Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

27 May 202210 March 2025

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation. The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends. Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997. Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles. While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling. The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace. A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape. In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings. The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres. As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s. Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local. Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling. I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio? What was your favorite wine? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone; 419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

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

A Stop in Sarasota with Shawna

20 May 202230 April 2025

It was a bit of a late night with Bill, but knowing that I would be leaving for Miami with Shawna, I was well rested and ready to make our drive to South Beach. Skipping breakfast for a head start, we decided that Sarasota would be a great place for lunch.

We said goodbye to the Don Cesar, made a couple of stops before crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Nearing Sarasota, we were crazy hungry and ready for a break to stretch our legs. We found a lovely restaurant to have lunch along the intercoastal.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous for lunch along the intercoastal. The menu was absolutely amazing and we each ordered a drink while taking in our surroundings. I could have stayed here instead of driving the three-and-a-half hour drive to Miami-Dade.

The bacon and blue cheese salad was incredible. Seagulls stared back at us from the walkway posts as Shawna and I decided the quickest route. I’m not sure if eating was the best option as both of us were now ready for a nap. If we wanted to miss afternoon traffic, we would need to leave within the hour.

We decided on one last beverage before hitting the road, so I opted for a non-alcoholic fruity drink as I would be the first to drive. Besides, knowing Melissa, she will have already scheduled out our day and I wouldn’t want to ruin her plans. It was always an adventure with Melissa.

Have you had a fun day on a road trip? What did you do? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for readying about my adventure in Florida and wishing you many happy travels!

Bill and Shawna in Oldsmar

13 May 202230 April 2025

I had been waiting for my friend, and former boss, Bill to call when I checked into the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bill and I worked together at the Tampa International Airport and he was from Hendersonville, Tennessee. Everyone loved Bill not only because of his southern accent, but although ten years older than most of us, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hang out with us.

I dropped off my luggage and hurried to the beach for a moment to take in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a full day of travel and I was so excited to pick up Shawna from the airport. I was hoping that she would be up for hanging out, but tomorrow, we would make the drive back to Miami to spend more time with her cousin and my best friend, Melissa.

Sitting at a table with a Mojito in hand, Shawna had called to let me know she had arrived but was waiting to in baggage claim as her luggage had not arrived. I finished my drink and began the short drive to the St. Pete-Clearwater Beach airport. Shawna had her second wind and wanted to find a place for dinner.

So excited to see Shawna, we found Jack Willie’s Bar and Grill in Oldsmar and ordered our dinner of wings and a salad. We caught up on how she was doing at the Montessori, reminisced about our girl’s trip to Turkey and discussed what we may want to do when we reached Miami.

I loved spending time with Shawna. She is intelligent, funny, spontaneous and a wonderful mother to her two girls and son. Never a dull moment with this girl and her positive spirit just gravitates you towards her.

After a long day of travel, Shawna was extremely tired and was not up for a night of karaoke, a favorite past time for Bill. She agreed to drop me off at nearby Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery so I could follow up with Bill and reminisce about our time in Tampa. He agreed to bring me back to the hotel, so she left within minutes to rest for the night.

Bill was full of energy and could not wait to meet up again and catch up about all of our friends that we worked with at the airport. He was always such a support of my singing and so karaoke was such a fun pastime that we shared. If it wasn’t for Bill, I would not have had the opportunity to sing with a band that performed each week at the PGA Sawgrass. What an amazing experience. Bill and I had such a great time at Busch Gardens and Peggy O’Neill’s. We spent a couple of hours singing our favorite songs until it was time for the bar to close (of course). It was a lovely night that I will never forget.

Little did I know that it would be the last time I would spend with Bill Harper. A couple of years later, Bill passed away and it was such an incredibly sad day. A man that loved life and was the life of the party, he would surely be missed by all who had ever known him.

Have you experienced such a memorable event that you will never forget? Whether it was the last time to spend with a friend, a breathtaking view or an experience that would be etched in your mind forever, I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my favorite people and our reconnections. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery
13910 W Hillsborough Ave
Oldsmar, FL 33635
Telephone: 813 749 7192

Where to Stay:

The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706
Telephone: 844 338 1501

Where to Eat:

Jack Willie’s
1013 St. Petersburg Drive West
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Telephone: 813 749 7932

St. Ives Winery: Cable, Ohio

6 May 202219 April 2025

Updated: St. Ives Winery has closed.

Rolling hills and farmland led me to the small town of Cable, Ohio where I would stop by St. Ives Winery to sample their sweet wine and craft brews. The lovely countryside brought me to their tasting room, a small beige pole barn trimmed in maroon and decorated with patriot hostas and day lilies.

St. Ives is known for their meads made from local honey and their delicious ciders sourced from nearby orchards in southern Ohio. Creating a variety of options in small batches, the winery draws visitors from the surrounding counties.

The winery is owned by husband and wife team, Ryan and Heather Hostetler. They started their business in 2014 out of a love for making beer. Their journey began when Heather encouraged Ryan to purchase a home brew kit. Within six weeks, he had successfully created their first brew and the business grew to making wines as well.

I started my sampling adventure with their blush wine made from raspberries and dragonfruit. A lovely shade of pink, this blush is light and semi-sweet. Moving on to the next wine a red, made from pomegranate was incredibly crisp and refreshing. My final sample was “Your Mom’s Peach” a white wine which tasted like fresh peaches. I couldn’t resist and bought a bottle of each wine to have on hand for summer.

Sitting at the counter, a book club group of women arrived and sat at a large table ordering several bottles of wine. They had brought with them their own food and snacks and were so kind to offer me a cheese plate. The winery allows for visitors to bring in their own food and snacks and can also order pizza from a local parlor which is delivered in minutes.

Have you visited St. Ives Winery in Cable, Ohio? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my lovely visit to the winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

St. Ives Winery
6932 Cable Road,
Cable, Ohio 43009
Telephone: 740 649 2832
Hours: Friday 5 – 9; Saturday 2 – 6; M – Thursday call for appointment

A Visit to Pinellas County, Florida and Busch Gardens

29 April 202219 April 2025

I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida. I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami. In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.

The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West. Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.

Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa. We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM. Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster. We still laugh about it to this day.

The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond. Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee. The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of North Redington Beach. I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.

I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens. We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park. When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.

One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.

I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993. There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.

The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops. The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour. There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.

The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed. The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge. It is the longest roller coaster at the park.

One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.

Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million. From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.

The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!

Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa? What was your favorite activity at the park? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone: 1 813 884 4FUN (4386)

Admission Fee: There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day. The website outlines each option along pricing.
Hours: Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
Amenities: Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
Length of Visit: With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes. Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
Tips for Your Visit: Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season. Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)

Where to Stay:

Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33706
Telephone: 884 338 1501

Where to Eat:

The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone: 727 392 4117

What to Read:

The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks

Photo Guide:

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Pinellas County Beaches
Busch Gardens
Don Cesar Hotel

A Day with Melissa in Miami Beach

22 April 202219 April 2025

Melissa and I met while working at the Tampa International Airport. I would eventually move to Ohio and she to Miami, but we always managed to stay in touch. I loved staying with her in Miami and our visits always revolved around incredible restaurants, last minute outings and late night stops at the grocery.

My flight arrived early Friday, so I would have a long weekend before leaving for Ohio on Monday morning. When I arrived at the airport, Melissa met me at the gate and since she had another hour to work, I waited in the United Airlines Club. Raquel would also be joining us after stopping at home to change before going out.

Mel was excited to show me around the art space of Wynwood with its 20 foot murals and collages. We shopped at several of the retail stores and strolled through the art galleries before lunch.

A small group had begun to form outside of Wynwood Bar & Kitchen but within minutes we were seated and looking over the menu. Known for its small plates, USA Today ranked the restaurant as one of the 10 Best in Miami. Executive Chef Joseph Forest has created an innovative menu, while the walls are adorned with artwork from Shepherd Fairey and Christian Awe.

Along with our specialty drinks, Mel ordered the ceviche, Raquel, the Spanish charcuterie and I decided on the pork belly with a side of bok choy. We knew we would be going out later that night but this would tie us over until then.

We arrived at Mel’s condo on Miami Beach, I grabbed my suitcase out of the back seat of the Porsche and we dropped off the car with the valet. As soon as we walked in the door of the condo, I dropped off my bags in the guest room and went straight for the balcony. The view is incredible from up here and there was a nice breeze coming in through the sliding glass door. Melissa brought out a couple of cocktails and we waited for Raquel, Sam and a few other friends of Mel’s before we went out.

Once everyone arrived we decided on dinner at Mila’s on Lincoln Road for a party of eight. It was the perfect night with a light breeze and beautiful, clear sky. We ordered several dishes to share and a few drinks before going back to the condo. We made a quick stop at the W Hotel to catch up with the locals and after about an hour, we decided to go back upstairs.

I honestly can’t get enough of this incredible view….

