Royalty at its Finest at Windsor Castle

28 January 20253 May 2025

Our tour bus arrived in the regal town of Windsor and parked near the train station before we stumbled out into the winter chill. Located thirty miles west of London, Windsor Castle overlooks the fertile Berkshire landscape of England and its battlements can be seen from miles around. One of three magnificent residences of London’s royal family, Windsor Castle, has been inhabited by the rulers of England for nearly a millennium.

Our guide directed us to an upstairs shopping center with coffee shops, cafes and shopping boutiques crowded with visitors from the morning tour of the castle. Couples sitting across from each other at intimate tables designed for two were enjoying a bite to eat while discussing their plans for what remained of the day. I found myself desperately trying to keep up with the tour, winding through a maze of strangers until I was deposited at the opposite end of the Windsor Royal Shops located across the street from the royal residence.

The cobblestone streets led to an unexpected view of the castle. The muted colors of the grey sarsen stone and deep red wooden accents have, over the years, replaced William the Conqueror’s original castle built in 1080. Today, it is the official residence of the Queen of England and is hailed as Britain’s oldest continually inhabited royal home. Atop of one of the towers was a tiny clock with a black face and golden Roman numerals preparing us for the start of the next tour.

William built the fortress to guard London against enemies approaching from the west. Small slits at the base of each tower protected the castle’s defenders as they shot arrows toward invaders who dared to attempt an attack.

Advancing towards the entrance to Windsor Castle, we noticed brick buildings and pastel covered storefronts ahead housing a museum, banks, shops and pubs with fish and chips. A bronze statue of Queen Victoria stood in the center of Peascod Street where we made a left. Up a mild slope, reaching a small set of stairs, we happened upon the ticket counter designated for groups and took our place in line.

Within minutes, we were shackled with wrist bands and audio tour devices. We departed the waiting area where we were met with more cobblestone streets and an archway that pointed us in the direction of the castle.

Recognized as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle includes 1,000 rooms. I learned that the castle has been home to eight successive royal houses and was the primary childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II and considers it her favorite residence. My entrance fee allowed me access to the grounds of the castle as well as the staterooms, Queen Mary’s Doll House display and St. George’s Chapel. During my visit, I would have the opportunity to tour the Great Kitchen, witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the various monarch tombs in the chapel.

Before arranging the logistics to my tour to Windsor Castle, I learned that my cousin, Jim Ambuske, PhD was honored as one of the few American historians selected to review the historical documents of King George III. He was incredibly helpful with a list of shops and pubs to visit while I was in Windsor. Queen Elizabeth II had recently announced that she would allow access to these precious artifacts which included letters, journal entries and personal belongings of the King. King George III reigned over Britain from 1760 to 1820 and made vast improvements to Windsor Castle transforming it into its current picturesque “Gothic” style, Georgian architecture. I pictured my cousin sitting in the Round Tower reviewing documents and private royal possessions that had been locked away in the Royal Archives for over 200 years.

During the audio tour, I enjoyed learning many interesting facts about Windsor Castle, its history and the royal families that have lived here nearly 1,000 years. The land on which the castle stands was once owned by Harold Godwinson who used the land as a hunting ground. The original castle stood on a 50 foot motte, an artificial hill of dirt where the castle was built and had a 13 acre bailey, a courtyard located within the walls of the castle. Where the Round Tower stands today, William constructed a wooden keep located at the castle’s most central location acting as its inner stronghold.

Many kings at Windsor Castle have contributed to the expansion and renovations of the castle resulting in the magnificent architectural beauty that remains today.

In 1347, Edward III began a major rebuilding program to expand the castle but it was Charles II’s 130,000 pound restoration that would include the addition of new state apartments, and alterations to St. George’s Hall and the King’s Chapel. What remains of Charles II’s 1670s renovations can be seen in the King’s Dining Room and in the Queen’s Presence and Audience Changes. My favorite addition to the castle’s landscape are the beautiful elms of the Long Walk, a 3-mile route that begins at the south entrance of the Castle to Windsor Great Park.

George III enlarges the Queen’s Lodge, George IV employs the assistance of Sir Jeffry Wyatville for another remodel project and Edward VII brings electricity to the castle in the early 20^th century.

Passing through the King Henry VIII gate, is one of the most significant additions to the castle, St. George’s Chapel. Founded by Edward IV in 1475, this gorgeous Gothic structure was completed by Henry VIII in 1528 and would become the burial place for no less than 10 monarchs.

St. George’s Chapel was built as a burial chamber for Edward IV to replace the former house of worship, built on the premises. Most visitors will agree that it is one of the most fascinating examples of late Gothic architecture and is a highlight of one’s visit to Windsor Castle.

