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Tag Archives: apple

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!

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The El Nino Wine Will Take You by Storm at A. R. Winery

3 June 202323 September 2024

All wines are not the same and Ohio wineries are learning how to ferment a wide range of products to create some of the most interesting libations in the state…including A.R. Winery.

I first noticed A. R. Winery while having dinner at Michael Anthony’s at The Inn in Versailles, Ohio.  I have to admit, I was drawn to the adorable dog on the label, but when I learned it was a local wine, I was excited to try it.  Supporting Ohio wines, I ordered a bottle of the “She Said Yes” a fabulous, semi-sweet wine, which paired quite nicely with the house carbonara.  With plenty of time after dinner, I was eager to visit the winery and sample a few more wines.

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Entering through the outdoor patio, I was immediately drawn to the winery’s laid-back, country character.  Heading straight for the tasting bar, I met Russell, a co-owner of the winery (He is the R in A.R.).  Russell is the wine maker and was happy to introduce me to the wines that he produces onsite.  With his great sense of humor, I listened as he quickly ran through the highlights of each wine, explaining their distinct characteristics and flavors.

Angie, his lovely wife, was taking orders and serving customers on this busy night.  Without missing a beat, she handled each interaction with such grace so I wasn’t surprised to learn she had been a meeting planner prior to opening the winery.

Russell is proud to point out that A.R. Winery is non-traditional as he explained that most of his wines are made from anything but grapes.  With his enthusiasm, I couldn’t wait to try some of the interesting combinations he has created.  I ordered a wine tasting ($5 for five) and purchased additional samples for $1 per pour thereafter.

Making wine is in Russell’s DNA.  His grandfather was a winemaker back in the 1800s.  He also knows the flavors that his clientele prefers and focuses on wines that sell in the Ohio region which are fruity and sweet.

Here is the selection of wine that I sampled that evening and a description of each:

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Lock, Stock and Berries is a three time silver medal award winner and their most popular wine.  Described as “a delicious blend of sweet blackberry, blueberry & red raspberry exploding in a mouthwatering finish.  Best Chilled.” has a wonderful sweet smell and a beautiful color.  Priced at $12.99 per bottle, it is the perfect summer wine on the deck.

County Fair Caramel Apple won the bronze medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.  I love the fact that it is made of cider using local apples from Downing Fruit Farms and enjoyed its smooth silky taste.  As the description suggests, “Let the sweet caramel & tart apple flavors take you back to the county fair!”.  A bottle of this apple wine is available for $13.99.

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Bluesberry is a “rich, sweet blueberry wine that has a smooth, bold and jazzy flavor. Pair this wine with your favorite tasty chocolates!” This was my first opportunity to try a blueberry wine, so I was not really sure what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was not too tart and had a great balance of blueberry flavor.

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OMB “Oh My Berry” is a strawberry wine with a nice, very light taste.  Described as “rich, sweet strawberries full of flavor!  This light refreshing wine has a pleasing aroma for all to enjoy!”  And I couldn’t agree more, who doesn’t absolutely love the smell of fresh strawberries?

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Forbidden Apple won both a gold medal and best of class awards at the 2015 Indy International Wine Competition.  This wine, incredibly priced at $9.99 per bottle  has a “smooth mixture of sweet apples.  The taste of sweet cider turned wine will tempt your every taste bud”. I loved the perfect balance of apple and purchased a bottle to enjoy again during the fall season.

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The next wine on my list was one of the most innovative of all the selections,  Fortunately, there was one bottle left because it was sold out.  El Loco Lime is “squeezed from fresh limes, it is a one of a kind wine!  Sweet, zesty lime wine with a hint of tartness.  If you love margaritas, you will love this wine!”  This Bronze Medal Award winner is quite unique and it was recommended that I try it with some salt along the rim and I could have sworn I was drinking a margarita.

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The El Nino Tropical will literally take you by storm.  When Russell explained that with each sip I would taste a different tropical flavor, I had to admit I was a bit skeptical.  Flavors of strawberry, pineapple, mango and papaya burst in tropical harmony and truly “warmed my every taste bud!”  This chemical reaction is spectacular.  Winning a Silver medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, I had to buy a bottle to share with friends.

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The next white wine holds a special place in the hearts of Russell and Angie.  It was their wedding wine that they labeled “She Said Yes”.  This wine is described as a “full bodied, sweet white grape wine with hints of pineapple and tropical!  Toast your wedding day with this perfect wine pick!”  I can see why she said yes.  This is a delicious wine and perfectly priced at $11.99 per bottle.

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I absolutely love the catchy names of these wines as well as their flavors.   Caught Red-Handed is “a fruity, sweet Fredonia red grape wine.  Amazingly flavorful!  Pairs well with a variety of fruits and cheeses!”  This is a wine for any occasion.

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Recently released is A.R. Winery’s Back In Blanc.  Made from the Diamond grape, it is a “dry white wine with hints of crisp green apples and lemons.”  I found it refreshing and is perfect for an afternoon drink on the porch.

