Barbados Shore Excursion: Malibu Rum Tour and Beach

24 November 201531 August 2024

Update: Malibu Rum Distillery is now The West Indies Rum Distillery

Barbados was one of my favorite ports of call when I worked for the cruise lines. In addition to visiting all of the historic sites, I loved its coastal beauty. So years later, when I had an opportunity to visit Barbados again, I wanted to visit the Malibu Rum distillery and its nearby beach. Exiting the ship, I strolled through the duty free shops and found the taxi stand located outside of the shopping plaza. I hired a driver for the short 7 minute ride.

One of the Caribbean’s southernmost islands in the West Indies, the island is known for its rum, beaches, natural wonders and cuisine. I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun and drinking some fruity Malibu Rum drinks.

It was easy to find a cab to take me to the Malibu Rum Distillery. Malibu is the largest coconut rum producer on the island and I love its tropical taste. I entered through a small garden where I found the ticket counter to purchase my tour ticket. The entry fee allowed me a tour through the distillery, a welcome drink which included the yummy rum and entrance to Malibu Beach with a complimentary beach chair to use for the afternoon. With ticket in hand, I made my way to the guide for the start of the tour.

Update: The Malibu Rum Distillery is now the West Indies Rum Distillery

I learned the process of making rum, the secrets to perfecting the flavor where the tour guide walked me and the group through the process of fermentation, aging and the blending of the liquor.

Following the informative rum tour, I could not wait to sink my toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning beach with its pure white sand and clear blue waters. There was a variety of water activities that were free or available for purchase. I pulled up a lounge chair and clearly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as well as a couple of free (Malibu rum) mixed drinks. The cold fruitiness of the drink, the summer breeze and the refreshing waters were a perfect ending to my limited visit on the island of Barbados.

After a couple of hours, I made arrangements for a taxi to return me back to the ship just in time for sailing.

Barbados is a beautiful island that I loved during my days working for the cruise lines. I can’t wait to explore Barbados again on another cruise in the future. What a beautiful day in paradise!

Have you visited the island of Barbados? What did you enjoy the most about your vacation? 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 wonderful visit to the island of flying-fish soup and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The West Indies Rum Distillery
Brighton Beach, Barbados
Telephone: 246 425 9300

Home of Cockspur and Malibu Rum

Where to Stay:

Accra Beach Hotel
Rockley, BB15139
Christchurch
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 435 8920

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careenage, Bridgetown
St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone: 246 427 0093

What to Eat:

Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of the island
Black Cake is baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins with a little rum added to it.
Conkies are sweet desserts made from corn meal, raisins, coconut, and pumpkins with sugar cane and spices which is then put inside of a banana leaf and steamed.
Cutters are small sandwiches usually made up of ham, cheese or egg and served with a salad.
Fishcakes and Bakes are weekend meals usually cooked for fishfrys. The fish is usually cod, fried in a batter seasoned with local spices and herbs. Bakes are a form of bread made of flour, salt and water and once baked, dipped in hot sauce.
Jug Jug is a casserole made from a mixture of beef and pork along with pigeon peas, onions, hot peppers, corn and stewed.
Macaroni pie is similar to macaroni and cheese with onion, herbs and ketchup added to it and topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
Pig Tails are a local street food made from the meaty part of the pig tail.
Sea Urchins which are stewed or fried.
Souse and pudding is a pork and potato dish made from sweet potatoes seasoned with local herbs.

What to Read:

Triangular Road: A Memoir, by Paule Marshall
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
A Tan and Sandy Silence, by John D. MacDonald
The Seven Lives of Lady Barker, by Betty Gilderdale
The Tale of the Body Thief, by Anne Rice
Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl, by Kate McCafferty

Photo Guide for Barbados:

Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the east is home to over six acres of flowers and plants
The Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and interesting formations in the cave
Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to photograph the local Green Monkey.
Bath in St. John for stunning views and a popular picnic spot
Bottom Bay in St. Philip is known for its rugged, towering cliffs on the southeast side of the island.
Bridgetown in St. Michael is a lovely location to photograph its architecture, harbor and charming capitol.
Cattlewash and Bathsheba in the east are fabulous surfing locations with large boulders and spectacular beaches.
Codrington College built in 1743 is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture and grounds are absolutely stunning and is one of the most photographed locations on the island.
Cove Bay in St. Lucy offers panoramic views of the rocky coastline
Culpepper Island is on the east side of the island and only accessible at low tide, located approximately on hundred yards off of the coast.
Crane Beach in St. Philip offers pink sand and rugged cliffs. Most photographed from the Crane Beach Hotel, this location is on the southeast side of the island.
East Point Lighthouse is located at Ragged Point and provides a stunning backdrop for views of the coast.
Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter was built on a hill with outstanding views of the east coast. Photograph the architectural ruins and cliffside structure.
The Flower Forest is located on the north side of the island that offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens
The Garrison in St. Michael is home to several historic buildings and attractions. The Garrison Savannah is open seasonally offering horse racing.
Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south side of the island is home to wildlife set on thirty five acres.
Grenade Hall Signal Station in St. Peter was once used to send signals across the island. Beautifully restored, its beautiful views include the surrounding forest and forest trail.
Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George is one of two signal stations recently renovated. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the large lion statue and panoramic views of the island.
Miami Beach / Enterprise Beach for white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas
Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew was built in 1776 and on the site of the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. Cherry Tree Hill is north of the windmill and offers panoramic views of the east coast and mahogany forest
Orchid World in St. George to photograph a wide variety of orchids
Speightstown in St. Peter is great for photographing architecture
St. John’s Church in St. John offers stunning gothic architecture and awesome views.
St. Martin’s Bay in St. John is a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the coastline
Sunbury Plantation House on the south side of the island is a historical plantation set in a mahogany forest.
Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas is a great place to photograph plants and the Barbados Green Monkey. Welchman Hall is a spectacular building that measures nearly three quarters of a mile long.

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Ship’s Ahoy! Pirate Boat Shore Excursion, Antigua

17 November 201531 August 2024

Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion. Unfortunately, it was sold out. With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving. Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel. According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting. Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag. The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship. We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing. It was the perfect ship to shore experience. The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach. We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates. The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

Cruising through the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill. Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship. So the battle began.

The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. It was just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay. From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim. In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew. We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down. The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining. I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching. Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance. I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next. How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure. I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone. I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda? Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time? I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Swan: This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 736 8000

Where to Eat:

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse. The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves. This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

Books by Jamaica Kincaid
Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
Journeycakes: Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
The white sands of Ffryes Beach
Half Moon Bay, Antigua
Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Fort James
Nelson’s Dockyard
Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

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

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant, Manchester, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

10 November 201531 August 2024

UPDATE: Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant is permanently closed.

Gorgeous vineyards overlooked the Ohio River and a secluded gazebo offered privacy to guests who wanted to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant. Sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett shared the airwaves as I waited for my wine tasting on the second story balcony with a riverfront view. I flipped through the menu and found myself immediately drawn to this mystical place, so I read the fascinating decades of history that had eventually led to the opening of the winery.

It wasn’t long and the fifteen small pours of wine were delivered to my table. I could smell the fruit from the wines and slushies on the tray and was so excited to start my tasting.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, it is a dry white with a clean finish, very smooth with a beautiful clear color; it has a slight sweet aftertaste.
The Vidal Blanc is an estate grown grape that is also very clear in color and I find it to be a little drier, yet smoother than the Chardonnay.
River Valley White is a moderately sweet estate blend that has a sweeter smell with a dry finish that lands towards the back of my tongue.
Merlot is full bodied with an oak taste that I absolutely enjoy.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full bodied dry red and it is absolutely perfect for a Cab.
Chambourcin is an estate grown wine.
River Valley Red is another moderately sweet estate blend with a perfect balance of sweet and dry. It has a fruitier taste than the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Country Home Red is the most popular wine at Moyer Winery and Vineyard and it is a sweet red made from the Concord grape. Smelling like grape juice it has a rich, full jammy taste.
Blush is a semisweet with a hint of Concord, which makes this wine such a beautiful color, a light pink with a very light smell it has a floral taste at the finish.
Strawberry fruit wine smells just like fresh picked strawberries that I could enjoy as an after dinner drink for dessert or poured over ice cream.
Red raspberry is the winery’s most popular fruit wines and it has a delicious, full berry flavor.
Peach is light and delicate and it has a refreshingly sweet taste.
Strawberry sangria made my heart sing with its strawberry jam flavor that was crazy amazing.
Peach sangria tastes like nectar and has been created with perfection with a wonderfully rich taste.
Mixed berry sangria tastes like a Jolly Rancher hard candy and could drink any one of their sangrias on a daily basis (I really could!…yum).

