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Category Archives: Ohio

Ohio’s Amish Community: Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant

30 July 201716 September 2024

Settling into a cozy booth at Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant, I had worked up an appetite while shopping the local boutiques and waiting in line for twenty minutes for breakfast, but I knew it would be worth the wait since this is “where the locals eat”.

Before there was Boyd and Wurthmann, there was Hummel’s Market which operated from 1938 to 1945.  The market was purchased by Herman Wurthmann and Dayle Boyd and the converted the market into a restaurant in the 1950s specializing in Amish-style home cooking.

Browsing the menu, there was an endless selection of home cooked meals. From traditional breakfasts to meatloaf and mashed potatoes, it was possible I could spend another twenty minutes making my decision.

While I should have ordered a saIad, I finally selected the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich on homemade bread and a side of thick cut, deep-fried onion rings.  Within minutes, my meal appeared and I couldn’t wait to bite into my perfectly prepared sandwich.

Boyd and Wurthmann lives up to its reputation of serving delicious, traditional meals for over 75 years, and you will want to save room for one of their 15 to 20  homemade, freshly-baked pies.   But don’t take my word for it.  You should visit this amazing Amish restaurant in the heart of Berlin, Ohio and bring cash because they don’t accept credit or debit cards.

Thank you for reading about my visit to Boyd and Wurthmann’s in Ohio’s Amish community and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Restaurant Information:

Boyd and Wurthmann
4819 East Main Street
Berlin, OH  44610
Telephone:  330 893 4000

The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday from 5:30AM to 3:30PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:30AM to 7:30PM and closed on Sunday.

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Ohio’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Part II

23 July 201716 September 2024

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum was a beautiful way for me to spend a lovely fall afternoon.  Rolling hills, vast open spaces and sporadic woods total nearly 500 acres of canvas displaying over 80 contemporary works of art.

I have assembled a list of sculptures that cover the areas of the park’s North Woods, Central Valley and Overlook Hill as Part II of my visit.  In addition to the artwork, the Ancient Sculpture Museum showcases terra cotta sculptures and old coins, an Egyptian sarcophagus and several other displays within a 10,000 square foot space.  Check out my earlier post that covers the East Ridge of the park.

NORTH WOODS:

Extent / Clement Meadmore

Australian-born, Meadmore’s Extent was created from painted aluminum in 1981.

Ohio Star / Joel Perlman

New York native Perlman’s Ohio Star was commissioned by the park and stands 18 feet tall.  It is one of three of his sculptures displayed at the park.

Still Life / Ed Benevente

California sculptor Benevente claims that his work “is a product of the sum of my life experiences up to that point.”

Adam’s First Breath / Sam McKinney

McKinney’s Adam’s First Breath sculpture was created out of 1800 pounds of bronze.

Keepsake / Antoinete Prien Schultze

Made from granite and glass, Prien Schultze’s Keepsake is over 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Off Minor / Richard Heinrich

Heinrich’s work can be seen at various outdoor sculpture parks as well as galleries in both the United States and abroad.

Untitled / Ken Valmaki

Two Thumbs Up / Ed Casagrande

Ed Casagrande is a Cincinnatian known not only for his metal sculptures, but also his jewelry.

Untitled / John Leon

John Leon is a Cincinnati sculptor who also teaches and provides consulting services.   According to John’s website, the figure seated on the bench is Harry Wilks, the park’s founder.

CENTRAL VALLEY:

Laocoon / Alexander Liberman

Liberman’s Laocoon was constructed from wielded steel in 1982.

Tory’s Comet / Harry Gordon

Gordon first studied ceramics until working with Borias Blai in Philadelphia.

Sky Walk / Joel Perlman

Perlman has studied at Cornell University and continued his education in London and Berkeley.

Wherefore Art Thou / Sam McKinney

The second of McKinney’s pieces at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, he has been a freelance painter and sculptor over 30 years.

Abracadabra / Alexander Liberman

Liberman’s Abracadabra was made of painted steel and created in 1992.

Pteasuaurus II / John Parker

Having attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, Parker has worked extensively with metal fabrication and welding.

Long Wall / Joel Perlman

The Cube / Tony Rosenthal

Rosenthal’s The Cube can also be seen in New York City and on the University of Michigan campus.

J.S. Bach’s Fugue #1 / Tony Rosenthal

White Face / Jon Isherwood

Restoration / Jim Agard

Agard’s restoration measures 10 and a half feet tall and 18 feet wide, constructed from steel.

Cincinnati Story / George Sugarman

Sugarman’s Cincinnati Story was commissioned by the Chiquita Corporation to be placed in front of their corporate offices.

Clash of Arms / Dan Kainz

Kainz, born to a family of stonecutters, spent many hours cutting stone, creating his first sculpture at the age of 9.

Serpentine Column / Christoph Spath

German-born Spath came to the US in 1982.  Serpentine Column is carved from African black granite and stands 126 feet tall, 32 feet wide and 16 feet deep.  Plate glass layers are enclosed in the center giving off a green tint.

Pier Portal / Barry Tinsley

Tinsley’s sculpture was created using steel and cast concrete.

This concludes my second post about my experience at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.  For more information about the park, check out my initial post which covers the East Ridge area of the property.

