Dyer’s Mill, Hiking at Battelle Darby Creek

23 April 201531 August 2024

With below freezing temperatures and a couple of inches of water at the start of the trail, I almost considered turning back to reschedule my day hike at Battelle Darby Creek. The Dyer Mill Trail starts at Darby Creek Drive in Galloway and is a 2.5 mile loop trail that takes about an hour and a half to complete. I wanted to test out my new hiking boots anyway, so this would be the perfect opportunity.

Towards the start of the trail, there was a fork in the road but regardless of which path I took, I would return where I started on this loop hike. Surrounded by trees and woods for nearly an hour, I arrived at a clearing. The scenery was what I gad expected from a winter hike and I was hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife brave enough to venture out in the cold. I happened upon a few birds, but up until that time, there was no sign of life. I continued along the path of sallow greens and browns, and searched through my binoculars to see eagles, hawks or even vultures among the soothing silence.

The pathway was a mix of grass and gravel and perfect for cross-country skiers after a winter snowfall. Ranked as moderately difficult, there were a couple of hills that were somewhat steep but not incapacitating.

The snow struggled to blanket the field as it melted under the warming temperatures. I could hear the crunching of ice under my boots as I made my way towards a bridge on the trail. I stopped to check how my boots were holding up and put my scarf in my backpack.

The snow-covered trail widened under the trees and cleaned the dirt out of my boots. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt in the cold and was happy my feet were surviving the breaking in of my new boots. By the visible impressions in the snow, I was hoping to find some animal prints.

Walking further along, Little Darby Creek appeared to my left and I could hear the faint sound of its rippling downstream. I managed to walk down to its bank to touch the water and it was absolutely freezing. There were islands of ice in several spots along the waterway and I realized, that in just a couple of weeks, they will have melted and the scenery will have changed.

I finally reached the steep climb, and I was thankful that there was neither ice nor snow on the hill. The fallen leaves provided great traction and I felt the remainder of the trek should be easy.

I approached another patch of snow and decided to follow it into the woods where it remained untouched by hikers. I finally came upon some animal footprints which made me think about the hibernating wildlife and those who have ventured out into the cold for food. I felt a happiness knowing that these nature preserves protect the adorable creatures and nearby land so we can enjoy them for years to come.

I was near the end of the trail coming back to where I had started. This was the section of the trail that was flooded, but lucky for me, my waterproof boots had passed the test.

I was satisfied that my boots had passed the waterproof test and spending time in the outdoors during winter was especially invigorating. I was happy that I continued with my hike that day and it was a beautiful, quiet afternoon to explore Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.

What to See and What to Do:

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH 43119
Telephone: 614 891 0700

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee for visiting the park.
Hours: Cedar Ridge Area: Open daily from 6:30AM to 10PM (April through September) and from 6:30AM to 8PM from October through March; All other park areas close at dark year-round
Amenities: shelter rental, lodge, biking, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, fishing, hunting, ice skating, natural play areas, nature centers, picnicking, pets and sledding
Scenic Views: Viewing area for bison watching
Length of your Visit: 2 – 3 hours for hiking, nature center and bison viewing
Tips for Your Visit: Check the metro park’s website for special events, shelter rentals and trail maps.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Grove City
1668 Buckeye Place
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 782 8292

Where to Eat:

Ann & Tony’s Restaurant
211 East Main Street
West Jefferson, OH 43162
Telephone: 614 879 8897

I absolutely love Ann & Tony’s Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, served with a tossed salad, rolls and garlic butter.

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

The Tavernette Inn Delivers with Grouper and Risotto- NOW CLOSED

16 April 201531 August 2024

Update: October 12, 2021 – 316 Tap & Barrel Grill has closed permanently due to COVID; June 19, 2020 – The Tavernette is now 316 Tap & Barrel Grill

I had just returned from having my haircut in Tipp City, Ohio and I was so excited to try the Tavernette Inn. I had driven by this restaurant in Medway for over a couple of years and a small kiosk on the side of Spangler Road beckoned me to stop by and experience this hidden gem.

Stepping inside I was greeted by Pat who has been bartending here for over 30 years. I could hear 70’s music on the radio intercom when I was seated by the hostess and recognized a few of these tunes.

She introduced herself as Olivia and mentioned that she would be serving me that night as she took my drink order and dropped off a menu. I couldn’t resist a Yuengling and took a few moments to look over the night’s specials. Fish and Chips are the special for Monday nights and they have been one of their best sellers since the 1960s. Their carbonara is another one of their specialty dishes but I was drawn in by their specials.

Who can resist Grouper risotto with a salad for $17.95?

