A 2010 Return to San Clemente, California

24 November 201919 September 2024

My friend Dani and I decided to take a cruise out of Long Beach stopping in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. While booking our flights, we decided to arrive in San Diego a couple of days earlier and drive up the coast. I was excited that we would be passing through San Clemente and thought it would be a fun time to reminisce in my old neighborhood of SoCal.

We stopped at BeachFire Grill on Del Mar before we drove down towards the beach. It was a cool evening as we set out towards the pier, enjoying the palm trees and beautiful skies.

We walked at the end of the pier and looked back towards the beautiful surfing town, waiting for the sun to set.

Towards the left were the more private homes high above the cliffs.

Facing south we were looking towards another popular surf area but with the colder weather and lower tides, it was no surprise that the beach was empty.

The sun was beginning to set and we had another hour to drive up the coast. The pier was beginning to clear out as we stood along the beach.

Waiting for the sun to set was worth every minute and as we started the uphill trek towards the parking lot, we had one last view of the beautiful sky. A view never to take for granted.

Have you lived in a place or visited a place that had a lasting impression on you? I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to San Clemente and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walk the San Clemente Beach and the charming town of San Clemente

Where to Eat:

The Fisherman Restaurant at San Clemente Pier
611 Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, CA 82672
Telephone: 949 498 6390

What to Eat:

Dungeness Crab
Seafood Chowder
Pan-Fried Oysters

Where to Stay:

Casablanca Inn
1601 North East El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA
Telephone: 888 639 3053

What to Read:

California Girl, by T. Jefferson Parker

Photo Guide for San Clemente:

Calafia Beach Park
Del Mar Street
Outlets San Clemente
Pico Park
San Clemente Beach Trail
San Clemente Pier
The Triton Wall

Las Vegas’ Paris Hotel: Spending New Year’s in Luxury

19 January 201921 September 2024

My great friend, Peter surprised me with a New Year’s weekend trip to Las Vegas where we stayed at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. He had recently sold the small biotech company that he owned, so there was so much to celebrate. We had both visited Las Vegas many times in the past as it is a popular destination for pharmaceutical events, so the idea of sitting among the indoor cafes sipping café au laits instead of rushing around to all of the venues was a delightful change to our schedule.

We took a later flight for the added drama of seeing the city lights at night. A short hop from San Francisco, we would land in a little over an hour where he had a limousine waiting and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for the ride. Approaching Las Vegas Boulevard, I could not take my eyes off of the Eiffel Tower, watching it come into view until the limo finally arrived. Standing at the base, I was in awe of this monumental replica, half the size of the original and all lit up like the City of Light.

Strolling through the resort we couldn’t help but notice the reproductions of famous Parisian landmarks. We reached our hotel suite with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and after having admired the Las Vegas Strip from our room, I noticed an envelope addressed to us on the table. I thought it was another surprise from Peter, but soon realized that we were offered two nighttime passes for the Eiffel Tower Experience, compliments of the Paris Hotel. We called to secure a time which left us with a couple of hours to explore the hotel and take a photo of the tower from its base.

We arrived fifteen minutes early and congregated at the elevator where there were several others waiting to make the ride up to the 46^th floor. Adequately bundled up, I found myself rubbing my hands together in anticipation of the windy, cold weather. Although Las Vegas sits in the middle of a desert, the temperature drops at night bringing with it a chill in the air. We boarded the lift and upon reaching the top, we were afforded spectacular views of colorful lights that seemed to go on for miles. We stayed long enough to watch the Bellagio fountain from this vantage point and agreed that we should stop by the next day to arrange for a front row seat from one of the restaurants. It was getting late and our noses were growing cold when we decided to return back to our rooms and settle in for the night.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful morning nor a more beautiful view as we ordered breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi. Hearty crepes with a side of steak frites could not have been a more perfect Parisian meal before setting off for a visit to the Bellagio. Planning a leisurely day ahead, Peter wanted to watch the fountains from inside and the only thing on my mind was Jean Philippe Patisserie. It has become my obsession when I visit Vegas to take note of the new creations made from this bodacious boutique confectionery. With tickets for the production of “O” later that evening at 4PM, we knew it would be wise to confirm the theater entrance ahead of time. We spent the rest of the day at The Bellagio with the exception of coming back to the hotel to prepare for the show.

