Category Archives: US travel

Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

I could hear the beautiful, distinct sound of bagpipes through a large crowd of onlookers as I approached Old Firehouse Winery.   I immediately took notice of the quaint little antique fire truck at the front of the building, half the size of the ones today, and entered the winery to sample a few of their wines.  The sassy red barn had been converted into a firehouse before becoming a winery and restaurant twenty-five years later.  “Old Betsy”, a 1926 Graham Brothers engine, represents the historical evolution of Old Firehouse Winery.

Standing in line with other patrons, I soon realized that the slushies were one of the winery’s best sellers.   I was easily entertained by the television screen with interesting information about the winery and Old Firehouse wines.

I had watched the informative loop twice when I was next in line to be served.   I decided to try the preset Sweet Wine Tasting Samples which included ten 1-ounce sized  plastic cups for a cost of $8.99 plus tax.

The umbrella-covered table had a lakeside view where I could enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.  An Arts & Crafts Show had been set up in an open area where visitors browsed the booths and made a few purchases. During the summer, the fair takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with hours from noon to 8.

Each Old Firehouse sample was numbered in the order of less sweet to the sweetest.

  • The Firehouse White is made of Catawba grapes was a Gold Award Winner.
  • The Firehouse Red is a semi-sweet wine, with a jammy taste and beautifully red in color.
  • Made from the popular, local Niagara grape, my next sample was the Lighthouse Niagara wine.
  • Lake Erie Riesling was surprisingly sweet compared to other Rieslings I have sampled in the past.
  • Raspberry Reflections has a sunset hue, but with its aromatic raspberry scent, it was perfectly prepared with just a hint of raspberry flavor.
  • Not quite sure what to expect with Spiced Apple, I was pleasantly surprised by its refreshing taste.
  • Frosty Peach, a lovely summertime wine,  was lightly flavored with a hint of peach.
  • Grape Jamboree is typical of an Ohio sweet wine and is one of the winery’s best sellers.  The Grape Jamboree is also an annual festival that takes place in Geneva during the month of September.
  • Pink Catawba, with its deep cranberry color was the sweetest wine yet.
  • My final sample was the Sweet Concord which tastes like grape juice that packs a punch.  This was my favorite sample and I purchased a bottle to make some sangria on a hot summer afternoon.

The view from where I was sitting was absolutely gorgeous.  Within a few feet from the seating area was an antique Ferris wheel at the edge of the lake.  This stand-alone attraction is well known to the locals and was built in 1956.  They call it the #5 Big Eli because it was fifth patent of George Ferris.   Old Firehouse Winery has a port wine named after this colorful wheel and has a spectacular view from the top.

Strolling through the winery before leaving for the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, I could not pass up the opportunity to try the slushie and I quickly learned why they are one of Old Firehouse Winery’s best sellers.

Have you visited Geneva on the Lake and tried the wines at Old Firehouse Winery?  I would love to hear about your fun experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Old Firehouse Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Firehouse Winery
9425, 5499 Lake Road East
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 9300

Open seven days a week year around, the winery and restaurant provides daily entertainment during the summer months with extended hours over the weekend.  For more information about the winery and their themed weekends which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH   44010
Telephone:  440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

Featured Ohio Winery: Hanover Winery

The Pink Toad Party, Hanover Winery’s fundraiser for breast cancer was well underway when I entered the tasting room.   A steady stream of women, many dressed in pink, stood in line to order the winery’s Pink Toad Blush in support of a great cause for loved ones and fellow breast cancer survivors.  I felt honored to listen to some incredible journeys of survival from the brave women who had battled cancer and the dear family members who cared for them along the way.

I have since returned to Hanover Winery several times because of its picturesque, rural setting, its charming tasting room and of course, wonderful selection of wines.  I, myself, am particularly fond of the Statesman and the Black Dahlia wines, yet there are over twenty-five wines to sample and purchase.  From wonderful dry reds to a wonderful range of fruit wines, the winery offers a wide variety of award winning wines that are sure to please.