The black and white retro tables and chairs reminded me of eating family dinner at my Grandparents’ house.

I had a few moments to check out the glass enclosures of local memorabilia. Lining the walls, I felt as though I was eating in the midst of a museum.

Enjoying a basket of bread with brown and garlic brothers, I learned that the restaurant first opened in 1939. New owners had recently bought the restaurant a year ago and were bringing some amazing dishes to their menu.

My next course was a salad with ranch dressing, which was the perfect size to hold me over before my main dish.

I must admit I couldn’t wait to bite into the succulent grouper which was perfectly seasoned, buttered and baked. The risotto was amazing with red pepper and mushrooms which was so creamy and deliciously rich served al dente. It was no surprise when I learned that chef John’s specialties are seafood, namely shark and that he makes everything fresh from local produce.

After finishing dinner, I decided to browse around the restaurant and took a little walk outside along the creek in the back where they had set up a fire pit. I noticed a newly built deck that overlooked Mud Creek as well as additional parking spaces across the street for dinner hours.

The back bar was closed for the weeknight but listed the night’s drink special as the Long Island Iced Tea. This is the place to be on a summer night during the weekends where they have bands or DJs playing classic rock and country music and in the wintertime, they will light a fire.

I had a few minutes to talk with John the owner who is from nearby Park Layne. They had just celebrated their one year anniversary of the restaurant on May 5^th, 2016. John had an engineering degree but had been wanting to have his own business. John had first learned that the owners of the restaurant were interested in selling as he had been retired for 30+ years and wanted a change.

I learned from John the history of the Tavernette Inn started with a butcher block from 1939. From here they would cut meat for their local patrons until the 1960s. In addition, the original restaurant was across the street and relocated to its current space in the late 1930s.

I decided to have one last drink at the bar and ordered a glass of Tulip Red Wine which reminded me of Rodeo Red from the Winery at Versailles. I sat next to a couple who mentioned that the Tavernette Inn was where they had their first prom date in the 1960s.

It was fun talking with Pat about the restaurant, having bartended here for thirty-five years. Originally from Troy, he recently moved to New Carlisle. He began his career here as a dishwasher after spending 12 years in the Air Force and bartending at the NCIO club.

Pat swears that the restaurant is haunted by Wiladena when at times diners have noticed beer bottles move. According to Pat, she swore she would haunt the place when she passed. Luckily, she did not try to take my glass of wine.

Have you visited The Tavernette Inn in Medway, Ohio? What did you order? I would love to hear about your experience at this longstanding restaurant if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my visit to The Tavernette and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Tavernette Inn
111 W. Main Street
Medway, OH 45341
Telephone: 937 849 0423

Check out all of the specials and ask your server what they suggest. I thoroughly enjoyed the grouper and risotto.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Tavernette Inn
111 W. Main Street
Medway, OH 45341
Telephone: 937 849 0423

Favorite Photos of Columbus, Ohio

9 April 201531 August 2024

When I purchased my first DSLR camera, I would spend hours in the nearby neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio taking photos. Here are some of my favorites!

Miranova

The Columbus Dispatch

The Scioto Mile

Downtown

Directional Post

Emblem on the Bridge

North Market

Hyde Park: A Short North Restaurant

Short North

Columbus’ Italian Village

Marcella’s

Architecture and Art

Artwork

Short North Tavern

The Bar at Rigsby’s

Nida’s

Strolling Downtown Columbus

Mad Mex

Ugly Tuna Saloona

Schiller Park

German Village

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant

Rowers along the river

Broad and High

Our Hero Sandwich Shop in Springfield, Ohio

2 April 201531 August 2024

While I have always been a Subway fan, I thought it would be a great change to check out one of my hometown’ local sandwich shops, Our Hero.

The first time I had ever visited an Our Hero sandwich shop was on a Sunday afternoon after church. My youngest sister had lived nearby and she suggested we stop to order a sub sandwich for a quick, healthier meal. She explained that this was not just any sandwich shop but Our Hero, well known for their fresh made-to-order sandwiches. I remember walking through the door for the first time, smelling the delicious aroma of fresh baked bread. I couldn’t wait to order.

Looking over the menu, there were several options, but I learned quickly that they were famous for their Italian sub with baked ham, Genoa salami, pepperoni, capicola ham, provolone cheese, plus The Works, their super delicious oil and vinegar dressing with special spices.

I have to admit that Our Hero soon became one of my favorite stops when I moved closer to her neighborhood. Of course, it was also close to Schuler’s Donuts, another hometown favorite, so I was in a win-win situation. Soon, I would be ordering the Italian sub multiple times per week until I eventually moved to Cincinnati. When I return to visit family, you can be sure I will be making a stop at Our Hero to order an Italian sub or two.