Peter made reservations at the Italian restaurant, Martarano’s, located inside of the Paris Hotel. We started out with the Fried Calamari Bubzy spiced with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, which was the perfect heat for me, while Peter required more spice thinking the sauce was a little too sweet for his liking. In addition, we shared a Homemade Mozzarella & Tomato Salad which is similar to a Caprese Salad without the balsamic vinegar. The mozzarella melted in my mouth with its freshness while the basil added a whole new level of umami. Our main entrees included the Bucatani Carbonara, the perfect pasta with pancetta, cream, black pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano while Peter decided on the Veal Marsala made with Florio Sicilian marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

We realized we had quite a while before bringing in the New Year, so we stopped by La Cave so I could pick up a bottle of wine that we could open while I freshened up and Peter checked his emails. We are not the nightclub types nor do we gamble, so our plans were to stop by the Napoleon’s Lounge for a drink and roam the casino to people watch, which was the perfect night for the occasion. Gorgeous gowns and fancy dresses were accompanied by men in suits with some in tuxes. The crowded casino and lobby proved everyone to be in high spirits ready to carry the night into the early hours of the morning.

The bartender at the Bellagio invited us to stop by earlier, so we decided to take him up on the invitation, order a bottle of champagne and place bets on what time we would finally make it back to the room. The night was vibrant, which gave us a new level of energy and we had so much to celebrate. We discussed our plans for our last day in Vegas and I was looking forward to my massage at the Paris Spa. We were also excited about spending a day back in San Diego where we first met to celebrate a friend’s birthday and enjoy a day of hiking, which has always been our favorite activity. The New Year was already promising to be a wonderful start to our relationship, new jobs and a crazy year of travel. And as the countdown began, we had already decided to make this the best year possible. Happy New Year!!

What did you think about the Paris Las Vegas? Have you had the opportunity to visit and if so, did you enjoy any of the amenities? I would be interested in hearing about your stay if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. If you would like to know more about the Paris Las Vegas, I would be so happy to answer any questions you have if you would leave a message in the comments section as well. Many thanks for reviewing my experience at the Paris Hotel and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 877 796 2096

Eiffel Tower: The main attraction of the hotel is the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck. Built half the size of France’s world-famous landmark, visitors can board the elevator 46 stories high for spectacular views of the Las Vegas strip.

Nightly Light Show: From sunset to midnight, the Eiffel Towerlights up every 30 minutes in similar fashion to the Paris landmark.

Shop the Paris Hotel: Reminiscent of the lovely neighborhoods of Paris, the Las Vegas shops along Le Boulevard are set along cobblestone walkways.

Book a Spa Treatment: Voie Spa & Salon offers a wide variety of services including massages, facials, manicures & pedicures.

Where to Stay:

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 877 796 2096

With over 2700 rooms, there are several options to meet your budget.

Where to Eat:

Nobu: Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 702 946 4007

My favorite is the lobster shiitake salad and I always save room for dessert…the Yuzu Cheesecake.

What to Eat:

There are several restaurants at Paris Las Vegas, but I also like to venture out for a cheap buffet in the Old Vegas district.