Approaching the entrance to St. George’s Chapel, my eyes are drawn to the pinnacles above the flying buttresses. The seventy-six carved figures are the Queen’s Beasts, representing the Royal Supporters of England. These animal statues include the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, the panther of Jane Seymour, the falcon of York, the black bull of Clarence, the yale of Beaufort, the white lion of Mortimer, the greyhound of Richmond the white hart of Richard II, the silver antelope of Bohun, the black dragon of Ulster, the white swan of Hereford, the unicorn of Edward II and the golden hind of Kent.

Inside, the windows allow the light to illuminate the marble floors and the luxurious artwork covering the walls. The highlights of my visit include the West Window with stained glass images of 75 saints, popes and royal family members, the tomb of Henry VIII and the brilliant multi-dimensional architecture of the chapel’s ceiling, displaying the Banners of the Knights of the Garter.

The first Round Tower of Windsor Castle was built of wood by William the Conqueror atop the Norman motte. Offering spectacular views of the River Thames, it was the perfect outpost for the defense of the castle. The current stone structure of the Round Tower was built by Henry II in 1170 and today houses the Royal Archives and Photographic Collection.

In 2011, the Round Tower was open to the public for tours, having been closed to visitors since 1975. For a limited time in the summer months, the “Conquer the Tower” tour includes a visit to the cannonade at the base of the tower which was an added defense for the castle during Medieval times. Ticket holders will be able to climb the 200 steps to the top of the Round Tower for a spectacular view of the London skyline and a close up view of the flagpole which displays the Royal Standard when the Queen is in residence or the Union Flag when she is not.

Located on the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle, surrounding the upper bailey, are the State Apartments and private apartments of the Royal Family. Known for their exquisite interiors, these rooms were renovated by Charles II to rival the gorgeous quarters of King Louis XIV’s Versailles. The King’s Dining Room, the Queen’s Presence Chamber and Audience Chamber are what remain of Charles II’s contribution to the Apartments, where ceilings were painted by Antonio Verrio and wood carvings created by Grinling Gibbons.

Queen Elizabeth took on the transformation of Windsor Castle’s State Apartments including St. George’s Hall after a devastating fire in 1992. While some areas were restored to their original magnificence, the Octagon Dining Room, Lantern Lobby and St. George’s Hall were renovated to reflect the Queen’s preferences.

I was so excited to explore my final exhibit on my tour of Windsor Castle, Queen Mary’s Doll House. Designed by Sir Edwin Luutyens in 1924, this exquisite dollhouse is the largest, most extravagant, most famous dollhouse in the world. Built in the Palladian style, the house represented an Edwardian townhouse with running water, electricity and working elevators. Luutyens received contributions from over 1500 artists and designers to furnish the house which included all of the luxuries one could imagine, including a fully stocked wine cellar containing genuine vintage wine.

Queen Mary’s Doll House is incredibly impressive with its elaborate miniature furnishings, architecture and interior design. Standing three feet tall, each room was decorated with only the finest and most modern products available in the early 20^th century. While the carpets and curtains match Windsor Castle, I can’t help but notice the grand piano, monogrammed towels, the vacuum cleaner and a garage with fully functioning automobiles. After returning home, I learned about a book written by Vita Sackville-West, A Note of Explanation, a children’s story about the adventures of a sprite that inhabits the dollhouse.

With only a half an hour left before boarding the bus, I set aside time to visit the royal gift shop and stroll through the shopping plaza for some coffee and a small bite to eat. I purchased a Corgi and a commemorative plate from the Queen’s 90^th birthday at Buckingham Palace and opted to pick up a sandwich and tea for the road. Stonehenge, here we come!

Have you had the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle? What fun places did you visit? Was there a restaurant or shop that you enjoyed? 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 exciting day in Windsor and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire, UK SL4 1NJ

Admission Fee: £21.20 for adults (18 – 59); £13.30 for children ages 5 -17; children for and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £19.30
Hours: November 1 to February 28: Open from 10AM to 4:15PM (3PM is the last admission); March 1 – October 31: Open from 10AM to 5:15PM (4PM is the last admission); Check the website for special closures
Amenities: a multimedia guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish , Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin, museum, gift shop, restrooms, special events
Length of Visit: 2.5 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The busiest time is morning and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive after midday. Photographs are not permitted within St. George’s Chapel or the State Apartments. Re-entry permits are available should you plan on returning to the site throughout the day

Where to Stay:

Sir Christopher Wren
Thames Street
Windsor, Berkshire, UK SL4 1PX
Telephone: +44 1753 442400

Enjoy dinner along the Thames River! This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Windsor and offers free Wifi, a conference center and access to the Wren Club with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa treatments!