Photos cannot adequately describe my amazing experience exploring this phenomenal sculpture park and I highly recommend you visit in person.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum?  What was your favorite sculpture and why?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 868 1234

  • Admission Fee:   General admission to the park is $8 for general admission and $3 for children between the ages of 5 – 12.  Art cart rentals are available for $20 for the first hour and $15 per hour thereafter.  Members receive a discount of $15 for the first hour and $10 thereafter.
  • Hours:  From April  – October, the park is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM.  On Saturdays and Sundays they are open from 8AM to 5PM.   During the months from November to March they are open from 8 AM to 5PM seven days a week.  The museum is open from 12 to 5 PM year around.
  • Amenities:  Concerts in the Park, museum, Holiday Lights on the Hill and Annual Art Fair.
  • Length of Visit:   To visit all of the sculptures by car, give yourself at least a couple of hours.  If walking, you will need more time.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the park and museum’s website for upcoming events and the most up-to-date information. There are benefits of becoming a member and you can research this information on the parks website!

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton
1 Riverfront Plaza
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 896 6200

Where to Eat: 

Hyde’s Restaurant 
130 South Erie Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 892 1287

Serving the community since 1946, Hyde’s is an amazing restaurant to try some down home cooking.  I ordered the breaded cod sandwich with a side salad with ranch.  Should you visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum on a Thursday, save room for Peanut Butter Creme Pie.

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Exploring Hamilton, Ohio’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, East Ridge

16 July 201716 September 2024

Opening in the spring of 1996, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum was once the home and property of Harry T. Wilks.  Wilks dedicated this piece of land for the artistic display of larger than life sculptures.  Within a year, the popularity of the park led to the facility’s expansion offering Concerts in the Park, Holiday Lights on the Hill and an annual Art Fair, which has attracted over 100 vendors.

Out of curiosity, I spent a beautiful fall afternoon to walk the park’s paved trails and to explore the large scale works of art on display.  Here is Part One of my visit to include an overview of the fascinating East Ridge display area.  Stay tuned for an additional post that covers the North Woods, Central Valley and Overlook Hill.

Phase I, Harold Betz

This was the first sculpture installed in the park.  Harold Betz owned a metal business in Hamilton, OH.

Torre II, Alexander Liberman

Alexander Liberman has three sculptures on display at the park.

The Gates / John Hock

Located in front of the gift shop, this  sculpture is made  from painted steel, stained and then waxed.

Triumph / Michael Tearney

A trained artist, Tearney’s education was augmented by his working with welding supply companies.

The Bench / Tony Rosenthal

Rosenthal’s Coriolis (Bench) Sculpture won him the 1997 Pyramid Hill Bench competition.

Jonah’s Passage / Jon Isherwood

Located near the amphitheater, Isherwood’s Jonah’s Passage is one of five sculptures the artist has on display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Age of Stone / Jon Isherwood

Nine pieces of granite comprise Isherwood’s masterpiece, “Age of Stone.”

Remembering / Jon Isherwood

Born in England, Isherwood studied under Anthony Caro, a leading sculptor over the past 30 years.

Strength of the Silent / Jon Isherwood

Untitled Bench / Jon Isherwood

Stan Thomson / Butterflies

Thomson is a local Cincinnati artist who also spends time in Naples, Florida.   One of many of his sculptures can also be seen at the Dayton International Airport.

Roxane / George Sugarman

Roxane is one of two Sugarman sculptures on display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Citizen / Walter Driesbach

Driesbach’s Citizen is a bronze casting created for a mold of the original walnut carving.

Dragonfly Dome / Voss Finn

Finn is a Cincinnati native who studied in New York.  His dragonfly dome was created from aluminum.

Trilogy / Obie Simonis

Simonis constructed the Trilogy sculpture from stainless steel and epoxy.

Paul / Martin Gantman

Gantman donated his winning entry for the Bench Competition 2000 to the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Melinda at the Beach / Bill Barrett

Two of Barrett’s bronze sculptures are on display at The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Venus and Psyche / Bill Barrett

Originally from Los Angeles, Barrett’s sculptures are featured in museums in the USA, Japan and Bulgaria.

Euclid’s Cross / Michael Dunbar

Dunbar’s Euclid’s Cross is a tribute to Euclid, the father of geometry and America’s industrial resourcefulness.

Pattern IV / Greg Johns

Australian-born sculptor Greg Johns is known throughout the world for his contemporary works with steel.  He has worked as a full-time sculptor for over forty years.

Untitled / Ken Valmaki

Fourth Obelisk / Tom Gibbs

Standing 16 feet tall, Gibbs’ Fourth Obelisk was constructed of painted steel.

A Smile from Bayon / Joseph Manino

Winning the 2004 Bench Competition, Manino’s 375 pound bench was created from stoneware.

The Web / Brian Monaghan

Canadian sculptor Monaghan’s beam sculpture measures 18 feet high by 20 feet wide.

The Quantic of Giza / Tim Scott

The Quantic of Giza is one of a group of three sculptures designed by Tim Scott in the mid 1960s.

Clear View / Michael Steiner

Talented Michael Steiner displayed his artwork at New York’s Fischbach Gallery at the age of eighteen.

Falline Flora / Don Creech

The sculpture was donated to the park and museum by Don Creech’s family to ensure that his artwork would forever be on display.