What to Read:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
Leaving Las Vegas, by John O’Brien

Photo Guide for Las Vegas:

“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
The Paris Hotel Entrance and Eiffel Tower
The Luxor Walkway and Sphinx
The Excalibur Hotel
New York New York Hotel
The Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Hotel
The Eiffel Tower view from the Bellagio
The Bellagio Fountains and its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Rose Covered Entrance to the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio
The Linq Promenade with views of the High Roller and Inside the High Roller
The Venetian Stairs and Lobby
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
The Venetian Bridge
The Stairs at Wynn Las Vegas
Neon Museum signs
Fremont East District sign
Retro Vegas Sign
Abbey Road
The Empty Club
Fremont District Murals
Red Rock Canyon’s Red Rocks and Joshua Trees
Valley of Fire State Park – Slot Canyon, Fire Wave, Mouse Tank Road, Pastel Pink Canyon
Seven Magic Mountains
Mrs. Coco’s Cafe (book in advance)
Hoover Dam
Canyon West (about 2 hours from Vegas)

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

Reflecting Back Over 2018 Travel and Blog Posts

29 December 201827 July 2024

What a great year for travel! From conquering France to exploring the Wild West of the United States, it was a wonderful year of exploring 2 continents and 5 countries. There were past memories of travels gone by as well as discovering amazing sites in my own back yard! Here are some of my favorite photos from this years’ travel blogs and the amazing journeys I experienced in 2018!

Asia

Philippines

Naomi’s Heart Mission in the Philippines: A Day of Travel

Flying Into Hong Kong Before Reaching the Philippines

Caribbean

A Port Day in Dominica

The View of the Cruise Ship in Dominica

Puerto Rico

Walking Tour of San Juan: Part 1

The Raices Fountain in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Walking Tour of San Juan: Part 2

The Cementerio de San Juan

Raices Restaurant

Authentic Puerto Rican Costumes at Raices Restaurant

Sunny San Juan

My First Mofongo Experience

Europe

Italy: Rome: St Peter’s Facade

St. Peter and the Keys

Monaco: A City of Wealth

The Wealth of Monaco

Monaco: The Port of Monaco

Strolling the Port of Monaco

Spain: Barcelona and Its Architecture

La Sagrada Familia

Middle East

Israel

Bethlehem: Shepherd’s Field

The Chapel of the Angels

Bethlehem: The Church of the Nativity

The Altar of the Nativity

Turkey: The Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace

United States

United States: California

Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree

La Jolla Cove, California

Beautiful La Jolla Cove, California

Seals at La Jolla Cove, California

A Day in Morro Bay

Visiting the Rock at Morro Bay

A Weekend in San Diego

The Coronado Hotel

United States: Connecticut

East Haddam

United States: Georgia

Savannah

Strolling Through Savannah

United States: Maine

Acadia, Whale Watching and Visiting the Doubling Point Lighthouse

Acadia National Park

Enjoying the Coast of Maine in Rockland

Kayaking Near Owl Head Lighthouse, Maine

United States: Massachusetts

Salem

Touring the House of the Seven Gables

United States: Michigan

Oswald’s Bear Farm

Feeding a Baby Bear at Oswald’s Bear Farm

United States: Nevada

Harrah’s, Las Vegas

Slot Winners at Harrah’s

Las Vegas

Welcome to Las Vegas!

United States: New York

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

The Gorgeous Falls on the US Side

United States: Ohio

Cincinnati: The Blind Lemon

The Patio in Winter

Cincinnati: Krohn Conservatory

Exploring Krohn Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood Hike

Strolling through Inniswood Metro Park during Winter

Columbus: Zoo Lights

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

Ohio Festivals:

The Banana Split Festival

Making our own Banana Splits at the Banana Split Festival

Medieval Life at the Renaissance Festival

Exploring the Ohio Renaissance Festival

United States: Ohio Wineries

A.R. Winery

Buckeye Lake Winery

Gervasi Vineyard

Entering Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio

Charcuterie Plate at Gervasi Vineyard

Henke Winery and Restaurant

Hundley Cellars

Lakehouse Inn and Winery

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant

Vinoklet Winery

Winery at Versailles

Yellow Butterfly Winery

United States: Rhode Island

Cliff Walk

A Furry Friend on Cliff Walk

United States: South Dakota

Deadwood

Mount Rushmore

Visiting Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

United States: Wyoming

Wyoming, Cody

Beautiful Landscape from Cody, Wyoming

It is amazing how much ground one can cover in a year! This year will be another amazing travel year! Where did you go in 2018? Do you have any plans for this year? I would love to hear from you! Leave a message in the comments section! Happy Travels!

