Finding Inspiration in the Grand Tetons

23 March 202423 September 2024

The beauty of the Grand Tetons can hardly be explained in words. With its tall peaks, winding rivers, waterfalls and spectacular wildlife, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit here while making plans to explore Yellowstone National Park.

The sunlight glistened on Jenny Lake as I prepared to ride the ferry over to the south side. I would catch as soon as exiting the boat and venture towards Cascade Falls and Inspiration Point. From the top, there were spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area.

The wait was short and the ride most astounding. I heard the slight humming of the boat’s engine and the stirring of the water beneath. The fresh air was as intoxicating as the views from the small vessel that carried us across the lake. The crags and boulders appeared intermittently between the pines and provide the most beautiful reflection. The immense stature of the Tetons were noticeably present and grand and we arrived at our destination in a short time.

The moderate trail was broken in and we made our climb through the forest and over a large stream. Soon it was taking a more steep approach as we closed in on our final destination of Inspiration Point. The sounds of the falls in the distance challenged us to quicken our step and as we pressed on to the glorious view that we were about to witness.

We sat atop of the rocks overlooking the lake as a silence fell among us. It was a magical experience, so breathtaking that we could have stayed the afternoon taking in the scenery. It is no doubt, inspirational.

Have you taken the ferry to Inspirational Point? What other places did you visit at Grand Teton National Park? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

The Jenny Lake shuttle runs every 15 minutes for a cost of $9 roundtrip.

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

A Very Friendly Chipmunk

Incredible Vantage Point returning from Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Hike

Gorgeous views of Jenny lake from Inspiration Point

The Shuttle Stop

Hidden Falls

A Chipmunk Waiting for Snacks

A Magpie

Waking Up to the Beauty of the Grand Tetons

16 March 202423 September 2024

Having arrived in Jackson around midnight, I missed the opportunity to experience the extraordinary splendor of the Grand Tetons. I was so excited to begin exploring the ethereal beauty of this national park and wildly anticipated the journey that was ahead of me over the next couple of days.

Entering the park from the south, the first glimpse of the magical peaks were spectacular. With scenery as gorgeous as this, I knew I was about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Within minutes of my drive, a herd of elk crossed the road, hardly noticing the cars coming to a stop. The eloquence in their gait was one of careless grace as they reached the grassy knoll on the opposite side. The bull, imperiously leading his harem of does, stood out among the pack with his eight point rack identifying him as the leader of this domain.

My plan for the day was to drive as far north of the park as possible and backtrack through the Grand Tetons before heading east towards home. My first stop on this agenda was Colter Bay where I would hike the short trail near the marina.

Strolling the serene path I realized that, regardless of where I am, the Grand Tetons are a central fixture within the park. Robust and dominating the skyline, their snowy peaks are a welcome site. I could not resist the gorgeous backdrop against the beautiful sailboats anchored in the cove.

The weather was perfect for hiking the Lakeshore Trail. The trailhead, originating at the marina, was a 45-minute figure eight path. I strolled along the beach and crossed over the causeway which led to an island on the other side.

The trek took an unexpected shift through the woods where fir trees lined the path on each side. The shadows from the morning light offered protection from the sun and there was a momentary coolness to the air.

I completed the hike and after standing in awe of the marina, began my trek towards Jenny Lake. I was so excited to board the ferry to explore Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Reaching the southern part of the lake, I was just in time for the water taxi which runs every fifteen minutes. The round trip fare was $18 and well worth the serene trek across the water. The ferry arrived on the west side of Jenny Lake and drops visitors off at Cascade Canyon trailhead.

The afternoon was spectacular spent hiking, but I had only a short time to visit Mormon Row and the Snake River Lookout. With a half a day ahead of me, I had so much more to explore and I felt I was just getting started.