Here is a list of wines I have sampled:

REDS:

  • 2015 Malbec: Robust, full body dry red with interesting notes of plums and dark berries. Notably higher tannins with a sweet tobacco finish.  $23.99;  Residual Sugar: 0%;  Alcohol:  3%;  This wine was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Competition
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold layers of dark fruits with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel.  Medium smooth tannins.  Well balanced in oak with a nice finish. $36; Residual Sugar: 0%; This wine was awarded the International Double Gold Medal at the 2017 Competition
  • Chambourcin: A complex red wine with rich dark fruit flavors, oak aged;  $13.99;  Residual Sugar:  1%;  This wine was awarded a Gold Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Black Dahlia: Merlot Blackberry, dark and delicious; $18; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
  • Baco Noir: A bold dry red with layers of plum and vanilla flavors, oak barrel aged;  $17; Residual Sugar:  1%
  • Pink Toad: Flavorful Catawba, a nice blush wine; $9.99; Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

  • Sweet Lizzy: Sweet rose’ wine named in memory of our black Labrador Lizzy.  $10.99; Residual Sugar:  9%;   This wine was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2018 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and a Bronze Medal from the Ohio Wine Competition

WHITES

  • Chardonnay: Stainless steel fermented lightly oaked; $13.99; Residual Sugar  5%
  • Vignoles: Dry, oak aged with hints of pineapple and apricot.  $12.99; Residual Sugar:  1%; This wine was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

FRUIT

  • Dammit Annie: A delicious blend of Blackberries and Haskap Berries; Sweet enough for dessert.  Named after their Labrador Annie;  $16.99; Residual Sugar:  5%
  • Peach: A smooth and delicious peach wine. A great summer treat  $11.99;  Residual Sugar: 9%; This wine was awarded the Silver and Bronze Medals at both the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Ohio Wine Competition

PORT

  • Attitude: A port style dessert wine, oak barrel aged.  Alcohol 19.5%; $23.99; Residual Sugar: 5.9%; This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

SPECIALTY

  • Unleashed: Raspberry Riesling, a sweet Riesling blended with real raspberries.  Labeled in memory of our yellow Labrador Ellie; $13.99; Residual Sugar:  5%;  This wine was awarded the Silver Medal at the Ohio Wine Competition

Additional wines available at Hanover Winery include:

REDS

  • 2015 Tampranillo
  • Marquette
  • Marechal Foch
  • Hanover Red
  • Mason’s Red
  • Soft Red

WHITES

  • Soft White
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Riesling – New Release
  • Traminette – New Release
  • Seyval Blanc
  • Hanover White
  • Kiss Me

FRUIT

  • Blackberry
  • Ohio Apple
  • Cranberry

SPARKLING

  • Bubbly

My drive from Oxford took only about ten minutes and the rural route was a welcoming change to my city life.  I could use a little leisurely wine time and knew I had finally arrived when I noticed the rows of Marquette and Seyval grapes.

According to Eddie McDonald, co-owner of the winery, the vines were planted in the spring of 2016 and it will take a few years until the crop produces grapes.  He and his wife Elizabeth opened the winery in 2009 after making wine for family and friends as a hobby for over ten years.  Known as Butler County’s sole winery, the gorgeous property is perfect for relaxing along the pond with a bottle of wine, enjoying the weekend entertainment or attending one of Hanover Winery’s many sponsored events. Visit their website to learn more about Hanover’s Annual Summer Wine Festival in August (expect a large turnout) and their Annual Animal Rescue Fundraiser in the Spring.

Business was soon picking up and Eddie was needed to bring some more wine up from their “wine cellar”.  He asked if I wanted to check it out and of course I was curious to see where the magic happens.  The entertainment was setting up on the patio, so I stopped by the tasting table and ordered a glass of Pink Toad to enjoy the pond.  I brought my list of wines to purchase for upcoming events, and bought a few favorites for my friends and family.   While Hanover Winery is one of my favorite wineries to visit because of the hospitality of Eddie and Elizabeth and the delicious award winning wines, I always enjoy visiting with the resident celebrities, Mason and Annie.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hanover Winery?  What wines did you try?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about one of my favorite Ohio wineries and wishing you many Happy Travels.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Hanover Winery
2165 Morman Road
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 863 3119

Where to Stay:

The Elms
75 South Main Street
Oxford, OH  45056
Telephone:  513 524 2002

Where to Eat:

LaRosa’s Pizza Hamilton
770 NW Washington Blvd.
Hamilton, OH  45013
Telephone:  513 347 1111
Website:  www.larosas.com

Feeding Bear Cubs at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Michigan

Stretching out under the warmth of the sun on a bed of grass and branches, a big beautiful bundle of fur seemed content to take his afternoon nap.  I approached slowly, one careful step at a time, not to wake nor startle the beast as I noticed his large paws and pads outstretched over his head.  Oh, so close I was to this adorable creature that I wanted so much to pet him….luckily for me, I was protected by a fence between myself and the platform.  With a perfect view, I felt safe and secure in the confines of the Oswald’s Bear Ranch habitat.