General / Unknown Chinese Artist

Photos cannot adequately describe my amazing experience exploring this phenomenal sculpture park and I highly recommend you visit in person.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum?  What was your favorite sculpture and why?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 868 1234

  • Admission Fee:   General admission to the park is $8 for general admission and $3 for children between the ages of 5 – 12.  Art cart rentals are available for $20 for the first hour and $15 per hour thereafter.  Members receive a discount of $15 for the first hour and $10 thereafter.
  • Hours:  From April  – October, the park is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM.  On Saturdays and Sundays they are open from 8AM to 5PM.   During the months from November to March they are open from 8 AM to 5PM seven days a week.  The museum is open from 12 to 5 PM year around.
  • Amenities:  Concerts in the Park, museum, Holiday Lights on the Hill and Annual Art Fair.
  • Length of Visit:   To visit all of the sculptures by car, give yourself at least a couple of hours.  If walking, you will need more time.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the park and museum’s website for upcoming events and the most up-to-date information. There are benefits of becoming a member and you can research this information on the parks website!

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton
1 Riverfront Plaza
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 896 6200

Where to Eat: 

Hyde’s Restaurant 
130 South Erie Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45011
Telephone:  513 892 1287

Serving the community since 1946, Hyde’s is an amazing restaurant to try some down home cooking.  I ordered the breaded cod sandwich with a side salad with ranch.  Should you visit Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum on a Thursday, save room for Peanut Butter Creme Pie.

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Exploring Geneva-On-the-Lake

2 July 201716 September 2024

Screams and giggles filled the air as I passed the water slide on my way to the Old Firehouse Winery.  The children were having the time of their lives and enjoying the beautiful, hot sunny day at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake has been a popular resort town since the late 1800s.  It was the perfect location for me to stay while I explored the 23 wineries a short drive from here.  During the summer, Geneva-on-the-Lake boasts a fabulous schedule for their Lake Summer Concert Series and a robust Calendar of Events throughout the year.  Some of the notable events that piqued my interest include:

  • Ice Wine Festival in March
  • Wine Blooms Weekend in May
  • Vintage Ohio in August
  • Grape Jamboree at the end of September

I swore to mark my calendar and make plans to attend each of these amazing events.

The Old Firehouse Winery is located on the shore of Lake Erie and came highly recommended by Marge at the Visitor’s Center.  The Center was my first stop of the day before enjoying breakfast at Deb’s Diner on the Street and ordering their breakfast special. The whimsical, cartoonish map which acted as a placemat, contains an extensive list of restaurants, shops, attractions and wineries.

I compiled a list of wineries from the Visitor’s Guide and Fun Map as visiting them were a priority for my weekend as well.

  • Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • Deer’s Leap Winery Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
  • Harpersfield Winery – post coming soon!
  • Lakehouse Inn Winery
  • Old Firehouse Winery
  • Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
  • The Winery at Spring Hill – post coming soon!
  • Virant Family Winery –  post coming soon!

Additional wineries provided by the Ohio Wine Association in Geneva:

  • Wineries from the Ohio Wine Association as the Vines & Wines Region
    • Bari Beauty & Health Plus Granny’s Wines, Euclid
    • Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry Village
    • The Brew Mentor, Mentor
    • Buccia Vineyard, Conneaut
    • Candlelight Winery, Garrettsville
    • Country Porch Winery, Cortland
    • Emerine Estates Winery, Jefferson
    • Farinacci Winery, Austinburg
    • Goddess Wine House, Ashtabula
    • Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland
    • Hundley Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Juliet Sky, Willoughby
    • Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield – post coming soon!
    • Laleure Vineyards, Parkman
    • Laurello Vineyards, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • M Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison
    • Markko Vineyards, Conneaut
    • Sharon James Cellars, Newbury
    • Silver Creek Wine Cellar, Garrettsville
    • South River Winery & Red Eagle Distillery, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Joseph Vineyard, Madison – post coming soon!
    • Tarsitano Winery & Vineyard, Conneaut
    • ThornCreek Winery & Vineyards, Aurora

After visiting the Old Firehouse Winery, I strolled the streets of historical Geneva-on-the-Lake starting at the Cove, the resort’s one time legendary rock ‘n’ roll bar.  What fascinated me most about the Cove were the acts that once performed here such as the Coasters, Platters, Drifters and the infamous Jimi Hendrix, not to mention owner, Pete Macchia’s connection to Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

Slipping into the 1940’s Fascination Game, I played a few games here against the attendant as I was the only visitor, but it was so much fun realizing that I was sitting in the midst of Geneva-on-the-Lake history. There are less than a dozen of these venues that remain in the US. The object of the game is to secure a “Bingo” using balls that light up when they are deposited in the holes.  The winner receives a coupon which can be redeemed immediately or accumulated over a period of time for much larger prizes, even a cruise.

Although the building has since been torn down, the historical Pier Ballroom was considered the “finest of its kind between Cleveland and Buffalo”.  Its roster of Big Band performances is impressive with the likes of Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk.  The Pier held its final dance in 1973 and by 1994, the ballroom, bathhouse and beach were dismantled and permanently closed.

When I asked my friends if they had any suggestions on where to visit while I was at Geneva on the Lake, they recommended Eddie’s Grill.  This adorable little restaurant is located on the corner of Lake Road East and has been serving steakburgers, hot dogs and French since 1950.  You can’t visit the Lake without Eddie’s.  It’s a Geneva tradition.

Sunrise Café is another go-to restaurant for an amazing breakfast. Don’t let the outside fool you.  This is one hot spot for locals, and a hidden gem for tourists.  You won’t be disappointed.

If you are in the mood for some amazing Italian fare, Piero’s Pasta House should be on your list.  With great portions and big flavors, expect to pay a little more here and wait for a table.

Madsen Donuts has been serving donuts at The Lake since 1938 and I was in need for some sugar.  Their cream ticks come highly recommended as they are not too sweet.  I orders one of the cream sticks, a chocolate iced and cream filled donut.