Where to Eat:

Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel
Marlow Bridge
Bisham, Marlow, UK SL7 1RG
Telephone: +44 344 879 9128

Another gorgeous restaurant for riverside dining!

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar
Bishopsgate Road
Englefiel Green, Egham, UK TW20 0XU
Fish Fridays and dogs are welcome everyday! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What to Eat:

Bacon Sandwich consists of a generous amount of bacon between two pieces of bread seasoned with ketchup
Bangers and Mash are otherwise known as sausages and mashed potatoes
Beef Wellington
Bread Pudding
Fish and Chips
Full English Breakfast which includes sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding and much more
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are comprised of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs cooked with oatmeal, onions, spices and stock. The neeps and tatties are turnips and potatoes
Spotted Dick is a pastry of dried fruits served with a custard
Steak and Kidney Pie is a filling of steak and beans inside of a pastry
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sunday Roast

What to Read:

The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett
Revengeful Death, Jennie Melville
George VI by Denis Judd
Death at Windsor Castle, by C. C. Benison

Photo Guide for Windsor:

The City of Windsor
Windsor Castle

Chateau Laroche, A Labor of Passion

27 February 20233 May 2025

My fairytale adventure began at the entrance of Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio. Locally known as Loveland Castle, this medieval mansion was an amazing labor of love and a symbol of one man’s passion and fascination with castles. It was here that Harry Andrews pursued his dream to design and build a chateau of his own, taking fifty years to complete.

As I entered the estate, there was a beautiful tribute to Mr. Andrews and photographs that journaled his progress in the building of his beloved home.

I was welcomed by Larry Crachting, one of the Knights of the Golden Trail, a society founded by Andrews and a group of his friends. He reminisced about Harry and his heart for the local boy scout organization as well as his life and passions. It was no surprise that the KOGT continues on through its current members preserving a piece of Cincinnati history. Allowing visitors to tour the castle is a wonderful way to carry on the memory of Mr. Andrews and his Chateau La Roche.

I began my self-guided tour of the castle starting in the dungeon. The tight curved stairway leading to the bottom of the ground floor felt eerily familiar to other dark stone buildings I had visited before. I took a quick moment to look over my shoulder to make sure the door had not closed behind me. As I entered the open room with a prison at the far end, I noticed the “wild man” lurking behind the barred door and then exited the same stairs bringing me back to the main floor.

I climbed a second set of stairs to the living quarters which was much more specious and open. A long wooden table with chairs filled the room as a meeting place for the members of the Knights of the Golden Trail. Hanging from the wall was each knight’s coat of arms, representing their heritage and ancestry. I imagined the knights would meet here to discuss their next item of business or maybe their next battle strategy.

I was fascinated by the structural details of the castle. The arches as well as the stone layers give the architecture an added depth to its interior. Crevices and storage areas in Harry’s room displayed additional items such as personal photos, paintings and artifacts. The extension of the balcony provided a scenic view overlooking the Little Miami River, while the tiered gardens could be seen from the upper terrace.

One of my favorite rooms in the castle was Mr. Andrews’ bedroom which reminded me of a tower with its domed ceiling. The room is blocked off, but one can clearly see the fireplace, hearth and medieval painting on display. Harry Andrews mentioned in one of his documentary videos that his colleagues did not believe that he would be successful in creating the dome, but obviously he proved them wrong.

Leaving Harry’s room, a corner display showcased two suits of armor while the hall was lit by a spectacular light fixture.

Looking closely at the stone in the wall, large rocks had been labeled with locations from all over the world. I also noticed a listing of the ten commandments as well as more suits of armor.

I was just wrapping up my tour of the interior of the castle when I happened upon a room with a looped video on display. Three documentaries provided additional information about Harry Andrews and Chateau Laroche. My favorite film was a clip of Harry which captured his sassy sense of humor, his vibrant personality and passion for his castle and organization.

I learned from the video that the castle was based on various fortifications that Andrews once visited after serving in the war in Europe. Sitting on only one acre of land, Chateau Laroche has 31 rooms, 88 battlements and 4 towers that stand 38 feet tall. The sandstones used to create his castle came from the creek bed of the Little Miami River within walking distance of the chateau. Additional blocks of concrete were made by Harry to complete the project when he had run out of useful sandstone.

It was his education at Colgate College in 1916 that ignited a love for the medieval castle as he studied Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture.

After watching the documentaries, I strolled past the rooftop and realized it was not open to the public. It was quite noticeable that the structure was not stable, blocked off only to be seen through a wrought-iron door.