Have you visited the Grand Tetons? What were some of your activities during your stay? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Grand Tetons and I hope you stick around to check out my next post about this fabulous location! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

What to Read:

Where the Water Goes, by David Owen
Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah
Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderah
Journey, by James A. Michener
The Cocktail Hour in Jackson Hole, by Donald Hough

Photo Guide for The Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole:

Oxbow Bend
Schwabacher Landing
Mormon Row
Snake River Overlook
String Lake Roadway
Willow Flats Overlook
Elk Ranch Flats Turnout

Ohio Winery: Stone Crest Vineyard

9 March 202414 May 2025

“It’s all my wife’s fault,” Mike Barker said when I asked him why he and his wife Cheryl opened Stone Crest Vineyard. Her father, Riece Brown, had been making wine for a few years and the Barkers decided to “hone his craft” and planted their first vines in 2005. The name Stone Crest is based on both the soil, abundant with sandstone and its location on top of a hill. Since officially opening in 2007, the Barkers have expanded their vineyards and offer nearly twenty varieties of wine.

Ranging from dry to sweet, Stone Crest Vineyard’s award winning wines are available to sample. I found a great location at the tasting bar to enjoy some of the vineyard’s amazing wines and had a great chat with Fred. My tasting included the Chardonnay, Gemstone, Red Stone, Blue Stone and Peach.

Chardonnay – lightly oaked, dry white….14.95; My sister loves Chardonnay, so I picked up a bottle for her
Gemstone – semi sweet rose blend of pink Catawba 10.95; I absolutely love rose, so I couldn’t pass up adding this bottle to my collection
Red Stone – Concord, sweet red classic concord wine 10.95; Another great wine to have on hand for my friends who like “grape juice”
Blue Stone – blueberry and grape, sweet berry blend 11.95; A gold medal winner at the Ohio Wine Competition for the last 12 years
Peach – sweet peach made with peach juice…9.95; Crisp and fruity

Additional wines on the menu:

Winemakers Select 2013 – dry red with dark fruit flavors for 12 95
Winemakers Select 2017 (Malbec) – dry, bold red…17.99
Pinot Noir (out of stock) – dry red with great finish…17.99
Cabernet Franc (out of stock) – dry red with notes of cherry and black currant…17.99
Dry Riesling (out of stock) – dry white with hint of lemon….14.95
Tranquility (out of stock) – dry white that reminds one of Pinot Grigio …10.95
Semi sweet Riesling (out of stock) semi-sweet white with an apricot notes …14.95
De Vine – concord semi-sweet red, the fruit of the vine…10.95
Bouquet – Niagara – semisweet white with a fragrant bouquet 10.95
Dos Vinos – blend of semisweet red where two wines are blended to perfection…12.95
Red Raspberry – with a bite of raspberry pie (out of stock) – 9.95
Apple – sweet apple with a hint of cinnamon – 8.95
Waterfall Wine – out of stock; Niagara sweet white 9.95
White Stone (out of stock) – Catawba sweet white with flavors of citrus and kiwi…10.95

In addition to Stone Crest Vineyard’s spectacular wines, they winery offers slushies as well as the mix which is available for purchase. I tried their homemade slushie sangria which was absolutely delectable which is a combination of their Blue Stone, Red Stone, Cherry and Peach wines. This would be the perfect solution for a hot summer day.

Stone Crest Vineyard is located in the rural plains of Frazeyburg, Ohio. This lovely winery is open year around on Friday and Saturday evenings from noon to eight. Offering weekend dinners with a selection of two choices, these sold out gatherings include a baked potato, salad, roll and dessert. Their website’s calendar lists offerings such as pork loin or chicken, prime rib or baby back ribs, scallops with the option of filet mignon or chicken. Reservations required. Enjoy a bottle of wine with friends relax outside by the hillside waterfall or book a romantic weekend dinner at Stone Crest Vineyard. The winery accommodates bus tours and private events, so sample a few wines and buy a few wines for the holidays or special occasions.

Have you visited Stone Crest Vineyard? Which wines did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for supporting The Suite Life of Travel by reading my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stone Crest Vineyard
10310 O’Dell Road
Frazeyburg, OH 43882
Telephone: 740 828 WINE

You can also check out their Facebook page!

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH 43821
Telephone: 740 754 1122

Where to Eat:

The Inn at Dresden
209 Ames Avenue
Dresden, OH 43821
Telephone: 740 754 1122

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast of Bananas Foster French Toast which was absolutely sumptuous! In addition, we had a light dinner where we were served a couple of Filipino dishes of eggrolls and Chicken Adobo which were robust with amazing flavor!