Have you visited Our Hero in Springfield, Ohio? Is it one of your favorite places? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Where to Eat:

Our Hero
2983 Derr Road
Springfield, OH 45503
937 399 8644

Plum Run Winery Soon to Offer Craft Beer

26 March 201531 August 2024

Plum Run Winery had just completed their renovations to provide its customers a larger space for sampling its award-winning wines and hard cider. I was looking forward to visiting this Grove City winery, so I called my friend Karen to join me for the afternoon.

The winery, offering a wide selection of wines, includes a few of the sweeter wines most popular in the state of Ohio. These varietals include dessert wines, sweet reds and roses as well as a lovely selection of fruit wines. Here are the list of wines that we selected for our tasting:

Apple: The winery buys their apples from Hugo’s, a local orchard. The color of the wine is yellow and a bit cloudy. It has a delicious taste that ends with a bit of a bite. It is described as “a blend of Gold Rush, Winesap and Yellow Delicious Apples, Ohio Grown!” 5% RS, $15 bottle, $6 glass

Niagara: Plum Run Winery’s classic “Ohio Sweet Wine”; I really enjoyed this one and Karen did as well. 5% RS, $13 bottle, $6 glass
Scioto Red: The combination between the Niagara and Concord grapes, this wine is described as a “sweet red wine that is light, fruity and aromatic”; Two sweet grapes that make the perfect combination that we enjoyed so much we picked up a couple of bottles. 4% RS; $13 bottle $6 glass
Cranberry: Described as “tart and sweet with the aromas of pure cranberry juice”, this wine also ranks high on my list; 8$ RS, $18 bottle $6 glass
Seyval Blanc: This would have been my second choice for wine as I really liked this one. It had a butterscotch smell and a smooth flavor; The winery labels this one as a “semi-sweet wine with hints of apple and pear.” 4% RS; $14 bottle, $6 glass
Dessert Wine, Red Tail: This is such a fabulous wine, and sampling it with a piece of dark chocolate made it even more enjoyable. A “port style wine made from the Rougeon and St. Vincent Grapes; bottled in 500 ml bottles [this is] a perfect wine in front of the fire” 9% RS and 19% ABV $18 bottle, $8 glass
Our final sample was the raspberry wine which really does taste like raspberry jam and has a high acidity.

There were so many great choices of wine, and Plum Run will soon be offering Chilean Chardonnay and Chilean Malbec. My favorite wine choice for this visit was the Red Tail Dessert Wine, so I stopped by the grocery store for some dark chocolate to pair with this smooth delicious port.

Having opened in 2012, Plum Run Winery had recently added the rustic seating area to their tasting room. With elegantly exposed brick walls, highlighted with thick wooden counters, the new stylish space adds a level of country sophistication to the wine tasting experience. My favorite addition was the barnyard siding windows and added counter space.

Dave Crosby and his wife Diane, are owners of Plum Run Winery and have been making delicious wines for over 30 years. Dave is well-known in Grove City because he taught school before opening the winery. In addition to wines, Dave has also created Dave’s Gold Apples, a hard apple cider which is delightfully refreshing.

The winery hosts a number of events over the summer, such as music on Fridays and Saturdays. The second Tuesday, they host a Wine and Canvas event, while every third Saturday is Wine and Yoga. There is plenty of space to bring your event to the winery should you choose to host a Pampered Chef, Tupperware Party, etc. And to confirm such events, make sure you visit their Facebook Page, Grove City Brewing Company to confirm the dates and times. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter which lists the entertainment for the month and soon their website page will be up and running.

There is plenty of seating to accommodate close to forty visitors indoors as well as forty outdoors on their patio, which is only open during the summer season.

Plum Run Winery is a vendor at the Grove City Wine and Arts Festival where fifteen to twenty wineries are represented. The festivities take place over the weekend of Father’s Day with an entry fee of $20 to include a souvenir glass as well as a set number of tickets to purchase wine. The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference, scheduled in winter is another venue that the winery attends.

There is some exciting news from Plum Run Winery with their announcement to open Grove City Brewery scheduled for late June. A former brew master from Buckeye Lake Brewery will be heading up the craft beer creations, so it is sure to be a success.