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Oswald’s is a bear-only sanctuary set on 200 acres of land about nine miles northwest of Newbury.  With four habitats, there is plenty of space for the 41 bears in this free-roaming environment.   The bears are content and happy within their fenced-in territory and hardly notice all of the humans watching them frolic about.  The perfect way to enjoy the bears is from the wooden, elevated platforms providing a barrier free, bird’s eye view.

The bear complex is the largest in the United States.  Dean and Jewel Oswald opened the ranch in 1997, but have been rescuing bears as far back as 1984.  Dean, a former firefighter and policeman wanted to establish a way to provide shelter to bears that would not have otherwise survived in the wild.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a walk-through sanctuary, providing trolley service for the elderly and large groups.  Daily feedings take place at 4 PM where visitors can watch these beastly beauties enjoy their afternoon meal.

Waiting in line, I was giddy with anticipation to have my photo taken while feeding a baby black bear cub.  With a little strawberry jam on a paint brush, I would have the opportunity to watch one of the young cubs, Kendra, snack while I stroked her thick furry coat and examined her huge paws.

The ranch takes in rescued cubs each year.  The Oswalds post videos of their new additions to show their first steps and capture their early days roaming around in the safety of their house.  It is fun to watch the video clips, especially during feeding time.   The four new cubs that arrived this year will soon be ready to join the other bears outside in their own special habitat equipped with a waterfall.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the top ten family friendly attractions in the Upper Peninsula and is a great educational experience where people can learn about black bears and their environment.  They are open the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through October 1st.  Summer hours are from 9:30 AM until 5 PM each day.  After Labor Day, the ranch closes at 4 PM.  Admission is $20 per vehicle or $10 for a single traveler, cash only.  Active military are free.  An additional fee is required for visitors who want to feed the bear cubs.

For visitors interested in providing an additional donation, The Bear Club is an opportunity to help Oswald’s Bear Ranch continue their mission to rescue black bears throughout the United States.   With a small contribution of only $10, donors can receive a book titled, “Black Bear Tales and Native American Legends”.

I have such a great respect for Dean and Jewel Oswald and was thankful for the opportunity to talk with Dean about his ranch and his furry family.  Without a doubt, Oswald Bear Ranch is his passion and he lights up when he talks about his rescue efforts, the expansion of his bear family and the latest news about the baby cubs that have just arrived this year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Oswald’s Bear Ranch?  Did you feed one of the cubs?  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 exciting trip to Oswald’s Bear Ranch and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Oswald’s Bear Ranch
13814 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3147

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn & Suites
13954 M-28
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3218

Where to Eat:

Wolf Inn Grill and Spirits
18568 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 658 3355

I stopped at this nearby restaurant for just a small meal until dinner, so I ordered the appetizer size of nachos. Their servings are huge!  I could not eat even half of them, but they were absolutely delicious.

What to Eat: 

  • The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale
  • Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
  • Mackinac Island Fudge
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
  • Better Made Chips from Detroit
  • Germack Pistachios 
  • Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
  • Faygo beverages

What to Read: 

  • Y is for Yooper, by Scott Reddinger
  • U.P., by R. A. Reikki
  • Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
  • The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
  • A Transplanted Yooper, by Tina Lonski

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island: 

  • A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise
  • Art Scene in Grand Rapids
  • Holland’s Dutch Heritage

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

Guerra’s Crazy Tacos: Springfield, Ohio

Since Guerra’s Crazy Tacos first opened in Springfield, Ohio, it has drawn visitors from all over the state of Ohio and beyond.  Known for its unique taco combinations, this brightly colored, boutique restaurant is the place for a unique twist on Mexican cuisine.

Drawing on recipes from his San Antonio roots, Felix Guerra III doesn’t shy away from fascinating culinary combos such as cabbage and candied ginger, teriyaki sauce and pineapple, or toppings to include BBQ sauce or jerk seasoning.  Each taco creation is written on the black board and changes from time to time, leaving you wanting to return to Guerra’s to taste his next invention.

The Sugar Skull artwork makes for a beautiful interior.  From the wall art to the tables and chairs, this symbol known for its remembrance of loved ones who have passed denoting the passing from the physical to the spiritual. It is also a reminder that our lives must be fully lived.

Starting with some chips and green salsa, it was the perfect distraction from my grumbling stomach anticipating the triple order of Sweet Lucy, Asian Ginger and the traditional taco.  I also couldn’t resist their spicy margarita.

I savored each bite and slowly enjoyed my margarita, tempted to purchase a couple of additional combos.  In the end, I decided it would not be the best idea and I could always return for more.  Besides, since it has been named one of Business Insider’s top places to order tacos, let’s hope they will be here for a very long time.