With so many fascinating combinations of wines at A. R. Winery, it is no surprise that coming soon is their peach/peppermint bourbon barrel wine.  Bourbon barrel wines seem to be popping up all over the state, so this will be quite a novel blend.  I look forward to trying it at its release.

No doubt A. R. Winery caters to their customers and loves to offer unique blends of wine that are sure to please.  Their outdoor seating area is fabulous and it is one of the few wineries where Ohio State University sports are televised, which is perfect for those Saturday afternoon football games.  They also offer brick oven pizza which only proves A. R. Winery knows how to make their customers happy.

Have you visited A. R. Winery?  Which wines did you absolutely love?  I would be happy if you would let me know about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

A. R. Winery
3564 Gordon Landis Road
Arcanum, Ohio  45304
Telephone: 937 417 0565

Please consult the winery’s website for hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Artist Junction Bed & Breakfast
6100 Routzong Road
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 941 780 2490

Where to Eat:

Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe
125 N Broadway Street
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 9340

Maid-Rite has been serving these amazing loose meat hamburgers since 1934.  Their signature beef sandwich, the Maid-Rite is only $2.15 and can be ordered with mustard, pickle and/or onion.

You can’t stop by Maid-Rite without checking out the “gum wall”.  For years, people have been depositing their chewed up gum on the wall….so very interesting.

Books to Read: 

  • The secret town:  The story of the founding of Arcanum, Ohio, by William Gunder
  • The Ren Faire at the End of the World, by Josef Matulich

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

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The Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio

24 June 202022 September 2024

Taking the last sip of my wine sample of Space Cowboy, I noticed a group of bubbly young college students walking through the door of The Winery at Wolf Creek, dressed for a bachelorette party. They approached the tasting bar where I was enjoying a glass of wine when we struck up a conversation.  It was their first time here, so they asked what I was drinking and if I had any suggestions for what they should order.

This was their first winery experience but they were not new to wine. We discussed which types of wine they would normally purchase and I shared with them my wine list with all of my hand written notes.   I suggested that they start out sampling some of the wines before they commit to a bottle.  They agreed that the sweet, fruit wines were more their style so they started out with samples of Blue (blueberry), Original Sin (apple) and Space Cowboy (peach).

The server set them up as I took a glass of Redemption out to the patio, waiting for a pizza from Fat Boys.  Redemption is a French-hybrid blend that is light on the sweet side which I absolutely enjoy chilled.

I took a menu outside to look over the beer selection that includes craft beers from local and popular breweries as well as ciders and fruit based ales.  The Winery at Wolf Creek has a limited menu of cheeses, meat and crackers but they welcome patrons to bring their own foods to enjoy with their wines while enjoying the spectacular view.

With a few minutes to spare, I reviewed my tasting notes and information that I had collected from my server.  Distracted by the beautiful view of the Akron skyline, I noted which wines I would be purchasing before leaving the winery.

The Vignoles was my first sample which is a semi-sweet estate wine that I found had a lingering sour finish.  This having been my first experience with this wine, I was curious to learn about specific food pairings that may alter the taste of the wine and found an unusual list to include pumpkin and ginger-based foods as well as gingers snaps*.

One of the varietals grown on the estate, Vignoles is one of three grapes that make up about 80 percent of their white wine production which also includes the Pinot Gris and Leon Millot.

Peppery and smooth, the Zinfandel was my absolute favorite but having learned that the winery makes a great Cabernet Franc, I had to sample this wine as well.

Summit County provides a grape growing terrior that includes sandy loam, clay loam and gravel.  Because the climate is similar to the Loire Valley in France, this provides the potential as a perfect location for growing Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin varietals.

Switching over to sweet wines, Sweet Revenge is a beautiful Ohio rose that the winery has been making for over twenty years.  A blend of Seyval Blanc and French Hybrid wines, this crisp, delicious wine is a classic.

I am always interested in sampling the fruit wines from Ohio wineries because they have the potential to be extremely fruity or combined with grapes, have subtle notes of fruit flavor in the blend.  Blue, a semi-dry blueberry wine was rich in color as well as a little tart which I found to be an absolute lovely combination.

Original sin is the perfect name for this crisp, apple based wine, but it is Space Cowboy that wins my vote with its full peach flavor in every sip.

The sun is starting to set on this beautiful, brisk October evening. I bring myself inside where I can continue admiring the outside view from the beautiful glass windows of the tasting room.

My pizza had just arrived, so I ordered a bottle of Zinfandel, knowing that the winery can repackage the remaining wine for me to take home.

The Winery at Wolf Creek is open year around, with limited hours during the winter season.  Cellar tours are available by appointment and wine tastings are offered daily.  The winery offers a great selection of wine accessories, clothes, gift baskets and of course, wine which ranges from $14 to $24 per bottle.

