A Look at Auschwitz, Seventy Years Later

1 September 201616 September 2024

In 2015, I decided to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center when I learned that they were hosting the exhibit, Unlocking the Gates of Auschwitz, Seventy Years Later. While it was a small showcase of over 100 artifacts and memorabilia, what interested me most were the testimonies of two amazing Holocaust survivors who later immigrated to Cincinnati.

In 1943, Werner Coppel and Bella Ouziel were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Coppel escaped during a death march and hid in the woods for a week until the camp was liberated by the Soviet Army in 1945. Bella Ouziel of Greece survived a death march to Bergen-Belsen, set free by the British in August of 1945.

The purpose of the exhibit was to “give a voice to the survivors and eyewitnesses of Auschwitz and invite us today to stand up against injustice around the world.” Many of the items on display for the first time come from private collections, archives and libraries. Curated by the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, the Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center collaborated to make this exhibit available.

Long before concentration and death camps were planned by the Germans, Adolf Hitler was developing the Nazi ideology with this political manifesto and attempt to overthrow the Weimer government. By the mid-1930s, when Hitler came into power, propaganda against the Jews targeted impressionable children and anti-Semitic pamphlets were distributed throughout the country. Defining Jews as a “race”, the Nazis were able to brainwash the Germans into thinking that they were a genetically pure race compared to the Jews who were considered “subhuman.”

In addition, publications were developed to paint a negative view of anyone who disagreed with Hitler’s dogma and were considered enemies of the “Aryan” race. Manuals were provided to school teachers, training them in a destructive way of thinking towards Jews, gypsies, Poles, homosexuals, Afro-Germans and people with disabilities.

By 1938, passports held by Jews were identified with a red “J”.

By 1940, Jews were segregated into areas identified as ghettos and were required to wear the Jewish Star of David which would later identify Jews during the German deportation of Jews throughout German-occupied European countries.

The ghettos were the initial location where Jews were required to “carry out forced labor for the German Reich.” The Germans collected the currency owned by the Jews and exchanged the money for “Quittung”, which were receipts which could be traded for services or merchandise.

While these Jewish neighborhoods were meant as a short term solution for Jewish segregated housing, many died from disease, shootings and starvation. If they survived the ghetto, they were deported to one of several concentration or death camps throughout German-occupied countries.

Adolf Hitler idolized Charles Darwin and believed in the “the survival of the fittest.” He intended to create the “perfect race” to include the traits that affected appearance, body type, intelligence, and military skill. Having created his list of ideal characteristics, he began to determine one’s “racial purity” researching documentation of family histories and birth certificates.

“Transport trains began to deliver Jews in early 1942 as part of the Nazi extermination plan. Cramped rail cars without adequate food, shelter or facilities. Upon arrival, they went through a selection process where they were either deemed fit for work and admitted into the camp or were deemed unfit for work and sent immediately to one of four gas chambers where they were killed using Zyklon B, a pesticide. Those selected for extermination were primarily children, women with small children, sick or elderly. Their bodies were removed from the gas chambers by the sonderkommando, groups of Jews forced to dispose of the corpses on threat of their own deaths.” Auschwitz Exhibit

When children arrived to Auschwitz, they were, more often than not, immediately sent to the gas chambers. Children aged 12 and over were forced to work in the camps and were subject to medical experimentation. While thousands of children survived (because they were hidden), it was estimated that over 1.5 children were killed during the Holocaust.

With such disdain for children, it seems ironic that the prison camps were making children’s shoes at work camps such as Buchenwald as well as Auschwitz. Bella Ouziel, a Holocaust survivor discusses how she was required to sort shoes at Auschwitz.

Non-Jewish groups were also transported to the concentration and death camps during the Holocaust to include the Gypsies. They were identified by brown triangle patches with an assigned number. The Romas, or Sintis, were considered undesirable and were murdered in the tens of thousands, dying in gas vans poisoned with carbon monoxide.

“Bella Ouziel remembers the transport of Roma where were sent to the family camp. She remembers that the next day, they had all been sent to the crematorium ca, 1943” – The Auschwitz Exhibit

Within the extermination camps, the Nazi’s began to use canisters containing Zyklon B pellets to carry out their “Final Solution”. Commonly used as a pesticide, Zyklon B was used in Auschwitz to murder Soviet POWs and it was later used at the other camps.

In addition to extermination, German physicians carried out inhuman experiments on prisoners. On display at the exhibit was a file which contained Dr. Josef Mengele’s “findings” as he conducted his “research”. Various tools were utilized such as calipers to measure head size, eye charts to determine vision and dental charts, all used to quantify Nazi ideology.

By the time Auschwitz was liberated by the Soviets in 1945, over 1.3 million prisoners were deported here. The Germans, realizing the end was near, forced 58,000 prisoners to evacuate Auschwitz, marching over 30 miles to the Bergen-Belsen camp. It is estimated that 1.1 million people were killed here and thousands more died as a result of the death march in 1945. When the Soviets arrived, only 7,000 prisoners remained.

The Polish Parliament mandated that Auschwitz-Birkenau to be created as a state museum in 1947. More than one million visitors come from around the world to learn about the history of Auschwitz and the Holocaust.

“Unlocking the Gates of Auschwitz 70 Years Later” celebrates the survivors of Auschwitz, details the inhumane, cruel treatment that the Germans inflicted on millions of innocent people and reminds us that we need to stand up for the freedom of all mankind.