Have you visited Guerra’s Krazy Taco?  I would love to hear about your experience and what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Guerra’s Krazy Taco and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Guerra’s Krazy Tacos
229 N. Belmont Avenue
Springfield, OH  45503
Telephone:  937 325 0799

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Guerra’s Krazy Tacos
229 N. Belmont Avenue
Springfield, OH  45503
Telephone:  937 325 0799

What to Eat:

Tacos, Tacos and More Tacos!

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.
  • 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.

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

Hiking Buzzardroost Rock in Ohio

Located in the rolling hills of southwest Ohio is one of my favorite hikes, Buzzardroost Rock. Nearly two hours of driving from Cincinnati, I arrived at the lot where I parked my car and took the stairs down to the trail head.

An old sign marked the start of the trail so I crossed the road where I entered a forest of maple trees.  Considered a moderately difficult trail, I was guaranteed stunning views of the valley once I reached the scenic overlook.

Additional stairs brought me further into the woods where I reached a board walk protecting me from the surrounding wetlands.  Even a small rain would cause this area to flood, so the wooded platform was much appreciated.

Wooden stairs were a welcome sight for climbing up the side of the hill.

I crossed over the creek using wooden planks which had been perfectly laid down for hikers to span the trickling water.

Large sandstone rocks appeared at the crest of the hill and as the sun began to set, its reflection gave the monolith stones a reddish orange glow.

I was a little disappointed that the sun was beginning to set, but the sky was such a beautiful pink and orange that I took a few moments to enjoy the spectacular colors streaming through the trees.

The further I walked, the more beautiful the colors came together.  It was so worth taking a few moments to enjoy the views, but I was also wanting to make sure that I made it to the overlook before it was too late.

I continued walking while enjoying the beautiful sunset.

The sky remained dusk when I reached the overlook.  The boardwalk led to a circular viewing area which seemed to cling to the side of the hill.

A closer look at the countryside below leaves me breathless….or it may have just been the hike.  I could feel the peace and quiet as I looked down over the valley.  I immediately took notice of the farmhouse, surrounded by acres of land and agreed that the hike was definitely worth the effort.

Have you had the opportunity to hike Buzzardroost Rock? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.   Thanks for reading about my evening hike at Buzzardroost and wishing you many Happy Trails!

To hike Buzzardroost Rock, enter the following address into your GPS to  reach the parking lot for the trail:

Buzzardroost Rock Trail
16300 OH-125
West Union, OH  45693

Home Cooking at The Farm, Adena, OH

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Stephi,  from The Black Sheep Vineyard, suggested I visit The Farm for dinner which is located just around the corner from the winery.  She mentioned that the restaurant provided home-style cooking and recommended the prime rib with their homemade butter.  That sounded absolutely fabulous so I purchased a couple of bottles of wine and made my way over to the restaurant.

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I was greeted with a warm smile by the hostess, who led me to a table close to the fireplace.  The atmosphere was electric as waiters kept busy with a full house.  My server was helpful in providing me with a list of specials which included a Shrimp and Scallop Pasta with Grilled Vegetables & Alfredo with Salad for $22, Baked or Fried Cod with two sides for $14 and a twenty-ounce Cowboy Steak with two sides for $32.   There was also a Berry Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing for $14.  The vegetable of the day was Broccoli with Cheese.  Everything sounded so fantastic, so I splurged on the Alfredo special and ordered ranch dressing with my salad.

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My salad was perfectly chilled with mixed greens, beets, green beans, cheese and croutons.  The dressing, a homemade ranch, was absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned with ground pepper.  I checked out some of the orders passing from the kitchen to the tables where I noticed homemade noodles and stuffed Italian peppers.

I could sense my dinner was arriving as I smelled the creamy cheese sauce.  There were plenty of meat, vegetables and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese.  With so much food, I requested a take out box ahead of time, so I wouldn’t overeat and have leftovers for the next day or two.

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Before leaving, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Sally, the owner of the restaurant.  She is the epitome of hospitality and what a fabulous cook.  She learned that I was interested in writing about The Farm and wanted to introduce herself to me.  I thanked her for the delicious meal and before I could pay my bill, she met me at my table with another package….she was so excited to share with me her pot roast and wanted me to try her notorious bread pudding.  I would have loved to have tried the meal at the restaurant, but I was quite full from my delicious meal.  I needed to make it back to Columbus and thanked her again for her generous hospitality.   While I didn’t have room for dessert, I was happy that I saved time for the sunset.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Farm in Adena, Ohio?  What did you order or what is your favorite meal?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

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

Where to Eat:

The Farm Restaurant
1247 OH-150
Adena, Ohio  43901
Telephone:  740 769 2050

For more information about The Farm Restaurant, you can check out their Facebook page to access their menu and to find out more information about their hours of operation.  I would like to thank Sally and the staff at The Farm for their generous hospitality and kindness during my visit!  All opinions provided are my own!