Bear’s Mill, Greenville’s Historic Grist Mill

2 March 202414 May 2025

Sitting on 35 acres, historic Bear’s Mill is one of the last gristmills available in the state of Ohio. Providing flour since 1849, this water-powered stone grinder continues to make stoneground flour. The mill offers self-guided tours, seasonal celebrations, and local art.

Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, visitors can learn about the workings of a water-powered mill. Built by German immigrant Gabriel Baer, the location is rich with history. Interestingly, the name of Gabriel was documented as Bear, translated in error when he arrived to the United States.

Built using American Black Walnut siding, the interior beams range from 12 x 16 and 50’ long in one continuous piece. The site of the mill was granted to Major George Adams by President James Monroe in 1824. In 2001, the siding was restored to its original condition with the help of the Friends of Bears Mill, a non-profit organization. .

Entering the mill on the first floor, there is a small shop that offers flour produced by the mill as well as local products and kitchenware.

In an adjacent room on the first floor is an additional shop that displays local artwork available for purchase. While there is a permanent collection of pottery created by the miller’s wife, every six weeks, the mill hosts a rotating art exhibit on the final Friday of the month to Monday. Visitors can also meet the artist and purchase their work through the gallery.

Starting at the base of the stairs of the first floor, I began my self-guided tour of Bear’s Mill. While the tour begins on the fourth floor, the first floor is also the where the production of flour begins.

The local farmer would pull up to the entrance with his sacks of grain, ringing the bell to alert the miller. The miller would lower a rope so that the farmer could send his bags up to the miller on the fourth floor.

Weighing in at 100 pounds each, it was much easier for the miller to use a winch and pulley system to bring in the grain to the fourth floor. As a gravity fed mill, the process of producing flour starts at the top and proceeds downward.

Once the grain has been hoisted to the top floor, it is put into a hole in the floor and stored in bins until the grain is ready to be cleaned. During the cleaning of the grain, the kernels will travel up and down the mill through the elevators five times before the process has been completed.

The cleaning process includes the shaking of the grain through screens so that the larger pieces such as cobs, kernels, leaves, etc. are removed. This process is conducted twice until the remains are dropped into a cylinder traveling to the first floor and ready for the next step.

The cleaning process continues as dust and smut are removed from the grain. Once again, the pieces of grain will end up on the first floor but must be moved to the fourth floor so that the grain will be blown by an aspirator so that remaining dust and dirt is removed. Once the grain travels back down to the first floor, it will be brought up to the third floor where the milling process will continue.

In preparation of the milling process, the buckwheat, corn and wheat is stored in bins on the third floor. This floor was also a great place for the farmer to wait until the flour had been ground. Here they would sell other produce they brought along, catch up on local gossip or play games such as checkers or cards.

The milling process begins when the grain is put into chutes channeling the grain towards the hopper located over the buhr stones.

Browsing the third floor, there are some interesting items to include the scale which could weigh up to six hundred pounds of grain, elevator legs and the buhr stones. I enjoyed browsing the authentic Darke County Fair posters as well as the sale bills that displayed the livestock and produce the locals would have been selling.

The French buhr were the most sought after millstones due to their abrasive and porous qualities as the result was a slow grinding process. Have you ever heard the old adage, “Keeping Your Nose to the Grindstone?” During the grinding process, the miller would need to keep watch over the grindstones to ensure that they did not overheat, causing an offensive burning smell.

The buhr stones on display at Bear’s Mill were the original stones that Gabriel Baer imported in 1848 talking two years to eventually reach the United States. Costing $6000 in the mid-1800s, this would be equivalent to about $140,000 today.

Bear’s Mill did not utilize the typical water wheel system but rather used turbines which was a more modern technology of this time. The turbines are approximately 10 feet below the water, working just as they had over 150 years ago.

Exploring Bear’s Mill was such an amazing history lesson and insight into the technology of grain making in the mid-1800s. I was happy that the mill continues to produce various flours and sells it on-site with additional gourmet foods.

Have you visited Bear’s Mill in Greenville? What did you think of the flour-making process? Did you purchase any items from the store? 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 day trip to Bear’s Mill and wishing you many Happy Travels!

UPDATE: Check out bonus information below!

