Tag Archives: breakfast

Travel Tips for Las Vegas

068 Amazing View of the Paris Hotel

How can you maximize your time and money while visiting Las Vegas?  With so many deals and discounts, I have provided a few suggestions.

  1. If you decide to gamble (either a little, but definitely if a lot), pick up a “rewards” card from the service desk inside of the casino so that you can rack up credits, comps and receive future mailings with deals from the casinos. Some of the deals include free hotel stays, complimentary buffets and discounted entertainment.  If you are gambling with a friend, spouse or significant other, put two cards under one name so the points will accumulate faster.  So how does it work?  When you find a slot machine, put the card in before inserting your money and points will be added to the card as you continue playing.  Remember to remove the card when you have finished playing the machine.  If you happen to forget to remove the card, the service desk within the hotel will gladly provide you with a replacement.   One rewards card may be connected to a network of hotels (i.e., Mlife and Total Rewards) which is also beneficial for adding more points to your card, so keep this in mind when choosing a casino.
  2. During your stay in Vegas you will be approached by numerous show/attraction representatives to book tickets through them. Check with your hotel’s comp desk/rewards desk where you may be able to secure a better rate for show tickets, etc.
  3. If it is your first time to Las Vegas, you should really try to take in the free attractions that are offered by each of the hotels. There are floral displays, water fountain shows, museums and talking statues associated with the theme of a particular resort.  For example, the Bellagio provides a spectacular water show while the Mirage’s volcano erupts at scheduled times throughout the evening.
  4. Most people will tell you that your odds for winning at the slot machines are on Fremont Street.  While this may ring true, we won nearly $500 playing Bier House at the Bellagio.
  5. If you are not pressed for time, take the bus to Fremont Street instead of taking a taxi. You will save money and have unlimited use of the bus for a period of 24 hours for a small fee of $8 per person.
  6. Traffic can be excessive, especially along the Las Vegas Strip, so unless it is absolutely necessary, don’t rent a car.  There are plenty of alternative transportation options available.
  7. We were surprised to learn that Harrah’s offered transportation to the airport.  This service was extremely convenient and cost us the same amount as the Super Shuttle, $10.
  8. Venetian for Breakfast.  We heard that the $9.99 buffet was the best deal in town.  So, when our flight arrived early in the morning, this was our first stop.  Another great breakfast joint was Carlos n’ Charlie’s where we ordered the Charlie’s Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, a special blend of chicken, carne asada and chorizo, Cheddar and Jack cheese and pico de gallo folded in a flour tortilla topped with red sauce and sour cream for only $12.99.  We couldn’t resist the opportunity to eat outside.
  9. When you visit Las Vegas, try to avoid the weekends. Hotel rates are much higher and the streets, casinos and events are crowded!  We learned that many people visit from California because of its close proximity to Vegas.
  10. Drinks are free when you are gambling. So this may not be new to you, but what you may not have known is that you can order top shelf liquor at no additional cost.  Our friends ordered lemon-drop martinis made with limoncello and they were absolutely delicious.

So there you have it…a short list of how to make the most of your stay in Vegas.  If you have any additional tips to add, just leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my experience for saving time, money and resources in Las Vegas and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

Hathaway’s Diner, Then and Now

Update:  Please note that Hathaway’s has now closed.

My first experience at Hathaway’s Diner was more of a Cincinnati induction than a breakfast.  It was here that I first experienced Goetta and would order my morning coffee from that point forward.  Conveniently located on the first floor of Carew Tower, the diner was my first stop before reaching the elevators to the 9th floor.

I had just moved to Cincinnati from Raleigh, where I had taken a position at Kendle International as a Marketing Manager and was excited to be working downtown.  The Carew Tower was considered not only one of the most prestigious locations to work just as historic.  The tallest building in the city, it included its own parking garage as well as a network of store shopping and restaurants.

Hathaway’s Diner was one of the first floor restaurants which first opened in 1956 by Lloyd Hathaway and his wife, Vera.  A 1950s diner with black and white checkered flooring and seafoam green naugahyde chairs, it was a popular place for Kendle employees to stop for lunch, an afternoon coffee or an old-time milkshake made from ice cream and milk.  It was also popular enough for a visit by Elvis Presley in 1977,  only seven weeks before his death.

