Category Archives: Ohio

Visiting Clifton Mill for Dessert with a Scenic View

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Growing up in nearby Springfield, I have some great childhood memories of visiting Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show during the Christmas Holiday.  I decided to visit during the fall to explore this unique flour mill and to enjoya piece of their delicious pie.

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Tucked away in the little town of Clifton, Ohio, the mill is one of the largest remaining grist mills in the United States.  It is powered by water with the help of a 20 foot water wheel, located along the outer banks of the Little Miami River.

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Approaching the mill, I took a quick peek inside to see one of the seven floors used for making flour.

Just a close walk on the left side of the mill is the restaurant offering scenic views of the Little Miami River and the water wheel.  Greeted by a friendly server, I was escorted to a sought-after window seat and handed a menu with a selection of pies.

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With so many made-from-scratch options, I decided on the chocolate pecan pie.  Sinfully decadent, this slice had a flaky crust topped with chocolate and pecans and lived up to my expectations.  I thoroughly enjoyed every last bite.  If I would have arrived sooner, I would have been tempted by their famous pancakes which are also one of the restaurant’s specialities.    IMG_8350

The gift shop is located next to the restaurant and offers flour from its mill as well as a wide variety of country-style gifts and food times such as preserves, sauces and dips.

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I was happy to find a two pound bag of apple cinnamon pancake mix and would make them for the brunch I was hosting the next weekend.

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Settled in the year 1802, Clifton is a small town with a population of 150.  There are several historical buildings within the city that are worth checking out as well.  I am deeply grateful for the Satariano family for their passion in preserving the mill back in 1987 and their yearly display of holiday lights that bring thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Have you had the opportunity of having a meal at Clifton Mill or visited during the holidays for the lights?  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 afternoon dessert stop and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st.  Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge!  Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

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

Check out my write up on the holiday lights to experience the tradition of Clifton Mill that brings so much joy during the holiday season.  I hope you make it a family tradition for you and your family.

A Mocha Moment at Coffee Expressions

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I spent the day with my brother and his family in my hometown of Springfield, Ohio.  It was early in the morning so I found a cute little coffee shop to catch up on my latest issue of Ohio Magazine and to check my emails.   Once I walked through the door, I was greeted by a charming barista, surrounded by the amazing scent of coffee.

I ordered my café mocha with skim milk looking forward to the whipped cream and chocolate syrup.  I found a nice warm spot in the sun, opened my magazine and listed the events I wanted to attend the next month.  The atmosphere soon began to pick up as the local regulars lined up to place their order before starting workday.

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Behind the counter is one of the friendliest baristas I have ever met.  She greeted each visitor by name and confirmed their orders  before reaching the register.  She discussed with them their upcoming vacations and inquired about their families.  She kindly carried on conversations with her regulars while carefully making their orders as I watched the large group that had formed only minutes ago finally disappear in a matter of minutes.

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I was distracted at times by the early morning news but couldn’t help but eavesdrop on all of the interesting conversations.  As each patron exited the door, the line continued to grow until about 8:30 AM and then the barista cleaned the machines in preparation for the next coffee rush wish shortly arrived before 9.

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What I really admired about Coffee Expressions, is that in addition to the café mocha, they also provide visitors with free Wifi.   I am always looking for a spot to catch up on my travel research and enjoy the convenience of connecting online.

There is a great selection of tables, chairs and comfortable couches for catching up on the latest news or relaxing with a cup of coffee.  I also noticed a small retail area where handcrafted coffees, travel mugs and a selection of oats were available for breakfast.

I flipped to the last page of my magazine while taking my last drink of coffee and while I gathered my belongings, the friendly barista bids me farewell by name.  I smiled and wished her a great day, wondering if she would remember me and my order on my return visit.  I wouldn’t be surprised.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop that you frequent in the morning?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Coffee Expressions
1111 N. Plum Street, Suite 1
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone: 937 323 5282

From Monday through Friday, Coffee Expressions is open from 6:05AM until 8PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8AM to 8PM.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Mike and Rosie’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone:  937 390 3511

Hands down, my favorite menu item and Mike and Rosie’s is their Reuben Sandwich…don’t forget to add the chips and pickle!