What to See and What to Do:

Bear’s Mill
6450 Arcanum – Bear’s Mill Road
Greenville, OH 45331
937 548 5112

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
Hours: The mill is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10AM to 4PM; Thursday thru Saturday from 11AM to 5PM and Sunday 1PM to 5PM.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Look for albino squirrels at this park.

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 459 4405

Where to Drink:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381

On a second visit to Bear’s Mill, I learned that there is a scenic walking path that leads towards the back of the mill. Here are some photos from the trail.

John Rankin House: A Historical Safe Passage for Slaves

5 December 202323 September 2024

Many safe houses along the Ohio River provided a gateway to slaves that had escaped the south in pursuit of freedom. Having recently visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, I became more interested in visiting these private homes and shelters and was curious to learn more about the families that operated them. My search led me to The John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio. This home was instrumental in providing assistance to over 2000 slaves in the 1800s.

Waiting for the tour to begin, I wandered towards the front of the property to check out the scenic view of the Ohio River. A stone path and wooden stairs lead down a steep decline to the street below and the vista is amazing on a clear, sunny day.

The tour begins in the parlor which is located at the front entrance of the house. Decorated in its original blue woodwork and hand painted stencil, the house is refurbished in the way it would have appeared in the 1840s.

The character Eliza, from Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is loosely based on the life of a young slave girl who passed through the Rankin home. The wood burning stove, mentioned in the book, was a central fixture located in the parlor of the home.

Before dams and locks were installed along the Ohio River, it was half its current depth and half as wide. This made crossing the river much easier than it would be to travel across today. Once the slaves reached Ohio, their first stop was the John Parker House down by the banks of the river. The local Red Oak Presbyterian church was also a haven for slaves between 1862 and 1868. A light in the window of the Rankin house signaled to Parker when it would be safe to bring the slaves to his home. From here, the girls of the home would feed their visitors, give them dry clothes and provide them a place to sleep.

Slaves could stay only about four to five hours before continuing their journey. They would travel along the underground railroad, a series of homes reaching Canada or Mexico that supported the freedom of slaves.

John Rankin was a reverend and staunch abolitionist. He was forced out of the southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee because of his beliefs and eventually made his home in Ripley.

Moving into the house on the hill in 1822 he paid only $700 for the 66 acre farm. There were nineteen people that lived in the Rankin House which included nine sons, four daughters and a few relatives.

The barns that they owned would also be used to hide slaves. Eventually, when bounty hunters would be allowed to search properties to find runaway slaves, this would be risky.

Jean Rankin, John’s wife, spent most of her time in the kitchen, while John could be found in the bedroom writing his sermons. Period furniture appears throughout the Rankin House and the Bible and glasses on display were property of the Rankin family.

The bedroom on the lower level was the master that had a rope bed/trundle bed. The stenciling found by the bed is original and it was protected by glass as part of the $1 million restoration of the home.

The kitchen has a nice fireplace with plenty of storage space and cupboards. In the center of the room is a large table for the adults to sit, while the children and servants would stand to eat. Other amenities included a butter churn, an overgrown wood station with a sink, a candle maker and a coffee grinder.

The girls and boys slept upstairs with multiple children sharing a bed. Sometimes, during the winter months, the boys would take a place on the kitchen floor to stay warm through the night.

The boys’ side of the room was always messy with clothes and shoes hanging from their beds. In the event that their parents would need their assistance in the middle of the night, they could quickly dress in the dark and make their way downstairs.

By 1850, bounty hunters were permitted to cross into Ohio to take their slaves back to the south, but they were not allowed to enter the homes. One night, there was a total of eight bounty hunters that approached the house while the eight children remained inside with their mother. She would not allow them to go outside in fear for their lives. Jean Rankin stood guard with her shot gun and was prepared to protect her family. At one point, shots were fired, but it was later determined that there were no fatalities, only an injured bounty hunter who was shot in the leg. During the time that the Rankin family took in slaves, none of them were injured nor caught while in their care.

Putting their lives in danger to assist slaves in their quest for freedom, the Rankin family are true American heroes. Learning more about them through the tour of their home, I am humbled by the passion of John Rankin and his active stance against slavery. He truly was a reverend who knew how to practice what he preached.

Update: The John Rankin House, formerly owned by the Ohio Historical Society, the home is now under the management of the Ohio Connection.