There are so many great dining options here:

  • Capo’s Pizza
  • Sand Bar
  • Sandy Chanty Seafood Restaurant
  • The Gallery Shops at the Landing, A Festival Marketplace
    • Wild Water works was just opening
    • Next to Pera’s Motel
  • Putt Putt
  • Joe’s Place with their Marieta’s Homemade Pina Coladas

Veteran’s Memorial Pipe Band: practicing for a performance at the Firehouse Winery – there was a craft show with a few booths set up behind the winery, open from noon to eight…prime location on the water.

Sunset Bar…I am certain that this would be my hangout if I spent the weekend….here, the winery and Joe’s Place with their Homemade Pina Coladas.

Some of the other attractions and restaurants include:

  • The Oak Room Dinner Theater
  • Murphy’s Pub and Ale House
  • Swiss Chalet, open Memorial Day thru Thunder Weekend
  • Signs for Mary’s Kitchen
  • Bob’s Food Court
  • Krazy K Shirts
  • Grumpy’s Ole Fashioned Lemonade
  • Time’s Square Restaurant

I had a wonderful time visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake and look forward to another opportunity to visit.  If you have any favorite places at GOTL, please let me know in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my Geneva-on-the-Lake adventure and wishing you many amazing travels!

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Cheering Myself Up at Brandeberry Winery

25 June 201716 September 2024

“Wine cheereth God and Man” is a Proverb posted on the wall of the Brandeberry Winery and I could not agree more.  Having spent the afternoon in the charming  village of Yellow Springs, I was happy to visit this lovely winery in nearby Enon.

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It was a beautiful country drive to the winery where I easily found the entrance into the tasting room.  I immediately noticed the impressive display of awards that hung from the wall and was greeted by the winemaker himself, Jim Brandeberry.  He is an extremely smart, soft-spoken man with a passion for wine who was eager to share with me the history of Brandeberry Winery and the wines that he produces.

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There are several award winning wines on the tasting list and I had the opportunity to try a few of them.  While I made my selection, I read through the descriptions and noticed the many accolades.  From Bronze medals to Double Gold, there were also a few that held the honor of the Ohio Quality Wine Award.  I decided that I would choose six wines so that I could keep the complimentary glass.  Most of the samples cost $1.00, with the exception of the Reserve Premium Syrah and the Polar Crush Ice Wine which are $1.50.

My first selection was IKE, a dry white table wine.  This wine was originally named after Hurricane Ike, whose strong winds reached the Midwest region in 2008.  It was during that time that a stray cat found his way to their front door and made the winery his home.  “Ike” immediately became a part of the family and was a favorite resident among the winery’s guests.

I was happy to see a wide selection of sweet wines, which are popular varietals produced in Ohio.  The remaining samples that I selected just happened to fall under this category and I was ready to try the Sweet Mingo.  It too is named after one of the Brandeberry’s beloved pets and is a grape wine with natural peach flavors.  Mingo is a sweet little black and white dog that the family rescued when he was just four months old.  For the past three years he has been seen hanging around the winery greeting customers and adding to the wine tasting experience. The Sweet Mingo was definitely one of my favorites wines.

I could not resist sampling the blackberry wine, made from 100% blackberry juice.  It was no surprise that this was a silver medal award winner.

Pink Passion is a delicate wine made from a blend of Cayuga grape and cherry wines.  This beautiful pink wine is absolutely delicious.

The cherry truffle is a blend of cherry and grape wine with a flavor of chocolate and of course I had to try the Polar Crush Ice Wine.  Made from the Vidal Blanc grape, Polar Crush has an elegant peach color and tastes just as sophisticated.

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After my wine tasting, Mr. Brandeberry provided me with an impromptu tour of his production room, which was quite impressive.  I enjoyed learning about the technology and science that goes into creating wine.  Although he is an engineer by trade, he explained the process in a language I could understand.  I admire his passion for making wine and great sense of humor.

Brandeberry Winery provides live music, holds several events and caters to private parties.  One of their most popular events is the Annual Dogtober Fest where patrons bring their dogs dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes.  On occasion, the winery will also host release parties to introduce their new wine creations. This summer they will release a new wine titled “Party Girl”.  I had the pleasure of seeing a draft of the label and it is going to be spectacular.

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In addition to the wines, what I love about Brandeberry Winery is its support of the community and local charities.  When their wine, Sweet Mingo was first released, the winery dedicated a percentage of its sales to aid their local Humane Society, an organization dedicated to help stop animal cruelty and suffering.  They are also supporters of Honor Flight Dayton which is “dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of [war veterans] and their friends”.  This organization raises money to transport World War II veterans to Washington DC to honor them and offer them the opportunity to explore our nation’s Capitol.

Brandeberry Winery recently hosted an event, The Red Affair, on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 12PM to 10PM as both a release party for its latest wine and a benefit for Honor Flight Dayton.  The winery’s latest creation is a dry blackberry merlot, “Not Your Mother’s Red”, an honorable tribute to the memory of Jim’s mother, Virginia Brandeberry.   I felt privileged to try a sample during my visit and wished it had been available for sale.  For each bottle sold, Brandeberry Winery donated $5 per bottle to Honor Flight.  The event was a success with patrons dressed in 1940’s costumes to celebrate this new vintage while supporting a great cause.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brandeberry Winery?   I would love to hear about your experience and what wines you enjoyed, so if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Cheers!