 

Chestnut Ridge and the Albino Squirrel

It was a mild March day in southeast Ohio as I was halfway through my drive to Athens.  I wanted to stretch out my legs and took a short detour off of US33 to hike the homestead trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.

In the early 1900s, this Appalachian mountain ridgeline was once home to the American Chestnut tree.  Over the years, this species has nearly disappeared due to an Asian fungus that took out nearly three billion trees.

Shortly into my hike, I approached remnants of the former settlement that was built here around 1936.

The park is abundant with Blackhand sandstone and was hewn to help create the nearby canals in the early 1800s.  This land is said to have been second homes from nearby residents of Columbus, one of which was Dr. Edward E. Campbell.  Named Far View Farm, not much remains of the house except for its foundation.

In addition to spectacular views of the valleys, the area was a perfect location for planting fruit and nut bearing trees, gardens and vines.  Ohio’s state native fruit, the PawPaw can also be found here.

I continued along the trail which began to grow thick with oak, hickory and ash trees providing the perfect home for wildlife.  

Walking along the boardwalk, I happened to notice a white furry animal scurry along a group of fallen down trees.  I followed it for about five minutes when it reappeared standing still in its tracks.  I was so excited to realize that it was an albino squirrel.  I was even more excited when I realized I was close enough to photograph him.

In addition to the walkway, there are a couple of viewing platforms – one for taking in the Columbus skyline.

Before the trail reached the parking lot, I once again noticed another albino squirrel.  Again, taken by surprise, I had to photograph him.   Could this possibly be the same squirrel?

I had shortly reached the parking lot and the park ranger just happened to have been parked there as well.  To answer my question, I approached him to ask about the albino squirrel.  I was surprised when he confirmed that there were a total of three albino squirrels at Chestnut Ridge.

So while I was not able to find an American Chestnut tree, there was no shortage of albino squirrels.

What to See and What to Do:

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
8845 Winchester Road, NW
Carroll, OH  43112
Telephone: +614 208 4298

  • Admission Fee:  There is no admission fee.
  • Hours:  The park is open each day from 6:30AM to 9PM (April 1 – September 30) and from 6:30AM to dark  (October 1 – March 31)
  • Scenic View:  The valleys and hills of the Appalachians, bird watching and scenic view of the Columbus skyline.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Look for albino squirrels at this park.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Canal Winchester
700 W Waterloo Street
Canal Winchester, OH  43110
Telephone: +614 953 2204

Where to Eat:

Canal Wigwam
4 South High Street
Canal Winchester, OH  43110
Telephone:  +614  837 0202

This eatery has been serving homestyle food since 1899.  Check out their daily specials.  My favorite was the Chicken Noodles over mashed potatoes.

What to Read: 

  • Chestnut Ridge website
  • Chestnut Ridge Trail Map
  • Chestnut Ridge MetroPark Events Calendar
  • TrekOhio:  An Overview of Hiking Trails in Fairfield County
  • TrekOhio:  Fairfield County Parks and Nature Preserves
  • American Chestnut, by Wikipedia
  • ABC News: Reviving the Chestnut Tree
  • American Chestnut Restoration Project, by US Forest Service
  • American Chestnut Seedling,  by the US Army Environmental Command

A Taste of Cuba at The Starliner Diner, Hilliard, Ohio

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I won’t claim to be an expert on Cuban food, but having lived in Tampa for several years, I’ve have had my share of Cuban sandwiches at Hugos and La Terasita’s served with a side of black beans and rice.   So when a friend suggested I try Starliner Diner in Hilliard, Ohio, I was curious to see if they could compare to the authentic dishes I truly missed.

When I arrived at the café on Cemetery Road, I quickly learned (from my friends at Destination Hilliard and the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce) that the restaurant had outgrown its space and had relocated to nearby Main Street in Old Hilliard.

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As soon as I entered the restaurant, I briefly felt as though I was back in Florida with the colorful rooms and mounted fish on the walls.  Transported to the tropics without the beach, I was escorted to the main dining room sitting next to a huge mural of the sun.  The extensive menu was full of amazing Caribbean dishes to include appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and supper dishes.