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

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

4 June 201817 September 2024

It was harvest time for grapes in Ohio, and with so many vineyards, I planned to spend a weekend exploring some of the more established wineries around Ashtabula County. Traveling as far northeast as possible, I found the little town of Conneaut, the home to Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, a vineyard with a charming bed and breakfast.

Joanna and Fred Buccia have been tending to their vineyard since the 1970s and I looked forward to sampling a broad representation of this region’s wines. Resting under an arbor of grapes above me, Joanna picked a few grapes for me as she sat down at the picnic table eager to tell me more about the history of grape growing around this area. She reminded me that the weather in May was cold and while July and August were unusually hot, the harvesting of grapes would come early this year.

From dry and full bodied Cabernet Francs to the semi dry Lake Erie blend of Reflections, there seemed to be an endless selection of premium wines and new grapes of which I had never heard. For example, the Baco grape produces a wonderful red wine that was dry, smooth, with a minimum acidity while the Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid that thrives in the cold temperatures, producing a red wine with a higher acidity and low tannins.

Many of the wines at Buccia Vineyard are made from the grapes that they grow on the property, called estate wines, while the remaining grapes and juice come from Chile, Argentina and California. My next sample was the Seyval, another French hybrid that is grown mainly to produce white dry wines.

A small group of four unloaded out of an early model station wagon. Inquiring if they could try a few of the wines, they also asked if they could stay the night at the bed and breakfast. Joanna excused herself from our conversation and tended to the visitors as I overheard Fred tell them that the winery was for sale.

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by vines full of grapes, I continue sampling the Vignoles and another new wine for me, the Agawan that has “fruity start with an herbal finish”. Rounding out my wine tasting, I poured a small taste of Reflections, a red blend made from the “best of Lake Erie grapes”, then took my last sip of Maiden’s blush, a sweet wine combined with the juices of local blueberries.

Joanna returned after setting up her new guests in one of the four rooms at the bed and breakfast. She gave me a quick tour of the property and showed me the available rooms with quiet decks, hot tubs and fireplaces. I listened to the faint sounds of Jimmy Buffett coming over the radio as I gave Joanna my list of remaining sites I planned to visit in Conneaut. It was a lovely summer day and I had the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to explore.

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard? Did you have a favorite wine? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, Ohio 44030
Telephone: 440 593 5976

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast or there are several options along the Lake Erie seashore.

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH 44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

What’s Happening in 2018? My Travel and Blog Schedule for Next Year

12 January 201816 September 2024

I am so excited for the many opportunities I have for travel this year! Here is an overview of my travel schedule for 2018 and what you can expect to read on The Suite Life of Travel!

Travel Schedule, 2018:

Will start out celebrating the New Year with a week in San Francisco and a long weekend in Las Vegas!

My best friend will be marrying late winter/early spring, so a few days in Miami and a few more in Tampa to check out possible real estate! Super excited!!

Work will take me to Montreal and Quebec City, where I will extend my stay in Canada with a vacation along the east coast.

Photo Credit: Best of Italy Photos

I will wrap up my spring travel plans with a Mediterranean cruise….ALL EXPENSE PAID!! This is my first writing assignment as the ship I will be sailing has an all new itinerary!

Summer plans include exploring more of my home state of Ohio!

Photo Credit: AFS

Late summer, I will spend ten days on African Safari and visiting friends in South Africa, many thanks to some friends that live there! I will make the drive up to Victoria Falls, check out a rescue where I will volunteer to assist and interact with animals that require medical care before heading back to the States….a possible side trip to include Madagascar??!!