I was looking forward to exploring the grounds of the chateau and began making my way to the ground floor. I was impressed with the beautiful arches that led to the garden, which seemed to radiate with a golden glow from the sunlight.

A walk through the gardens felt as though I was visiting an authentic medieval castle and its grounds. The three terraces were adorned with potted plants and rose bushes which were wonderfully fragrant.

Found in unexpected places are private gardens of solitude with elegantly simple arbors. These modest gathering areas are perfect for taking some time to enjoy the outdoors and admire the scenery of the chateau.

I had completed my tour of Chateau Laroche and was touched by the dedication of Harry Andrews to complete his fabulous masterpiece. It is estimated that he gave 22,000 hours of his life to creating this castle, responsible for 95% of its construction. Over 2500 bags of cement, in addition to the sandstone, were used to build the fortification.

Harry himself was considered a medical marvel having survived meningitis while serving in the military. There is an absolutely fascinating story about his recovery that can be seen at the chateau.

If there was ever one who knew his calling in life, it was Harry Andrews. Watching older videos of Mr. Andrews, I felt a sense of appreciation for his passion for castles and for bringing about an organization dedicated to “doing good”. The Knights of the Golden Trail continue to this day with approximately 60 members who have adopted the legacy that Harry has left to them and his wishes to maintain the castle. Who could have ever imagined that a man, once pronounced dead, would come back from the dead to finish his life’s purpose?

Have you had the opportunity to visit Chateau Laroche and learn about the extraordinary life of Henry Andrews? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chateau Laroche
12025 Shore Drive
Loveland, OH
Telephone: 513 683 4686

Admission Fee: $5 per person, children 4 and under are admitted free of charge.
Hours: Daily from 11AM to 5PM; April 1st to September 30th open everyday including holidays; October 1st to March 31st open everyday, closed on holidays
Amenities: Site Rental, picnicking, games and puzzles, ghost tours, gardens, video
Scenic View: Views from the castle overlook the property and gardens.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Maximum of 40 parking spaces available. The restroom upstairs is closed to visitors.

Where to Stay:

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Northeast Mason
9369 Waterstone Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Telephone: 513 774 0610

Where to Eat:

Paxton’s Grill
126 W. Loveland Avenue
Loveland, OH 45140
Telephone: 513 285 8147

The Caesar Salad with Blackened Grouper and a bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup was the perfect lunch combo!

History and Hauntings at the Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield

20 November 202122 September 2024

Traveling down the long drive approaching the Ohio State Reformatory, the gorgeous, stone facade seemed more like a castle than a former penitentiary. Designed by well-known Cleveland architect, Levi Schofield, the 23-acre prison was constructed in 1834 in the style of Victorian Gothic, Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne architecture.

Following along the beautifully manicured garden, I soon entered the parking area at the East Cell Block Lot. Tour options for exploring the reformatory included a self-guided tour or an audio tour for an additional cost, both lasting a little over an hour. In addition to its history, I also learned that there were tours focused on the Reformatory’s paranormal activity.

Upon entering, visitors are first introduced to the Warden’s Quarters which are located on the second floor of the building. It was common at that time for the warden and his family to live on the grounds of the reformatory. Provided with separate living space apart from the prison, they conducted their normal everyday family activities while the warden was available to take care of any emergencies that may have occurred at the prison.

Arthur Glattke was the last warden to live on the premisess during the 1950s. Tragedy struck the family when Glattke’s wife, Helen was shot by a handgun which discharged as she was reaching for her jewelry box in the closet. She died of pneumonia three days later due to complications of the gunshot. Arthur continued his employment as Superintendent until 1959 when he suffered a fatal heart attack in his office.

Visitors have claimed to see the ghost of a woman in the family bedroom of the Warden’s quarter. Some have heard doors closing, furniture moving and even the piano playing. Others have heard audible voices including instances of a woman insisting “I’m not dead” or smelling the scents of perfume or cigar smoke.

Just around the corner is a replica of the electric chair. During the time the institution was open, the death penalty was carried out by electric shock until this method was deemed unconstitutional in 1972 by the US Supreme Court. Surprisingly, prisoners were not executed at this location but rather at the nearby Ohio Penitentiary in Lucasville.

William Hoss, a convicted murderer and rapist, was the first Ohioan to be executed by the electric chair when he was only 17 years old. Between the years of 1897 to 1963, there were 311 men and 3 women who would die by the chair in the state of Ohio.

The tour continued downstairs where a separate room was set apart for entertaining dignitaries in addition to the Mayor, Governor or other government officials. A small stage remains where vocal soloists or violinists would perform.