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In addition, I was provided a handwritten page of specials for the day, but I already knew what I would be ordering….the Media Noche (Cuban Sandwich) with the fried plantains.

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When my meal arrived, my mouth was watering from the sweet aroma of the plantains and the delicious smell of ham and Swiss.  My sandwich was perfectly pressed and I was  ready to take my first bite.  Ahhh…I had been waiting for this moment and I was not disappointed.  This Cuban was a perfect blend of marinated pork and ham, Swiss cheese, a hint of mustard and pickles.  It tasted as authentic as if I had just ordered it from a roadside food stall in Cuba.  The plantains were fried to perfection with a mild taste of sweetness and I love the caramelized texture of this delectable side dish.

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The Starliner Diner rates high on my list of restaurants to visit in Hilliard and I wish them nothing but success with its new location.  I am already checking my calendar to make plans to visit for the Chiles Rellenos,

Have you had the opportunity to visit Starliner Diner?  I would love to hear what you like to order if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Many thanks for reading my post and I hope you continue to follow my journey as I explore my home state of Ohio and beyond.

Where to Eat:

Starliner Diner
4121 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio  43026
Telephone:  614 529 1198

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

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 Cincinnati Skyline as Seen from Kentucky’s Devou Park

I was meeting some friends at Willie’s Sports Cafe and with some time to spare, drove up to the Devou Memorial Park.  I had read several articles that mentioned the view of Cincinnati’s skyline from here was breathtaking, so I wanted to see it for myself.

Devou is easy to access by driving across the Ohio River on I-75 / I-71.  Take exit 191 toward Pike Street into Covington.  Turn right on Pike Street then right onto Lewis Street.  A slight right onto Montague Road and a left turn onto Golfview Road will bring you to the Devou Golf & Event Center on your right.

A hidden gem of over 700 acres, Devou Park provides a panoramic view of downtown Cincinnati from its Memorial Overlook.  The largest park in Covington, Devou’s 18-hole golf course, biking trails, playgrounds and picnic shelter offers plenty of outdoor activities.

The park is named for William P. Devou, Senior and his wife Sarah who had once owned most of the acreage which was once their family farm.  The land was donated to the city of Covington and was designated a park in 1910.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Devou Memorial Park and take in the fascinating Cincinnati skyline?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Devou Memorial Park
790 Park Lane
Covington, KY  41011
Telephone:   859 292 2160

Where to Stay:

Hotel Covington
638 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY  41011
Telephone:  858 905 6600

Where to Eat:

Otto’s On Main
521 Main Street
Covington, KY  41011
Telephone:  859 491 6678

What to Eat:

  • Benedictine is a spread made of cucumber and cream cheese.  It is also used as a salad dressing
  • Derby Pie is a chocolatey walnut pie with a pastry dough crust.
  • The Hot Brown – First created in Louisville’s Brown Hotel, it is an open-faced sandwich with bread and turkey, drowned in a cheesy sauce, topped with bacon and tomato and broiled
  • Rolled Oyster were first invented by Italian immigrant, Phillip Mazzoni in the late 19th century.  They are made by taking large oysters, dipped in breading in fried.
  • Spoonbread – A Berea classic, this corn souffle dates back to 1847.

What to Read:

  • Lost, Northern Kentucky, by Robert Schrage and David Schroeder
  • The Beverly Hills Supper Club: The Untold Story of Kentucky’s Worst Tragedy, by Robert Webster, David Brock and Tom McConaughy

Kinkead Ridge Winery and Its Bright Future

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Located in downtown Ripley, Kinkead Ridge Winery is an urban winery that has been producing exceptional wines over the last few years.  I had the opportunity to meet the new owners, Dr. Don Bowers and his wife Anna Marie, during a wine event over the Memorial Day weekend.

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Dr. Bowers provided me a list of his wines that included a detailed description.  I began my tasting with the 2014 Lowell Marie Pinot Gris.  “A nose of pear and melon is followed by a hint of fruity sweetness blending melon and pears with a rapidly developed crispness and a late burst of citrus rinds.  The finish brings to mind Meyer lemon and shows a light minerality.  A fine partner with hors d’oeuvres and milder cheeses, this wine will compliment seafood, white fish and mild chicken dishes.  Serve chilled.”

