I am going to order, I am always tempted to order the all you can eat fish and chips.  There are two options which include fried cod or baked cod with a dill dip.  The portions are unbelievably large, with two pieces of fried fish.  Just thinking about the fried fish batter makes my mouth water.  It is served with coleslaw,  tartar sauce and a side of French fries that could feed a family of five.  I love to add malt vinegar to both the fish and fries.

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I can hardly eat the first piece of fried fish, but my server brings me a piece of baked fish so that I can try it.  The dill dip that comes with the baked option really compliments the flavor of the cod.  I’m glad I tried it, but now I’m wondering how I could feel so full.  I want to blame the fish, but then again, it could be the ale. Yes, it was probably the ale.  I guess I’ll just have to go home and take a nap.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Old Bag of Nails Pub?  Besides the fish and chips, what other menu items are your favorite?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

Where to Eat:

The Old Bag of Nails Pub
4065 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Telephone:  614 777 0713

You can’t go wrong with the best Fish & Chips in town!

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

IMG_9253  The Bar at The Old Bag of Nails Pub

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Inside the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Old Hilliard, Ohio

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Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

18 August 201616 September 2024

One of my favorite childhood memories of visiting Hocking Hills State Park was hiking to Cedar Falls.   Starting our adventure at the trailhead of Ash Cave, we would pack a picnic lunch setting out towards Old Man’s Cave as our final destination.  Today, I was hiking with my friend Sarah and it brought back such great childhood memories.

It was easy to follow the trail as the pathway was marked by blue blazes, a section of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. At the start of our trek, we hiked inside of the gorge and later reached the rim for some spectacular views.

There was a small chill in the air as we were surrounded by the local Black Hand Sandstone and bare hemlock trees.  The water had frozen over and waterfalls seemed suspended in ice.

We finally reached the fifty foot drop of Cedar Falls in the valley of Queer Creek.   While not the tallest or most breathtaking, these falls are the largest in volume than other falls throughout the park.  This was the reward for hiking Cedar Falls, so we took in the view and decided it was time for lunch before continuing the second half of our hike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Cedar Falls?  What other aspects of your hike did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below.  Many thanks for reading my short post about Cedar Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
21724 Ohio State Route 374
Logan, OH  43188

  • Admission Fee:  There is no fee for hiking the trail.
  • Hours:  Open daily
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you.  Stay on the trail.  Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium
13984 OH-664 Scenic
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:   740 270 2697

Where to Eat:

Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ
12790 Grey Street
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:  740 385 5341

What to Read: 

  • Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
  • Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed
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Springtime in Sharon Woods, Metro Park, Columbus

11 August 201616 September 2024

It was a beautiful weekend and my mother had come to meet me in Columbus for a visit.  I told her about the great wildlife that I had been seeing lately at Sharon Woods and she wanted to come along to see it for herself.  We are both nature lovers, so it only made sense that we should wake up before sunrise and head out for an early morning walk along one of the paved trails at the park.

Close up of Deer - Sharon Woods

It was a foggy morning and just as we were pulling into the Sharon Woods, we noticed a deer and her fawn to our right.  They were so close to our car and did not seem to mind, so I thought I would exit my car and take a couple of photos.  Slowly inching closer for the perfect shot, it was then that the mother gave me a hearty snort and a signal from her hoof warning me to keep my distance.  Realizing that she was not too pleased, I returned to my car hoping that I had taken some great pics.

Butterfly in a Tree

Within minutes, the fog was lifting and we managed to stay on point with our hike which was not going to take much time.  We stopped to listen to the sounds in the trees and to identify some of the plants, insects and animals along the way.  The vibrant colors of butterflies landing against the greenery and blooms were a sign that spring had finally arrived.

Cardinal

With each step, the musical sounds of the birds  were coming towards us at every direction and we were surrounded by blue jays, orioles and cardinals.  The male cardinals  were easy to find with their bold red colors and we could see the females resting on the tree limbs nearby.