The bachelorette party is going strong in the tasting room and I stop by to inquire how they enjoyed the wines.  The bride-to-be, dressed in red, mentioned that they had such a difficult selecting a favorite that they purchased one of each to enjoy with their large group.  I told her to beware of the Big Bad Wolf as I exited the winery, happy to see they were having the time of their lives.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Winery at Wolf Creek?  Did you pack a picnic or order some food?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit to The Winery at Wolf Creek if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about The Winery at Wolf Creek and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Wolf Creek
2637 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, Ohio  44203
Telephone:  330 665 1445

Where to Stay:

The Whimsical  Pig Bed & Breakfast
2682 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 330 576 6104

Ron and Sue Bishop were absolutely lovely hosts.  The French toast for breakfast was amazing!

Where to Eat:

Wolf Creek Tavern
3044 Wadsworth Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 234 571 4531

Seated on the outside patio, I was so excited to try an order of homemade pierogis and I selected the fish and chips for my entree.

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Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio

17 June 202024 November 2024

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Sipping on a glass of Country Rose, I enjoyed the gorgeous rural landscape in the eastern region of Ohio, home to the Three Rivers Wine Trail.  Painted bright yellow, Yellow Butterfly Winery stands out among the rolling hills of farmland, offering spectacular views of its vines from their two-story deck.

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Making its home in a 100 year old restored farmhouse in Newcomerstown, this fabulous winery is easy to find.  The beautiful rustic interior provides plenty of space for visitors to enjoy their wines.  The tasting bar is also located inside and I was prepared to sample a wide range of fruit wines as well as the traditional wines that I have come to love in Ohio.

The winery offers three wine samples for a dollar, and since there are so many interesting combinations, I selected a total of nine.

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The first wine on my tasting sheet is the Passionate Peach. The beautiful pale yellow color of this wine reminds me of straw, but smells like I am surrounded by a peach orchard.  It is crisp with a bit of thickness which reminds me of a dessert wine.

Strawberry Fields is a lightly colored fruit wine made of strawberries and apples.  There is a hint of strawberry in the smell and it has a light, fruity taste with a little stronger alcohol taste towards the back of my tongue.  This is a very refreshing wine, and I purchased a bottle to enjoy on a hot summer day.

While I am trying my second sample, Lisa, the head wine steward brings me a small taste of Cranrazzmatazz.  It is one of their newest wines and has been a huge success for the winery.   It has a deliciously unique fruity smell and tastes amazing. Made from a combination of cranberry, raspberry and apple, this is a very sweet wine with a smooth texture.

Wistful Watermelon is made from watermelon and apples.  I liken it to the watermelon-flavored Jolly Rancher with a tartness towards the back of my tongue.

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Sweet Meadows is lighter in color than the previous wines I had tasted and is made from a combination of both the Concord and Niagara grape.

Sweet Red is the perfect Concord grape wine which is popular among Ohio wine drinkers.

Country Rose is my favorite out of all of the wines and is perfect for any occasion.  I love the smell, the taste and the color of this wine and bought a bottle to enjoy later at home.

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I thought I would go out of my comfort zone and order a semi dry so I added the Ohio Vidal Blanc to my wine tasting.  Despite my usual preferences, I like this wine.   Put it on ice and this would be another great wine for the summer season.

My final selection is the Golden Apricot.  It has a great texture and consistency with a mild apricot flavor.

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At the Yellow Butterfly Winery, the winemaking process takes place on the property from start to finish.  Michael wasn’t shy about crediting the late Leland Weiss of Rainbow Hills Winery for helping him when he started out.  Each winery advertises for each other close to their properties, which goes to show the camaraderie in the Ohio wine business.  It makes me proud to be a part of it.

Michael enjoys having his guests get involved in the naming of his new wines.  When he releases a wine he offers tastings at a discounted rate.  But I’ll have to wait until next year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Michael and admire his passion for converting skeptics into wine lovers.  “It’s all about drinking the wines that you like, any way you like to drink them,” says Michael. I ordered a bottle of Country Rose and decided to check out the view which is more than stunning.  I enjoyed the music, listening to the live entertainment and wanted to take in the moment.  It was a perfect afternoon to enjoy some delicious wine.

Have you visited Yellow Butterfly Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience or let me know your favorite wine from this amazing winery by leaving a message in the comments section below!  Cheers!

Many thanks to Michael White and everyone at Yellow Butterfly Winery for their generosity and hospitality.

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

What to See and What to Do: 

Yellow Butterfly Winery
11661 Blue Ridge Road
Newcomerstown, Ohio  43832
Telephone: 740 492 1216

  • Hours: The winery is open the months of February to December, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM and later on the weekends.  The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Those that were on the tour were provided with a country BBQ Rib/Chicken or Steak Dinner with two sides, the winery’s famous wine cake and a wine tasting!  this offering is also available to those visitors who reserve in advance on Saturdays for a cost of only $25.  Dinner reservations must be made by Thursday by calling 740 492 1216.  Live entertainment is also available during the summer months, so check out their website for a list of events.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn
200 Morris Crossing Avenue
Newcomerstown, OH  43832
Telephone:  740 498 9800

Where to Eat:

Railroad Restaurant & Saloon
509 Main Street
Coshocton, OH  43812
Telephone: 740 575 4151

It was a day to try some fried food and I could not pass up the opportunity to try the deep fried pickles because I prefer the chips over the spears.   The spicy cajun dipping sauce was the perfect condiment.  I also ordered the lobster bisque which was creamy, delicious and full of lobster meat.