The servers wore dining uniforms from the 1950s and took our order on a green Guest  Check pad and pen.  For lunch, I looked forward to ordering the cheeseburger and mashed potatoes combo with a vanilla milkshake and if I was extra hungry, I would add a piece of chocolate cake.  The comfort food served at Hathaway”s has always been amazing.

I later learned that the Food Network had visited Hathaway’s Diner in 2019 and named the restaurant the Best Diner in Ohio and I couldn’t agree more.

Have you visited Hathaway’s Diner?  I would love to hear about what you ordered and your dining experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my longtime admiration for Hathaway’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat: 

Hathaway’s Diner
441 Carew Tower
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 621 1332

Hathaway’s Diner has moved closer to the Hilton Netherland Plaza with a new address at 25 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio  45202.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Cruise Ship Fitness and Health

Cruise vacations include a wide variety of foods that are accessible twenty-four hours a day, so staying healthy while aboard can be a challenge.   Having worked for the cruise lines on contracts that lasted for periods of 6 months at a time, I can sympathize knowing how easy it is to put on the pounds when surrounded by food.  Here are some healthy tips that will ensure that you can maintain your current weight and maybe even lose a couple of pounds.

1.  Try to keep up with the same routine that you have while at home.  For example, if you have an eating schedule that helps you to maintain a healthy diet at home, then try to incorporate those eating times into your vacation schedule.  The same goes for working out.  If you have a routine already established at home, try to keep with the schedule during your vacation on the cruise ship.

2,  Take advantage of your time in port.  Most passengers go off-shore to explore the various ports of call.  Whether you have signed up for an excursion or decided to visit the port on your own, many of these activities include some type of physical exercise such as walking or swimming.  You will be surprised at how active you are while disembarking the ship for some shore time.

3,  Just because the ship provides some type of food option over a 24 hour period, does not mean that you need to eat for 24 hours.  All-inclusive food offerings make it easy to stray away from your normal eating habits and overindulge.  Step away from the midnight buffet!

4.  You will want to ensure that you have a healthy breakfast each day, especially on the days that you plan to go ashore.  Choose items that are high in protein and fiber so that you will stay full longer until you are ready to eat either at port or back on the ship for lunch.

5.  Learn a new healthy type of exercise.  Many cruise lines offer various sports or exercise activities that you may have never tried at home.  For example, I once took a yoga class just to try it out to see if it may be something that would be of interest.  Check out the ship’s daily schedule for various activities that you can incorporate while you are aboard the ship, and especially during those days at sea.

In addition to these five tips, you should also drink plenty of water and make healthy food choices when selecting menu items for meals.  You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach home after vacation and find that you have actually lost weight on your cruise!  Bon Voyage!

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

A Mocha Moment at Coffee Expressions

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I spent the day with my brother and his family in my hometown of Springfield, Ohio.  It was early in the morning so I found a cute little coffee shop to catch up on my latest issue of Ohio Magazine and to check my emails.   Once I walked through the door, I was greeted by a charming barista, surrounded by the amazing scent of coffee.

I ordered my café mocha with skim milk looking forward to the whipped cream and chocolate syrup.  I found a nice warm spot in the sun, opened my magazine and listed the events I wanted to attend the next month.  The atmosphere soon began to pick up as the local regulars lined up to place their order before starting workday.

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Behind the counter is one of the friendliest baristas I have ever met.  She greeted each visitor by name and confirmed their orders  before reaching the register.  She discussed with them their upcoming vacations and inquired about their families.  She kindly carried on conversations with her regulars while carefully making their orders as I watched the large group that had formed only minutes ago finally disappear in a matter of minutes.

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I was distracted at times by the early morning news but couldn’t help but eavesdrop on all of the interesting conversations.  As each patron exited the door, the line continued to grow until about 8:30 AM and then the barista cleaned the machines in preparation for the next coffee rush wish shortly arrived before 9.

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What I really admired about Coffee Expressions, is that in addition to the café mocha, they also provide visitors with free Wifi.   I am always looking for a spot to catch up on my travel research and enjoy the convenience of connecting online.