Have you visited South Beach? Miami? Where did you go? I would love to hear about your visit to South Florida if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my weekend in South Beach / Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay:

The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305 938 3000

Where to Eat:

Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362

Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone: 786 673 8374

What to Read:

Miami, by Joan Didion
Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz

Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:

- Art Deco Historic District: The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
- Big Pink
- Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
- Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Casa Florida
- Eden Roc Hotel
- Fontainebleau Hotel
- Gianni Versace Mansion
- Life guard stand at South Beach
- Lincoln Theater
- Miami Skyline
- Museum Garage
- Nikki Beach
- Ocean Drive: The Traffic and Palm Trees
- SOBE sculpture
- The Delano Hotel
- The Garden House Restaurant
- The Standard Hotel and Spa
- The Views from Juvia
- The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
- Venetian Pool
- Wynwood Art

Hundley Cellars, A Cozy Winery in Ohio’s Grand River Valley

15 April 20222 March 2025

An adorable cottage sits in the midst of northeast Ohio’s wine country. With brown shingle siding, a stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling and hunter green roofing, it looks more like a hunting lodge than a Great River Valley winery . From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I was sitting in the midst of a best friend’s great room. The gorgeous light wood interior, accented with dark furniture was classic and extremely cozy.

I selected a table looking out towards the deck where it was still quite cold to be seated outside. I placed my order at the tasting bar for a flight of wines and a small plate from the simple snacks menu which included cheese, crackers and meat for an additional charge.

My wines arrived and shortly thereafter the Cheese Board which had some amazing samples of Cotswold (Gloucester with Chives, England) cheese, Red Dragon (with Whole Grain Mustard, Wales) cheese, Five Counties/Stripey Jack (England) Vintage Cheddar (Canada), pickles and artisan crackers. The meat selection was the perfect size that paired well with the wines I had selected.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, I noted the beautiful blonde color of the wine and simple body. Lightly oaked, this perfect buttery Chardonnay would pair quite nicely with a lovely Camembert. I knew that my sister will enjoy this wine over the holidays and added this to my list of wines I wanted to purchase.

The Estate Traminette was the color of sunshine and I could taste the minerals in this wine for certain. It was a perfect pairing with the crackers that were placed on my board as the third set from the left.

Interestingly, the Niagara had what appeared to be bubbles and I enjoyed this wine with the selection of meat. It was a semi-sweet wine that had a mild bite to its finish.

The Estate Seyval are grown on the property and are hand picked during harvest. With a color of light straw, this wine had a medium body and a short finish and I imagined it would be perfect with grilled salmon or a tuna steak.

The Late Harvest Vidal was another estate wine which had a hint of light green to its light yellow undertones. It had an intense honey taste with a strong apricot smell. The taste was fruity with a smooth texture and I knew this would pair well with my spicy Asian dishes.

The Merlot had a nice dryness and full body. A beautiful beet color, this purplish red wine was perfect with the meat and cheese and ended with a short tart finish.

My final sample was the Harvest Red. Solid red in color it had it had a very strong grape smell which reminded me of jam. A very sweet grape juice taste which I find to be typical of Ohio wines and always a delicious choice.

Hundley Cellars opened its doors in 2014 and offers an amazing selection of wines. Sitting on 35 acres in Ashtabula County, the property includes a beautiful outdoor deck to enjoy the pond and surrounding vineyards.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hundley Cellars? I would love to hear about your visit and learn which wines you enjoyed most if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hundley Cellars and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hundley Cellars
6451 St. Route 307
Geneva, Ohio 44041
Telephone: 440 361 3088

Hours: The winery is open from 12 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 PM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. The winery is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, wine, private events
Tips for Your Visit: During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available. As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
4888 N. Broadway
Geneva on the Lake, Ohio 44041
Telephone: 866 806 8066

Where to Eat:

I recommend having snacks at Hundley Cellars because they are fabulous and unique! Here are a couple of suggestions close by if you would prefer a full menu option:

Chops Grille & Tap House
1752 State Route 534 South
Geneva, Ohio 44041
Telephone: 440 466 7427

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road East
Geneva, Ohio 44041
Telephone: 440 466 8668 x4

My favorite menu item is the charcuterie board. Crosswinds is known for its farm to table offerings where everything tastes so fresh.

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

Tips for Packing for your Next Trip…Business or Pleasure

18 December 202122 September 2024

As airlines increase their baggage fees and continued restrictions are placed on what one can pack in their suitcases and carry-ons, here are some great tips that may help as you prepare to pack for your next business trip or vacation.