I paid for my tasting and ordered the country home red, strawberry and peach wines and was so sad that they did not bottle their amazing sangria. I walked the grounds of the restaurant and had permission to wander through the vineyard where they grow the winery’s estate Vidal Blanc, DeChaunac and Chamborcin grapes.

When I returned to the restaurant, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Hamrick one of several owners who discussed how he became associated with the winery and his current involvement with the restaurant. He was happy to share with me some fun facts about the history of the property which is fascinating as you can read for yourself:

Situated on prime riverside real estate, the River By Restaurant opened in the late 1920s offering Nickelodeon music, square dancing and bootleg beer (oh yes, prohibition!). I imagined boats tied up to the riverbank and the latest Ford model-T cars parked along the side of US 52. Women wearing their flapper style dresses and wearing choche hats to accentuate their coiffed bob hairstyles. While their dates are sporting slim dark suits, matching vests and a fedora hat….just a place to get together for the evening, dancing the night away.

In the mid 1930’s the barn-like structure built close to the restaurant became a training ring for amateur boxers. Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles, a professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion was known to have made an appearance or two.

The restaurant would be hit hard by the flood of 1937 where six feet of muddy water made its way to the present day dining room. By the late 1940s, the restaurant would be converted into a private gambling club called “The Top Hat” and would eventually become a truck stop in the 1950s and 60s.

Ken Moyer’s dream to become a vintner would transform the property into a winery that originally offered bean soup, French bread, cheese and of course, wine. He later added the gorgeous deck with relaxing views of the Ohio River and his wine list continued to expand with their production of fabulous wines. At the height of the winery’s success, the Moyers decided to sell their business. A close group of their dear friends were entrusted to maintain the winery and restaurant with as much love and care as Ken and his wife Mary had done over the past 27 years. From where I was sitting, my conversation with Ken only proved that the restaurant would continue with its success.

Have you visited Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant? Did you order dinner and try their fabulous wines? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Moyer Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 2957

Where to Stay:

Riverhaven B&B
407 West Front Street
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 1999

Where to Eat:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 2957

Have dinner at Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant! I recommend the River Valley Salmon and save room for the Toasted Pecan Caramel Ball!

Photo Guide for Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant:

Views of the Ohio River from the second story winery
Gazebo along the Ohio River
The Vineyards

Our Last Day in Hale

3 November 201531 August 2024

Shelly, Izzy, Erika and Gunnar would be leaving for home today and we were sad to see them go. It was an overcast day with large billowy clouds so we packed up a picnic lunch and started out for Lumberman’s Monument. Overlooking the Au Sable River, we arrived at the 14-foot statue and visited the visitor’s center before setting out for a hike.

Grace and Bennett were snuggled safe on the backs of their Mom and Dad, taking in the scenic views and eating snacks.

The sandy trail followed the edge of the Au Sable with stunning views of the surrounding water and trees.

We hiked through lush fern-filled forests where we spotted squirrels and chipmunks.

Grace had fun picking up small pinecones from the nearby fir trees.

It was time for lunch, so we found a place to have a picnic.

Grace was happy to sit on her Daddy’s shoulders so she could have a perfect view.

Grandpa posed for pictures.

It was our last moments to explore Hale, Michigan and its nearby surroundings. We thought it would be fun for one last evening on the lake and to have a small campfire for making s’mores.

After a quick swim, we took the pontoon around the perimeter of the lake to enjoy the scenery for our last night on vacation.

The sun was beginning to set and with a perfectly built campfire, we sat around and talked about the highlights of our vacation.