There is a great selection of tables, chairs and comfortable couches for catching up on the latest news or relaxing with a cup of coffee.  I also noticed a small retail area where handcrafted coffees, travel mugs and a selection of oats were available for breakfast.

I flipped to the last page of my magazine while taking my last drink of coffee and while I gathered my belongings, the friendly barista bids me farewell by name.  I smiled and wished her a great day, wondering if she would remember me and my order on my return visit.  I wouldn’t be surprised.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop that you frequent in the morning?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Coffee Expressions
1111 N. Plum Street, Suite 1
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone: 937 323 5282

From Monday through Friday, Coffee Expressions is open from 6:05AM until 8PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8AM to 8PM.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Mike and Rosie’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone:  937 390 3511

Hands down, my favorite menu item and Mike and Rosie’s is their Reuben Sandwich…don’t forget to add the chips and pickle!

 

A Taste of Cuba at The Starliner Diner, Hilliard, Ohio

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I won’t claim to be an expert on Cuban food, but having lived in Tampa for several years, I’ve have had my share of Cuban sandwiches at Hugos and La Terasita’s served with a side of black beans and rice.   So when a friend suggested I try Starliner Diner in Hilliard, Ohio, I was curious to see if they could compare to the authentic dishes I truly missed.

When I arrived at the café on Cemetery Road, I quickly learned (from my friends at Destination Hilliard and the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce) that the restaurant had outgrown its space and had relocated to nearby Main Street in Old Hilliard.

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As soon as I entered the restaurant, I briefly felt as though I was back in Florida with the colorful rooms and mounted fish on the walls.  Transported to the tropics without the beach, I was escorted to the main dining room sitting next to a huge mural of the sun.  The extensive menu was full of amazing Caribbean dishes to include appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and supper dishes.

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In addition, I was provided a handwritten page of specials for the day, but I already knew what I would be ordering….the Media Noche (Cuban Sandwich) with the fried plantains.

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When my meal arrived, my mouth was watering from the sweet aroma of the plantains and the delicious smell of ham and Swiss.  My sandwich was perfectly pressed and I was  ready to take my first bite.  Ahhh…I had been waiting for this moment and I was not disappointed.  This Cuban was a perfect blend of marinated pork and ham, Swiss cheese, a hint of mustard and pickles.  It tasted as authentic as if I had just ordered it from a roadside food stall in Cuba.  The plantains were fried to perfection with a mild taste of sweetness and I love the caramelized texture of this delectable side dish.

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The Starliner Diner rates high on my list of restaurants to visit in Hilliard and I wish them nothing but success with its new location.  I am already checking my calendar to make plans to visit for the Chiles Rellenos,

Have you had the opportunity to visit Starliner Diner?  I would love to hear what you like to order if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Many thanks for reading my post and I hope you continue to follow my journey as I explore my home state of Ohio and beyond.

Where to Eat:

Starliner Diner
4121 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio  43026
Telephone:  614 529 1198

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

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

The Springfield Farmer’s Market, From History to the Here and Now

Update!  Vendor List Revised on August 13, 2018

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During the summer months, the Springfield Farmer’s Market sets up shop downtown outside the Heritage Center.  With vendors lining the side pedestrian area, the  market brings visitors here each Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

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I had the opportunity to visit the Market on its opening day and was excited to see the diversity in products that were available.  From baked goods to produce, local services and artwork, this venue is the perfect location for learning about some of the small businesses that are helping to revive the economy of Springfield.  The Painted Pepper, a well known food truck from town, was on hand for visitors to purchase breakfast items.

Here is just a small list of wonderful vendors that I met during my visit:

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Slice of Heaven Bakery

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En.Jamb.Ment

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Davidson Family Growers

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Sobaby Jam Company

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Stevens Bakery and Orchard

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Robin’s Nest Granola

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Champion City Jam

Additional services and products were provided by:

One of the great advantages of shopping at The Springfield Farmer’s Market, is that they make it easier for those on federal food assistance programs to use their benefits at the market by using tokens and with the use of EBT.