Where to Drink:

The Black Sheep Winery
1454 US-250
Adena, Ohio  43901
Telephone:  740 546 3741

Where to Stay:

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
620 Lincoln Avenue
Cadiz, OH  43907
Telephone:  740 942 1161

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Yummy Pot Roast with Awesome Gravy

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Incredible Bread Pudding

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The Spectacular Sunset at The Farm Restaurant, Adena, OH

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Bodega Restaurant in Athens, OH

 

I arrived early for lunch at the Bodega in Athens, Ohio.  A well-known restaurant located in Uptown, it is a perfect stop for local students attending Ohio University.  The Bodega is a part of a co-operative, opened in 1986 under the Casa Nueva name as a restaurant.  The business continued to grow to include a salsa and later expanded to add The Bodega with its own kitchen.

I found a place at the bar to place my order and was handed a polyethylene coated piece of paper with the number 13.

In the corner of the restaurant is an electrical, back-lit board which displays a number when an order has been completed.  Once the number is displayed on the “Bingo Board”, there is a small pass-through to pick up the food.

Until my food was completed, I was happy to enjoy a Pineapple Hurricane made with orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and pineapple infused alcohol.

My grilled chicken burrito arrived with a side of chips and salsa, which was absolutely fresh with the perfect amount of heat.  I met a couple of students who had just arrived to the restaurant preparing for their last test of the day.  This was the last day of the semester for the students and many would be making the journey home.

As I finished the last of my burrito, the restaurant was filling up with students, so I grabbed my leftovers and headed back to The Plains to wait for my niece and nephew to return home.

Have you visited The Bodega inside of Casa Nueva?  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 visit to one of Athens’ best restaurants and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Casa Nueva – The Bodega
4 West State Street
Athens, OH  45701
Telephone:  740 592 2016

What to Eat:

Each day the restaurant prepares fresh salsas and ingredients for their wraps and burritos.  Each menu item is made to order and each selection comes highly recommended.

Nostalgic Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala, Ohio

Meeting my cousin for dinner, we decided on a spot that would make the halfway point for both of us, selecting The Nutcracker in Pataskala.  Located on the back roads of Ohio’s farmland, this gorgeous diner first opened as an ice cream parlor in 1995.

Taking my first step through the door, I recognized all of the features that make this restaurant a 1950’s diner, but I also could not help noticing that I was surrounded by Nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes.

The antique cars and authentic signs add to the charm of this roadside restaurant.  The black and white checkered floor throughout adds the final touch.  I felt a little nostalgic seeing all of the Coca Cola memorabilia as it reminded me of visiting my Grandfather.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the neon signs “Service Station” and the “FrosTop Root Beer” advertisement as I waited to be seated.  A small table next to a window sill held about fifteen more Nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes.

Looking through the menu, there were so many items that I had a difficult time narrowing down my order.  I remembered walking through the front door where I noticed the advertisement for Snicker Cookie Pie that I knew I wanted to save room for dessert.

I finally decided on the BLT sandwich with fries, placed my order and immediately flipped to the dessert page of the menu.  I did not wait long for my meal to arrive and asked for a slice of the seasonal  pumpkin roll with whipped cream.

Full from lunch and dessert, I approached the cash register where there was a large pastry display with whole pies, chocolate candies and their famous cream puffs.  I was tempted to take a few items to go, but thought it would be best to pass on the additional sugar and wait until the next time I was in town.

Instead of dinner next time, I wouldn’t mind trying a couple of desserts.

Have you stopped by The Nutcracker in Pataskala for an amazing trip down memory lane?  Let me know what you ordered by leaving a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fabulous dining experience at The Nutcracker and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad Street
Pataskala, OH  43062
Telephone:  740 964 0056

Where to Eat:

Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad Street
Pataskala, OH  43062
Telephone:  740 964 0056

Exploring the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield, Ohio

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Shawshank Redemption is an all-time classic starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freedman. The movie won several awards and was filmed in central Ohio.  So when I learned that most of the movie was filmed in Mansfield, I jumped at the opportunity to download the “Shawshank Trail Drive It Yourself Tour” and began my trek up north.  Fourteen sites identify where Hollywood filmed the movie including the Ohio State Reformatory, which is now a museum and open to the public for tours. Here are the details of my tour.   SPOILER ALERT!