Have you sampled the wines at Plum Run Winery or have a favorite Ohio winery that you like to frequent? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the in the comments below. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Plum Run Winery
3946 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 991 0338

Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 10 PM on Tuesday – Thursday, 11 AM to 12AM on Friday and Saturday and from 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and for a list of entertainment.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, patio seating, Grove City Brewing Company, wine, beer
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City
4109 Parkway Centre Drive
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 875 7000

Where to Eat:

Michael’s Hibachi
3985 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 317 7828

I had not visited a hibachi in such a long time that I was super excited to order some Japanese cuisine. I started out with the Spider Roll and then ordered the Steak and Shrimp hibachi with a glass of wine.

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

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

Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

19 March 201531 August 2024

There was a dead quiet as I approached the trail head for the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail. I had just completed the two and a half mile Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail and was ready to tackle the three mile hike through the gorge. Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park near Athens, Ohio with some of the best hiking in Ohio.

The temperatures had been below freezing for several days. While the gorge sheltered me from the cold winds from the rim, the wintry conditions within the crevices and caves protected the spectacular frozen waterfall formations.

Looking up from the gorge trail, I noticed the path I had just taken along the rim. As I took a moment in search of a hiker or two along the edge, I became more aware of the tall, still trees and the outcropping of rocks.

Through the trees there were several small crevices that were not reachable from the path. Escaping the cold, I wondered what animals could be hibernaring inside of them.

I passed a cave-like structure of sandstone to my right and then climbed the stairs to explore the beautiful colors and pitted markings unique to each of the rocks.

Looking up into the rock formations, the porous sandstone seemed to make a great home for insects.

Ice Formations

Several frozen water features seemed to be growing up from the rocks below.

One of the largest frozen waterfalls along the trail.

I enjoyed finding images in the rock formations.

The scenic views of hiking

Exposed root systems

What a spectacular sight

I looked up towards the sky one last time making my way back to the trailhead. I was reminded of the beauty of winter hikes and the unique features of the gorge. Considered a favorite of many, I have always made a stop along the gorge and the rim during my visits to Hocking Hills State Park.

The trail took nearly an hour to complete and I was ready to move on to Old Man’s Cave. What a great start to a beautiful day of hiking.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail? I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Rd.
Rockbridge, OH 43149
Telephone: 614 265 6561

Admission Fee: Free. All state parks in Ohio are free.
Hours: Open daily and closes at dark.
Tips for Your Visit: While there are no campsites nor lodges, cottages and cabins. There are several local business that offer these services. Stay on the trails to ensure you do not become lost. Wear appropriate hiking shoes/comfortable shoes for hiking. While dog are permitted at the park they are not allowed in the state nature preserves such as Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge.

Where to Stay:

Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp
23937 Big Pine Road
South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Telephone: 740 478 2520

While I usually stay with my sister and her family in nearby Athens, I learned about Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp for a local friend. This property offers gorgeous luxury cabins as well as campsites and is perfect for visitors bringing their horses for trailriding.

Where to Eat:

Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 589 3714

If you visit the park on a Saturday, take time to enjoy brunch at the OU Inn.

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

Rockland, Maine: Kayaking out to Owl Island Lighthouse

12 March 201531 August 2024

When I learned I would be attending a pharmaceutical conference in Boston, I called my friend Kristen to see if she wanted to meet me in Mass. Instead, she graciously invited me to their beautiful home in Rockland, Maine for the rest of the weekend. They were preparing to move to Chicago and asked if I would be interested in a day of kayaking and sightseeing. I couldn’t turn down this amazing opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, so I added a couple of days to my business trip.

The exhibit lasted a couple of days and soon I was taking I-95 north to US-1. I began the three hour drive making a stop in New Hampshire (no tax for alcohol) and soon arrived on the Penobscot Bay.

Waking early, we ate a robust breakfast and loaded up the kayaks. As we made the short drive to the harbor, I took in the gorgeous scenery along the coast. The sunny weather and mild breeze made it the perfect day for exploring the bay and Rockland Harbor.

The water was as smooth as glass when we paddled out towards the Atlantic. Passing the sailboats in the harbor, the sounds of sea gulls could be heard in the distance. We continued paddling as our route hugged the shore and I couldn’t wait to reach the lighthouse.

The peninsula was covered in pine trees and small islands of beachrock emerged from the Atlantic to offer a resting place for a siege of herons. They hardly noticed us as we quietly sailed past them.

The stroke of the oars brought us closer to the peninsula where the Owls Head Lighthouse came into view. With its stubby base, this gorgeous light stands 80 feet along Midcoast Maine.

Standing along the edge of Owls Head, the lighthouse was first built in 1825. South of Rockland, the light aided sailors with navigation along the shores of Penobscot Bay.