To learn more about Brandeberry Winery and their fabulous charities, visit their website at www.brandeberrywinery.com.  You can purchase their wines from the winery as well as local stores such as Belmont Party Store, Wine Works and Keg & Cork.  The winery also creates beautiful gift baskets for sale as well.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Brandeberry Winery
5118 W. Jackson Road
Enon, OH  45323
Telephone:  937 767 9103

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim Brandeberry and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

  • Hours: For Fall (September to December), the winery is open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, 12 PM to 9PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed from Sunday thru Wednesday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, private events
  • 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:

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

Where to Eat: 

Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 767 1144

My favorite menu is the Winds Charcuterie Plate, a selection of Winds kitchen’s pates and terrines, including imported and domestic cured meats, pickles and house condiments.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

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

18 June 201716 September 2024

The bridal party was waiting for the ceremony to begin when I entered the Lakehouse Inn and Winery.   The bride was having a private conversation with her father as her bridesmaids stood in line waiting to begin the wedding procession.  The groom was standing at the end of the stone platform where attendees had taken their seats for the event.  The gorgeous blue lake and small sandy beach provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.  The view was absolutely stunning and I had almost forgotten I was visiting a winery in Ohio.

I quietly ducked into the restaurant before the festivities began.  The elegant tasting bar, with its large window, looked out onto Lake Erie.  As I reviewed the wine menu, the bartender listed a number of wines that were no longer available, including Red Sky, the Scarti Di Cantina and the Cabernet.

I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir, one of my favorite varietals.  I enjoyed the silky texture of this wine and could taste and smell a hint of berry.

The Vino Della Casa NV, translated as the “wine of the house” is a semi-dry, light-bodied, oaky wine with a very nice finish.

Their strawberry wine was a semi-dry and had undertones of strawberries in both its smell and taste.

Just Peachy tastes exactly as it sounds.  I enjoyed the smell of this wine and the light orange color that looked like a freshly picked peach.

I decided to enjoy a glass of the Pinot Noir while looking out onto the lake and although I did not have a direct view of the wedding from where I was sitting, I could not help but feel as though I was imposing. Selfishly, I was hoping for the ceremony to end soon so that I could take the path down to the beach and relax in an Adirondack chair.

By the time I had finished my Pinot, the wedding ceremony was completed and I opted for a glass of Just Peachy that seemed more appropriate for the beach.  There was a light breeze and just enough cloud coverage for a comfortable summer day.  I was mesmerized by the view of the lake and found it difficult to believe I was in Ohio.  Far from the Caribbean, I felt like I was on island time and swore to return at least one more time before the colder temperatures invaded this tropical paradise.

Have you visited Lakehouse Inn and Winery or one of the other Ohio wineries near Geneva?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and wineries if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my visit to Lakehouse Inn and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

Where to Stay:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery offers luxurious accommodations along Lake Erie.  Their cottages are situated 100 yards from the water.  All accommodations include breakfast at their restaurant, Crosswinds Grille.

Where to Eat:

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely winetasting within the restaurant and ordered the Charcuterie & Salumi Board (assorted house made cured meats, pickled vegetables, local cheeses and crostini) as well as the Baked Brie (Mayfield Road brie, puff pastry, seasonal jam, candied walnuts, toast points).   We ordered a bottle of wine and headed out to the beach to relax on the Adirondack chairs for an afternoon of relaxation.

For dinner, we returned for the Caprese Salad and the Wood-Fired White Pizza (garlic, four cheese blend, red onion, red pepper and chicken).

What to Eat: 

  • Madsen Donuts
  • Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read: 

  • Geneva on the Lake, A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort, by Wendy Koile
  • Geneva Lake by Carolyn Hope Smeltzer

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

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Fairytales at Ohio Village…See Your Favorite Characters

11 June 201716 September 2024

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I was excited to visit Ohio Village after reading about it in my latest issue of Ohio Magazine.  It was a gorgeous, summer afternoon filled with blue skies and after a ten minute drive from home, I approached the gate house and quickly entered to park.

I immediately learned that there was a special event taking place, celebrating the 150th birthday of Beatrix Potter.  I couldn’t resist revisiting my childhood and hoped for a glimpse of Peter Rabbit.

I received a booklet providing me with a schedule of events that would take place at each of the historical buildings as well as the characters that would be assigned to each site. Taking my ticket, I looked further through the booklet which included a map and puzzles.

Ohio Village opened its doors in 1974 as an Ohio settlement during the Civil War.

The buildings are a representation of life in Ohio during the 1890s.  I began my tour at the schoolhouse where a teacher, standing in front of a large chalk board, was reading nursery rhymes to a large audience of children.  Children sat quietly at antique school desks politely listening and recited some of the stories that they knew by memory.

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Across the street from the school is the Burton House on Main Street.  Depicting the Ohio way of life in the late 1800s, this beautiful home was built in the Greek Revival style.  Many Ohioans, arriving from the Northeast, built homes in the same manner as the homes they left.  Known as Upwright and Wing, it is very similar to Greek architecture including its columns, pediments and pilasters.  They chose this style of home as it represented the country of Greece, the founder of democracy.

Today the home was transformed into the home of the Gingerbread Man.  The baker and his wife were seated at a table on the first floor asking for the children to help them find their son, the Gingerbread Man.  They explained to the children how he escaped from the home, all they while making gingerbread cookies.  It was fun to watch the children interact with the story and help make yummy treats.

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Before reaching Murphy’s Lodging Home, the Princess from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” stood outside wearing her beautiful purple dress.  A line of children waited to have their photos taken with her so I quickly stepped inside of the Barrington Bicycles shop. IMG_1159

The two-story Barrymore Funeral Parlor was one of the last structures on Ohio Village’s Main Street.  A very interesting structure, the Parlor has “clapboard siding with corner boards, six-over-six windows, six panel doors and a standing-seam metal roof.”

