Springtime in Sharon Woods, Metro Park, Columbus

11 August 201616 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

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

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Columbus:

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

Dine at Culp’s Cafe in Carillon Park, Dayton

30 July 201616 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Supporting Female Brewers at Yellow Springs Brewery

23 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

From top to bottom, the list of beers start from light to dark. The server suggested I start with the first four options and go from there should I decide to order more. I chose the following: Femme Ale, Kerfuffle, Wyatt’s Eviction and First Lost Episode.Without waiting long, our selections arrived on cute little silver paddles and the names of the craft beers were listed on a yellow colored sheet. I was able to reference each of the samples and write my notes on the card. What a great way to remember which ones I really liked to place another order and to rate them for my own reference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

What to Read:

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:

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

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

Garlicky Goodness at La Pizzeria in Little Italy, Cleveland

16 July 20163 August 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio

The BIERmarkt, Westside Cincinnati

9 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited the BIERmarkt in Cincinnati? What did you order? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my short visit to BIERmarkt and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

The Bow Tie Cafe, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati

2 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Mt. Adams:

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

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

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

25 June 201616 March 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you visited Indian Bear Winery? What wines did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Indian Bear Winery along the Three Rivers Wine Trail and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

Featured Ohio Winery: Mon Ami Winery, now Gideon Owen Wine Company

18 June 201616 September 2024

Update: Mon Ami Winery is now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Sumptuous smells of garlic and cheese reached the table within seconds before my pizza arrived. I ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of Concord and the menu’s recommended wine pairing, Pinot Noir. I had just spent the Labor Day weekend exploring nearby Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and planned to stop for lunch at one of Ohio’s oldest and largest wineries, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery.

I arrived early passing through the Mon Ami arch to avoid the Saturday night crowd. Mon Ami’s weekend entertainment and decadent seafood buffet can leave visitors waiting hours for a table.

The dramatic façade of the winery, constructed of limestone and sand, was designed and built by George Loeb. Construction of the initial structure began in the 1850s, but was halted during the Civil War, becoming a temporary, make-shift prison for the Confederates. The building was finally completed in 1872.

The history of Mon Ami began in 1873 when a cooperation of grape growers and vintners established Catawba Island Wine Company. While Prohibition saw the closing of many Ohio wineries, Mon Ami survived by producing and selling altar wine. Generating 130,000 gallons of wine, the estate was purchased by Mon Ami Champagne Company in 1937, one of the few American wineries producing the finest champagne.

The fire of 1945 destroyed much of the upper rooms of the original winery and it was at this time, Mon Ami decided to open its restaurant, collaborating with the local Zapone family. Mon Ami continues its tradition of offering up-scale cuisine in its Main Dining room with a selection to include Alaskan crab, Prime Rib and Executive Chef specials. Sommology recommendations are listed on Mon Ami’s menu, making it easy to decide which wine to pair with one’s food order.

The Chalet offers a more casual seating environment with live Jazz on Sundays and additional entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

I passed on dessert so that I could sample some of Mon Ami’s wine in the wine tasting room. Tasting Flights range from $5 – $7 or $1 per wine and an additional charge for dessert wines, liquors and champagne. I was so excited to sample the limoncello in additional to some of my favorite wine varietals.

Mon Ami’s spectacular collection of wines include California premium wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Zinfandel in addition to their Ohio line of estate wines such as Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Mon Ami Winery hosts, on average, seven weddings over a weekend not to mention additional banquets and special celebrations throughout the year. From photographs in the arbor and rose garden or weddings in the wine cellar, the winery offers a wide range of on-site venues to celebrate that perfect occasion.

I inquired about the Loretta Pagnini Cooking School which features demonstrations and classes taught by Pagnini, a teaching chef who offers cooking tips, teaches a wide range of kitchen techniques. I knew that this would be a wonderful experience for a weekend with the girls.

Have you visited Mon Ami Winery? What was your favorite part of your visit? Dinner? Wine Tasting? 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 fun afternoon at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 797 4445

The winery is open seven days a week, but the hours differ from the Winter to the Summer season, so check their website for hours of operation. Reservations are only taken on select holidays (Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve), so it is first-come, first-served. For Holiday Reservations call 419 797 4445.