Photo Credit: VRBO

My last overseas (tentative) trip, will be spending a couple of weeks on the island of Sicily taking cooking classes and exploring the island by rail. Any suggestions or recommendations for places to stay are appreciated!

I will be speaking at two conferences this fall….one in San Francisco and Seattle, so a couple of added days to my itinerary will fit in just perfect.

Wow! So much to anticipate and so many more plans to make. I have quite a few writing projects in the works and look forward to seeing where this year leads!

Blog Schedule, 2018!

Continued coverage of my Ohio outings (lots of posts about Cincinnati this year) as well as Wine Wednesdays will continue!

Winter posts will include my December west coast trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as last year’s last minute trip to London, Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge!

Check out my National Parks in the West/Midwest series coming in May and July.

Paris takes center stage in August with a side trip to Versailles.

September makes a detour back to the US with a weekend in Yosemite.

I can’t wait to share my insights on New Orleans, which is full of restaurant recommendations and amazing things to do in the “Big Easy”!

And the rest of the year will cover my recent trip to Jordan and Israel which will carry on into 2019!

Hang out with me to explore some amazing locations across the world and to hear about my exciting adventures! Thanks for reading my updated posts to “The Suite Life of Travel” and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Suite Life of Travel has a Facebook Page and you can follow my photos on Instagram!

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

A Photographic Review of My 2017 Travel Blogs

5 January 201816 September 2024

I have had so much fun writing about my many travels that took place in 2017 and past travel as well. Here is an overview of my blog posts for this past year. Don’t forget to select the link to check out more photos and additional information regarding each attraction. Enjoy!

Indonesia: Bali

Kuta Beach

An Evening Stroll Along Kuta Beach

North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple: The Most Photographed Temple in Bali

Mexico: Cabo San Lucas

El Arco in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico: Mazatlan

The Port of Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

A Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

Turkey: Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

The Facade of the Hagia Sophia

United States: Arizona

The Grand Canyon

The Colorado River Runs Through the Grand Canyon

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Painted Desert

The Spectacular Colors of the Painted Desert

Rawhide

Rawhide, Arizona

United States: California

San Diego

Spectacular California Sunset

Sebastiani

An Amazing Visit to Sebastiani

Viansa Winery

Acres of Vineyards in Sonoma, California

United States: Colorado

The Rocky Mountains

Camping in the Rocky Mountains

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans: Black & White Photos

The Old Absinthe Bar

United States: Ohio

The Farm Restaurant in Adena

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at The Farm

The Merchant House

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at the Merchant House

The Old Arcana Restaurant

The Bourbon Praline French Toast

Cincinnati: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Columbus: Ohio Village

Celebrating 100 Years of Beatrix Potter at Ohio Village

Springfield:

Farmer’s Market

The Historical Springfield Farmer’s Market

Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright

The Westcott House

Clifton Mill Lights at Christmas

Gorgeous Holiday Lights in Clifton

Ohio Wineries:

United States: Tennessee

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

United States: Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

United States: West Virginia

New River Gorge

Floating down the Lower Gauley at the New River Gorge

I hope you enjoyed checking out all of my travels and post-related photos for 2017! I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings! Happy New Year!

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

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

25 June 201616 March 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

Hafle Winery in Springfield Offering a Great Selection of Ohio Wines – NOW CLOSED

11 June 201616 March 2025

Springfield, Ohio is making its mark on the Ohio wine industry with the re-opening of Haflé Winery in 2015. Many residents may remember the winery which once occupied the estate located on Upper Valley Pike in the 1970’s. For many wine enthusiasts and local residents in the surrounding area, this was a welcome comeback.

Family-owned and operated, Haflé Winery is a quaint winery and restaurant offering a unique selection of wines, as well as a full-service bar. Located in the northwest region of town, the lovely estate and winery resides in a rural setting surrounded by a dense forest of fifty acres.