For the festivities, the funeral parlor represents the home of the Evil Queen in the story of Snow White.  The Evil Queen, seated inside is facing  her large, magical mirror.  Holding a red apple, the Queen asks of her Magic Mirror, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest of them all?”  When the Magic Mirror responds by telling the Evil Queen that Snow White is the fairest, she enlists the help of the children to find Snow White and offer her the apple.  The children were too smart for the queen and would not help.  The look on their faces was priceless.

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The Old Woman in the Shoe was my next stop. While she sat inside of the Taylor House, her “children” were outside doing their chores.  She explained to those who entered that some of her children were misbehaving and had run away.  She told us to look for children that did not have any parents because they were probably hers and that we should bring them back to her as soon as possible.

According to the Ohio Village, the Taylor House was one of the earliest homes built on the site with a “simple door and transom window, six-panel door, a six-over-six window, lapped siding and a wood shingle roof.”  It was designed in the style of a saltbox house with two stories having a pitched roof with unequal sides, the rear long and low compared to the front.

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Outside the Taylor House, sitting down with her puppet goose, was Mother Goose telling stories to the children.  While some were resting on blankets reading books to her, others were playing with her stuffed goose.  It was precious to see the children’s faces light up as they showed off their reading skills and I stayed for a while to enjoy their excitement.

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I passed the Freight & Livery building where children were planting bean stalks and found the Village Church.  Inside there were representatives from Columbus Speech and Hearing who were offering free hearing tests.  The church was absolutely elegant with its stained glass windows and is available to rent for weddings and special events.IMG_1178

The nearby Schmidt House was also one of the earlier structures at The Village. At the time it was built, it would have had a large fireplace for cooking.  These  fireplaces were replaced with cast-iron stoves by the mid-1800s.

For the Potter celebration, the Schmidt House was invaded by the Wolf of Little Red Riding Hood.   Little Red herself greeted us in the adjoining room of her grandmother’s house and encouraged us to visit her as she lay in bed.   I enjoyed hearing the children’s laughter as soon as they caught sight of Red Riding Hood’s hairy grandmother.  Of course we all know how THAT story goes.

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Just around the corner from the Schmidt House was a pen with little chickens, a goat and some rabbits.  A calf and a baby alpaca were in another pen just a few feet away.   There was a small pony tied up nearby and a cute little pygmy goat that visitors could pet and photograph.

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A small detour led me down a side street with a few more buildings which included the H&P Women’s Study Club.  Inside, there was a booth promoting autism awareness.  The photographer’s building next door allowed children the opportunity to play dress up and have their photograph taken in an assortment of costumes.

The H&P is described by Ohio Village as a “brick building with stone lintels with stepped bagles, a standing-seam metal roof and flat-topped six-over-six windows.”

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Representing the architectural styles from Italy include both the American House Hotel and Tavern as well as the Emporium. Based on the simple Italian country houses and elegant palaces, this style of buildings were the fashion for the periods between 1840 and 1880.  Many of the structures from this period still remain in Ohio today exhibited in many downtown storefronts. Their features include “tall, narrow windows that are flat-topped, round-arched or segmental-arched” (similar to an arc).  The roof is a hipped roof having a very wide overhang.  “The room atop the American House is called a cupola or belvedere, another Italianate feature, though not every Italianate building has one.”

I entered the lower level to explore the lobby, dining room and administrative offices.  Upon entering was a room set up as an office or hotel check in offering telephone and telegraphy services. As I exited, I noticed Rapunzel, leaning out of the second story, letting down her golden hair.

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I realized it had been a couple of hours since I had arrived and as the noonday sun was heating up, I stopped at P. Wylie’s Emporium for something to drink.   I loved looking through all of the vintage drinks and selected a grape soda.  In addition to other snacks and drinks, the store sold gifts made in Ohio as well as bottles of wine from the Buckeye state.

Also built in the Italianate style, the Emporium was built very much like the American House Hotel with a few minor differences.  At the top of its windows are cornices, very wide bands, just below the roof with scrolled brackets.

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It was the perfect day for exploring the Ohio Village and I decided to return at a later date to visit the Ohio History Center.  While I didn’t meet Potter’s famous Peter Rabbit, I couldn’t resist a few moments with the Berenstein Bears.  First introduced in 1962. these bears were  popular when I was growing up.  In later years I would also read their stories to my younger brother and sister.   The Bears, along with the children who attended the park, reminded me of all the happy moments that I had in my childhood. Many thanks to you as well Beatrix Potter.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ohio Village?  Did it coincide with the Storybook Village celebration?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

The Ohio Village
800 E 17th Street
Columbus, Ohio  43221
Telephone:  800 686 6124

  • Admission Fee:  Admission for adults is $12, for youth $6 (ages 4 – 12) and children 3 and under are free.
  • Hours: Ohio Village is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months with the exception of special events such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations.  During the summer, the Village is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Amenities:  store, restrooms, historical buildings, chapel
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  This a great place to bring children as it provides a great historical education of the 1800s. Country Living Magazine hosts an annual fair here, which is fantastic.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Suites
1690 Clara Street
I-71, Exit 111
Columbus, OH  43211
Telephone:  614 586 1001

Where to Eat:

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
240 E. Kossuth Street
Columbus, OH  43206
Telephone: 614 444 6808

In addition to ordering the German Autobahn Buffet (which includes their amazing Jumbo Cream Puffs!), I couldn’t resist placing an order for the Schmidt’s Famous Pretzel Nuggets and of course, I had to include the beer cheese.