Many stores throughout Ohio carry the popular Mon Ami wines, but purchases can also be made through Mon Ami’s online store.

Where to Stay:

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Hotel Reservations; 419 798 4900
Cottage Reservations: 419 798 5503

Where to Eat:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 797 4445

During the weekends, Mon Ami hosts a seafood buffet on Saturday and Sunday brunch which are both very popular. Arrive early!

What to Eat:

Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood

Hafle Winery in Springfield Offering a Great Selection of Ohio Wines – NOW CLOSED

11 June 201616 March 2025

Springfield, Ohio is making its mark on the Ohio wine industry with the re-opening of Haflé Winery in 2015. Many residents may remember the winery which once occupied the estate located on Upper Valley Pike in the 1970’s. For many wine enthusiasts and local residents in the surrounding area, this was a welcome comeback.

Family-owned and operated, Haflé Winery is a quaint winery and restaurant offering a unique selection of wines, as well as a full-service bar. Located in the northwest region of town, the lovely estate and winery resides in a rural setting surrounded by a dense forest of fifty acres.

There was a comfortable, cozy feeling as I entered the dimly lit wine tasting area and bar. I took a seat and placed my order for a glass of wine. I sipped on a White Zinfandel by Vista Point and began a conversation with the patrons who make Haflé Winery a weekly stop each Tuesday. With beer specials and discounts on wine, I could choose from over 40 wines available to sample before making my purchase. The best deal at Hafle is a flight of five wines (with generous pours) for ten dollars.

The wine menu was unique in the fact that it offered Ohio-made wines in addition to amazing reds and whites from all over the US. I learned from one of the customers sitting beside me that Dan Haflé, Jr., the owner, was working behind the bar. Mr. Haflé helped me choose five samples according to my wine preference and he was eager to tell me about the history of his family’s winery.

Without a moment of hesitation and while keeping up with his clients at the bar, Dan explained that it was his father, Dan Sr., who first came up with the idea of opening a winery in the late 1960s. According to Dan, his father had a friend in fellow farmer Ken Schuchter who also shared his passion for drinking wine. They would both soon turn their love of wine into a business with Haflé Winery based in Springfield and Valley Vineyards in Morrow. By 1969, Dan Sr., planted his first vines and through trial and error successfully began producing his own wine and so it was there in 1974 that the original winery came into existence. Over the next 20 years, the Haflé family would find themselves in a continuous struggle to grow grapes in the soil of this region, and by 1994, the outlook seemed bright. And just when the business was continuing to grow, the EPA presented them with another challenge. With the expansion of the winery, the EPA determined that the current sewer structure was inadequate. The Haflés would either need to pay for their own stand-alone system or connect to the city which would cost them thousands of dollars. Due to the complicated logistics and expense of the agency’s requirements, the Haflés were forced to close their doors for business in the mid-90s.

Fast forward twenty years later and Dan Haflé, Jr. has revived Hafle Winery having re-opened in 2015.

And as I sat on the edge of my seat throughout Dan’s amazing story, my flight of wine had already been poured. I chose the Vista Point Merlot, a red wine from the Napa Valley of California.

The next glass was the Dark Horse Petite Sirah (dry) from Modesto, California.

Next I sampled a local Ohio winery, the Rodeo Red (semi sweet) from the Winery at Versailles and then the Mon Ami Concord (sweet), also an Ohio wine.

My final selection was the St. James Blackberry wine (sweet) from St. James, Missouri and I determined that the Rodeo Red from Versailles was my favorite wine from the flight.

I decided to order dinner before the kitchen closed and was excited to try a thin crust pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. The specials for the night included a Cuban Sandwich ($12), Blackened Tuna Dinner for $15 and Black Bean soup.

I leisurely enjoyed my wine and soaked up the atmosphere while continuing my conversation with Dan. He explained to me that during the warmer months, the winery offers outdoor seating and scheduled entertainment. They also supply steaks and seafood that customers can cook on the grill.

It was an incredible evening of drinking wine, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

It is true that Ohio is becoming more recognized as a state producing award winning wines. In addition to the wide selection of wines, what makes Haflé Winery unique is that it holds liquor licenses to both produce its own wine as well as serve liquor in its establishment. And although outsiders may recognize Haflé Winery as a newcomer to Ohio’s wine industry, they will be surprised that it has a rich history of winemaking all its own.

Do you have a favorite winery in Ohio that you like to visit? Have you visited Haflé Winery and would like to share you experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Haflé Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Haflé Winery
2369 Upper Valley Pike
Springfield, OH
Telephone: 937 399 1221

Hours: The winery is open from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed on Monday. 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, gift shop, private events and weekend cookouts.

I would like to thank Dan Haflé, Jr. for his hospitality in providing me with the history of Haflé Winery and recommending some great wines!

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Hafle Winery’s menu offers a wonderful selection of appetizers, sandwiches, dinners and salads. The winery hosts popular weekend cookouts with live music entertainment.

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:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

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
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

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Making Wine at Grape & Granary for Ohio Wine Month

4 June 201615 September 2024

Located in a small shopping plaza in one of Akron’s industrial districts is the hidden gem, Grape & Granary. Drawn to the opportunity of making my own wine, I had no idea what to expect. The thought seemed interesting and I was looked forward to learning more about the process. With a long list of wines available for purchase and production, I was a little overwhelmed, but decided to sample a few wines while reading over the instructions and information for making my own.

Selecting a table, I quickly learned that I was seated near a wedding party, They were deciding which wine to make for their reception and choosing their labels for the wine.

In front of me was a selection of several wine glasses as well as spices for dipping oils and a basket of bread. With a small fee of 50 cents per wine sample, I wanted to try a few flavors before making my purchase. I was offered a long list of wines as well as specialty blends that I had never tried before. Here is the list of wines that I sampled:

Strawberry White Merlot – delicious, great strawberry taste
Kiwi Pear – LOVE this one…it was like eating fresh pears
Sangria Zinfindel Blush – has a wonderful, fruity aftertaste
Raspberry Dragon Fruit – sweet and tastes like kool aid
Cranberry Chianti – not too tart
Strawberry Riesling – a sweet, full strawberry taste
Summer Surprise is a watermelon Jalapeno wine; the watermelon flavor breaks the heat, but I thought it was too sweet
Jalapeno Ice Wine – AMAZING! WOW! I had to buy a couple of bottles of this one! So unique!

I learned that the Peach Apricot Wine is their best seller, but they were sold out during the time of my visit.

Grape & Granary is also a distillery, so I had a list of options such as Grappa, Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Caffe Liquor or Limoncello. Since the limoncello was a dollar per sample, I simply couldn’t resist.

One of the advantages of visiting Grape & Granary is that they also provide bread and dipping oils to sample. The Herbes de Garlic Sea Salt was one of my favorite blends so I purchased a small jar for home.

During my visit, I was able to witness an engaged couple bottling wine for their upcoming wedding. They had already selected their wine from a list of prepared wine juices. Choosing the Luna Rossa, they met with the winemaker to incorporate the yeast into the juice and waited 7 weeks until it was ready to bottle. The cork is then added and later a label would be placed on the bottle after printing.

The couple selected their label which would be ready in a couple of weeks and then the process would be completed. For the particular wine they chose, the cost would be $165 which would include 28 – 30 750 ml bottles. The cost for labels was 30 cents and the bottles an additional charge.

I was so thankful for the opportunity to watch the wine making process and found it to be a fun, educational experience. The Grape & Granary sells a wide variety of wine making kits and offers orders from their online store and catalog. I decided to purchase a wine kit in hopes that I would have some success and then start a winery in Napa.

Have you had the opportunity to make your own wine at Grape & Granary or at another wine making venue? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Grape & Granary
915 Home Avenue
Akron, OH 44310
Telephone: 330 633 7223

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 926 1233

Where to Eat:

Beau’s on the River
1989 Front Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 920 7530

I was so excited to find this amazing restaurant with a fabulous view along the Cuyahoga River. I ordered a Wedge Salad and the Caprese Flatbread for my main entrée.