Consisting of the lighthouse and keeper’s house, Owls Head sits along a rocky outcropping. It was said that the former light keeper’s dog, Spot had been trained to pull the rope on the station’s fog bell and bark to keep passing boats from running aground,

Panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands are worth a visit to Owls Head Lighthouse, especially during the early morning sunrise.

It was a spectacular day to kayak the Atlantic off the coast of Maine. Once we returned to Rockland, we would prepare for dinner at one of the local lobster stands. For seven or eight dollars per pound, we were sure to enjoy our fresh catch of the day.

Have you visited Owls Head Lighthouse or kayaked around the area? Let me know about your experience with a quick not in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my amazing kayaking excursion and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Owls Head Lighthouse
186 Lighthouse Road
Owls Head, ME 04854
Telephone: 207 594 4174

Admission Fee: Lighthouse Climbing Tours: From Memorial Day to Columbus Day; Free, donation of $3 suggested
Hours: Monday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4PM
Scenic View: The view from the top of the stairs is stunning.
Length of the Tour: ½ hour to 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs of the lighthouse.

Where to Stay:

Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
886 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME 04856
Telephone: 800 589 4009

Where to Eat:

The Lobster Shack
346 Main Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Telephone: 207 390 0102

What to Eat:

Blueberries
Clams
Corned Hake – a meal made of salted pork with potatoes, onion and vinegar
Crab
New England Clambake
Crab Cakes
Fiddleheads – a fern that grows near fresh bodies of water
Lobster
Lobster Rolls
Maple Syrup
New England Chowder
Ramps – wild leaks that grown near fresh bodies of water

Books to Read:

- Bull Mountain, by Brian Panowich
- That Camden Summer, by LaVyrie Spencer
- The Poacher’s Son, by Paul Doiron
- High Tide at Noon, by Elisabeth Ogilvie
- A Seal Called Andre: the Two Worlds of a Maine Harbor Seal, by Harry Goodridge

Photo Guide for Owl Harbor, Maine and surrounding area:

The View from Owl Harbor lighthouse
Windjammer on Penobscot Bay

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

Mardi Gras: Let the Good Times Roll

5 March 201531 August 2024

Having spent the month exploring the beaches of Costa Rica, I decided to meet some of my best friends in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festivities. It had been a few years since my last visit while working for the cruise lines, so I was looking forward to experiencing one of NOLA’s most famous festivals, watching the parades and revisiting the city I had loved so much.

The Mardi Gras celebration is most known for its flamboyant festivities throughout the world. Starting as an ancient pagan holiday in Rome, many other European countries followed suit, observing the annual event which continues to this day.

The timing of the holiday coincided with the knighting ceremonies of the medieval times where extravagant feasts would follow. It was during this time that small gifts such as coins would be given to the poor of the kingdom. The tradition continues as doubloons are tossed into the crowd from parade floats and the feasting on colorful King Cakes.

While Mardi Gras was influenced by the Roman festival, it was also a religious celebration as well. In some European countries, this day is known as Shrove Tuesday. Festivities and parties are actually halted on this Tuesday providing an opportunity for Christians to atone for their sins, confessing in preparation for the Lent season. Shrove, comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to confess”.

So how do all of the extraordinary costumes and masks play into the celebration of Mardi Gras? Since the celebration prohibited activities in which one would “delight oneself”, this not only included eating, but other activities which would have been highly forbidden for religious reasons. Therefore, for those who insisted on reveling in those restricted pleasures, they found a way to wear costumes to indulge but remain unidentified by the wearing of masks.

New Orleans has made this celebration most famous. From parades, to parties, the wearing of beads and costumes, the multi-day event that starts January 6^th until midnight of Fat Tuesday, takes place primarily in the French Quarter. At the close of the festivities, there is a meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus which takes place at the Ball of the Mystick Krewe of Comus. First celebrated here in 1699, the Mardi Gras festivities have been embraced by the Louisianans and were given its own tradition. It is not uncommon to see banners, beads, floats and costumes in the traditional colors of purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power).

The parades are over the top and have themes for various aspects of the history of Mardi Gras as well as social organizations (called Krewes) that continue on the tradition to this day. The floats are lavishly decorated and manned by prestigious members of the Krewe where they throw out beads, candy and doubloons to bystanders. The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans is said to have begun in 1837. Some of the oldest known organizations that participate in the parade events are Comus, Momus, Original Illinois Club, Proteus and Twelfth Night Revelers. But it is the Rex, King of Carnival that has been around the longest and is the most popular of all of the organizations,

Other Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the world. For Brazil, the event is known as Carnivale and is the country’s most important holiday of the year. And it is Rio de Janeiro that is credited as having the largest carnival celebration where over 2 million people from all over the world come to participate in the event. In Belgium, it is the Carnival of Binche, one of the most important celebrations in their country as well, lasting from dawn until dusk with the playing of traditional carnival songs. In some countries such as Germany, there are additional festivities such as “Pancake Day” where the tossing of pancakes and pancake races which continue today. There is also “Fat Thursday”, the day in which all of the lard that was stored up for the winter must be consumed. The start of Germany’s carnival season is November 11^th at 11:11am.