Have you visited the John Rankin House or can you recommend another home that was on the Underground Railroad trail, open for visitors? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly provide your information in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the John Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

Admission Fee: Adults: $6, Children and Students age K through 12: $3, OHC Member: Free, Children 5 and under: Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders: $5
Hours: The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays. The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
Amenities: Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
Scenic View: Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house. Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink:

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 248 891 0935

What to Read:

The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 3

7 November 202314 May 2025

What a spectacular morning visiting the historical buildings of Sauder Village. On the Village Green, I explored the 1920’s Grime Homestead, admired the adorable farm animals, rode the free express train and explored the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. The remaining sites to explore are the Pioneer Settlement, the Little Pioneers Homestead, the Historic Community and the places in between.

I hope you have had the opportunity to read Parts 1 and 2 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s extraordinary beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating back from 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will transport you to another place and time. I hope you enjoy the second part of my fun adventure at this attraction that ranks high on my list of places to see in Ohio.

When the Lauder family settled in northwestern Ohio, the area was considered a Black Swamp. Due to the conditions of the land, logs were laid side by side to accommodate carts and wagons, despite the bumpy ride.

It was also dangerous for the horses as their legs could be trapped between the logs. Regardless of the difficulties in crossing through the swamp, it seemed to have made transportation a little easier.

Inside of the early settlement of the Lauber family, they lived in temporary lean to structures until their homes are completed.

The log school is a recreation of a one-room schoolhouse that would have existed in the 1840s. Because the lighting inside was limited, the desks would face the walls where greased paper took the place of windows. The fireplace would keep the teacher and children warm, but overall, the schoolhouse was quite primitive.

During my visit to the Witmer-Roth home, it was already closed for the day. When open, there is a costumed guide that prepares a meal on either the stone hearth indoors or the outdoor bake oven. This is the original home of Anna Sauder Witmer-Roth, where she gave birth to ten of her 15 children. It is here where visitors can learn more about the woman’s role during the days of the early settlers.

Inside of the Etcher Cabin, a guide is making homemade noodles. She explains to me that this home was once owned by Jacob and Barbara Etcher who arrived in this area sometime in the 1850s.

The community jail on the premises was built in the late 1860s to house criminals in Edgerton, Ohio. Interestingly, there are only two cells as this was a temporary facility until the criminal stood trial.

The Peter Stuckey Farm includes the home, garden, summer kitchen, barn and wagon shop. Built in the 1870s, it was home to both him and his wife Catherine (Yoder). As a result of the drainage of the swamp, their farm became prosperous. Peter was also a successful wagon maker as well.

Building number 34 is the depot where the train stops to pick up passengers and drop them off to explore the Pioneer Settlement.

The next building is the Holdeman Church which was originally a Menonite Church from the local town of Pettisville and was once known as the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. It is here where the horse and buggy ride originates and requires a small additional fee.

The Little Pioneers Homestead is specifically geared towards young children and their families. There is a small cabin, Mary-Anne’s cabin and Miller barn where they can milk the cow.

One of my favorite parts of the day was finding a baby bunny in the Discovery Garden!

The Blacksmith Shop was temporarily closed.

The Harvesting Building is another special event space and location for group lunches and picnic space.

The Tiffin River Woodworks is a workshop where wooden products, including toys, are made and Cider Mill is only used in the month of September during Sauder Village’s Apple Week.

It has taken me the full day to explore Sauder Village and I have had such an awesome day exploring this gem of northwest Ohio!

I have reentered the welcome center where I find the Greenburg Gallery exhibit that provides more detail about Erie Sauder, Sauder Village and the making of this spectacular attraction.

In addition to the village, there is a campground, the Barn Restaurant, Doughbox Bakery and Sauder Store and Outlet within walking distance. With so much to experience, one could really spend a long weekend here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map. This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum. I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time. Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals. Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs. Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room. Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations. Unlike the prevous rooms, this floor was carpeted. I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child. This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional. The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches. During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk. Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse. A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor. This was the first motorized vehicle on the property. I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

There are horses….

Cows….

Pigs…

Turkeys…

and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

the baby lambs!

The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl. With so many types of pottery on display, I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor. A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today. The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting. As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal. An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express. I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement. The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west. It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here. In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834 – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area. I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County. This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 1

24 October 20233 May 2025

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement, there are close to forty buildings that will transport you back to a simple life on the prairie.