Duck waiting for Food

Schrock Lake was full of activity with ducks and geese paddling and chasing each other along the shoreline.  We found a front row seat on a nearby bench along the dock and watched the signs of spring before heading back to the trail.

Wild Turkey and Chicks

We had just returned to the walking path when we encountered a wild turkey and her chicks.  This was the first time I had ever seen them at Sharon Woods, so I was happy that I had brought along my camera.  I’ve hiked many of the Columbus Metro Parks and Sharon Woods is one of my favorites, just for the simple reason to experience its wildlife.

Do you have a favorite Metro Park in Columbus?  I would love to hear where you like to spend time outdoors, so if you would leave your story in the comments, section, that would be great!  Many thanks for reading about my day at Sharon Woods and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sharon Woods Metro Park
6911 Cleveland Avenue
Westerville, OH  43081
Telephone:  614 315 5520

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April through September and from 6:30AM to 8PM from October through
  • Amenities:  Park programs, trails, shelters, biking, fishing, picknicking, and sledding
  • Scenic View:  Early morning and dusk, there are several types of animals that roam the park.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours or more depending on the activity

Where to Stay:

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown
50 South Front Street
Columbus, OH  43215
Telephone:  614 228 4600

Where to Eat: 

Yanni’s Greek Restaurant
6196 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH  43231
Telephone:  614 890 4775

I had a light lunch here ordering the tzatziki sauce with pita bread.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

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

What to Read: 

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

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

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

4 August 201631 August 2024

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It had been such a long day of making connections in four different countries, all in a period of 24 hours.  I was ecstatic to finally have arrived in Venice, Italy.   My flight from Columbus, Ohio was delayed so I missed my connection in New Jersey, and since my vacation coincided with the Venice Film Festival, flights were booked. I asked the customer service agent to be creative in getting me to my destination after learning that it may take me a couple of days to reach Venice.  I had a cruise ship to catch the next evening and didn’t want to miss it.   She was happy to help me out and gave me an updated itinerary through Heathrow which required me to pick up transportation to Gatwick.   I managed to leave from the US, travel to the UK, make a quick stop in Germany, hop on a flight to Paris and reach my final destination of Venice.   I was incredibly impressed with the handling of my air transportation and could not thank the airlines enough realizing that my luggage had actually arrived.  What an amazing adventure.

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Departing my flight, I picked up my luggage and searched for the ATVO ticket counter at the Marco Polo Airport.  Outside of baggage claim, I purchased my ticket and boarded the comfortable coach which  provided non-stop service to Piazzale Roma, taking only 20 – 25 minutes.

There was a large dropoff for buses and soon I found a small kiosk where an attendant sold me a Vaparetto ticket for the day.  It was late in the afternoon, so it only made sense to take the Express Route 1.  This vaparetto runs along the Grand Canal and is the most convenient way to reach St. Mark’s Square quickly.  Route 2 is the more scenic route, but as the sun was setting, I wanted to make it to my hotel before dark.

My first glimpse of Venice was indescribable.  A city unlike any other, I was in awe of its beautiful architecture and couldn’t wait for morning to venture along its waterways.  Having researched the archipelago, I wanted to explore more of its significant history and infamous art.

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I validated my ticket by holding it up against the electronic ticket reader before boarding  Within 20 minutes, I hopped off the Vaparetto at the Piazza San Marco stop, then dragged my luggage over crowded bridges and stairs. I reached Venice during the golden hour, the perfect time for taking photos.  I could not resist snapping a few photos before tackling the winding streets to Campo Manin.

5 D1 The Bridge of Sighs, Venice+

I crossed over a set of stairs that passed the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous of the Venetian bridges.  I read that it is customary to kiss under the bridge on a gondola ride to guarantee eternal love.

My hotel was perfectly located between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, so I navigated through the walkways until I reached my room for the night.  The map and directions were pretty lengthy, but eventually I stopped by a nearby shop, where the owner confirmed I was heading in the right direction.

8 D1 The Canals in the Evening

The sun was setting over Venice and I was only a couple of minutes from my hotel.