What to Read: 

  • Restored Ohio: History Brought Back to Life, by Glenn Morris
  • Lost Circuses of Ohio, by Conrade C. Hinds
  • A Taste of the Hocking Hills by Matt Rapposelli
  • Asylum on the Hill, by Katherine Ziff

Photo Guide for Southeast Ohio: 

  • Hocking Hills State Park, Athens, Ohio
  • The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio

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A Million Dollar View at Georgetown Vineyards, NOW GEORGETOWN TAVERN ON THE HILL

18 June 201916 March 2025

IMG_0323Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Georgetown Vineyards was established on a parcel of land once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  In addition to producing their estate wines, Georgetown Vineyards also makes wine from California grapes under the label, J. Nico Wine.  In January, their Moscato made Amazon’s White Wine list.

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The smell of cheese and tomato sauce was coming from the wood-fired pizza oven as I entered the winery.   I selected a seat at the counter and decided to try a flight of sweet wines.  I collected my wine samples and exited the tasting room to explore the pavilion and enjoy the intoxicating view of the city of  Cambridge below.

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There was plenty of seating both indoors and out to experience the wines of Georgetown Vineyards.    The relaxed setting and friendliness of the staff felt as though I was stopping off at a friend’s house for the afternoon.

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Georgetown Vineyards offers a list of pre-selected tasting options of four samples for the cost of $3.50.  I decided upon the grouping that included an apple wine and three grape varietals, Fredonia, Concord and Niagara.  Each sample was the size of a one ounce pour and there were additional flight options for the same price.

Here is an overview of my winetasting experience:

  • Apple – light tasting, not too strong, has a very light alcohol flavor and would be a super refreshing at a very cold temperature
  • Fredonia – loved the smell! Beautiful, dense reddish pink color with a sweet aftertaste, but colder, this would be another refreshing summertime drink.
  • Concord – love this grape! Cranberry color and so easy to drink.  The flavors come out towards the back of my throat and tastes very similar to Fredonia.
  • Niagara – clear wine from one of the most popular grapes grown here in Ohio, it was not my favorite wine, but one that seems to be a common selection at most Ohio wineries.

These are just a few of the fabulous wines that are available at Georgetown Vineyards.

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While enjoying the fabulous views and sipping my wine samples, I had the pleasure of meeting the resident cat, Miles.  He’s a friendly little guy and if you give him attention he will be your friend for life. I am a cat lover, so he could have hung out with me all day.

In addition to wine tastings and a great selection of food options, Georgetown Vineyards schedules a wide range of activities for visitors throughout the week.   Wednesdays are wine and paint nights with a local high school art teacher from Cambridge.  Live entertainment draws a great crowd on Saturdays and a bonfire is lit as long as the weather cooperates.

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There is nothing more entertaining and relaxing than the spectacular view from this cute winery on the hill.  Looking down into the town of Cambridge, the location is nothing less than spectacular.

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The total property covers fifty acres, with approximately four acres dedicated to the vineyards, which include Fredonia and Niagara grapes.  These are perfect grapes for Ohio, hearty for acclimating to the winter months of the state.

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The owner and winemaker of this fabulous winery is John Nicolozakes whose family originates from the Greek island of Crete.  Growing up in the Greek tradition of pairing sumptuous food and delicious wines, he has become quite the expert at producing wines that mirror this Greek culture for which he is accustomed.   He began developing his winemaking skills as a hobby out of his garage while working full time as a miner back in 1993.  It wasn’t long after that he planted the first vines and opened up the winery for business in 1998.   More vines were planted in 2013 to extend their vineyard an additional 140 x 30 feet wide.

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Coming soon, Georgetown Vineyards will be selling craft beers under the label, Southside Brewing Company. This will be a great addition and will appeal to craft beer lovers to the winery as well!  With the breathtaking view, exciting entertainment and a wide option of choices of food and drink, Georgetown Vineyards is positioned to continue its amazing success.

Are you already a fan of Georgetown Vineyards or have just recently visited?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

  • Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The winery is closed on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, Southside brewery, private events and scheduled events to include
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

There is an interstate sign off of I-70 and additional signage that will bring you to the winery.  They are open year round and offer a variety of wines for tasting as well as brick-oven pizzas.  There is a gift shop and of course, one of the most scenic views for an Ohio winery.   Visit their website for more information about their wines, hours of operation and upcoming events or check them out on Facebook.  Please note that the winery’s hours change from the winter to summer months.

Where to Stay:

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is one of Ohio’s State Park Lodges.  This fabulous property offers a great selection of summer activities including pontoon rentals, hiking, fishing, archery, outdoor pool, beach, lounge, restaurant and more.  The rustic accommodations of the lodge rooms were perfect for our extended weekend stay.