There was a comfortable, cozy feeling as I entered the dimly lit wine tasting area and bar. I took a seat and placed my order for a glass of wine. I sipped on a White Zinfandel by Vista Point and began a conversation with the patrons who make Haflé Winery a weekly stop each Tuesday. With beer specials and discounts on wine, I could choose from over 40 wines available to sample before making my purchase. The best deal at Hafle is a flight of five wines (with generous pours) for ten dollars.

The wine menu was unique in the fact that it offered Ohio-made wines in addition to amazing reds and whites from all over the US. I learned from one of the customers sitting beside me that Dan Haflé, Jr., the owner, was working behind the bar. Mr. Haflé helped me choose five samples according to my wine preference and he was eager to tell me about the history of his family’s winery.

Without a moment of hesitation and while keeping up with his clients at the bar, Dan explained that it was his father, Dan Sr., who first came up with the idea of opening a winery in the late 1960s. According to Dan, his father had a friend in fellow farmer Ken Schuchter who also shared his passion for drinking wine. They would both soon turn their love of wine into a business with Haflé Winery based in Springfield and Valley Vineyards in Morrow. By 1969, Dan Sr., planted his first vines and through trial and error successfully began producing his own wine and so it was there in 1974 that the original winery came into existence. Over the next 20 years, the Haflé family would find themselves in a continuous struggle to grow grapes in the soil of this region, and by 1994, the outlook seemed bright. And just when the business was continuing to grow, the EPA presented them with another challenge. With the expansion of the winery, the EPA determined that the current sewer structure was inadequate. The Haflés would either need to pay for their own stand-alone system or connect to the city which would cost them thousands of dollars. Due to the complicated logistics and expense of the agency’s requirements, the Haflés were forced to close their doors for business in the mid-90s.

Fast forward twenty years later and Dan Haflé, Jr. has revived Hafle Winery having re-opened in 2015.

And as I sat on the edge of my seat throughout Dan’s amazing story, my flight of wine had already been poured. I chose the Vista Point Merlot, a red wine from the Napa Valley of California.

The next glass was the Dark Horse Petite Sirah (dry) from Modesto, California.

Next I sampled a local Ohio winery, the Rodeo Red (semi sweet) from the Winery at Versailles and then the Mon Ami Concord (sweet), also an Ohio wine.

My final selection was the St. James Blackberry wine (sweet) from St. James, Missouri and I determined that the Rodeo Red from Versailles was my favorite wine from the flight.

I decided to order dinner before the kitchen closed and was excited to try a thin crust pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. The specials for the night included a Cuban Sandwich ($12), Blackened Tuna Dinner for $15 and Black Bean soup.

I leisurely enjoyed my wine and soaked up the atmosphere while continuing my conversation with Dan. He explained to me that during the warmer months, the winery offers outdoor seating and scheduled entertainment. They also supply steaks and seafood that customers can cook on the grill.

It was an incredible evening of drinking wine, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

It is true that Ohio is becoming more recognized as a state producing award winning wines. In addition to the wide selection of wines, what makes Haflé Winery unique is that it holds liquor licenses to both produce its own wine as well as serve liquor in its establishment. And although outsiders may recognize Haflé Winery as a newcomer to Ohio’s wine industry, they will be surprised that it has a rich history of winemaking all its own.

Do you have a favorite winery in Ohio that you like to visit? Have you visited Haflé Winery and would like to share you experience? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Haflé Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Haflé Winery
2369 Upper Valley Pike
Springfield, OH
Telephone: 937 399 1221

Hours: The winery is open from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5 PM to 10 PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed on Monday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
Amenities: Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine, gift shop, private events and weekend cookouts.

I would like to thank Dan Haflé, Jr. for his hospitality in providing me with the history of Haflé Winery and recommending some great wines!