Reliving the past 24 hours, I couldn’t believe I had actually made it to Venice, a place so magical and mysterious.  It is no surprise that all who visit fall in love with this magnificent, one of a kind city, surrounded by water.  I am so excited for the opportunity to wake early for sunrise and spend more time in St. Mark’s Square in the morning hours, another perfect time for taking photos.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Venice?  What are some of your favorite attractions and restaurants?  I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my arrival into Venice!!  Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041.5225832

Where to Eat:

Ristorante Rosa Rossa
Sestiere San Marco 3709
30122, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 523 4605

I was obsessed with the Caprese Salad here….and the Prosecco.

What to Eat: 

  • Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
  • Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
  • Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
  • Vegetables from the Rialto Market
  • Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta.  Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
  • Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions.  Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
  • Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
  • For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
  • Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
  • Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
  • Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read: 

  • Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
  • The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
  • A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
  • The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
  • Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
  • A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice: 

  • The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
  • Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen.  The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
  • Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
  • Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
  • The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset;  Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
  • Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
  • St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square.  Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
  • If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.
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Dine at Culp’s Cafe in Carillon Park, Dayton

30 July 201616 September 2024

UPDATE!   Since my visit in 2016, Culp’s Cafe has expanded as a full-service restaurant where waiters and waitresses in period costumes will take your order. Check out the counter where you will find the large soda fountain on display.

During a visit to Carillon Park, I had the opportunity to dine in at the historical Culp’s Cafe.  Surrounded by early 20th century architecture and design, this delightful eatery was built to resemble local Culp’s Cafeteria of the 1930’s, when Dayton was on the rise with ingenuity and invention.

Cafeterias have since been replaced by restaurants and buffets, but were once popular food service locations.  Think hospitals and high schools where food would be displayed at a counter, you could make your selection and pay the cashier for your purchase.  At one time, this was how one would order food and then find a dining room table or counter to enjoy their food.

Inside are photos of acclaimed diner, Culp’s Cafeteria, a historical eatery founded by Charlotte Gilbert Culp, whose success story is quite fascinating.  According to the Carillon Historical Park website, Charlotte was a widow who prepared baked goods and sold them door to door to support her six children which led to her opening a stand at Dayton’s South Main Street Market.  Expanding the business, Charlotte’s son Howard, opened three lunch counters at Dayton’s Arcade, a three-story indoor market with over 200 stalls.  In 1931, the Culp’s Cafeteria opened at the Arcade with its fountain and full-service restaurant, later expanding throughout the Dayton area.

According to the feed on Dayton History Books Online, Culp’s was a popular spot with the local police  and locals.

The black and white floor tiles and red cushioned bar stools are reminiscent of the early 1900’s diners.  There is a small deli refrigerator where you can select a couple of items to enjoy for lunch.  I decided on the chicken salad with a milkshake, a typical meal one would order at a diner and set off to continue my exploration of Carillon Historical Park.

Have you visited Culp’s Cafe?  Do you have some insight on its history?  I would love to learn more about the history of Culp’s Cafeteria in the late 1900s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my lunch stop at Culp’s Cafe and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Culp’s Cafe at Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd.
Dayton, OH  45409
Telephone:  937 299 2277

 

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Supporting Female Brewers at Yellow Springs Brewery

23 July 201622 July 2024

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If I could choose between wine and beer, I would much rather choose a robust red, but my experience at Yellow Spring Brewery left me wanting to visit more craft breweries in the state of Ohio.

When I think about ordering a beer, it’s usually a Bud Light with an order of chicken wings at the local pub or with a hot dog at a baseball game.  So when my friend, Dave suggested we visit Yellow Springs Brewery, I was curious to learn more about the craft brew craze and sample a few handcrafted ales and lagers.

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Located on Walnut Street, the brewery is tucked away on a side street of town and can be a little difficult to find.  Once we found it, we parked our car and walked the gravel drive towards the entrance.