Where to Eat:

Georgetown Vineyards
62920 Georgetown Road
Cambridge, Ohio  43725
Telephone:  740 435 3222

Georgetown Vineyards offers a great selection of custom-made Wood-Fired Brick Oven Pizzas. I ordered the Margherita Pizza which was absolutely delicious with a perfect blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, drizzled with olive oil.

Timber’s Restaurant at Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center
14755 Cadiz Road
Cambridge, OH   43725
Telephone:  740 439 2751

During my first night’s stay, I had expected to order a full dinner, but after having left-over pizza from Georgetown Vineyard, I decided on an order of chicken wings with the tropical habanero sauce. The appetizer was the perfect size and I enjoyed the heat and sweet of the wing sauce.

The Forum
2205 Southgate Parkway
Cambridge, OH  43275
Telephone:  740 439 2777

Flaming cheese Saganaki is one of my favorite dishes and you can’t go wrong by ordering the Greek sampler.  All foods are made from scratch and are absolutely delicious!

Books to Read: 

  • The Mansfield Killings: A Novel Based on True Events by Scott Fields
  • Green Bay Tree by Louis Bromfield
  • The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Blake

Photo Guide to Mansfield: 

  • The Ohio State Reformatory’s Facade, Cell Blocks and scenes from the movie, Shawshank Redemption
  • The Iconic Carousel at Richland Carousel Park
  • Kingwood Hall, the peacocks and gardens at Kingwood Center Gardens
  • Malabar State Park’s home of Louis Bromfield, the farm animals on the property and Mt. Jeez
  • The beautiful view of Georgetown from Georgetown Vineyards
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Award Winning Wines at Henke Winery and Restaurant, Cincinnati

11 June 201817 September 2024

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Spending the day in downtown Cincinnati, I made a quick visit to my old neighborhood on the west side of the city.   Entering Henke Winery and Restaurant, I was surrounded by several wine awards as well as the yummy smell of garlic coming from the kitchen.  Sounds of Paul Simon were streaming over the intercom, I could not wait to start my wine tasting and fill up on some amazing pasta.

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Escorted into the tasting room, I could not help but notice the beautiful bay window with an urban view of the historic Cincinnati neighborhood town of Westwood.   The room was bright, cheery and I found a small table by the bar.   While waiting for a few moments, I took the liberty to explore the various wine displays and familiarize myself with the wines I would be sampling.

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Established in 1996, owner and vintner Joe Henke has a well-founded approach to his winery and restaurant.  With his focus on passion, quality and pride, it is no surprise that awards adorn the walls of the rooms, providing recognition for a large number of his wine blends, using a wide variety of grape varietals.  Joe began making wine as a hobby and for nearly 25 years, he has turned his passion into a living.  Ohio now boasts over 300 wineries, yet when Joe first started there were a total of 36.

I am excited to be working with Clay, one of the sommeliers at Henke, to assist me with my wine tasting.  I am offered seven wines for a nominal cost of ten dollars, which includes the beautifully etched glass as a souvenir.

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The Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in the Appalachian region, aged six months in American Oak barrels with a hint of apple, pear, butter and lemon flavors.  The color of the wine is a very light lemon shade, served warm, which I rather enjoyed.  I could taste the buttery flavors and agreed that there was a low acidity, which gave the wine a very smooth texture.  This wine is sold for $6.25 per glass or $14 per bottle to take home.

Bottled in a beautiful blue container, the Vidal Blanc is a white wine made from grapes in the Ohio Valley. Stored in stainless steel containers, this is a sweeter wine with flavors of apple, grapefruit and pineapple.  The taste of pineapple is stronger than the other fruits and the acidity of the wine can be tasted at the back of my tongue.  It was served chilled and I found it to be quite refreshing.  This wine can be purchased for $5.50 per glass.

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Winning the Gold Award this year, the Cellar Blush is Henke Winery and Restaurant’s best seller.  I love the beautiful peach hue to the wine and the smell is heavenly. Served chilled, it is a sweeter wine with flavors of kiwi, apricot, bubble gum, strawberry with an apple finish, which is what I adore about this wine.  This is a rosé, sweet blush wine that sells for $11 per bottle and $5.50 per glass.

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The Cabernet Franc has a perfect blend of flavors that include vanilla, blackberry and black cherry resulting in a full body taste.  Spending 12 months in new neutral oak barrels, this wine is perfect with steak.  The alcohol content of this wine is 15.5% and I can taste the blackberry on the top of my tongue.  It is a drier red and as I continue my tasting, there is a wonderful tang of cherry that lingers as well.  This wine has won several awards over the last few years both in Indianapolis and Ohio.

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Red Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, so I was looking forward to trying the CinZin.  Henke Winery has been making this fabulous wince since the early 2000s and they have definitely perfected it.  With flavors of raspberry, prune, raisin and blackberry jam, this amazing combination gives the wine a fruity taste with a spice that hits you at the back of the tongue.

Sadly, I am nearing the end of my wine tasting as I eagerly await the Cabernet Sauvignon.  Clay mentions that this wine is similar to the Cabernet Franc in regards to the processing, but only 15.2% alcohol content and no residual sugars.