Visitors have also experienced paranormal activity here. Some have seen the ghost of a small boy playing hide and seek or standing on the stage, yet no child matching the description of this boy has died here. Sightings of a person’s shadow entering a nearby hallway have also been reported around this location.

Walking through a corridor, I arrived at a re-creation of the Shawshank Redemption movie set for Brooks’ boarding house room. Later in the movie, Red would also live in this very room once he had been released from prison.

According to the production crew of Ghost Hunters, a shadow darted into Brooks’ room at one point of their filming and levels of paranormal activity were recorded here.

A short walk from the movie set and I arrived at the Chapel, which is where religious worship services were conducted for the prisoners. Considered a low security area, appointed inmates could come and go into the prison’s church to perform their work duties, left alone by the chaplain. That was until 1962, when three inmates unsuccessfully tried to break out of the institution by tunneling out through the storage closet. They were sentenced to solitary confinement and additional time was added to their sentence.

The detection of ghostly activity includes shadows that enter the space from the cell blocks and the sight of a woman sitting on the chapel pew sighing, crying and sometimes laughing.

I followed signs for the tour leading out of the chapel into the inmate cells. A posted placard warns “Do not shut cell doors”. I was a little creeped out by the idea of locking myself in one of the cells, especially if it would have been during a paranormal event, but I am sure that some would find it thrilling.

I decided, against my better judgement, to go ahead and step into a cell block. I suppose it was based on curiosity, wondering what it would have been like to have spent time here. The atmosphere was dark and the condition of the cells added to the fear of being locked in. The framing was rusting away while the paint was peeling off of the steel. Exploring the cells and what was inside, I wondered who could have been incarcerated here. Was he young or old? What was his crime?

Looking down from the row of cells, I realized that I was standing on the platform of the sixth level. It seemed so far from the ground floor and my legs were beginning to feel a little weak as I felt a short fear of heights.

Blocked off from the tour, but within view, was a passageway known by the prison guards as the alley. The guards had the ability to enter this narrow lane where they could control the water supply to the prisoners’ cells and to eavesdrop on their conversations.

Two inmates were assigned to each cell which left them with not much space to move around. Furniture included a shared toilet, a sink and a small set of drawers for their belongings. These cramped quarters were insane. Hard to imagine anyone spending long periods of time in here.

In the 1970’s there was a federal lawsuit that stated that the number of inmates within the institution exceeded an amount deemed unconstitutional. It was at the height of the reformatory when over 2200 offenders were imprisoned here at one time. In 1983, conditions improved and there was a decision that the maximum number of prisoners would not reach amounts over 500 at a given time.

Sightings of paranormal activity have been recorded in the East Cell block. People have noted events where they can hear someone talking and snoring as well as feelings of being followed, watched and even touched.

I crossed the long corridor of cell blocks and down a couple of flights of stairs until I reached the 3^rd floor, east wing, which housed the prison hospital. It had the reputation of providing better medical care than most of the hospitals on the outside where top doctors provided surgical care, physician services, anesthesiology, dentistry as well as ear, nose and throat therapy. This area was later converted into a library once a new hospital was built in 1951.

Entering the shower room, I was surprised by the small shower heads that lined the interior. Nicknamed the car wash, prisoners would start from one end of the pipes walking their length instead of standing underneath as one would in a normal shower.

With so many inmates, there was no doubt that the reformatory would require a kitchen and additional cooking space. A granary, creamery, cannery, butcher shop and dining room were a part of the dining complex. Two waiters were assigned per table and talking was not permitted during meals. With an increase in population, the dining hall flowed outside referred to as “the yard”.

Solitary confinement was punishment for those prisoners who did not conform to the reformatory’s rules. When an inmate was sent to the “8 & 8”, he was required to stand for 8 hours in a closet sized room and then slept on the floor for the next 8. Spending time in solitary confinement was considered “dead time”, which meant that the time spent in seclusion did not count towards time served.

When measuring paranormal activity, unusual sounds were recorded in this area. People have also claimed that such strange events occurred where they were punched, smacked or had their hair pulled. Some visitors felt an overwhelming feeling of illness.