When we arrived at the large warehouse, we immediately noticed several large tanks which store the beer after fermentation and filtering.  The brewery offers a tour of the facility with an explanation of how they make their beer, followed by an opportunity to sample some of them in their spacious, comfortable tasting room.

Strolling into the brewery, we were directed toward the large blackboard that listed all of the available drinks.  Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was reading a foreign language.  After a few questions and a long look at the menu, the staff were eager to help me select a flight which included mostly lagers and ales.

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From top to bottom, the list of beers start from light to dark.  The server suggested I start with the first four options and go from there should I decide to order more.  I chose the following:  Femme Ale, Kerfuffle, Wyatt’s Eviction and First Lost Episode.IMG_8265Without waiting long, our selections arrived on cute little silver paddles and the names of the craft beers were listed on a yellow colored sheet.  I was able to reference each of the samples and write my notes on the card. What a great way to remember which ones I really liked to place another order and to rate them for my own reference.

The first beer was a Gose beer described as a German style wheat ale brewed with coriander and salt.   A light and pillowy beer with a hint of floral spice, a touch of salt and a mellow acidity.  It has an ABV of 4.5% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 14 ounce tulip.  I had no idea that beer was served in any type of glass beside a frosty mug.  This selection represented the Pink Boots Society Big Boots brew day, recognizing female brewers.

My opinion:  very light – soft and smooth with a hint of citrus, the color looks like a cloudy lemonade;  In addition to the lovely flavor of the beer, what I liked was that it was produced by a group of women who are a part of an organization called the Pink Boots Society.  A $2 donation for each glass purchased goes towards the society to offset cost for further craft beer development,

The Kerfuffle was my second sample and I was a little thrown off by the darkness of its color. I had assumed that dark beers would have a more stout taste, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.  It is described as an English Mild, rich and smooth Maris Otter against almost no hops or alcohol creating a monster of an English Mild…or just a, well, great mild.  Let’s beer geek out! It has an ABV of 3.1% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 16 ounce pub glass.

My opinion:  a light coffee aroma with a smooth texture….the color is dark, similar to a black coffee.

On to Wyatt’s Eviction which is an English Pale Ale and probably one that I am most familiar.  The summary states that it is an English malt, hops and yeast. Yep! They’re in there.  The focus of this English style bitter is balance.  The clean malt character holds the earthy and floral hops together with a beautiful fruity yeast note that refreshes the palate with each sip.  It has an ABV of 4.8% and a moderate IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 16 ounce pub glass.

My opinion:  dry and earthy, color that looks like a typical beer

Finally, I sampled the First Lost Episode which is a Belgian Fruit Beer with Cherries.  This beer is considered a Saison-style Ale brewed with Montmorency cherries to give it a burst of tangy and fruity notes.  Well balanced and never sweet. It has an ABV of 4.9% and a low IBU.  For a full glass, it is served in a 14 ounce tulip.

My opinion:  tastes like Leinenkugle Shanty….which I absolutely love.

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Dave’s selections were on the thicker, darker side, but he found a beer that he liked and we both ordered a full sized beer before strolling through the charming town of Yellow Springs.

While I don’t claim to be a craft beer connoisseur, I enjoyed my experience and realized I had a lot to learn about craft beer.   I plan to check out some of the acronyms, craft beer lingo and maybe learn how to taste the flavors that are listed in their descriptions.  But regardless, we had a blast during our visit and thank the patient folks at Yellow Springs Brewery for all of their help in assisting us in our beer selection.  We look forward to coming back again soon for another round or two.

Have you visited Yellow Springs Brewery or can provide me any tips when trying craft beers? Please leave me a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Yellow Springs Brewery
305 North Walnut Street
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:   937 767 0222

Check out the website for taproom hours and a list of craft beers available.

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

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

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Garlicky Goodness at La Pizzeria in Little Italy, Cleveland

16 July 20163 August 2024

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It’s early Saturday evening and I am driving around Little Italy in Cleveland in search of an Italian Restaurant for lunch.  My stomach is growling and mouth watering from the smell of garlic and pizza dough.  I passed by La Pizzeria, just off of the main drag where I found a parking spot down the street.  I followed my nose to a cute little pizza parlor with outdoor seating.  Taking a seat along the cobblestone street, this was the perfect stop for a pizza pie.