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.

What to Read: 

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

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

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

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Daniel the Tiger

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Cinderella and her Glass Slipper

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On the Butler County Donut Trail Visiting Stan the Donut Man

26 March 201716 September 2024

I had been wanting to visit the donut shops on Butler County’s Donut Trail and headed north from Cincinnati to check out a couple of the donut shops on the list.  Stan the Donut Man was a small donut shop tucked away in a small shopping plaza in West Chester Township next to Jazzercize.

Standing in the long line, I was excited when I reached the kiosk with a list of pastries.  I could hear the patrons in line discussing their next order and reminiscing about their last week’s visit as they purchased dozens of glazed yeast donuts and apple fritters.

Inside are large racks filled with a wide variety of donuts while the walls display sports memorabilia from Cincinnati.  Their best sellers are the danishes and sour cream donuts, but I could not overlook the Davey Crockets, their ginormous cinnamon rolls.

With so many choices, I couldn’t resist the chocolate iced, cream-filled donut.

Stan the Donut Man is conveniently located off of I-75 in West Chester and is open 7 days per week from 6AM to noon.  But even at 8AM when I had arrived, there was a long line and several sold out pastries, so plan to arrive early.

Have you visited Stan the Donut Man?  Which pastry did you purchase?  Let me know by leaving a message in the comments section.  Thank you for reading about my visit to Stan the Donut Man and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stan the Donut Man
7967 Cincinnati Dayton Rd.
West Chester Township, OH 45069
Telephone:  513 759 0016

  • Hours:  Daily from 6AM to noon
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early as some of their pastries may run out and to minimize the amount of time you will wait in line.
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The Castle in Marietta, Ohio

19 March 201716 September 2024

Built in 1855 near the Ohio River, The Castle is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and was home to “some of the most prominent and influential citizens” of Marietta. Gothic Revival architecture was very popular between 1830 to 1860.  Some of the home’s features include pointed arches, parapets, the octagonal tower, trefoil attic window and stone capped spires.

I began my tour at the renovated carriage house and strolled through the exhibit and watched a video about the home and the families that had once resided here.

Prior to the Castle’s inception, Nathaniel Clark, a local potter, lived on this land in 1833. During this time, German immigrants were moving to this area.  Making milk pans, jugs and jars, there was an orchard above his house where picnics were popular.  His house appeared on the 1845 Emerson map of Marietta.  Clark moved to Pittsburgh in 1852.

The home was built by Melvin Clark, a local prominent attorney, who had purchased the hillside land for $2000.  A staunch abolitionist, Clark was appointed Marietta’s first city solicitor in 1854 and represented the third ward to address gas lighting for the city in 1856.  When Melvin died during the Civil War at Antietam, the property was sold to John Newton in 1858.  Melvin’s family plat can be found at the Mound Cemetery in Marietta.

John Newton was an excellent businessman owning the Marietta Bucket Factory.  He was known for holding grand parties, entertaining his business colleagues until his sudden death on July 17, 1886.

Edward Nye bought the Castle in 1887 for $7000.  Born in Marietta in 1812, he was the son of the original shareholders of the Ohio Company.  He was the publisher of the Marietta Gazette from 1833 to 1837.  Dying unexpectedly in 1888, Nye left the Castle to his only daughter, Lucy Nye Davis. During Lucy’s residence at The Castle, her daughter, Jessie, was married here in 1896.  Jessie eventually took ownership of The Castle at the age of 55 and lived here until five days before her 100th birthday in 1974.

After Jessie’s death, the home was purchased at auction for $42,500, by Stewart Bosley and his sister Dr. Bertlyn Bosley who took nearly twenty years to renovate this historical home.  Upon the deaths of Stewart and Bertlyn, the property was deeded to Betsey Mills Corporation,  reopened to the public in 1994 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.  In 1999, the Castle was opened as a museum.

During my tour, I was instructed that photographs on the inside were prohibited but that I was able to photograph the exterior of the house and the Potter’s area.

The Potter’s house was built in the 1830s before the Civil War, as well as most of the fencing.  Originally painted grey, the renovators had to remove the paint by hand.  While the doors are original, the screens were added in 1922.  The oak used to build the house was replaced with poplar and the pine floors are original .  Additional features include the Gothic arches, wallpaper which looks like leather and wainscot, which was added during the 1890 refurbishment.

During the refurbishment, there were letters and calling cards found behind the baseboards, dishes that had been Jessies, and a 1740 grandfather clock.  The bricks were made from the Sicler’s brick factory while the Stevens Piano was made locally at a factory in Marietta. An 1875 lithograph of the property was discovered as well as a weather vane found by Stuart.

In the Sitting Parlor, they noticed that there was pine wood under the rugs.  The parquet floor by the fireplace was installed in the 1890’s.  In the library was an 1840’s empire desk, and Grace’s piano, book cases built by captain William Holden and a portable campaign desk used by officers.  It was said that Jessie’s favorite room was the library.  The glass throughout the has had been designed and installed by a glass factory by the Ohio River, but it was destroyed by a fire.

Upstairs, the doors are poplar but the flooring is pine.  The brick has been exposed and the fireplace is where the toilet was.  The bedroom was said to have an efficiency kitchen.  Several signatures were exposed when the wallpaper was removed.  There is Jessie Bowen’s signature dated 1922; Rufus Dawes and William Kelter, signed in 1890.