We laughed about how hot it had been in Hale and began planning our next adventure.

I’m not sure if Grace had more fun making s’mores or eating them.

We toasted the remaining marshmallows before putting out the fire and preparing for bed. The last night was a great way to wrap up such a relaxing day before our long drive back to Ohio.

Have you visited Hale, Michigan or Long Lake? What was your experience? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family Michigan vacation and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Four Days in Hale

27 October 201531 August 2024

We are four days into our vacation in Hale and the weather is not cooling down anytime soon. Instead of leaving the rental home to visit the surrounding area, everyone has agreed that we should take advantage of the hot weather and enjoy another day on the pontoon boat floating along Long Lake.

We woke up early and ate a hearty breakfast. Bennett entertained us with his silly faces and we loved watching him wear his breakfast on his face and belly.

Grace offered to share her mid-morning snacks of gummy bears. Soon we would be ready to make our way outside for more fun on the lawn and the deck, but not until we each had eaten lunch.

Joy made a quick lunch of sandwiches and chips from our stop at the grocery store. We ate quickly, not really feeling hungry due to the heat, but ready to take a boat ride on the lake after everyone had eaten.

After lunch, Bennett and his cousins enjoy playing with the water table. It was a perfect way for the kids (and the adults) to cool down.

Eager to find a cove to swim, Grace and Grandpa were the first ones in the boat.

I loved looking at the house from the lake. The perfect spot to enjoy our vacation the top deck was where we spent most of our time.

The water was so clear when we found a small place to anchor the boat for a swim.

Mike, Emily and the kids enjoyed some family time cooling down in the lake’s water.

Bennett was always the life of the party on our boat rides and meal times. He and Joy were having a silly conversation with lots of giggles and smiles.

Bennett giving us fish lips on the boat ride home.

Once we docked the boat, we noticed a gaggle of geese walking across the lawn.

It was a long day, but we all had such a lovely day on the lake. After dinner, the kids were ready to prepare for bedtime. The big kids stayed up a little to decide what we wanted to do the next day and agreed that some hiking would be fun. The next day would perfect for exploring nearby Hale and the Lumberjack Monument.

Have you vacationed in Hale or Long Lake, Michigan? What were some of your favorite activities. I would love to hear about your time in the north if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale and Long Lake and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

The Victorian Cafe
216 S. Washington Street
Hale, MI 48739
Telephone: 989 728 0027

We had a fun time catching up with the lovely folks here at the Victorian Cafe. We also learned that the ice cream was still soft and due to the heat was not freezing anytime too soon.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Bennett and Scott having a serious talk about Cincinnati Reds baseball.

Grace picking up stones from the bottom of the lake and putting them in her bucket.

Scott and Joy challenging each other to a game of ping pong.

Hotter Than Hale – Day Three

20 October 201531 August 2024

After sleeping in and having a carb-filled breakfast, we were all happy to spend the late morning and afternoon on Long Lake. The kids were so excited to spend time on the water, so they eagerly put on their life jackets and boarded the pontoon. My brother Mike would be captain for the day and we wanted to find a small cove for swimming.

Mike parked the boat and we carried the kids up to the house. Walking the lawn, we arrived at the stairs where we dropped off our towels at the balcony. Most of us washed up in preparation for making dinner while the boys took short naps before the food was ready.

Scott wanted to fish, so he took his tackle box and rods down to the edge of the lake where he could board the boat to throw in his bait.

Grace and Erika played in the sprinkler having a great time playing tag.

Gunnar woke up from his nap in such a happy mood hanging out with Dad. Joy spent her time in the kitchen making us a casserole for dinner while the rest of us worked on side dishes.

It was time for dinner and Erika crawled up into her seat. The kids were so hungry from playing outside and couldn’t wait to have dinner so they could play some more.

While most of us had fun taking family photos and capturing the fun moments of our vacation, Gunnar was a little less enthusiastic.

The kids were starting to wind down as the grownups discussed what we would want to do the next day. Making plans we decided that we would have one more day on the lake because the weather would be more overcast and perfect for swimming and fishing.