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Unbeknownst to many local Springfielders, the downtown Springfield Farmer’s Market was first established in the late 1800s.  After the completion of the new city building by Oliver S. Kelly (today’s Heritage Building), the first floor was designated as the location for the new city market, which replaced the old market house.

The opening of the City Building and Market included “parades, opening exercises and the illumination of natural gas standpipes and arches”. The event was covered nationally as over 40,000 people joined in the festivities.  It was a grand night for the city of Springfield.

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Over the years, the market assigned stalls to vendors where they would bring their produce, meats and items for sale.  It was described as having an “accumulated fragrance of the…annual crops of pork and cabbage – not always the freshest – ascended to the upper floor – and where the fumes of tobacco and possibly stronger stimulants, penetrated from the time-honored Springfield forum to the vicinity of the market stalls…”

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I can imagine that the Springfield Farmer’s Market would have been similar to a small version of the North Market in Columbus, Ohio.  Measuring only 50 x 500 feet, each vendor was provided with a permit authorizing him to sell his merchandise.  A copy of this permit can be seen at the Clark County Historical Society located in the Heritage Center.

Establishing the rebirth of Springfield’s Farmer’s Market has added a level of depth to the revitalization of this once prosperous town.  The downtown continues to add a number of new businesses and restaurants and the Farmer’s Market has only added to the growing attraction to my hometown of Springfield.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Springfield Farmer’s Market?  What items did you purchase?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Springfield Farmer’s Market (Heritage Center)
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 207 1950

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

The Painted Pepper Food Truck
Telephone: 937 969 0877

I ordered the breakfast burrito with extra jalapenos and it was amazing!

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 (seasonal sunflowers)
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

The Bow Tie Cafe, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Books to Read: 

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

Photo Guide for Mt. Adams:

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

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

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Four Days in Hale

We are four days into our vacation in Hale and the weather is not cooling down anytime soon.  Instead of leaving the rental home to visit the surrounding area, everyone has agreed that we should take advantage of the hot weather and enjoy another day on the pontoon boat floating along Long Lake.

We woke up early and ate a hearty breakfast.  Bennett entertained us with his silly faces and we loved watching him wear his breakfast on his face and belly.

Grace offered to share her mid-morning snacks of gummy bears.  Soon we would be  ready to make our way outside for more fun on the lawn and the deck, but not until we each had eaten lunch.

Joy made a quick lunch of sandwiches and chips from our stop at the grocery store.  We ate quickly, not really feeling hungry due to the heat, but ready to take a boat ride on the lake after everyone had eaten.

After lunch, Bennett and his cousins enjoy playing with the water table.  It was a perfect way for the kids (and the adults) to cool down.

Eager to find a cove to swim, Grace and Grandpa were the first ones in the boat.

I loved looking at the house from the lake.  The perfect spot to enjoy our vacation the top deck was where we spent most of our time.

The water was so clear when we found a small place to anchor the boat for a swim.

Mike, Emily and the kids enjoyed some family time cooling down in the lake’s water.

Bennett was always the life of the party on our boat rides and meal times.  He and Joy were having a silly conversation with lots of giggles and smiles.

Bennett giving us fish lips on the boat ride home.

Once we docked the boat, we noticed a gaggle of geese walking across the lawn.

It was a long day, but we all had such a lovely day on the lake.  After dinner, the kids were  ready to prepare for bedtime. The big kids stayed up a little to decide what we wanted to do the next day and agreed that some hiking would be fun. The next day would perfect for exploring nearby Hale and the Lumberjack Monument.

Have you vacationed in Hale or Long Lake, Michigan?  What were some of your favorite activities.  I would love to hear about your time in the north if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale and Long Lake and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

  • Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay: 

  • We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

The Victorian Cafe
216 S. Washington Street
Hale, MI  48739
Telephone:  989 728 0027

We had a fun time catching up with the lovely folks here at the Victorian Cafe.  We also learned that the ice cream was still soft and due to the heat was not freezing anytime too soon.

What to Eat: 

  • Better Made potato chips
  • Biggby Coffee
  • Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
  • Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
  • Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
  • Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Bennett and Scott having a serious talk about Cincinnati Reds baseball.

Grace picking up stones from the bottom of the lake and putting them in her bucket.

Scott and Joy challenging each other to a game of ping pong.