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The cook behind the counter was busy making pizzas but took a moment to take my order for a small Aglio e Olio pizza. He mentioned that it would take fifteen to twenty minutes as he was wrapping up twenty-five pizzas for a local graduation party.   Watching him place the pizzas in the warmer and the smell of garlic and butter, I knew it would be worth the wait.

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I ordered a medium 8 cut and took a seat alongside the beautifully bricked roads.  Sitting beneath the Italian flags, I reviewed my photos of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.  I had visited both of these locations earlier to take in a couple of exhibits and before I could finish my photo review, my pizza was being delivered to my table.

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Loaded with a variety of white cheeses, butter, garlic and olive oil, this pizza transported me temporarily into culinary heaven.  Sinking my teeth into the first piece of pie, I was so excited with the thickness of the cheese as it pulled away from pizza.   The perfect combination of garlic, olive oil and spices were divinely decadent and I enjoyed every bite.  The thin crust was perfectly cooked, just as the cheese was broiled to perfection.  I was super excited that I would have to box up a few pieces to have over the next couple of days.

I looked over the menu one last time to take notice of the long list of gourmet pizzas that included Gigi’s Veggie and Nico’s Philly.  There are calzones, pastas, salads, wings, freshly baked subs and an appetizer menu that includes the Salerno Family’s Homemade Meatballs.  If the items on the menu are just half as fabulous as the Aglio e Olio pizza, it’s no wonder the call in orders keep coming in nonstop.

I checked in again at the front counter for a box for my pizza and settled up my bill before heading out the door.  I was tempted by the Italian Gelato and dessert pizzas, but I will be just as happy thinking about my spectacular leftovers that I will enjoy over the next couple of days.  I hope I can wait that long…I may need to break into the box before I make it home.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Little Italy in Cleveland?  I would love to hear about the restaurant(s) you visited and what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!   Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

La Pizzeria
2188 Murray Hill Road
Cleveland, OH  44106
Telephone:  216 229 9050

With so many restaurant choices in the Little Italy district of Cleveland, La Pizzeria is one of my favorites!

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Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio

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The BIERmarkt, Westside Cincinnati

9 July 201622 July 2024

Update:  The BIERmarkt has added a Loveland location at the following address:  1617 OH-28, Loveland, OH 45140, telephone:  513 444 4025

It was a beautiful day in Cincinnati and I called my friend Dave to see if he wanted to check out the BIERmart in North Bend.  I was just starting to learn more about beer and wanted to sample a few more options.  What surprised me most was that they also offered wine, so I decided to tried Dave’s sample of beer but order a bottle of red for myself.

Located along River Road in the west side of Cincinnati, I was excited to visit the tasting room.  There was plenty of seating and during our visit, there were not many people there.  Our server mentioned that they had a couple of snack options if we wanted to order food and that they would soon be offering outside seating.

Dave ordered the Anderson Valley wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout.  It was a little thick for me but we learned a few things about the wine.  An alcohol content of 6.9%, this was a collaboration brew with Wild Turkey Distillery.  This bourbon barrel aged Stout features Anderson Valley’s award winning Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout.

I sampled the Carisma wine, a sweet Syrah, but it was a little too sweet for me, so our server suggested the Casarena 505, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Perdrial, Argentina.  She also suggested the Cocobon, but I really enjoyed the Casarena 505 and bought a bottle for a couple of drinks at BIERmarkt and then to enjoy the rest at home.

Have you visited the BIERmarkt in Cincinnati?  What did you order?  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 short visit to BIERmarkt and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

BIERmarkt
420 Three Rivers Parkway
North Bend, OH 45052
Telephone:  513 941 2437

Hours:  Closed Monday, 4PM – 9PM on Tuesday – Thursday; 3PM – 10PM Friday and Saturday and from 1PM – 7PM on Sunday

The BIERmarkt also provides food so check out the menu on their website.  The website also lists the wines and beers that they have available as well.