Arriving in Archbold, the Welcome Center was my first stop to purchase my ticket and pick up a map to plan out my day. This expansive center includes a café, gift shop, restrooms and the Greenburg Gallery.

Crossing the threshold, I was immediately transported into another place and time. There were several shops, exhibits and eateries on the Village Green. Surrounded by a small community of historical homes, I began my self-guided tour at Erie’s Farm Shop, “where it all began.”

Erie Sauder felt it was important that people would have a place to visit where they could learn about pioneer life and experience it for themselves. It was his vision that led to the development of Sauder Village.

Since 1976, thousands of visitors have explored this living museum where costumed volunteers reenact the pioneer days and local artisans preserve their amazing craft. Keeping history alive at Sauder Village is a great way to appreciate the challenges and hard work of those who first settled this area.

Erie’s Farm Shop, where 16-year old Erie Sauder began his woodworking company, displays some of his original tools and replicas.

Each building is clearly numbered and guides in period costumes are available to answer any questions.

Sauder’s Cabinet Shop contained more woodworking tools. Having once owned a Sauder bookcase, I was interested in learning about his craft. I learned that Sauder had expanded their products to include church pews in the 1930s.

The Basket Shop was located next door to the cabinet shop where I watched creative craftsmen assemble baskets of all shapes and sizes. The final products were available for purchase in their store.

Exiting the Basket Shop I arrived at the Roth Barbershop which was set up as it would have been in the early 20^th century. Children giggled as they sat in the barber’s chair begging for a hair cut. Playfully, the attendant declined their wish but set out to explain all of the interesting barber’s tools used for a cut and a shave. While she had their attention, she told us that the men were not permitted to sit in the barber’s chair while chewing their snuff. They had to put it on a shelf were it would stay until the barber services were completed and then they could pick it up and put it back in their lip. The children asked so many questions and it was fun to see them so engaged.

One of the most fascinating stops o my tour was the Tinsmith’s Shop. I was amazed by all of the products that were created here. From candle holders to chandeliers, the extensive collection included a fabulous selection of household items as well as tools and decorative pieces.

At the Black Swamp Cooperage, I learned that the local craftsman who made the barrels and buckets was called the Cooper. There is a beautiful display of these items that have been handcrafted by experienced woodworkers that one can purchase from the workshop. I love the contrast and design of the wood on these buckets and barrels and was hoping to find a cutting board.

At Anna’s Spinning Shop, a spinner showed our group how to make yarn. Using various types of wools, she explained how first, the wool must be combed and washed before the spinning process could begin. She also told us that the craftsman could control the size of each strand by how tight he pulled the wool as the wheel spun the fibers into string. Children as young as 3 years old would help in the process of making yarn and it was usually their job to comb the wool. From the start of creating the yarn to the knitting of a sweater, the process could take anywhere from six to twelve months.

Stepping into the herb shop, my eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling where bundles of herbs hung from the rafters. Herbs were not only used for cooking, but for other medicinal purposes, decorating needs and to freshen their homes. It smelled fantastic as I steeped inside to look over the herbs and spices they offered for sale.

Feeling a bit underdressed entering St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, I was greeted with a smile by the organist. She was eager to play a song on the organ. Once a local German Lutheran church, it was once a place of worship for Black Swamp families in the 1900s. Equipped with church pews, a pulpit and an authentic pipe organ, the acoustics were perfect for a rendition of Amazing Grace on the 100 year pump organ.

I explored the sites surrounding the Village Green and looking back into the circle, I realized how much I had learned about the first settlers that arrived in Fulton County. Next stop, the Elmira Depot.

The Elmira Depot was an original train stop along the Wabash Railway just a couple of miles from Archbold. Passengers could ride the Wabash Cannonball on the Detroit – St. Louis route starting in 1949. The depot was in use until It was brought to Sauder Village in 1968 and this is definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Inside, kids had a blast weighing themselves on the scale used to weigh goods transported by train.

I entered through the door opposite of the scales into the administrative office. Passengers could purchase their tickets while assistants sent telegraphs and carried out secretarial tasks.