Gunnar was trying so hard to stay awake as long as he could in fear of missing out.

It was another amazing day in Hale as we walked down towards the lake to take in the sights and sounds. Listening to the bullfrogs and watching a family of geese swim across the water, was a beautiful ending to our relaxing day on Long Lake.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Coach’s Pizza (now Mikey’s Pizzeria Hale)
221 N. Washington Street
Hale, MI 48739
Telephone: 989 218 3333

The pizza and service is what brings locals to Coach’s Pizza. From great appetizers such as their wings to the yummy pizzas, you will want to come back for lunch AND dinner.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Day 2

13 October 201531 August 2024

It was a great day to sleep in and after breakfast, Grandma brought out the bubbles. The backyard was perfect for the children to swim in their inflatable pool and play games. Erika and Grace had a fun time blowing bubble for awhile, but the boys were more excited to watch from the deck.

I guess all of that playing wore Gunnar out as he fell asleep during lunch.

I was excited to venture out and take a drive to Lake Huron. Only 30 miles east of Hale, my sister Joy and I wanted to find a beach. The weather wasn’t really all that great for sunbathing, but we thought it would be a great change from hanging out at the lakehouse. I hopped on 65 south until we reached 55 heading east.

We arrived near Tawas City where we found a beach and boardwalk. Surprisingly, we had the place all to ourselves, even at 2:30 in the afternoon.

We walked the beach for an hour and met some friendly seagulls before deciding to make our way back to the lake.

We stopped for a few moments to photograph Tawas River.

When we arrived home, we saw Erika on the deck enjoying a predinner snack. Tonight we were having tacos.

Bennett has been fascinated with his bellybutton lately and with black beans all over his face, he looks like a silly little boy.

One of the kids’ favorite activities was the water table on the deck. Uncle Scott loved to spray the kids and watch them giggle.

Erika couldn’t resist one last swim in the pool.

Gunner enjoyed every moment of watching all of the kids run around the deck.

With the sun starting to set, the kids were also settling down. Soon it would be time for bed.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan? Stayed on Long Lake? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery
450 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 984 5233

You must try the Korean fried chicken sandwich made with fried chicken, aioli, napa cabbage slaw served with French fries. My sister and I split the butter lettuce salad with pork potstickers, oranges, cashews, wasabi vinaigrette and crusty bread. Yum!

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

6 October 201531 August 2024

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family. With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July. Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon. We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot. So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold. We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores. It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard. There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast. The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat. Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet. With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet. Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan. Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada. Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner. Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake. What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter than Hale, Our Vacation in Michigan – Travel Day

29 September 201531 August 2024

Our family vacation began with a stop in Frankenmuth, Michigan where we decided to have lunch at Zehnder’s, famous for their chicken dinner. We took an afternoon stroll to walk off our giant portions of homestyle cooking, exploring the Bavarian architecture of this charming village. With a deep German heritage dating back to 1904, this is one of Michigan’s most visited towns offering exciting festivals throughout the year.

Within an hour and a half, we arrived at our rental house in Hale, Michigan where we would spend the next ten days of vacation. Situated on the shores of the lake, we had access to a pontoon boat and a small ramp for fishing. Grace couldn’t wait to drive us around.

After a long day on the road and settling into our rental house, we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. We sat around the fireplace enjoying the solitude as the sun slowly drifted behind the lake and tall pines.

What a beautiful way to spend our first evening in Hale after a long day of travel.

What is your favorite family vacation? I would love to hear about your travel memories if you will kindly provide them in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation in Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walk the charming town of Frankenmuth

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 802 8323

Where to Stay:

Zehnder’s Splash Village
1365 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 330 1715

Where to Eat:

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 802 8323

What to Eat:

Zehnder’s Fried Chicken
Schnitzel
Sauerbraten

What to Read:

Frankenmuth: A Guide to Michigan’s Little Bavaria, by Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer

Photo Guide for Frankenmuth:

Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Frankenmuth Brewery
Illuminated Village Christmas Zehnder’s
Lager Mill
Old School House Brick

Plan a Visit to Buckeye Lake Winery for Ohio Wine Month in June

22 September 201531 August 2024

What better place to enjoy a bottle of wine than alongside the beauty of Buckeye Lake in Ohio? Buckeye Lake Winery was my first choice for a girl’s day of wine tasting, so I called a couple of my Columbus girlfriends to join me and began our 25-mile road trip to Thornville.