And of course there is Italy, the birthplace of Carnival celebrations, stemming from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the Roman god, Lupercus. Venice is the most known of the cities where the celebrating of Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday) occurs, but there are other festivities that take place in cities such as Viareggio and Ivrea.

So if you have the opportunity to attend a Mardi Gras celebration, whether in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro or where it all began in Italy, just take in the festivities, the parades and as they say in Louisiana, Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

I would love to hear about your Mardi Gras experience whether you have traveled to some of the top locations to celebrate or if you have your own Mardi Gras party each year! Tell me all about it by leaving a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my past visit to New Orleans and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Mardi Gras (official website)

Spanish Plaza
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France (also known as St. Louis Cathedral)
615 Pere Antoine Alley
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 525 9585

Admission Fee: Free, with the option to leave a donation
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM with daily mass held at 12:05PM.
Amenities: Gift shop, can light candles for a charge of $2,
Guided Tours and Informational Booklets: Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation. Guides are available for groups with a prior reservation.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: The cathedral may be closed on Saturdays due to weddings, so check their website to inquire if a wedding is on the schedule. Please respect fellow visitors who may be entering the cathedral for prayer and refrain from taking photos during mass.

Where to Shop:

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
500 Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70130
Telephone: 504 522 1555

Open: Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 9PM; Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

French Market
700 – 1010 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 522 2621

Hours: The market is open daily from 9AM to 6PM. The Farmer’s Market is open from 10AM to 6PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Amenities: Shopping, food, crafts bazaar, flea market and live entertainment
Length of Time to Spend at The French Market: 2 – 3 hours

Where to Stay:

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 Saint Louis St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Toll Free Number: 866 538 9295

This hotel is located in the middle of all of the action in New Orleans! It is an absolutely beautiful property with a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and balconies with a street view!

Where to Eat:

Acme Oyster Bar – affordable seafood!
735 Iberville Street
Telephone: 504 522 5973

Try the oysters or a local po-boy sandwich or if you have a bigger appetite, the New Orleans Medley allows you to try a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage.

Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine since 1956
417 Royal Street
Telephone: 504 525 9711

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans not only because the food is so fabulous but its courtyard and patio are picturesque and remind me of dining at a southern plantation. During a recent visit, I ordered the Roasted Oysters prepared with smoked chili butter and a manchego cheese crust. For my entree, I decided to order a selection from the starters section and could not wait to try the New Orleans BBQ Lobster. The wine list is extensive with over 30,000 bottles on site! We ordered a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello. Save some room for their signature dessert which is the Bananas Foster and is world-renowned!

Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet, expensive
613 Royal Street
Telephone: 504 522 7261

Once a home for a Louisiana governor, this restaurant is one of the most accommodating eateries in New Orleans with four dining rooms and a French menu to die for. David had been begging me to try the Turtle Soup and it seemed as though every restaurant we visited, it was on the menu. I started out with the Turtle Soup Au Sherry, which was actually quite good, but I will probably not order it again. At least I can say I tried it and I hope he doesn’t encourage me to try the Frog Legs! For my main entree, I could not pass up the Vegetarian Lasagna to save some room for the Creme Brulee!

Commander’s Palace, Creole and Jazz brunch buffet
1403 Washington Avenue
Telephone: 504 899 8221

A New Orleans landmark, this restaurant is the epitome of Creole and Louisiana cuisine! It is here that I first experienced Creole gumbo and Crawfish. Note that there is a dress code for Commander’s Palace.

Many people visit New Orleans to experience Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants and here are the links to these wonderful establishments as well! I have not had the pleasure of visiting his restaurants as they are usually booked far in advance! It is best to call ahead for reservations!

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
Telephone: 504 522 6652

Meril
424 Girod Street
Telephone: 504 526 3745

Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupioulas Street
Telephone: 504 528 9393

Emeril’s Delmonico
1300 St. Charles Avenue
Telephone: 504 525 4937

What to Eat:

Crawfish Etoufee – shellfish over rice, using a technique called “smothering”
Andouille Gumbo – a stew consisting of a strong-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a roux, celery, bell peppers and onions. Andouille is a type of spicy sausage usually included in gumbo.
Jambalaya– a dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice
Beignets – fried fritters, sometimes filled with fruit and topped with confectioner’s sugar
Zapp’s Potato Chips!– a thick cut, kettle style potato chip that includes cajun and creole spices. My favorite flavor is the spicy cajun crawtators!