The 2015 Lowell Marie Viognier Roussanne “opens with sweet white blossoms on the nose with a hint of honey.  The style is off dry with pineapple and apple flavors from the Viognier (grapes) and mild citrus form the Roussanne (grapes). A relaxing refreshment by the glass, it would be enhanced by sharp, dry cheeses and cured meats.  It will pair well with meals of chicken, veal or mild pork featuring creamy sauces and  with shellfish especially seared scallops.  The alcohol content is 15% while the residual sugar measures at 1.5%.  The wine is 70% Viognier and 30% Roussanne.”

The 2014 Roussanne Viognier seemed much sweeter than the Viognier Roussanne, which is the perfect wine for me as I am beginning to learn more about the drier white wines.  “This wine begins with orange blossom and flint of the nose revealing the Viognier.  The flavor is pineapple with hints of tobacco and a bracing mouthfeel.  The mixed herbal note and the distinct finish of lime zest gives voice to the Roussanne.  This Rhone style white wine will complement aromatic cheese and salami, sausage and specialty hams and will being a bracing crispness to rich chicken and veal dishes, enrich scallops, cream sauces and pasta with shellfish.”   A bottle of this wonderful wine is $14.99.

My last sample of white wine was the 2015 Lowell Marie Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.  “This nearly equally partnership of two classic Bordeaux white varieties starts with aromas of lemon and green apple notes.  Reflects a surprising smoothness that would enhance soft creamy cheeses, nuts and succulent cherries, figs or plums.  This full bodied wine complements oysters, prawns, clams, flaky white fish, grilled salmon or tuna as well as chicken or veil.   Serve gently chilled”, this bottle is available for $13.99 per bottle.  I am a huge fan of seafood, so I purchased a bottle so that I could try it with my favorite grilled salmon recipe.

The 2014 River Village Cellars Traminette is a semi-sweet “captures the sweet fragrances of warm evenings, of honeysuckle and wild rose, of water lilies and lavender.  …Like its parent, Gewurztraminer, this wine stands up to the fiery spices of Asian cuisine but this year’s vintage was a bit softer and sweeter for sipping…Serve chilled.”  I enjoyed the spicy aftertaste of this wine which comes from the flavors of nutmeg, rose and star anise.

Described as a “New World hybrid grape with a pronounced character reminiscent of Gewirtztraminer from Alsace”, this wine was made from Traminette grapes provided by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard  and has a very light flavor and fruity aroma.

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Before moving on to the red wines, I enjoyed sampled some of the complimentary cheese and crackers provided by the winery.  Since I love the dry reds, I was so excited to sample the Merlot, a 2014 Lowell Marie.  Described as “light bodied and immediately drinkable, it is an early release especially well-suited for refreshing summer drinks and Sangrias as it doesn’t overpower fresh fruits and takes will to a bit of sweetness  and sparkle.  It also complements lighter outdoor meals and picnics and could be lightly chilled.”  It is perfectly priced at $10.99 per bottle.

Kinkead Ridge’s 2013 River Village Cellars comes from the Chambourcin grapes also produced by McCafferty Bridge Vineyard.  It is “full-bodied, deep-colored with notes of cassis, berry fruit and plum.” This wine is perfectly paired with “beef, lamb wild game and richly flavored cheeses”. Barrel aged nine months, the retail bottle price for this wine is $11.99.  I enjoyed the taste of this wine and loved the aromas of stone fruit.

One of my favorite wines at Kinkead Ridge was the 2013 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot.  “Hand harvested…, this intensely-colored dark purple tannic complex wine displays a fragrant nose with tones of violet and leather.  Small-lot fermentations with hand punch-downs and classic small scale winemaking techniques were used to create this wine.  Aged in premium French and American oak, one can enjoy this wine with beef, lamb or wild game.  Tasting this wine will leave you wanting more!” A bottle of Petit Verdot can be purchased for $24.99 and is well worth the price.