We arrived at 11 AM when the winery opened and was met by the winery’s proprietor, Tracy Higgenbotham and a large truck of fermented grapes arriving from Napa Valley. Tracy welcomed us, provided us with menus and excused himself for a moment while we decided on what to order for lunch.

Within minutes, we had ordered several wine samples, the charcuterie plate, Boursin with Pecan & Honey and the Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread. Several other options we considered were the Brie Wedge with fruit and a house made port reduction, Buckeye Lake Winery’s signature Winery Chips with a garlic cream sauce, bleu cheese, Parmesan and scallions as well as the Caprese Flatbread. One look at the brunch menu and we all agreed we needed to make reservations soon to share the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Chatting it up with Tracy, he was eager to tell us about the winery and his previous experience visiting California’s wine country on business trips. With his passion for great food and delicious wine, he and his wife Laura opened the winery to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio. Tracy explained that he works directly with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and the Russian River Valley, personally selecting the grapes that go into making his wines. Wine production begins at custom crush houses where the grapes are fermented and then he coordinates the shipping of the product to complete the aging, blending and bottling of the wine in Ohio.

While most of Buckeye Lake Winery’s wines come from grapes in California, Tracy knows that the Ohio wine drinkers like their sweet wines and has collaborated with local Ohio grape growers to make the winery’s popular Sweet Lake View.

White Wines

Lake View White – Dry White Wine, California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is clean, bright and fruity $23 / $7
Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley: This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is minerally rich. It has a honeysuckle and pear taste $24 / $7
Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California: Bright floral notes with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and a clean finish. $26 / $8
Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 10 months and is clean and bright with hints of smoky toasted oak vanilla, green apples and pears. $32 / $9

Red Wines

Lake View Red – Dry Red Wine, Lodi California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is full bodied with a soft finish. $29 / $8
Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months and has hints of black cherry, blackberry and oak with a soft finish. $32 / $9
Zinfandel – Lodi, California: This wine is produced with grapes from 100 year old vines and is barrel aged for 18 months. It is jammy, spicy and rich with a velvet finish. $43 / $9
Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months in oak barrels and is rich, robust with black cherry flavor and a hint of dark chocolate and tobacco. $75 This wine is sold by the bottle only to Wine Club members and is not included in wine tastings

Ohio Wine

Sweet Lake View, Ohio Wine: Sweet Lake View is produced and bottled at Buckeye Lake Winery. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has hints of citrus, peach and honey $18 / $6

Prices are subject to change, so visit Buckeye Lake Winery’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Our lunch had arrived and we could not stop raving about our selection. The Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread was spectacular with a perfect mix of saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness of the figs and caramelized onion with bursts of garlicky goodness. The charcuterie plate was a generous portion of meats and cheeses (homemade goat cheeses with either apricots or blueberries), a few grapes, olives and French bread with a delicious marmalade. We could not wait to dig into the Boursin with Pecan & Honey but waited to make it our dessert to this divine trio of small plates.

While it would have been lovely to have dined inside of the wine cave, we found a table outside so that we could enjoy the soothing view of Buckeye Lake. We shared a bottle of Chardonnay, Zinfandel as well as our meals while catching up on the latest gossip. We shared photos, secrets and happily stayed longer than planned. Feasting on spectacular meals and delicious wines, enjoying the spectacular views, we couldn’t help but feel that we had truly arrived in Napa.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Buckeye Lake Winery? What did you think of the fabulous wines and food? What were your favorite wines and menu items? I would love to hear about your experience sampling wines at the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for catching up with me at Buckeye Lake Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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What to See and What to Do:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Where to Stay:

Best Western Lakewood Inn
122 Arrowhead Drive
Hebron, OH 43025
Telephone: 866 599 6674

Where to Eat:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Buckeye Lake Winery has extensive menu of starters and meals that have been customized to pair with their wines.

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