Make a list and check it twice: I have a template list for packing based on specific types of travel (business or pleasure) as well as categorized by the type of trip I am taking (beach or ski trip). From clothes to toiletries, accessories and electronics, I can rest assured that I will have what I need for my next out of town experience. Another benefit of having a list is that as I pack, I can confirm that I am returning home with the items that I brought on my trip.
Check the weather: So I have already determined the climate where I will be visiting, but as everyone knows, weather can be unpredictable. And today, with the advantage of the internet, I can easily download the forecast for where I will be heading. So if there is a possibility of rain showers, short or extended, I can pack to accommodate the weather. Well, at least to some extent.
Lay out clothes by outfit: There is nothing like packing my favorite dress, only to find out that I left behind the perfect pumps that I purchased specifically for that dress. Arranging the clothes as I would wear them, helps to ensure that I have not forgotten any of the essentials for a particular outfit. This also includes accessories such as jewelry, scarves, etc. As I position my clothes, I can also see additional ensembles that may be a possibility throughout the week.
Know the restrictions for carry-on items. I watched a young man miss his flight because he had packed his expensive cologne in his carry on. So as he was going through security, the attendant told him that he would either need to leave the cologne at the checkpoint or go back and pack it in his suitcase. I have to admit that I was surprised that he opted to return back to check in rather than part with his aftershave, but it eventually cost him as he ended up missing his flight and had to wait for the next departure. Here are the regulations regarding traveling with liquids (domestic). [http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-liquids-rule]
Prepare a toiletries kit: Because I travel on a regular basis, I have a second set of toiletries set aside which is a huge benefit for preparing for my trip. This way, I will not need to wait until the last minute to pack my toothbrush and toothpaste. Once I return home from a trip, I purchase items that I need to replace so that my travel kit is complete and ready for my next adventure.

Packing is the least of my favorite activities in preparing for a trip, but obviously, it is a necessity. The more efficient and easier I can make the process, the more enjoyable the packing process can be!

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

WILDLIGHTS, Columbus Zoo, Ohio

11 December 202122 September 2024

There is nothing that makes the holidays more festive than lights. And if you visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during its Wildlights event, you will not be disappointed as millions of LED lights bring the zoo to life.

The exhibit runs from November 16^th, 2018 to January 6th, 2019. Hours of operation are from 5PM to 9PM from Sunday to Thursday and an extended hour until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Spreading holiday cheer for nearly 30 years, the Columbus Zoo has expanded its Wildlights exhibit to include a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and his reindeer. You can see him at the Santaland Zoo which is made of gingerbread. There are three animated musical shows to include Rudolph’s Remix and Holiday Magic Animated Musical Light Show. Many of the food stands will be open and additional offerings will include seasonal treats.

There is also a Holiday Skate Rink which offers skate rentals, $4 for zoo members and $5 for non-members. The Animals on Safari will be putting on a seasonal show called “Another Character Christmas” while animated bears will put on a Jingle Bear Jamboree at the Battelle Ice Bear Post.

And as if that is not enough holiday cheer for a day, there is also a tribute show which includes characters from holiday shows and movies.

Regular admission applies, so check out the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium’s website for up-to-date prices. And if you are a member of the zoo, there is no additional fee to enjoy Wildlights. Private tours are available for an additional cost.

The Carousel is also open during the event, so make sure you take some time to enjoy the ride. You can also board the Polar Bear Express Train Ride or a camel ride for an additional charge.

Some of the animal exhibits remain open during the Wildlights festivities, but make sure you arrive before 4PM so you can see the gorillas and polar bears before they turn in early.

An outing to the zoo is a wonderful way to experience the holiday season. Enjoy all of the activities and events the venue has to offer to maximize your trip.

Is a visit to the zoo over the holidays a tradition in your family? I would love to hear what keeps you coming back each year. Please leave a message in the comment section below. Happy Zoo Year!

What to See and What to Do:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 Powell Road
Powell, OH 53065
Telephone: 614 645 3400

Admission Fee: For non-zoo members, the entrance fee is $17.99 for adults and $12.99 for children. Parking is $8. You can purchase your tickets online and save $1 on admission. Franklin County residents will save $3 with valid identification.
Hours: Wildlights hours are from Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Amenities: Limited animal enclosures open, holiday events and exhibits, restaurants, restroom, some rides are open during this time
Scenic View: Beautiful holiday lights
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Come early as parking fills up quickly.

Where to Stay:

Cloverleaf Suites
4130 Tuller Road
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 766 7762

Where to Eat:

Congo River Market Food Court at the Zoo

While visitors can choose from cheeseburgers, fresh salads, deli sandwiches and kids’ meals, we opted for the Donato’s Pizza.

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

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

Carousel at the Zoo

Polar Bear Exhibit

Columbus Wildlights

The First Metro Park in Columbus, Blacklick Woods Metro Park

27 November 202122 September 2024

Buttonbush Swamp

It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.

I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop. I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve. Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.

The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching. There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment. In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.

Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948. First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park. This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.

At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel. It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months. The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor. Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders. I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio. I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition. Such fond memories….

Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit? I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone: 614 208 4247

Hours: The park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
Amenities: Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
Scenic View: Views of wildlife from the nature centers
Length of Visit: Determined by the activities
Tips for Your Visit: During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing. Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43213
Telephone: 614 322 8000

Where to Eat:

Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614 300 5014

I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter. The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal. I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.

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