Within the master bedroom are modern hardwood flooring, Jessie’s bed, a breakaway wardrobe (so it could easily be moved), stained glass, a portrait of the daughter of Marietta’s first mayor.

Bertrand’s room had no fireplace because they added a little closet.  It was said that she had Parkinson’s.  Lillian was Bosely’s mother and in her room was found a feminine desk, 1912 dress and fans from the 1800s.

The dining room was Norwegian rose, there were flues on the marble floor and the silverware was from Jessie’s family.  Two full sets of China had belonged to Bertland while the silver and buffet table belonged to Nye’s grandparents.  The chandelier is not the original as it was built for gas, had a dragon tale and 400 crystals.

In the formal parlor was a marble fireplace from Cincinnati, dark/block wood made with inlays, candelabras, a chandelier that Davis had installed, a Steinway Grand Piano which was a gift to Bertland for his 10th birthday and a bathroom and elevator were added later. In this parlor wedding lectures and small events were held here.  Grace’s marriage took place here as well.

In the 1940s, the kitchen was equipped with a tin ceiling, a home leader stove made from Marietta, cabbage lights and additional kitchen updates.

The Potter’s house was the final stop on our tour.  Inside, there was pottery that had been discovered that had been created by Nathanial Clark.  My favorite part of the house was the beautiful brick fireplace and mantel.  Plexiglass protects the original structure of the fireplace.  In addition there are paintings dating back to the 1940s, an 1888 map of Washington County and a third bedroom with a tub and outhouse.

Spending time at The Castle in Marietta was such a great experience and was greatly appreciative of the tours given by Phyllis and Judy.  Learning so much about the local history, I was even more excited to continue my exploration of Marietta.  Next stop, the Mound Cemetery.

Have you visited The Castle in Marietta?  What were your thoughts of this historical home?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my tour of The Castle and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Castle
418 4th Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: +740 373 4180

  • Admission Fee:  $10 Adults; $7 Kids (age 13 and under); Ages 5 and under free. Exclusive tours can be purchased for a discounted rate of $65 by calling 740-373-4180
  • Hours:  The Castle is open April, May & September through December, Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10AM to 4PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4PM.  June through August the hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM to 4PM;  January through March the Castle is open for group tors, school tours and programs and scheduled events.  Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Photos are not permitted inside of the house.

Where to Stay:

The Hackett Hotel 
203 1/2 2nd Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: +740 374 8278

Where to Eat:

Boathouse BBQ
218 Virginia Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  +740 373 3006

You have to try the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese!  Amazing!

What to Read: 

A Guide to Historic Marietta Ohio, by Lynne Sturtevant

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Featured Ohio Winery: Leisure Time Winery

12 March 201716 September 2024

Returning from the Spangler Candy Company, I decided to stop in Napoleon, Ohio to visit Leisure Time Winery where “Time for turning moments into memories!” is their motto.  Cruising through the beautiful countryside of northeast Ohio, I was looking forward to sampling a couple of wines and enjoying a Saturday night of live music.

The sun was beginning to set when I arrived and I had a drive ahead of me to reach Columbus.  I wished I would have set out earlier so I could enjoy the outdoor patio, but at least I was able to make it in time for the gorgeous sunset.

I made a stop at the bar to check out the selection of wines and began my tasting with Comfortably Numb, a bold red wine lightly oaked and a perfect balance of acidity.  According to the wine list, this lovely red pairs perfectly well with steak and an assortment of game.

My next sample was Hocus Pocus, a semi dry, perfect blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.  I thought it would be fun to have a couple of bottles in preparation for the upcoming Halloween holiday.

I decided to review the menu and learned that Leisure Time is known for their pizzas.  I wanted something light and ordered the pretzels, a great choice for sampling wine.

The Lazy Daze Riesling was surprisingly delicious.  More sweet than dry, it was perfect and recommended for the summer months.

The staff are super friendly and placed my order for a cheese quesadilla as I decided on my next selection from the 12 wines which are all made on site.  I opted for Comfort Zone, a semi-sweet wine which was so easy to drink.  A sweet blend of chancellor and concord grapes, I could have easily mistaken this generous pour as a glass of grape juice.

I learned that the wines at Leisure Time Winery are made from grape juice that they purchase from various vendors.  The Wine O’ Clock, made from local Niagara grapes, was the best sample I had sipped so far.  I decided to buy a couple of bottles as well as purchased a glass to enjoy while listening to the amazing local, live band.

An hour passed while enjoying the entertainment and the wine, so it was time for me to begin the trek towards Columbus.  I enjoyed my evening at Leisure Time Winery and wished I had lived a little closer so that I could stay a little longer.

Have you visited Leisure Time Winery in Napoleon?  What was your favorite wine selection?  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 winery visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Do and What to See:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH  43545
Telephone:  419 758 3442

Open Wednesday to Friday from 5PM to 9PM and Saturday from 12PM to 9PM.  (Check their website for their summer hours).  They are also open Mondays and Tuesdays for art & painting classes.

The winery is located 2 miles south of State Route 24 between Defiance and Napoleon.  Check out their Facebook page for the most up to date information and hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Where to Eat:

Leisure Time Winery
16982 Country Road, M2
Napoleon, OH  43545
Telephone:  419 758 3442

You don’t have to travel far for good food when visiting Leisure Time Winery. With a full menu, you can order their famous pizzas, paninis, large list of appetizers and desserts.  The Margherita Pizza with jalapenos is my favorite!

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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