The mailroom was small with several boxes to collect mail. Inmates were permitted to receive mail, but not before it was scrutinized by the guards looking for contraband. During the war, prisoners were not able to access newspapers and relied on the guards to provide daily news of the outside. I imagine on the inside, it seemed like a completely different world with its own news and current events

Since its opening in 1896, it is amazing to think that in the 94 years the institution was in operation, 155,000 inmates passed through these doors. The idea of prison reform remains controversial, but we can all agree that the system has come a long way since the 19^th century with the improvement of current prison conditions.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Ohio State Reformatory? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Road
Mansfield, OH 44905
Telephone: 419 522 2644

Admission: Self-guided tours for adults (18 & up) are $12 while guided tours cost $17. Students (7 – 17), Seniors (age 60+) and College ID and Military are $10 for self-guided tours and $15 for guided tours. Children 6 and under are free and there is an additional $5 cost for the audio wand. NOTE: Cash only, but there is an ATM machine provided.
Hours: Winter Hours (February 2 to March 31) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; Spring/Summer Hours (April 1 to September 2) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, daily; Holiday Tours (November 24 to December 17) are from 11 AM to 4PM, daily
Amenities: New for 2018, the reformatory will be open for abbreviated tours (September 4th – November 4th – Thursdays through Sunday only in October); self-guided tours; guided tours offered regularly between June and August on Saturdays and Sundays; Specialized guided tours include: History Meets Hollywood Tour, Beyond the Bars Tour, and the Inmate Tour led by Michael Humphrey who spent 14 months here in the late 1960s. This tour contains adult themes and is intended for mature audiences only. Please contact the Ohio State Reformatory to confirm when this tour is available.
Scenic View: There are several scenic views of the reformatory from the Warden’s Quarters and other locations throughout the prison.
Length of Visit: For the basic self-guided or guided tour, allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. Depending on the number of guided tours you purchase, you will require additional time.
Tips for Your Visit: Pay the additional fee for the audio tour which provides interesting information about the reformatory. Admission is cash only but there is an ATM machine provided. Wear proper shoes due to the condition of the metal stairs in the cell block. If you think you can handle it, visit during the overnight ghost tour.

Where to Stay:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, OH 44813
Telephone: 419 886 9463

Where to Eat:

Malabar Farm Restaurant
3645 Pleasant Valley Road
Lucas, OH 44864
Telephone: 419 938 5205

I started my meal with the mushroom soup which was creamy and full of flavor. As my main meal, I ordered the highly popular Reuben sandwich made of slow cooked brisket, kraut, marble rye, artisan Thousand Island and served with chips. Blog post coming soon!

Where to Drink:

The Vault Wine Bar
29 W. Main Street
Shelby, OH 44875
Telephone: 567 292 9081
The Suite Life of Travel Blog Post

I had already eaten a big lunch and decided to order the stuffed dates at The Vault which are stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked and then drizzled with balsamic reduction. I could have ordered two servings they were amazing!

What to Read:

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, by Stephen King

The Floor Level of the Ohio State Reformatory

Staircase of the Ohio State Reformatory

The Cells of the Ohio State Reformatory

The Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield

Inside the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield

Exploring the cells of the reformatory

Piatt Castles: Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee

9 April 202110 November 2024

Approaching the drive of Mac-A-Cheek Castle, I stopped in amazement of this beautiful limestone home located in West Liberty, Ohio. Built by Abram Piatt between 1864 and 1871, the three story home took seven years to build with its spectacular towers, spacious interior and gorgeous gardens. The home is exquisite both inside and out with an incredible exterior stone facade. Beautiful hand-painted murals by French artist Oliver Frey adorn the walls and ceilings, reminiscent of gothic European castles and halls.

The Piatts arrived in Ohio from New Jersey when Abram’s father, Benjamin M. Piatt, relocated his family to open his legal practice in Cincinnati. Later becoming a Federal Circuit Judge, Honorable Piatt would eventually resettle north of the city in rural Logan County until his death in 1867.

In 1828, Judge Benjamin Piatt purchased a large farm in West Liberty Salem called Macochee by the Shawnee Indians, the name of the Indian village that once stood here. Additional displays showcase Native American artifacts as well as war relics and weapons.

Judge Piatt’s sons Abram and Donn built homes on this property in the late 1800s. Abram’s brother Donn, completed his home ten years later and named it Mac-O-Chee located within a mile of Mac-A-Cheek.

Descendants of Judge Piatt lived in the castles up until 1985 where tours continued into the early 1990s. Tours are available today to include “The Family Haunt” which takes place on Halloween night where literary works by the Piatt women are performed and on display.

Mac-O-Chee, now an Ohio landmark listed on the register of Historic Places, was purchased by the Cole family in 2019 with the intentions of preserving its history. Mac-A-Cheek Castle holds a wealth of historical exhibits from the Piatt Castles to include family portraits, furniture, Civil War artifacts and works of art covering 200 years of Ohio history.