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A glass of Merlot was one my early red wines of choice and this was my next selection.  Made from Amador grapes grown in California, this wine exhibits flavors of nutmeg, vanilla, cherry and strawberry.  It also has a nutty flavor with a hint of raisin.   This wine is divine and rates high above most of the Merlots I have ever tasted.

Throughout this wine tasting, I have enjoyed savoring every drop of wine in my glass and I am down to my last sample, the Vendange a Trois.  This wine is a 10% blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while the remaining 80% is Merlot.  With aromas of black cherry and violets, this is a softer wine with an alcohol content of only 13.7%.

There are so many reasons to like Henke Winery, not to mention the fifteen amazing wines they produce.  The wine tasting experience is formal and carried out with such precision.  I enjoyed the professional manner in which Clay provided me with such in depth information about each wine and gave me plenty of time to enjoy each sample.

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Joe Henke, the owner, who has been producing award-winning wines for over twenty years.  Prior to opening the winery and restaurant, Joe worked at Mallinkrodt Tool Company, but I could see that he was in his element, greeting customers, visiting tables and noticing how happy he was to talk about his wines.  His passion for winemaking extends to ensuring that each patron has a fabulous winetasting experience.

I was fascinated to learn that each year, Henke Winery hosts a cork contest called “The Window Garden”.  On display are various objects of artistry that have been created out of corks and some of them are unbelievably outstanding.

I recommend visit Henke Winery and Restaurant for a fabulous winetasting experience and delectable meal. I absolutely enjoyed my visit and was happy to learn that their products can also be found at Cincinnati’s Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield.  Henke Winery exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting here again soon.

Have you visited Henke Winery and want to share your experience?  I would love to hear which wines rank high on your list, so leave a message in the comments section below!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

Visit their website for additional information about their wines, weekend entertainment and future special events.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Road
Cincinnati, OH  45248
Telephone:  513 574 6000

Where to Eat: 

Henke Winery and Restaurant
3077 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45211
Telephone: 513 662 9463

For a starter, I selected the Awesome Pan Seared Cheese and ordered the  Center Cut Yellowfin Tuna as my entree.  Henke makes their own Ricotta Tortellini which is exceptional!

More of My Favorite Places 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.
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Fairytales at Ohio Village…See Your Favorite Characters

11 June 201716 September 2024

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I was excited to visit Ohio Village after reading about it in my latest issue of Ohio Magazine.  It was a gorgeous, summer afternoon filled with blue skies and after a ten minute drive from home, I approached the gate house and quickly entered to park.

I immediately learned that there was a special event taking place, celebrating the 150th birthday of Beatrix Potter.  I couldn’t resist revisiting my childhood and hoped for a glimpse of Peter Rabbit.

I received a booklet providing me with a schedule of events that would take place at each of the historical buildings as well as the characters that would be assigned to each site. Taking my ticket, I looked further through the booklet which included a map and puzzles.

Ohio Village opened its doors in 1974 as an Ohio settlement during the Civil War.

The buildings are a representation of life in Ohio during the 1890s.  I began my tour at the schoolhouse where a teacher, standing in front of a large chalk board, was reading nursery rhymes to a large audience of children.  Children sat quietly at antique school desks politely listening and recited some of the stories that they knew by memory.

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Across the street from the school is the Burton House on Main Street.  Depicting the Ohio way of life in the late 1800s, this beautiful home was built in the Greek Revival style.  Many Ohioans, arriving from the Northeast, built homes in the same manner as the homes they left.  Known as Upwright and Wing, it is very similar to Greek architecture including its columns, pediments and pilasters.  They chose this style of home as it represented the country of Greece, the founder of democracy.

Today the home was transformed into the home of the Gingerbread Man.  The baker and his wife were seated at a table on the first floor asking for the children to help them find their son, the Gingerbread Man.  They explained to the children how he escaped from the home, all they while making gingerbread cookies.  It was fun to watch the children interact with the story and help make yummy treats.

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Before reaching Murphy’s Lodging Home, the Princess from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” stood outside wearing her beautiful purple dress.  A line of children waited to have their photos taken with her so I quickly stepped inside of the Barrington Bicycles shop. IMG_1159

The two-story Barrymore Funeral Parlor was one of the last structures on Ohio Village’s Main Street.  A very interesting structure, the Parlor has “clapboard siding with corner boards, six-over-six windows, six panel doors and a standing-seam metal roof.”

For the festivities, the funeral parlor represents the home of the Evil Queen in the story of Snow White.  The Evil Queen, seated inside is facing  her large, magical mirror.  Holding a red apple, the Queen asks of her Magic Mirror, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest of them all?”  When the Magic Mirror responds by telling the Evil Queen that Snow White is the fairest, she enlists the help of the children to find Snow White and offer her the apple.  The children were too smart for the queen and would not help.  The look on their faces was priceless.