Shawshank signs and decals identify the sites that are listed on the tour.   The drive begins at the Ohio State Reformatory and ends in Upper Sandusky, Ohio where two of the sites were filmed about an hour outside of Mansfield.

Please note:   I have put the sites in order in which they appear in the movie and not in the sequence of the driving tour.

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At the start of the film, Andy Dufresne is sitting outside of his wife’s lover’s house where he knows she is inside.  The façade of the home is Pugh Cabin located at Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, Ohio.

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Located in Upper Sandusky, the Wyandot County Courthouse is the site where Andy’s trial took place.  Because I completed the driving tour on a Saturday, the courthouse was not open.  NOTE:  Should you visit from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30, it is required that you ask permission of a courthouse employee prior to taking photos of the inside of the building.

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When Red and the other prisoners come out to watch the new prisoners enter the prison yard, there are several angles of the Ohio State Reformatory that are familiar in these scenes.

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The guard tower is seen from several angles, but as Red is entering the courtyard of the prison, the view of the post can be seen in the background.

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One of my favorite shots in the movie is when the film follows the entrance road up to the façade of the Ohio State Reformatory leading into an aerial view of the prison.  It is such a dramatic part of the film that highlights the fascinating architecture of the building.

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A view of the bullpen occurs when the prisoners, upon entering the penitentiary, are required to line up on the yellow line.  It is here where the new prisoners experience their first sight of police brutality on the inside.

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The area set aside for Solitary Confinement is marked within the Ohio State Reformatory.  It is here where the prisoners would be sent as additional punishment for not following the rules.

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At one point, Andy is washing his face, which shows the inside of his prison cell.

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The shower scene in the movie looks very similar to the showers inside of the reformatory except for the fact that the movie shower heads are larger.

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Another angle of the shower shows where the towels and clothes of the prisoners are hanging from hooks along the back wall.

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Moving away from the Ohio State Reformatory, the next location site is the Shawshank Workshop. Inside of this building is where the filming took place that represented the workshop inside of Shawshank Prison.  There are several scenes which shows the prisoners working in the workshop.  The most notable scene is when Andy locks himself up in the warden’s office and plays opera over the load speaker for the prisoners to hear, playing Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”.

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There is a scene in the movie where Andy is coming down the stairs with the warden.  Although painted a different color than the film, this scene was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory.

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If you look closely to the floor where Andy works on the same level as the warden’s office, you will notice the circular tiles.  This floor is located on the first floor of the Ohio State Reformatory and is part of the administrative offices and gift shop.

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The façade of the Blissman Building was used as the Brewster Hotel as well as the Portland Daily Bugle.  The hotel was where Brooks would stay after being released from prison and would later on, hang himself in his room.  On the corner of Main and Fifth is where Brooks would try to cross the street, only to realize that the times are now moving faster and is almost hit by a car. This building is considered haunted and is included in the Haunted Mansfield Tour.

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The set for Brooks’ room can be seen at the Ohio State Reformatory.

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The scene where Brooks is waiting for his crow, Jake, to return has been replaced with a gazebo.

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On the other side of the park is a bench that has been designated as a prop for the movie as the location where Brooks sat waiting for his pet crow, Jake.

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On the ground floor of the Ohio State Reformatory is the model for the tunnel where Andy dug his way out to freedom.  This is the actual film prop where the Warden throws one of Andy’s stone images that happens to expose the hole from which Andy escapes.

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The most memorable prop is that where Andy crawls his way out of the sewage pipe that leads outside of the prison and ending at a creek.  According to the museum, the sewage was created by using sawdust, chocolate syrup and water.

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One of the most thrilling events of the movie is when Andy enters the Maine National Bank and cashes in his account under the name of Randall Stevens and drops of a package for the bank to mail on his behalf.  You can find the location where they shot this scene at what is known as Crosby Advisory Group, LLC.  There is the vault door and an office upstairs that was used in the movie.

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After Red is released from prison, there is a scene in the movie where he happens to look inside of a storefront window and gazes upon a compass.  It will be this compass that will help Red find the Oak Tree that Andy directs him to find.

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One of the movie locations that requires a little driving is approximately 15 miles outside of Mansfield on the country roads of Bellville.  It is one of my favorite scenes where Red, looking for the Oak Tree, hitches a ride with a man driving a pickup truck.  He drops him off at an intersection and is one of the prettiest scenes in the movie.  It is at the intersection of Snyder Road and Hagerman Road in Bellville.