Have you visited the beautiful architecture of the Piatt Castles? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mac-A-Cheek Castle
10051 Township Road 47
West Liberty, OH 43357
Telephone: 937 465 2821

Admission Fee: $13 for adults; $7 for children ages 5 – 15; $11 for Seniors age 65+ and AAA discount. The grounds and outdoor exhibits is free.
Hours: Open seasonally, so check the venue’s website prior to your visit.
Amenities: Self-guided tours, Exhibits, Special Events
Length of Visit: 1 hour

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

The Syndicate
213 South Main Street
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: 937 210 5165

With an amazing brunch menu, try the Big Bad Burrito with a Jalapeno Mimosa.

Former Church is now the Home of Father John’s Brewery

8 December 201919 September 2024

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, my sinful urge to have a beer led me to Father John’s Brewery, the former Methodist church in Bryan, Ohio. Originally built in 1867, this wooden church was later renovated in 1895 with a red-brick exterior, beautiful stained glass windows and the addition of a pipe organ, custom built.

Instead of waiting for a table, I grabbed a chair at the cross shaped bar and placed an order for a flight of brews.

A self-proclaimed novice to local craft beer, I tend to lean towards the light beers or ones that offer hints of fruit flavors.

My beer selections for my flight of 6 include:

The Venerable Bede IPA 1% – love this one
Sacrificial Goat Amber 66% – just a slight nutty taste
Proverbial Porter 1% – grows on you; wasn’t my favorite at first
Michael’s Pale Ale 6.3% a fellow bought the very first pint and they named this beer after him
Fresh off the Bine Fresh op Beer 5.3% – can taste the wheat
The Imp Imperial Rye 8,4%
Ranger IPA 6.5% – love this one

Enjoying my selection of craft brews, I grabbed a couple of my samples so I could walk around and browse the amazing set up. I felt as though I was standing in the middle of a Renaissance castle with life-size armor, period furniture and Medieval embellishments.

Father John’s Brewing Company opened in 2012 to produce ales and lagers in addition to wine and meads. With a brew-on-site operation, Father John’s includes eighteen draft beers.

Red hymnals rest on each table in lieu of the traditional church pew.

While indoors you may notice the dark, mysterious interior, a walk outside will have you feeling as though you have taken a seat among the French countryside.

The owners of Father John’s want visitors to consider their brewery as a place to discover. One way is to roam both the beautiful exterior as well as the fascinating interior. During my exploration, I learned that there is a crypt within the grounds of the church. The space below the ground has been covered with a clear glass as it is thought to be containing remains, but out of respect it has been undisturbed.

Did you know that the first gluten-free craft beer made in Ohio came from Father John’s? They appropriately named it Intolerant Ale.

Exiting the brewery, I found the beautiful garden with fire pits, flowers and tables to enjoy the outdoors. What a change from the dilapidated structure that had lay empty over a period of time leaving the slate roof falling in and its foundation crumbling. Saving the building, Dr. John Trippy opened the space as a brewery/restaurant in 2012. Shortly thereafter, the Stoned Goat Inn was opened for visitors needing an overnight stay.

There is an incredible serenity at Father John’s. Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the brewery, experience a wine tasting, book a private gathering or even a night at the inn for an immersive experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Father John’s Brewery in Bryan, Ohio? Did you stay overnight? 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 exciting visit to Father John’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Stay:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Eat:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

I ordered the Angelic Wings with the Sweet Thai sauce in addition to the Charcuterie Board with its many cheeses and meats.

Where to Drink:

Father John’s
301 W. Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313
Website: https://www.fatherjohnsmicrobrewery.com/

What to Read:

A Sweet Century: The 100-Year History of Spangler Candy Company and the Spangler Family, Bryan, Ohio, by William L. Culbertson

Excalibur, Las Vegas

22 January 201921 September 2024

The Excalibur reminds me more of a bouncy ball playhouse than a resort, but with its colorful watch towers and lego-like drawbridges, it represents the more gaudy side of Las Vegas. Sporting its whimsical façade, I imagined a hotel of small little tots without adult supervision playing a wide range of Chuck E. Cheese games and jumping into piles of candy.

Stepping into the dimly lit stone interior of the castle, I immediately took notice of the hotel’s ancient Renaissance architecture. The resort’s facilities include an arcade for children in the fun dungeon and The Tournament of Kings dinner show with jousting and a primitive meal leaving the family looking for more wet naps.

Although there are plenty of activities for children, the Excalibur also caters to adults offering headliners from Cher, the Australian Bee Gees, George Strait and the ever popular male review, the Thunder from Down Under. Additional entertainment options include the Ultimate 4-D Experience, The Spa and for some, The Buffet.

I enjoyed my stroll through the Excalibur and its King Arthur-style resort, but I have to admit it would have been more memorable to have had the opportunity to gamble with the King and his Knights of the Round Table.