Kinkead Ridge boasts two Cabernets and I enjoyed both of these wines immensely.  The Sauvignon is “hand-harvested…, this wine is dark ruby red, well structured, and complex displaying classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum and black cherry.  The process for creating this wine were similar to the winery’s Petit Verdot, also aged in premium French and American oak.”  This excellent wine has a lovely, smooth texture.

The Cabernet Franc, bottled in 2013 was also “hand-harvested…this wine’s fragrant aromas of violet and black cherry precede a taste of full-bodied, richly flavored complexity, with raspberry and spice overtones.”  This wine is perfect with “beef, turkey, pork and rich stews.”

During my visit, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of Kinkead Ridge’s Winery with new owner Dr. Don Bowers.  He is a medical doctor by trade and since I work in the pharmaceutical industry in research and development, I found the explanation of his wine-making techniques to be very interesting…after all, it is all about chemistry.  Dr. Bowers and his family are very involved in the day to day process of wine making.  Having purchased Kinkead Ridge, the established winery has a long list of venues where their wines can be purchased and the owners have  plans for expansion.  I look forward to visiting the winery again in the future and continue to follow the winery’s success.

Have you had the opportunity to try some of the fabulous wines produced by Kinkead Ridge Winery?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and your experience with the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

I would like to thank Dr. Don Bowers and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit!

What to See and What to Do:

Kinkead Ridge Winery
904 Hamburg Street
Ripley, Ohio   45167
Telephone:  216 551 9093

Where to Stay:

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat:

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 4819

Delicious burger with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

What to Read:

  • Ripley, Ohio It’s History and Families, by Eliese Bambach Stivers
  • Beyond the River: The Untold Stories of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Hagedorn
  • His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad, by John P. Parker

Ashville Viking Festival in Ohio

Searching for local festivals to attend in Ohio this year, I added the Ashville Viking Festival to my list.  I mean, who doesn’t want to watch grown men joust and eat turkey legs for the afternoon?

Nearly an hour’s drive from Columbus, I arrived in the afternoon, just in time for a joust.  Mesmerized by the costumes and incredibly large horses, I watched two men prepare to battle it out in their suits of armor and shields.

With the help of step stools, they mounted their horses and made their way to opposite ends of a long fence until given the signal to begin.  A loud whistle sounded and their horses rushed towards each other as the men positioned their jousts using their shields for protection.

As each rider approached each other, there was a loud sound as their jousts made contact with one another’s shields.  Luckily, they managed to stay on their horses reaching the opposite end of the fence.  They continued on with their duel for a few more runs and were ready to dismount and remove their armor.  I was happy to see that no one was hurt and went in search for lunch.

Several tents were set up with medieval merchandise and various food stalls as well.  From costumes for adults and children to commemorative items, it was the children that were having the most fun dressing up as knights.

The craftsmanship of the costumes was absolutely beautiful. With clothing made from leather and chains to t-shirts and kirtles and gowns, the items were exquisitely designed. Since shopping works up my appetite, it was time to go in search of lunch and with a cafeteria around the corner, I was looking forward to looking over the menu.

Luckily, I needn’t look much further for the turkey leg I had been craving since my arrival. Bon Appetit!

Have you visited the Ashville Viking Festival?  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 afternoon at one of Ohio’s many festivals and wishing you many Happy Travels!

You can find more information about the Ashville Viking Festival by contacting their website at https://ashvilleohvikingfestival.com/.

Catanzaro’s Pizzas and Subs for Old World Style Classics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited Fort Hill State Memorial?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my visit to Fort Hill and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

Known to have the best burgers in town.

What to Read: 

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

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

Update!  Vendor List Revised on August 13, 2018

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

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

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

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Slice of Heaven Bakery

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En.Jamb.Ment

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Davidson Family Growers

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Sobaby Jam Company

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Stevens Bakery and Orchard

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Robin’s Nest Granola

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Champion City Jam

Additional services and products were provided by:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

The Painted Pepper Food Truck
Telephone: 937 969 0877

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

More favorite Springfield eateries:

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

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

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