Where to Drink:

Pat O’Brien’s Bar
718 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Telephone: 504 525 4823

Hours: The bar opens daily from noon; the piano lounge show typically begins at 6PM and the courtyard is available from 11AM; The kitchen is open until 10PM.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar and live entertainment
Tips for Your Visit: Try Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, The Hurricane. Additional specialty drinks on the menu include The Cyclone, Bloody Mary, Pat O’s Lemonade, Mint Julep, Skylab, Rainbow, Pat O’s Rainstorm, Category 5 Margarita, Fuzzy Leprechaun. For a small fee you can keep the souvenir cup, which your server will carefully wrap up for you. The piano bar is extremely fun to sing along with the dueling pianos and check out the flaming fountain at night, which is absolutely spectacular!

What to Read:

New Orleans, DK Eyewitness Travel, by Marilyn Wood
A Street Car Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story, by Miriam C. Davis
Voodoo Dreams, by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

Mardi Gras is an amazing time to take photos for the floats, people, decorations, etc.
French Quarter: The architecture is absolutely stunning, so look for the Creole houses with wrought-iron balconies. Some of the most beautiful buildings in the Quarter include St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, as well as the Cabildo.
Jackson Square: The square is located in front of St. Louis Cathedral and was once the location for public execution. Today, there are musicians and tarot card readers that provide local entertainment and are accustomed to photographers shooting their pics.
Food photos are a must in New Orleans, so order a muffaletta, beignet or plate of oysters and shoot away.
Garden District: With million dollar homes lining the street of St. Charles, you will want to hop on the streetcar to explore these amazing homes and their spectacular architecture.
Cemeteries of New Orleans: While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to some of the most famous mausoleums and interesting history, there are several cemeteries which are also accessible by tour. These cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, Metairie Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Charity Hospital and Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery.
Frenchmen Street is the new Bourbon Street just across the esplanade from the French Quarter. A safe option for exploring New Orleans at night, visitors can browse a local art market, listen to local music at one of the amazing clubs and explore the fabulous street art throughout this district.

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

26 February 201531 August 2024

Unique in the fact that Niagara Falls straddles two countries (the US and Canada), this lovely New York destination offers a wide range of activities including a state of the art aquarium and nearby wineries. But it is the magnificent waterfalls that have been bringing visitors to the area since the mid-19^th century.

Our family added the falls to its east coast vacation agenda as a stop on our way to Maine. Making a quick visit to the Official Visitor Center, we decided to purchase tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For a closer look at the falls, our voyage would take us around the Niagara River towards the magnificent Hurricane Deck where we could feel the exhilarating spray from the tons of water crashing down over the cliffs.

The thunderous sound of the falls greeted us as we approached the 400-acre state park. In the distance we could see the horse-powered. steel passenger boat ferrying its 600 guests. We were so excited to start the boarding process and put on our rain ponchos.

We found a spot on the upper deck for the best view and guarantee of becoming drenched by the waterfalls. The double-decker boat cruised towards the semicircular gorge where over 2.5 gallons of water flows per second. Flocks of seagulls and vibrant rainbows appeared as we sailed further into the mist.

The Maid pulled up to the stairs leading to the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds. As we exited the boat, we stood in awe of the spectacular waterfalls with a front row seat of Bridal Veil overwhelmed by its majestic force.

We had only a few moments to experience the whipping winds and back splash from the gorge before returning to the boat and completing our 20 minute ride. Drenched from head to toe, the sunshine felt amazing as we tried to dry ourselves before finding a restaurant for lunch. We agreed that a ride on the Maid of the Mist is an epic adventure for travelers to Niagara Falls and wondered why we had not done this before.

Have you visited Niagara Falls? Did you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my fun family visit to Niagara Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Niagara Falls State Park
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone: 716 278 1794

Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee but parking costs $8 to $10 depending on the parking lot.
Hours: Open all year
Amenities: Niagara shuttle, Top of the Falls restaurant, hiking, biking, souvenir shop, downloadable map from the app,
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the falls from various vantage points from the park.
Length of Visit: 1 – 3 hours, depending on which activities you select
Tips for Your Visit: Download the walking tour app to maximize your experience. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to explore the falls up close. Bring water during the summer if hiking.

Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone: 716 284 8897

Ticket Prices: $22.25 for adults, $13 for child ages 6 to 12,
Hours: Tours start each day at 9AM and depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Amenities: Rain poncho, wheelchair accessible, complimentary WiFi
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the falls from the boat and the Hurricane Deck
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to get wet on the boat ride.

Where to Stay:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls
643 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone: 716 970 4290

Where to Eat:

Top of the Falls Restaurant
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone: 716 278 1794

I couldn’t help myself and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wings as a starter and the Niagara Fish & Chips for my entree.

What to Eat:

Street cart Hot dogs
NY-style Pizza
NY-style Cheesecake
Baked Pretzels
Buffalo Chicken Wings

What to Read:

The Day the Falls Stood Still, by Cathy Marie Buchanan
The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Photo Guide for Niagara Falls:

- “Journey Behind Niagara Falls” platform
- The falls from the Maid of the Mist
- Horseshoe Falls tunnels
- Views of American Falls from the Canadian Side

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

Winter Olympic History at Lake Placid, NY

19 February 201531 August 2024

My brother, Mike had moved to Argyle, New York outside of Saratoga Springs, and my parents had planned a family vacation to visit him. On the road for 12 hours, we arrived at the charming dairy town, where my brother had been working with the Young Life organization. After a long day, we settled into Mike’s home, ordered a pizza from Squirt’s and turned in for the night.

Sleeping in after a long day of driving, we began our two hour drive towards Lake Placid located in the Adirondack region of New York. Known as the location of two winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is best visited during the fall. We had arrived just in time to watch the changing of the leaves and the beautiful early fall sunsets.

What I remember most about Lake Placid was that it was the location where the United States hockey team took home the gold medal in 1980. I had a huge crush on goalie Jim Craig and sat on the edge of the couch as Eric Heiden took home five gold medals for speed skating. Visiting the location where it all took place was super exciting as it brought back such awesome childhood memories.

As we approached the Olympic grounds, we could see the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Compound where the 90 meter and 120 meter jumps towered over the simple country roads. Once home to the Lake Placid Club, this was the location of the area’s first ski jump built in 1920. With funds to improve the jump towers, the complex will be ready to host several major games over the next few years.

Another highlight of my day in Lake Placid was a stop at the Olympic Sports Complex. I was hoping to book the Bobsled Experience, but it was closed for the season. The track, close to a half mile long, races up to 55 miles per hour. In addition to the experience, thrill seekers will also receive a complimentary photo, a t-shirt and discount on an upcoming session.

We continued our exploration of Lake Placid by driving the country roads towards Saranac Lake. The fall colors were in their early stages of changing color and the air was crisp. It was the perfect day for checking out the Adirondacks.

Have you visited Lake Placid or have a favorite village in the Adirondacks? I would love to hear about your experience, recommendations or best of list if you would leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my amazing time in Lake Placid and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Lake Placid Olympic Center
2634 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY
Telephone: 518 523 1655

Where to Stay:

Adirondack Vacation Rentals
Telephone: 518 524 7335

Where to Eat:

Whiteface Lodge
7 Whiteface Lane
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Telephone: 518 523 0505

Check out Kanu for its exquisite dining overlooking the Adirondacks.

What to Eat and/or Drink:

- Adirondack Seltzer
- Beef on Weck Sandwich: Roast beef and grated horseradish on a kimmelweck roll (seasoned with caraway seeds and coarse salt)
- Boston Shake is a milkshake with a sundae on top
- Chicken Riggies: a dish made of rigatoni, chicken, hot and sweet peppers, covered in a tomato cream sauce
- Croghan Balogna: smoked beef links
- Garbage Plate: a combination of macaroni salad (or baked beans), fried potatoes, meat (such as beef, hot dogs, fried fish),
- Grape Pie (in the Finger Lakes region)
- Jell-O
- Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry or PJ’s Crystal Beach: non-carbonated and carbonated drinks
- Michigans: a hot dog smothered in meat sauce
- Peppermint Pigs
- Saratoga Chips
- Thousand Island Dressing

What to Read:

Dancehall, by Bernard P. Conners
Wild Fire, by Nelson DeMille
Mountain Shadows, by Patricia Reiss
Adirondack Mysteries & Other Mountain Tales by Dennis Webster

Photo Guide for Lake Placid:

The summit of Cat Mountain for a view of Lake George
Schroon Manor State Campground for views of Schroon Lake
Copeland Covered Bridge
Moose River for morning and evening photos
Bog River Falls for cascading waterfall

Imitating the Napoleon Dynamite movie