My favorite part of the depot was the Baggage Room where objects that were transported on the railways were on display. Shipping routes were published on a large map while a placard displayed the American Morse Code. I watched a group of children try their hand at sending a telegraph using the morse code chart above the machine. Most of them opted to tap out their names and were having a great time pretending to send messages from one station to the next.

Just a few feet away I explored Dr. McGuffin’s Office. I was reminded of how far we’ve come from the medical care that was available back in the late 1800s. Sometimes the doctor would not only have to help the local people who were sick, he may have also had to act as the local dentist by pulling a tooth or make house calls to tend to an injured horse. He had a very important job within the community and was a well-respected figure.

I was impressed with the medical instruments encased in cabinets and the medicines and herbal remedies that were sitting on the shelf. The doctor was also in charge of prescribing medication which would have been kept on the premises. From his office, he could administer the treatment or make house calls.

The next building on my Sauder Village map is the District 16 Schoolhouse which was an original one-room school house where children attended school. The teacher played an important role, not only in the teaching of the children, but attending to additional duties. Some of these responsibilities included chopping firewood for the stove or ensuring that there was plenty of water in the bucket from which the children would drink throughout the day. Children that attended rural schools were only required to complete an 8^th grade education and the ages of the school children could range from ages 6 years to 21.

With so many levels of education coming together in one room, it must have been a challenge for the teacher not to mention giving each student the attention they deserved.

I was nearly halfway through the list of historical buildings when I happened upon the Stella Leona Chocolates & Coffee shop. It was a welcome sight to enjoy a café mocha and the milk chocolate shavings. I was tempted to try one of their delicious chocolates, but decided to wait until after lunch. With a little energy boost, I was ready to tackle the remaining sites.

For those that love to quilt, the Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop should be on the top of your list. I was able to find out anything and everything I have ever wanted to know about quilting. There are over 3500 bolts of fabric, patterns, instructional books, gifts and hand quilting demonstrations….every quilter’s dream.

Not far from the Quilt Shop is Lauder’s General Store. This place is a museum in itself with so many products that were popular in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as those items that even interest kids today. I took a walk down memory lane checking out past toys that I remembered as a child. In some ways it reminded me of the mercantile in Little House on the Prairie but with a focus more on toys, dolls, and its candy collection. I could have easily spent hours in this store.

I quickly passed by the The W.O. Taylor Printing Office on my way to visit Burlington Glass Works. The building was closed for the day, but it was once the newspaper office of Archbold in the early 20^th century. It would have been fun to see the printing presses and possibly some historical newspapers.

I overheard that the glass maker, Mark Matthews had just fired up his oven and was preparing to create one of his internationally acclaimed glass products. When I arrived, the glass was heating up so I decided to stay. Within minutes he began to manipulate the glass that would later be used to create some of his fascinating, colorful marbles.

I was surprised at the length of the process, so I did not to see the final masterpiece, but I am sure it was spectacular. Inside of his studio, he displayed many of his works which were available for sale.

My last stop before heading out towards the perimeter of the village was the Broom Shop.

It was entertaining and educational to watch the talented broom maker create a decorative broom. There was a large selection of brooms for sale and it took some time for me to made a selection. I have often heard that handmade brooms work amazingly well when sweeping floors and was happy to have purchased one.

Exiting the ship, I realized I was close to the parking lot, so I took my new broom to the car and would start my tour again at the 1920s Grime Homestead. I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of this amazing village.

Please note that this is Part 1 of my visit due to the extent of the amazing opportunities to learn about the historical sites. Check out Part 2 and Part 3 to read about the second half of my exploration of Sauder Village.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite place to visit or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

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

John Muir and His Love for Tall Trees

29 July 202319 April 2025

I became an admirer of John Muir during high school, learning about his conservationist efforts along the west coast state of California. While I had not visited until my mid-twenties, I loved the idea of preserving our country’s parks on a national and state level. On a business trip to the San Francisco Bay, I set out for the Muir Woods National Monument to see for myself, the extraordinary Redwoods in Marin County, It was a quick stop on my way to Point Reyes National Seashore and a most enjoyable one.

President Theodore Roosevelt declared Muir Woods a national monument in 1908. The 295 acres was donated by a private family becoming the 7^th National Monument of the United States. Today it is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offering 6 miles of trails and is a popular location for birdwatching.