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Hafle Winery’s menu offers a wonderful selection of appetizers, sandwiches, dinners and salads. The winery hosts popular weekend cookouts with live music entertainment.

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:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

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

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

An Amazing Weekend in San Diego

11 June 201531 August 2024

It was a successful conference in San Diego and I stayed a couple of extra days in Southern California to explore this amazing coast. My plans were to snap some photos of the local scenic views, hike the Anza-Borrego, shop Coronado Island and sneak off for a couple of hours in Tijuana. My home-base hotel would be the Wyndham San Diego Bayside (with amazing views of the bay), the perfect location for enjoying the beach and hanging out on the south side of town.

My friends suggested that I visit the Cabrillo National Monument for its scenic views of the bay and Navy Base. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is credited as the first European to step foot on California soil in 1592. From the Mexican city of Navidad, Cabrillo and his ship, the “San Salvador” reached the west coast, what is known today as San Diego. At the top of the hill overlooking Point Loma is a statue of the Spanish explorer commemorating his voyage.

In addition to the monument, the New Point Loma Lighthouse is one of the main draws to Cabrillo. Replacing the original lighthouse where the memorial now stands, the new light shines from the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego. The tide pools surrounding the cape are home to an amazing number of sea creatures that include starfish, anemones and barnacles.

Only a thirty minute drive to Coronado, I left Point Loma, hopped on Interstate 5 driving south and crossed over the bridge to reach the famous Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888 in grand Victorian-style, The Del was once the largest resort in the world. Its iconic red rotunda provides views of the bay, ocean and city of San Diego. Hosting numerous United States Presidents and British Royals, the Hotel Del was the place to stay for celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. The resort is best known as the backdrop to the movie Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

I enjoyed the rest of my afternoon hanging out at The Del and met up with some friends who were staying at the resort for the weekend. We enjoyed fruity drinks and light appetizers overlooking the bay. We booked a reservation at the restaurant and returned to the terrace to watch the extraordinary sunset.

I rose early in the morning to hike Anza-Borrego which was about a two hour drive from San Diego. The weather was spectacular and I could not wait to spend the morning there until meeting up with friends before they flew back to the east coast. While I really wanted to hike “The Slot”, I learned that I would need a four wheel drive vehicle, so I opted to explore the 3-mile Palm Canyon trail. Parking at the campground, it took me nearly 2 hours to complete the hike which included extraordinary palm groves, waterfalls and typical desert plants.

Arriving back at the Hotel del Coronado, we all agreed to make a quick run across the border into Mexico for some fun and margaritas. We parked on the San Diego side, crossed through border control and grabbed a taxi for Avenida Revolucion. Stopping by Dandy del Sur, we learned that this is the oldest bar in town. The drinks were cheap and strong and of course we had the most fun people-watching. We stayed for a couple of hours, found a taxi and stood in line to wait for border patrol. Street vendors were selling churros so we bought a few orders while we waited and finally made it across to the US.

I had another great weekend in San Diego and since I booked the red-eye, I packed up my belongings, ordered In-N-Out through the drive through and arrived at the airport in plenty of time. With so many things to do in SoCal, I never tire of visiting whether it’s for work or pleasure. One day I am going to hike The Slot at Anza and can’t wait to mark this off of my bucket list.

Have you visited San Diego and do you have a favorite place in town you like to visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for catching up with me in one of my favorite US cities on the west coast and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Monument Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
Telephone: 619 557 5450

Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
Telephone: 619 435 6611

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk; The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
Amenities: Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
Scenic View: The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
1355 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619 232 3861

Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118
Telephone: 619 435 6611

Where to Eat:

In-N-Out
3102 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 800 786 1000

I either order the animal style burger with lettuce, tomato, mustard, pickle, extra spread and grilled onions or the protein style which is wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun.