Were you able to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for the Auschwitz exhibit or have you been to Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my experience at the National Underground Freedom Center and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The National Underground Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 333 7500

Admission Fee: $15 for Adults, $10.50 for children ages 3 – 12, Seniors 60+ for $13 and children 3 and under is free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and from Noon to 5 PM on Sunday and Monday; Tickets sold until 4PM.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Geneology, Group Tours, Rental Space, African American bookstore, Gift Shop, North Star Café, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: The view of the Ohio River and Kentucky
Length of Visit: 4 hours
Travel Tip: Backpacks, large bags and umbrellas are not permitted in the museum.

Where to Stay:

Millennium Hotel Cincinnati
150 W. 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 352 2100

Where to Eat:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

I was so happy to see the Caprese Flatbread on the menu and I ordered a couple of local beers. The restaurant was busy because the Cincinnati Reds were playing and the location is close to the stadium.

During a later date, I visited with a friend where we ordered a flight of beer and the Meat and Cheese board which was served with grilled beer bread, spicy mustard, applekraut and pickles. We selected two meats (prosciutto and candied pork belly) as well as two cheeses (Red Dragon mustard Welsh cheddar, which is a favorite of mine and the Cabot Hot Habanero Cheddar). Exceptional! Additional meat and cheese samples are available for $4 each.

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

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

Fish and Chips at the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Hilliard, Ohio

25 August 201622 July 2024

I called a British friend of mine to meet me for lunch at The Old Bag of Nails Pub and explained that this was one of my favorite go-to places for authentic Fish and Chips. Surprised by the name, he said he thought that this was a coffee shop rather than a restaurant. I guessed he was confusing the restaurant with Chock Full O’Nuts…who knows, but we agreed that the Hilliard location was closest for both of us.

I quickly learned, through the magic of the internet, that this restaurant had originally opened in a former hardware store, so hence the name, The Old Bag of Nails. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with pub food and a pint.

Located on the corner of Norwich and Main Street in Old Hilliard, the restaurant is easily accessible with plenty of parking spaces. Graham was waiting as I parallel parked and we were quickly seated at a nearby booth. Handed our menus, we each placed our order for a pint of Guinness.

Although I usually know what I am going to order, I am always tempted to order the all you can eat fish and chips. There are two options which include fried cod or baked cod with a dill dip. The portions are unbelievably large, with two pieces of fried fish. Just thinking about the fried fish batter makes my mouth water. It is served with coleslaw, tartar sauce and a side of French fries that could feed a family of five. I love to add malt vinegar to both the fish and fries.

I can hardly eat the first piece of fried fish, but my server brings me a piece of baked fish so that I can try it. The dill dip that comes with the baked option really compliments the flavor of the cod. I’m glad I tried it, but now I’m wondering how I could feel so full. I want to blame the fish, but then again, it could be the ale. Yes, it was probably the ale. I guess I’ll just have to go home and take a nap.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Old Bag of Nails Pub? Besides the fish and chips, what other menu items are your favorite? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

Where to Eat:

The Old Bag of Nails Pub
4065 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Telephone: 614 777 0713

You can’t go wrong with the best Fish & Chips in town!

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

The Bar at The Old Bag of Nails Pub

Inside the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Old Hilliard, Ohio

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

18 August 201616 September 2024

One of my favorite childhood memories of visiting Hocking Hills State Park was hiking to Cedar Falls. Starting our adventure at the trailhead of Ash Cave, we would pack a picnic lunch setting out towards Old Man’s Cave as our final destination. Today, I was hiking with my friend Sarah and it brought back such great childhood memories.

It was easy to follow the trail as the pathway was marked by blue blazes, a section of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. At the start of our trek, we hiked inside of the gorge and later reached the rim for some spectacular views.

There was a small chill in the air as we were surrounded by the local Black Hand Sandstone and bare hemlock trees. The water had frozen over and waterfalls seemed suspended in ice.

We finally reached the fifty foot drop of Cedar Falls in the valley of Queer Creek. While not the tallest or most breathtaking, these falls are the largest in volume than other falls throughout the park. This was the reward for hiking Cedar Falls, so we took in the view and decided it was time for lunch before continuing the second half of our hike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Cedar Falls? What other aspects of your hike did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading my short post about Cedar Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
21724 Ohio State Route 374
Logan, OH 43188

Admission Fee: There is no fee for hiking the trail.
Hours: Open daily
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you. Stay on the trail. Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium
13984 OH-664 Scenic
Logan, OH 43138
Telephone: 740 270 2697

Where to Eat:

Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ
12790 Grey Street
Logan, OH 43138
Telephone: 740 385 5341

What to Read:

Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed

Springtime in Sharon Woods, Metro Park, Columbus

11 August 201616 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

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

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Columbus:

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

Dine at Culp’s Cafe in Carillon Park, Dayton

30 July 201616 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

Supporting Female Brewers at Yellow Springs Brewery

23 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

What to Read:

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:

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

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

Garlicky Goodness at La Pizzeria in Little Italy, Cleveland

16 July 20163 August 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio

The BIERmarkt, Westside Cincinnati

9 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

The Bow Tie Cafe, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati

2 July 201622 July 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Books to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Mt. Adams:

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

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

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

25 June 201616 March 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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