Did you make reservations for your last stay at the Excalibur in Las Vegas? I would be interested in hearing about your experience and if you attended any of the shows or events. If you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great! Many thanks for reading about my outing through the Excalibur and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Excalibur is located at 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South. For more information about the hotel, contact their website at www.excalibur.com.

A Castle in Connecticut: A Visit to East Haddam

24 November 201716 September 2024

I first learned about the quaint, charming town of East Haddam, Connecticut while reading Patricia Schultz’s, 1000 Places to See Before You Die. I was drawn to the idea of visiting a lovely stone castle overlooking the Connecticut River.

I enjoyed the picturesque drive along the coast and before I knew it I had reached the home of William Gillette. Most known for his acting role as Sherlock Holmes in a variety of traveling productions, Gillette settled down in East Haddam after his retirement and began construction on his brilliant domain.

Gillette was not only a gifted actor, but a talented architect. He designed the rocky castle as his private residence, which was completed in 1914. Today his home is located in a state park where visitors can explore the 184 acres, tour the residence and survey his personal train station.

The castle, made of local white and grey fieldstone and supported by steel, took twenty-five men a total of five years to complete. From the stone lookout, the view of the placid Connecticut River was breathtaking as the ferry brought visitors from the banks of Hadlyme to Haddam.

I decided to take the self-guided tour to stroll through the home at my own leisure. Entering the stone castle, the temperatures were surprisingly cooler than outside and I had to adjust my eyes to the dimly lit house, but regardless, the interior was absolutely stunning.

Gillette was a talented designer and woodworker, evident in the customized doors and unique furniture he created. With inventive patterns, unusual doorknobs and interesting locks, no two doors were alike. With a total of forty-seven custom-made entryways, it was said that some of them led into secret passages.

Gillette’s eccentric nature was recognized in the details of his bizarre creations. A secret door lurked about the staircase leading to the upper levels of the home where he could watch guests arrive. Having a sense of playfulness, Gillette dramatically welcomed his guests by jumping out from a hidden doorway, creating an element of surprise and fright.

Gillette was an inventor of trick stage props, so it was not surprising that he designed an intricate surveillance system for the house. With the use of hidden mirrors, he could view the public areas of the home from his master bedroom.

From the outdoor gardens of the home, there was an outstanding view of the Connecticut River and forests stretching along its banks. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry operates from late April to late November and is a great way to reach the castle instead of making the long drive. The boat ride from the shore provided amazing views of the castle from atop the cliffs, towering over the tranquil waterway.

The tour continued on with the grounds of the estate. I strolled down the hill to Gillette’s once running rail system of small train engines that he named the Grand Central Station. Guests to Gillette’s house could ride the three mile long track on either electric or steam locomotives during their visit. Today, the track has been replaced with a walking path that runs along the former rails.

There are so many spectacular features of Gillette Castle that I find myself recommending it as a stop on a northeastern vacation. While there are several unique, historic mansions in the US to visit, Gillette Castle is one on top of my list.

Is there a historical estate that you find fascinating? I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road
East Haddam, CT 06423
Telephone: 860 526 2336

Admission Fee: Visitors from age 13 and over: $6, age 6 – 12: $2, ages 5 and under: free.
Hours: The State Park is open year around from 8AM to dusk, while the castle is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (seven days a week) and from Labor Day to Columbus Day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Hours are from 10AM to 5PM (last ticket sold at 4:30PM).
Amenities: Picnic shelter, visitor center, food concessions, hiking, Gillette Castle, river camping
Scenic View: Exceptional views of the Connecticut River from the Castle’s gardens.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Take the Chester-Hadlyme ferry to Gillette Castle State Park and download the Hiking Map online.

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn Old Saybrook – Westbrook
100 Essex Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Telephone: 860 395 1414

Where to Eat:

Rustica Ristorante
189 Middlesex Avenue
Chester, CT 06412
Telephone: 860 526 9021

I ordered the Branzino Piccata, “pan seared Mediterranean Sea Bass with lemon juice, white wine, capers, garlic, parsley with a touch of butter served with yellow corn, tomatoes and vegetables” with a glass of red blend wine. This meal was absolutely delicious and I completed my meal with a piece of coconut cake!

What to Eat:

The White Clam Pie from Frank Pepe Pizzeria in New Haven
Abbott’s Lobster’s Seafood Feast in Rough and Noank
Louis’ Lunch where the hamburger was invented in New Haven
Roast rabbit at Restaurant du Village in Chester

What to Read:

Gillette Castle: A History by Erik Ofgang
A Brief History About East Haddam, by Karl Stofko and Rachel Gibbs

The Patio

Welcome to East Haddam, Connecticut

Goodspeed Opera House

Inside Gillette Castle