 

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The Bow Tie Cafe, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati

2 July 201622 July 2024

It was a perfect, cool autumn day for exploring Mt. Adams near Cincinnati’s downtown.  I started my journey at Rookwood and The Celestial, checking out the view from Hill Avenue and made my way to the parking garage on St. Gregory’s.  For a daily fee of $3, I  had plenty of time to check out my old stomping ground in the glorious Queen City.

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I was surprised to find a coffee shop had replaced the corner book store that I had frequented just a few years ago and learned it had been opened by former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, Dhani Jones.  The Bow Tie Café, opening in 2010, is conveniently located in the charming downtown of Mt. Adams where both indoor and outdoor seating are available.  Offering a great selection of coffees, teas, drinks and café sandwiches, it is the perfect location for meeting up with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the weekend paper.

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I was curious to learn more about the name of the shop and found myself reading through photos and news clippings displayed on the walls of the cafe.  I soon discovered that Jones was inspired by Kunta Littlejohn and his friend’s fascination with bow ties.  “If you wanna be somebody, you gotta rock a bow tie,” and hence the name, The Bow Tie Café.  Littlejohn, a childhood friend of Jones, was later diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma so Dhani Jones started the Bow Tie Cause, a foundation to raise money for organizations that support leukemia and lymphoma research.  Today, Kunta is in remission and plays an integral part in the organization as Chief Inspiration Officer.

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Breakfast is served here throughout the day with a wide range of options such as breakfast sandwiches, waffles, burritos and eggs made to order. Additional fare includes granola with yogurt, bagels with cream cheese and cranberry nut oatmeal.

For lunch, patrons can dine on burritos, tacos and quesadillas as well as sandwiches and wraps. Brunch is also served with a mix of lunch and breakfast items to include Eggs Benedict.

I enjoyed reading the list of sandwiches and wraps because there were so many choices on the menu.  Club sandwiches, pesto chicken salad, cold cut sandwiches and buffalo chicken wraps are perfect for a light lunch served with kettle style chips and a dill pickle.  The vegetarian includes creamy hummus, baby spinach, red onion, tomato, lettuce, pecans, cranberries and balsamic dressing.

For salads, the selection included The Cobb, Southwest Salad, and Chef Salad, with spinach and garden salads as well.  Starting at just $7, each salad is made fresh daily.

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After studying the menu, I wished I had not already eaten breakfast, but I was happy to enjoy a cup of coffee on the piazza.   In addition to The Bow Tie Café’s food selection, the drink menu was just as extensive.  With Bloody Mary’s, Whole Fruit Smoothies, Organic Teas and Coffee Cocktails, there is no shortage of refreshments.

Bow Tie Café is one of the few Cincinnati locations that offers Intelligentsia Coffee and Espresso.  These coffees are produced from all over the world under the “Direct Trade” label.  What this means is that fair wages, which are set above the international trade standards, are paid directly to the growers.  The process of making the coffee is also ensured by the trade organization to guarantee a high quality product for the customer.  There are approximately 30 types of coffees which can be purchased at The Bow Tie Café and each are hand crafted and made to order.

For now, I will chill out in the outdoor seating area, enjoy my café mocha and know that the proceeds of my purchase are going to a great cause.

Have you visited The Bow Tie Café in Mt. Adams?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  If you have any additional recommendations for things to do, venues to see and places to eat in Mt. Adams, I would love to hear from you as well!  Many thanks for reading about my experience at The Bow Tie Café and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bow Tie Café
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 621 2233

I enjoyed the cafe mocha that I had ordered for my morning coffee and returned on another visit to have lunch, where I had a difficult time choosing between the street tacos stuffed with chipotle chicken with cilantro lime slaw and queso fresco (which is amazing by the way) or the spinach salad served with red onions, dried cranberries, pecans & queso fresco cheese with raspberry vinaigrette.  I selected the salad and have since visited the cafe several times and have enjoyed each item I have ordered.