I began my visit with a stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up a park map with detail of the trails. Cars are not permitted within the monument so I parked my rental car in the lot. Within minutes I found the trailhead to one of the paved trails and laced up my boots.

The redwood trees are home to several species of mammals and birds to include spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers, chipmunks, grey squirrels, bears and bats. I continued along the trail in anticipation in hopes of catching of glimpse of one or two, preferably a bear or a bat.

Muir Woods National Monument was a well-needed stop on my way traveling north and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. If the owners of the land had not dedicated the acreage to preserve for years to come, I wonder what this land could have been? A precious resource and solitude for future visitors, Muir Woods represents the wishes of the most well-known of all conservationists, John Muir. A refuge for both humans and animals alike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Muir Woods National Monument? 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 Muir Woods National Monument and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Rd.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Telephone: 415 561 2850

Admission Fee: $15 per person 16 years of age and older; Children, ages 15 years and under are free.
Hours: Open daily yet the times of operation vary by season.
Amenities: Restrooms, ADA accessible, café, park maps, Visitor’s Center
Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are now required for all visitors who enter the park by car. You can book your tickets in advance online. Ther are two bathrooms within the park (at entrance and near the gift shop/café. Pets and picnicking are not permitted. There is no cellular service at Muir Woods.

Where to Stay:

San Anselmo Inn
339 San Anselmo Avenue
San Anselmo, CA 92960
Telephone: 415 455 5366

Where to Eat:

Piazza D’Angelo Restaurant
22 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: 415 388 2000

What to Read:

Our National Park by John Muir
Muir Woods National Monument, by John Hart

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

A Day in Morro Bay

22 July 202319 April 2025

Morro Bay was one of my last stops down the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) before heading over to Bakersfield to meet up with some friends. This charming fishing town is most known for its large rock formation which rises 576 feet up from the harbor. Morro Rock is one of nine volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters that stretches along California’s Central Coast. The Rock, as it is known by locals, is one of the best surfing spots, so I wanted to check it out for myself. Surfing among dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals, I had the time of my life. I was so excited to see the large population of adorable otters that make their home in Morro and couldn’t wait to explore additional sightings of these playful little mammals while immersed in this charming town.

Built as a wharf to transport dairy and food products, the Embarcadero waterfront is now a boardwalk full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. I decided to dine at the Great American Fish Company and catch another view of the otters frolicking in the sea.

With so many options on the menu, I decided to order the local back bay oysters. With a little hot sauce and horseradish, I slurped them down in seconds. I was also intrigued by the GAFCO clam steamers and having dipped them in warm butter, they were the perfect taste of saltiness and fish. Someday I will return for the ceviche, calamari (which comes highly recommended) or the local abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a mild mollusk, which is also referred to as a mild tasting sea snail.

Before leaving Morro Bay, I purchased some salt water taffy at Carousel and made a trek around the base of The Rock to stretch out before leaving this beautiful place. Rock climbing at Morro Rock requires a permit to ensure the protection of the peregrine falcons that nest here. Once added to California’s Endangered Species list, there are two nesting pairs of falcons in the area.

I had an amazing adventure in Morro Bay. Having my fill of seafood, a morning of surfing, an afternoon of otter watching and my lucky box of salt water taffy, it was time for me to set out for the Central Valley.

Have you visited Morro Bay? What was your favorite experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my short trip to The Rock and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Morro Bay

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Open daily 24/7
Scenic View: See wildlife and surfers from Morro Rock; hike the local trails.
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared. Bring binoculars to see the peregrine falcons that nest on The Rock.

The Embarcadero

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Varies depending on the shop/restaurant you visit
Scenic View: See wildlife near the Great American Fish Company
Length of Visit: 1 – 3 hours
Travel Tip: Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 5651

Where to Eat:

Great American Fish Company
1185 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Telephone: 805 772 4407

What to Eat:

Calamari
Ceviche
Fish and Chips
Local Oysters
Oyster Shooters
Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read:

Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross
Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller

Photo Guide for Morro Bay:

Photograph The Rock from Morro Creek Beach at sunrise or sunset
Morro Bay Dunes
The sea otters next to Great American Fish Company

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