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The Old Woman in the Shoe was my next stop. While she sat inside of the Taylor House, her “children” were outside doing their chores.  She explained to those who entered that some of her children were misbehaving and had run away.  She told us to look for children that did not have any parents because they were probably hers and that we should bring them back to her as soon as possible.

According to the Ohio Village, the Taylor House was one of the earliest homes built on the site with a “simple door and transom window, six-panel door, a six-over-six window, lapped siding and a wood shingle roof.”  It was designed in the style of a saltbox house with two stories having a pitched roof with unequal sides, the rear long and low compared to the front.

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Outside the Taylor House, sitting down with her puppet goose, was Mother Goose telling stories to the children.  While some were resting on blankets reading books to her, others were playing with her stuffed goose.  It was precious to see the children’s faces light up as they showed off their reading skills and I stayed for a while to enjoy their excitement.

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I passed the Freight & Livery building where children were planting bean stalks and found the Village Church.  Inside there were representatives from Columbus Speech and Hearing who were offering free hearing tests.  The church was absolutely elegant with its stained glass windows and is available to rent for weddings and special events.IMG_1178

The nearby Schmidt House was also one of the earlier structures at The Village. At the time it was built, it would have had a large fireplace for cooking.  These  fireplaces were replaced with cast-iron stoves by the mid-1800s.

For the Potter celebration, the Schmidt House was invaded by the Wolf of Little Red Riding Hood.   Little Red herself greeted us in the adjoining room of her grandmother’s house and encouraged us to visit her as she lay in bed.   I enjoyed hearing the children’s laughter as soon as they caught sight of Red Riding Hood’s hairy grandmother.  Of course we all know how THAT story goes.

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Just around the corner from the Schmidt House was a pen with little chickens, a goat and some rabbits.  A calf and a baby alpaca were in another pen just a few feet away.   There was a small pony tied up nearby and a cute little pygmy goat that visitors could pet and photograph.

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A small detour led me down a side street with a few more buildings which included the H&P Women’s Study Club.  Inside, there was a booth promoting autism awareness.  The photographer’s building next door allowed children the opportunity to play dress up and have their photograph taken in an assortment of costumes.

The H&P is described by Ohio Village as a “brick building with stone lintels with stepped bagles, a standing-seam metal roof and flat-topped six-over-six windows.”

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Representing the architectural styles from Italy include both the American House Hotel and Tavern as well as the Emporium. Based on the simple Italian country houses and elegant palaces, this style of buildings were the fashion for the periods between 1840 and 1880.  Many of the structures from this period still remain in Ohio today exhibited in many downtown storefronts. Their features include “tall, narrow windows that are flat-topped, round-arched or segmental-arched” (similar to an arc).  The roof is a hipped roof having a very wide overhang.  “The room atop the American House is called a cupola or belvedere, another Italianate feature, though not every Italianate building has one.”

I entered the lower level to explore the lobby, dining room and administrative offices.  Upon entering was a room set up as an office or hotel check in offering telephone and telegraphy services. As I exited, I noticed Rapunzel, leaning out of the second story, letting down her golden hair.

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I realized it had been a couple of hours since I had arrived and as the noonday sun was heating up, I stopped at P. Wylie’s Emporium for something to drink.   I loved looking through all of the vintage drinks and selected a grape soda.  In addition to other snacks and drinks, the store sold gifts made in Ohio as well as bottles of wine from the Buckeye state.

Also built in the Italianate style, the Emporium was built very much like the American House Hotel with a few minor differences.  At the top of its windows are cornices, very wide bands, just below the roof with scrolled brackets.

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It was the perfect day for exploring the Ohio Village and I decided to return at a later date to visit the Ohio History Center.  While I didn’t meet Potter’s famous Peter Rabbit, I couldn’t resist a few moments with the Berenstein Bears.  First introduced in 1962. these bears were  popular when I was growing up.  In later years I would also read their stories to my younger brother and sister.   The Bears, along with the children who attended the park, reminded me of all the happy moments that I had in my childhood. Many thanks to you as well Beatrix Potter.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ohio Village?  Did it coincide with the Storybook Village celebration?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

The Ohio Village
800 E 17th Street
Columbus, Ohio  43221
Telephone:  800 686 6124

  • Admission Fee:  Admission for adults is $12, for youth $6 (ages 4 – 12) and children 3 and under are free.
  • Hours: Ohio Village is open seasonally and is closed during the winter months with the exception of special events such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations.  During the summer, the Village is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Amenities:  store, restrooms, historical buildings, chapel
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  This a great place to bring children as it provides a great historical education of the 1800s. Country Living Magazine hosts an annual fair here, which is fantastic.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Suites
1690 Clara Street
I-71, Exit 111
Columbus, OH  43211
Telephone:  614 586 1001

Where to Eat:

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
240 E. Kossuth Street
Columbus, OH  43206
Telephone: 614 444 6808

In addition to ordering the German Autobahn Buffet (which includes their amazing Jumbo Cream Puffs!), I couldn’t resist placing an order for the Schmidt’s Famous Pretzel Nuggets and of course, I had to include the beer cheese.

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.