What to Eat:

Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
California wood-fired pizza
Southeast Asian foods
Sushi
Seafood
Local Wines

What to Read:

The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis

Photo Guide for San Diego:

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
Sunset Cliffs
Old Town San Diego
Hotel del Coronado

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

My First Visit to San Diego, 2002

22 December 201431 August 2024

It’s hard to believe it has been fifteen years since I first visited San Diego. I remember how much I fell in love with this city. Its history, weather and scenic views were the reasons I returned so often each year and eventually moved to Southern California.

Attending a conference with several colleagues, I always welcomed their recommendations for an amazing hotel and fabulous restaurants. We spent many a night at Old Town Mexican Café and Restaurant drinking margaritas and noshing on chips and salsa.

Although we spent the majority of our day at the San Diego Convention Center, we had some time to entertain our clients and plan dinners with potential customers. Each time I visit San Diego on business, I extend my trip to catch up with friends, hike and explore new places.

My first weekend stay was at the Catamaran Resort Hotel on Pacific Beach, about twenty minutes from the trade show. I loved the location because it was on the water, it offered privacy from the convention and I wanted to learn how to surf. Pacific Beach, known as PB to the locals, is the perfect getaway from business meetings and events. While it is known as the “party beach” for the twenties crowd, I enjoyed its laid-back atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.

One of my favorite places to visit is Balboa Park, a short drive from downtown. A mega-complex with seventeen museums and extraordinary gardens, it is also home to the city’s famous San Diego Zoo. While I have not attend a cultural event here, I have strolled through its 1200 acres making a stop at The San Diego Museum of Art.

Within minutes from Balboa Park is the Bazaar del Mundo, a shopping plaza in the heart of Old Town. When in search of Mexican-inspired gifts, I visited Artes de Mexico and the Guatemala Shop with their colorful, hand-crafted souvenirs. For colorful, hand-painted ceramics and authentic Mexican salsas and sauces, Home Accents offers a variety of kitchen and home décor products.

After shopping for an hour or two, I looked forward to stopping by Old Town Mexican Café to watch them prepare the tortillas in the window. For lunch or dinner, I always start with a margarita and an order of their traditional Molcajete or chicken tamale.

My final weekend visit was a trip to Torrey Pines State Park located north of San Diego in the upscale town of La Jolla. Sitting on 2000 acres along the coast, this amazing oasis of hiking trails is perfect for watching the whale migration from December to April. I spent the afternoon exploring the park and packed a picnic lunch for the afternoon before returning back to PB for dinner.

San Diego is one of my favorite places to visit and with beautiful weather all year long, there are plenty amazing outdoor adventures and excursions to experience.

What are some of your favorite places to visit in San Diego? I would love to hear from you if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to San Diego and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Balboa Park: There is no fee for visiting the park, but there are additional fees for visiting the museums.

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619 232 7931

Admission Fee: Adults: $15, Seniors (65+) and Military: $10, Students: $8
Hours: Open from 10AM to 5PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Open from 12PM to 5PM on Sunday and closed Wednesday.
Amenities: Daily docent tours, Museum store, restaurant, mobile app, parking
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check for discounts. San Diego city and county residents enter for free on the third Tuesday of each month. February is Macy’s Museum Month and all participating museums are half price entrance with coupon. Check the website for rotating and visiting exhibitions prior to visiting. During the summer, visit Balboa Park for Food Truck Friday. Bags can be checked at the front door of the museum.

Bazaar del Mundo
4133 Taylor Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619 296 3161

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Bazaar del Mumdo
Hours: Open Sunday and Monday from 10AM to 5:30PM and Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 9PM
Amenities: Shopping, restaurants, events
Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92307
Telephone: 858 755 2063

Admission Fee: The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use. South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday. Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday. Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared. For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday. Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk. Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday. Annual passes are available for $195.
Hours: Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
Amenities: Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy. Bring water especially if you are hiking. Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach. Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed. Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

Catamaran Resort Hotel
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
Telephone: 858 488 1081

Where to Eat:

Old Town Mexican Restaurant and Café
2489 San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619 297 4330

What to Eat: