Tag Archives: Bellefontaine

Things to Do in Ohio in November

2019 Travel and Blog Schedule for The Suite Life of Travel

2019 will be my busiest travel year to date….and I can’t wait!  So many opportunities that I could not pass up, so they are booked and I am counting down the days!

Belize:    Port of Belize, Xunantunich, Scuba Diving

China:    Beijing, Tiananeman Square, Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, tri-shaw rides, hutongs, Zhangjiajie (the land of Avatar), Tianzishan Ten Miles Natural Gallery highway, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountains, Gui Gu Plank Road, Highway to Heaven, Tianmen Fairy Fox Show,  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the glass-bottom bridge, Baofeng Lake,  Chengdu,  Jinli Ancient Street, Qing Cheng Mountains, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Panda Conservation,

Egypt:   Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple, Khufu Ship, Camel Rides, Cairo Museum, Khan El Khalili (Souk), Felucca Ride and Belly Dancing; Nile Cruise starting in Luxor, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Ramesses III, Dier El Madina,  the Locks of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Aswan and the High Dam, Philae (the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara and diving in Alexandria.

Honduras:   Port of Honduras, Altun Ha, Scuba Diving,

Israel:   Qumran,  Caesarea Maritima, The Dead Sea,  Masada, Mount Arbel, Capernaeum, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Sailing the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemene, Sepphoris, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, Jerusalem, David Center in Jerusalem, Southern Wall Excavations and the Teaching Steps, The Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, The Via Dolorosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, Ein Karem, Nebi Samuel, Valley of Elah

Mexico:  Cozumel, Cancun, Chitzen Itza, Tulum, Cenotes, Underwater Park

United States: 

California: Yosemite, Napa, John Muir State Park, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Sausilito

United States: 

Connecticut:  East Haddam, Gillette Castle, Mystic, Hartford

United States: 

Michigan:  Upper Peninsula:  Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Seashore

United States:

Ohio:  Cincinnati,  Bellefontaine, Dayton, Greenville, Yellow Springs, Ohio Wines

United States:

Louisiana:  New Orleans

What travel plans await you in 2019?  I would love to hear about them, so list your future adventures in the comments section below!  Wishing you an amazing 2019 and lots of Happy Travels!

Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

1 IMG_8051

Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio.  This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure.  I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered.  They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits.  Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001.   From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

2 DSC_0684

Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby.  After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum.  He  suggested a couple of books to help with my research and  I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40.  From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

3 DSC_0686

The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States.  It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808.  The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued  towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning.  Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

5 DSC_0690

Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west.  The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

6 DSC_0700

Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path.  As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete.   Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

DSC_0716

The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts.  Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later.  The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement.  By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners.  It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield.  The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so.  Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White,  from being captured by US marshals.

DSC_0720

During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil.  Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children.  The production of farm equipment  continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair.   “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

DSC_0726

Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum.  It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

DSC_0744

In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town.  In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles:  Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.  

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area?  Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center?   I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.    Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone:  937 324 0657

  • Admission Fee:  Free, and donations are welcome.
  • Hours:  Museum:  Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM.  Closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Amenities:  Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Donations recommended are Family:  $10; Adults:  $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Brewfontaine….The Tap of Ohio

IMG_7563

Craft beer has made quite an impact on the state of Ohio over the past few years.  With approximately 120 breweries currently in the state, beer lovers may find it difficult to visit each one of them, even over the span of a year.  So why not visit a taproom where you can try a large selection of local brews all under one roof?  And so was the concept for Brewfontaine.  During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Brian Wall, who is passionate about his new venture which recently opened in November of 2015.

“A lot of thought went into the planning of Brewfontaine,” says Brian. “The process took us about three  to four years.  We knew we wanted to open a place where people could try Ohio craft beers as well as ales from surrounding states.”  The restaurant and bar has nearly 40 craft beers available at a given time by the bottle or on tap.  The selection changes often, so this gives patrons more than one reason to visit to try new local brews.  Visitors can also purchase half gallon growlers to fill up with one of their favorite craft beers to enjoy at home.

In addition to all of the planning that went into opening the restaurant, there was also the challenge of its renovation.  Brian and his co-owners happened upon prime location in downtown Bellefontaine where historical Johnson’s Restaurant once stood.  It had been a well-known eatery for residents in the 1950s but was abandoned about twenty years later, leaving it in major disrepair.   According to Brian, there was extensive damage to the building and all that remained was the interior wall and the Ladies Room sign….even the floor was gone.  With a design in mind and with the magic of local real estate developer, Jason Duff, the building was brought up to code and transformed into the artistic industrial design that it is today.

Although Brewfontaine’s focus is bringing quality brews to its customers, what else makes Brewfontaine such a popular place?  The restaurant and bar also serves Wine on Tap and top shelf liquor for high class drinks.  And from the stellar reviews online, there is also the menu which includes simple starters, savory soups, delectable salads and sandwiches served with their signature house-made IPA pickles.  The restaurant employs a culinary chef, so many of the items on the menu are homemade.

IMG_7564

During my visit, I decided to try a flight of five and, with the suggestion of Micki, my server (and Brian’s wife), ordered the Greek Salad as well.   And it wasn’t just ANY salad, it was loaded with olives, feta cheese, red onion, tomatoes, croutons, pepperoncini and peppers.  The ingredients were so fresh and I honestly had a difficult time finishing it, but it tasted so amazing that I couldn’t put my fork down.

IMG_7565

I will admit that I am not a beer connoisseur, but I am always up for trying new brews.  So my flight of beers arrived and I started from left to right.  First I tried Barley’s Scottish Ale which originates from Columbus, Ohio, Barley’s Brewing Company.

At first glance this craft beer, Boulevard 80 Acre, looks more like lemonade than an ale.  My take on the wheat ale is that it was very light with a slight hoppy aftertaste giving the Indian Pale Ale a run for its money.

IMG_7568

I have now moved on to beer number three and I have selected the Ei8ht Ball Tarnished, really because I liked the name of the ale. Ei8ht Ball Brewing is located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in the small town of Bellevue, Kentucky.

My number four selection was based on the fact that Sierra Nevada was probably the first beer I tried outside of the Budweiser family.  I wasn’t sure how I would like the IPA, but even though it was a little hoppy, I could smell the tropical fruit and it reminded me of the Sierra Nevada beer I have come to love.

IMG_7570

I have come down to my final selection and decided on Wyder’s Pear Cider.  I have to admit that it almost looks like a two drink glass of chardonnay, but quickly realize at the first taste that it is a sassy cider, with an amazing smell of pears.

Ordering the flight of beers is definitely the most fun way to experience craft beers.  With such a wide selection, I could come back several times to try another flight or two.  And of course, Brewfontaine makes it so easy for craft beer lovers to keep up to date with its beer menu and to know what brands will be coming to the restaurant in the near future.   Just download the BeerMenus app, set up an account and search for Brewfontaine.  Make sure you select them as a restaurant to follow and you will be able to track the information for yourself.   But don’t try to log in while you are at Brewfontaine, with a focus on Eat, Drink and Be Social, they prefer that you make a few friends while you are in town.

Being a new business, what does the future hold for Brewfontaine?  Of course there will always be the opportunity to add new craft beers to the list or make changes to the menu, but I also learned from Brian that there are plans underway to expand and enclose the patio adding an additional 30+ seats to the restaurant.   That is quite a successful accomplishment having only been open for a few months.

But if I had my opinion, it would be that the success of Brewfontaine is the passion that Brian and the owners have for the bar and restaurant.  Brian, who is formerly a surveyor, knows a thing or two about beer.  He started his own home brewing which has helped him understand the process and then put himself through college to strengthen his business skills.  The owners take so much pride in the restaurant that even the employees are required to submit a resume making the extra effort to show their interest in becoming a part of the Brewfontaine family.

But the enthusiasm doesn’t stop with Brian…if you are lucky enough to meet his wife, Micki, you can’t help but feel her heartfelt excitement for her husband’s business as well.  So don’t be surprised if she happens to take your order.  It’s a group effort and everyone is available to pitch in to make Brewfontaine a success.

Brewfontaine is located at 211 South Main Street in Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.  Check out their informative website at brewfontaine.com for a current drink list, menu and live music schedule.  You can also provide your email address for news and updates about the restaurant.

I had such a great time trying out some Ohio brews at Brewfontaine. I would like to thank Brian and Micki Wall for their time and hospitality extended to me during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brewfontaine?  I would love to hear about your experience, so kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Brewfontaine and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and Do:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Where to Eat:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Brewfontaine is known for their Signature Pretzels served with a sweet pepper mustard. Beer cheese is available for an additional fee.  The Greek Salad is loaded with ingredients and the filling Grilled Reuben is absolutely spectacular.

Where to Stay:

The Cabins at Maple Grove
5040 OH-29
Urbana, OH 43078
Telephone: 937 620 4952

Where to Drink:

Brewfontaine
211 S. Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH  43311
Telephone:   937 404 9128

Check Brewfontaine’s website prior to visiting for a list of beers or follow them on BeerMenus for future brews.

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