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

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Daniel the Tiger

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Cinderella and her Glass Slipper

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Plum Run Winery Soon to Offer Craft Beer

26 March 201531 August 2024

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Plum Run Winery had just completed their renovations to provide its customers a larger space for sampling its award-winning wines and hard cider.  I was looking forward to visiting this Grove City winery, so I called my friend Karen to join me for the afternoon.

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The winery, offering a wide selection of wines, includes a few of the sweeter wines most popular in the state of Ohio.  These varietals include dessert wines, sweet reds and roses as well as a lovely selection of fruit wines.  Here are the list of wines that we selected for our tasting:

  • Apple: The winery buys their apples from Hugo’s, a local orchard.  The color of the wine is yellow and a bit cloudy.  It has a delicious taste that ends with a bit of a bite. It is described as “a blend of Gold Rush, Winesap and Yellow Delicious Apples, Ohio Grown!” 5% RS, $15 bottle, $6 glass

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  • Niagara: Plum Run Winery’s classic “Ohio Sweet Wine”;  I really enjoyed this one and Karen did as well.  5% RS, $13 bottle, $6 glass
  • Scioto Red: The combination between the Niagara and Concord grapes, this wine is described as a “sweet red wine that is light, fruity and aromatic”;  Two sweet grapes that make the perfect combination that we enjoyed so much we picked up a couple of bottles.    4% RS; $13 bottle $6 glass
  • Cranberry: Described as “tart and sweet with the aromas of pure cranberry juice”, this wine also ranks high on my list; 8$ RS, $18 bottle $6 glass
  • Seyval Blanc: This would have been my second choice for wine as I really liked this one.  It had a butterscotch smell and a smooth flavor; The winery labels this one as a “semi-sweet wine with hints of apple and pear.” 4% RS; $14 bottle, $6 glass
  • Dessert Wine, Red Tail: This is such a fabulous wine, and sampling it with a piece of dark chocolate made it even more enjoyable.  A “port style wine made from the Rougeon and St. Vincent Grapes; bottled in 500 ml bottles [this is] a perfect wine in front of the fire”  9% RS and 19% ABV  $18 bottle, $8 glass
  • Our final sample was the raspberry wine which really does taste like raspberry jam and has a high acidity.

There were so many great choices of wine, and Plum Run will soon be offering Chilean Chardonnay and Chilean Malbec.  My favorite wine choice for this visit was the Red Tail Dessert Wine, so I stopped by the grocery store for some dark chocolate to pair with this smooth delicious port.

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Having opened in 2012, Plum Run Winery had recently added the rustic seating area to their tasting room.  With elegantly exposed brick walls, highlighted with thick wooden counters, the new stylish space adds a level of country sophistication to the wine tasting experience.  My favorite addition was the barnyard siding windows and added counter space.

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Dave Crosby and his wife Diane, are owners of Plum Run Winery and have been making delicious wines for over 30 years.  Dave is well-known in Grove City because he taught school before opening the winery.  In addition to wines, Dave has also created Dave’s Gold Apples, a hard apple cider which is delightfully refreshing.

The winery hosts a number of events over the summer, such as music on Fridays and Saturdays.  The second Tuesday, they host a Wine and Canvas event, while every third Saturday is Wine and Yoga.  There is plenty of space to bring your event to the winery should you choose to host a Pampered Chef, Tupperware Party, etc.  And to confirm such events, make sure you visit their Facebook Page, Grove City Brewing Company to confirm the dates and times.  You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter which lists the entertainment for the month and soon their website page will be up and running.

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There is plenty of seating to accommodate close to forty visitors indoors as well as forty outdoors on their patio, which is only open during the summer season.

Plum Run Winery is a vendor at the Grove City Wine and Arts Festival where fifteen to twenty wineries are represented.   The festivities take place over the weekend of Father’s Day with an entry fee of $20 to include a souvenir glass as well as a set number of tickets to purchase wine.  The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference, scheduled in winter is another venue that the winery attends.

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There is some exciting news from Plum Run Winery with their announcement to open Grove City Brewery scheduled for late June.  A former brew master from Buckeye Lake Brewery will be heading up the craft beer creations, so it is sure to be a success.

Have you sampled the wines at Plum Run Winery or have a favorite Ohio winery that you like to frequent?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the in the comments below.  Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Plum Run Winery
3946 Broadway
Grove City, OH   43123
Telephone:  614 991 0338

  • Hours: The winery is open from 11 AM to 10 PM on Tuesday – Thursday, 11 AM to 12AM on Friday and Saturday and from 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and for a list of entertainment.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, patio seating, Grove City Brewing Company, wine, beer
  • 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:

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Grove City
4109 Parkway Centre Drive
Grove City, OH  43123
Telephone:  614 875 7000

Where to Eat:

Michael’s Hibachi
3985 Broadway
Grove City, OH  43123
Telephone:  614 317 7828

I had not visited a hibachi in such a long time that I was super excited to order some Japanese cuisine.  I started out with the Spider Roll and then ordered the Steak and Shrimp hibachi with a glass of wine.

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

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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