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The movie zooms in on Red as he continues his journey searching for the Oak Tree.

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It is an exciting moment in the movie when Red eventually finds the Oak Tree and the treasure that Andy has left for him.  The scene shows Red walking along a hay field and then following a small wall of rocks until he reaches the tree.  Located in Pleasant Valley near Malabar Farm, only half of this tree remains due to a lightning strike on July 29, 2011.

UPDATE:  On July 22, 2016, winds damaged the 200+ year old tree and the remainder of the tree was cut down on April 9, 2017.

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Once Red finds the treasure, he returns back to the Brewer Hotel to pack his belongings. It is here that he also leaves his mark at the hotel “So Was Red”, next to his dear friend’s last message “Brooks Was Here”.  This image can be found at the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield.

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Inside of this building is where Andy waits in line to purchase his bus ticket to Fort Hancock, Texas, located at the American/Mexican border.  This building is located on Orange Street in Ashland, Ohio.

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As Andy rides the bus towards Fort Hancock, Texas, there is a view of the bus heading down a road along the beautiful countryside.  This scenic location is also in Belleville, on the corner of Hagerman and Route 95.  This is another one of my favorite scenes because it shows a brand new beginning for Red and the opportunity for him to have a second chance.

Shawshank Redemption is a movie about friendship, loyalty, innocence and revenge.  It is a thrilling drama where the good guy wins and the bad guy has a second chance.  Although it was not a box office success, the US Library of Congress added this film to their National Film Registry finding it “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”  I couldn’t agree more.

Have you seen Shawshank Redemption or taken the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield?  What were you thoughts about the movie?  I would love to hear about your experience and thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, OH  44843
Telephone:  419 892 2784

  • Admission Fee:  No  fee to drive up to the cabin at Malabar Farm State Park
  • Hours:  Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
  • Amenities:   Mt. Jeez lookout, picnic areas, restroom facilities, campgrounds, guided tours, Malabar Restaurant, 32-room country mansion
  • Scenic View:   Pugh Cabin, the façade of the house was filmed as Andy Dufresne’s wife’s lover; the park is extensive with scenic views, especially the Mt. Jeez Lookout
  • Length of Visit:  30 minutes, unless you continue to explore this beautiful state park
  • Tips for Your Visit:  If visiting the park from November through April, some of the facilities may be closed/unavailable

Wyandot County Courthouse
109 S. Sandusky Avenue
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Telephone:  419 294 3826

  • Hours:  Monday through Friday:  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Length of Visit:  Less than 30 minutes
  • Tips for Your Visit:  You must have permission to take photographs inside.

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Road
Mansfield, OH  44905
Telephone:  419 522 2644

  • Admission:  Self-guided tours for adults (18 & up) are $12 while guided tours cost $17.  Students (7 – 17), Seniors (age 60+) and College ID and Military are $10 for self-guided tours and $15 for guided tours.  Children 6 and under are free and there is an additional $5 cost for the audio wand.  NOTE:  Cash only, but there is an ATM machine provided.
  • Hours:  Winter Hours (February 2 to March 31) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only;  Spring/Summer Hours (April 1 to September 2) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, daily; Holiday Tours (November 24 to December 17) are from 11 AM to 4PM, daily
  • Amenities:  New for 2018, the reformatory will be open for abbreviated tours (September 4th – November 4th – Thursdays through Sunday only in October);  self-guided tours; guided tours offered regularly between June and August on Saturdays and Sundays;  Specialized guided tours include: History Meets Hollywood Tour, Beyond the Bars Tour, and the Inmate Tour led by Michael Humphrey who spent 14 months here in the late 1960s. This tour contains adult themes and is intended for mature audiences only.  Please contact the Ohio State Reformatory to confirm when this tour is available.
  • Scenic View:  There are several scenic views of the reformatory from the Warden’s Quarters and other locations throughout the prison.
  • Length of Visit:  For the basic self-guided or guided tour, allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.  Depending on the number of guided tours you purchase, you will require additional time.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Pay the additional fee for the audio tour which provides interesting information about the reformatory.  Admission is cash only but there is an ATM machine provided.  Wear proper shoes due to the condition of the metal stairs in the cell block.  If you think you can handle it, visit during the overnight ghost tour.

Blissman Building
193 N. Main Street
Mansfield, OH  44902
Telephone:  419 295 2537

  • Admission Fee:  No Fee, but donations are appreciated
  • Hours:  If the door is open, come on in! Let the staff know you are on the Shawshank Tour
  • Scenic View:   The façade represents the Brewer Hotel and the Portland Daily Bugle
  • Length of Visit:  Less than 30 minutes
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Only the façade was used for the movie.