To learn more about Dhani Jones’ charities, check out his website at www.bowtiecause.org.

Where to Stay:

Springhill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 381 8300

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 Mt. Adams:

  • The view from the Mt. Adams Steps
  • Eden Park Twin Lakes Overview
  • Rookwood Pottery, the location for the famous pottery once made here
  • Eden Park’s fountain and gazebo
  • The Monastery at St. Paul place
  • The Blind Lemon’s firepit
  • The view from Mt. Adam’s Park
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.

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

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Indian Bear Winery in Walhonding, Ohio, NOW INDIAN BEAR CORK AND COFFEE

25 June 201616 March 2025

Update:  The Indian Bear Winery is now Indian Bear Cork and Coffee

Update:  On June 4th, 2023, a fire broke out at Indian Bear Winery and the structure was destroyed by the fire. 

Update:  On September 20, 2022, Indian Bear Lodge & Winery announced that they were under contract to sell 97 acres to “Because I Said I Would”, a non-profit organization making an impact on the local youth. 

Indian Bear Winery is one of the most beautiful locations to sample wines in Ohio.  A beautiful, country setting on two-hundred plus acres is only an hour east of Columbus and began as lodge in 2001.

From the moment I pulled onto the gravel drive, my senses were on full alert.  The smell of fresh cut grass led me to sprawling acres and a lake where a teepee stood at its water’s edge.

It was early spring so the vineyards were just beginning to bloom and would be ready for harvest in the fall.  Trellises supported a wide range of wine varietals, including those from Ohio.

In the summer of 2014, the owners, Brad Collins and Tom Lechner planted Concord, Seyval and Vidal grapes.  Until the vines began producing fruit, the owners imported juices from California, Chile and New York to begin their wine making process.  Head winemaker, Joe Hollabaugh will be creating new wines for the winery.

Approaching the entrance into the winery, I couldn’t help but notice its beautiful red and gray exterior.  The building was completed by April 2015 and soon thereafter, was open to the public.   The winery entered the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and won a Gold Medal for their “Roscoe’s Red Blend” as well as a Bronze Medal for their Vidal Blanc.

The tasting room was even more extravagant with its rustic, architecture and country decor displayed in its large exposed beams and expansive stone flooring. The hand-written list of available wines in addition to their wine tasting costs were posted above the service area.

I completed the laminated menu and decided on the 3 for $5 samples selecting the Peach Apricot Crush, American Vidal Blanc and the American Carmenere Reserve.

At the last minute, I included the Red Berry Crush slushie which tasted like heaven.

With my slushie in hand, I took the stairs to explore the areas available for private and semi-private events.  On-site lodges provide accommodations for guests who wish to stay at the property.   There are also two carriage houses and four cabins to sleep a total of more than 100 guests.   From the second story deck, I could look out for miles into the countryside.

My favorite part of the decor were the oak barrels that are typically used for fermenting and storage.

Returning to the first level of the winery, I was in complete awe of the spectacular stone handiwork of the fireplace flanked by two storage compartments for firewood.  I reached out to touch the smoothly sanded wood planks for the mantle which were designed from beams from a local area barn.

In addition to the interior, Indian Bear Winery has several outdoor settings including a fire pit.   I found a stone bench to finish up my drink and could hear the visitors as they discussed their weekend plans.  As I enjoyed the beauty of Indian Bear Winery, I could also hear the large tractor approaching as it mowed the high blades near the tasting room and I could once again smell the scent of freshly cut grass.

Have you visited Indian Bear Winery?  What wines did you enjoy?  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 Indian Bear Winery along the Three Rivers Wine Trail and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

Where to Stay: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Where to Eat: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

For appetizers, they make a gorgeous charcuterie board, fittingly called, “The Napa.” A popular choice on the menu is Alfredo Chips- homemade kettle chips topped with alfredo sauce, blue cheese and green onions.

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