Brook’s Bench
Park Avenue West and Park Street
Mansfield, OH  44902
Telephone:  419 744 9820

  • Admission Fee:  No Fee, public location
  • Hours:  Open 24 hours
  • Scenic View:   From the park bench there is a beautiful gazebo in the park.
  • Length of Visit:  Less than 30 minutes

Crosby Advisory Group,
19 W. Main Street
Ashland, OH  44805
www.crosbyadvisory.com

  • Admission Fee:  No Fee, but donations accepted
  • Hours:  8 – 4; Monday through Friday
  • Length of Visit:  Less than 30 minutes
  • Tips for Your Visit:  This building may not be available even during the hours of operation,  The vault door, teller line and one of the offices upstairs were used as scenes from the movie.

Road to Buxton:  Crossroads of Snyder and Hagerman

Shawshank Tree – on Pleasant Valley Road between Malabar Farm and Malabar Farm Restaurant

Revivals Thrift Shop
345 Orange Street
Ashland, OH  44805
Telephone:  419 903 0303

  • Hours:  Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Open Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
  • Length of Visit:  30 minutes
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The location was used as the Trailways Bus Station in the movie.  It is a Christian outreach and ministry today.

Route 95 near Hagerman Road in Butler, OH is where Red rode the Trailways Bus after leaving the Shawshank State Prison,

Zihuatenejo
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Telephone: 340 773 4554

  • Admission Fee:  No Fee
  • Hours:  Open on Saturday to Sunday only and is closed from April to August for turtle nesting season
  • Amenities:   None
  • Scenic View:   The coast of Sandy Point is absolutely stunning with its crystal clear waters and gorgeous white sand beaches
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Do not visit this beach alone.  You cannot put a stake in the ground (i.e., for an umbrella) so bring plenty of sunscreen.  The water has a drop off and becomes deep very quickly.  Turtles and rays are seen here.

Where to Stay:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, OH  44813
Telephone: 419 886 9463

Where to Eat:

Malabar Farm Restaurant
3645 Pleasant Valley Road
Lucas, OH  44864
Telephone:  419 938 5205

I started my meal with the mushroom soup which was creamy and full of flavor.  As my main meal, I ordered the highly popular Reuben sandwich made of slow cooked brisket, kraut, marble rye, artisan Thousand Island and served with chips.  Blog post coming soon!

The Vault Wine Bar
29 W. Main Street
Shelby, OH  44875
Telephone:  567 292 9081
The Suite Life of Travel Blog Post

I had already eaten a big lunch and decided to order the stuffed dates at The Vault which are stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked and then drizzled with balsamic reduction.  I could have ordered two servings they were amazing!

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

Lunch at Teaberry’s, Springfield, Ohio

Update:  As of December 26, 2022, Teaberry’s and Heart of Ohio Gift Shop has closed. 

Restaurants can bring on a nostalgic feeling and I felt that as I entered Teaberry’s in Springfield.  I remembered visiting craft stores when I was younger and vividly recollected the menu of home-cooked meals.  I was so happy to be visiting here again to try some of the cooking that reminded me of my favorite lunches we shared at my Grandmother’s house.

We were seated straightaway and our server took our drink order.  It was a hot sunny day in my hometown and so I ordered the lemonade, trying to decide on what I would have for lunch.

Once I had decided on the chicken salad sandwich with cauliflower salad, I took time to read the historical account of Teaberry’s learning that the restaurant had once been a two-room schoolhouse in Clark County, built in 1868.  It later became a home, a gift shop and the restaurant was added in 1998.  Today, Teaberry’s has expanded by adding five rooms to accommodate up to 120 guests.

The serving of chicken salad was overflowing from the perfectly baked croissant, lightly toasted with a think layer of butter.  The broccoli salad was dressed with a sweet and salad dressing, which was absolutely delicious.

Of course I had to save room for their famous “orange cakes”, which were moist and full of flavor.  Completely full, we had time to shop  and found a few items to decorate my home and gifts for the upcoming holiday.   I’m not sure which I had enjoyed more…the lunch or the shopping, but both were quite enjoyable.

Have you visited Teaberry’s in Springfield?  What was your experience and did you eat and shop?  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 lunch and shopping at Teaberry’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Heart of Country Gift Shop
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505

Where to Eat:

Teaberry’s
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505

What to Eat:

  • Chicken Salad
  • Reuben Sandwich
  • Orange Cake