Chestnut Ridge and the Albino Squirrel

29 September 201716 September 2024

It was a mild March day in southeast Ohio as I was halfway through my drive to Athens. I wanted to stretch out my legs and took a short detour off of US33 to hike the homestead trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.

In the early 1900s, this Appalachian mountain ridgeline was once home to the American Chestnut tree. Over the years, this species has nearly disappeared due to an Asian fungus that took out nearly three billion trees.

Shortly into my hike, I approached remnants of the former settlement that was built here around 1936.

The park is abundant with Blackhand sandstone and was hewn to help create the nearby canals in the early 1800s. This land is said to have been second homes from nearby residents of Columbus, one of which was Dr. Edward E. Campbell. Named Far View Farm, not much remains of the house except for its foundation.

In addition to spectacular views of the valleys, the area was a perfect location for planting fruit and nut bearing trees, gardens and vines. Ohio’s state native fruit, the PawPaw can also be found here.

I continued along the trail which began to grow thick with oak, hickory and ash trees providing the perfect home for wildlife.

Walking along the boardwalk, I happened to notice a white furry animal scurry along a group of fallen down trees. I followed it for about five minutes when it reappeared standing still in its tracks. I was so excited to realize that it was an albino squirrel. I was even more excited when I realized I was close enough to photograph him.

In addition to the walkway, there are a couple of viewing platforms – one for taking in the Columbus skyline.

Before the trail reached the parking lot, I once again noticed another albino squirrel. Again, taken by surprise, I had to photograph him. Could this possibly be the same squirrel?

I had shortly reached the parking lot and the park ranger just happened to have been parked there as well. To answer my question, I approached him to ask about the albino squirrel. I was surprised when he confirmed that there were a total of three albino squirrels at Chestnut Ridge.

So while I was not able to find an American Chestnut tree, there was no shortage of albino squirrels.

What to See and What to Do:

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
8845 Winchester Road, NW
Carroll, OH 43112
Telephone: +614 208 4298

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee.
Hours: The park is open each day from 6:30AM to 9PM (April 1 – September 30) and from 6:30AM to dark (October 1 – March 31)
Scenic View: The valleys and hills of the Appalachians, bird watching and scenic view of the Columbus skyline.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Look for albino squirrels at this park.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Canal Winchester
700 W Waterloo Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Telephone: +614 953 2204

Where to Eat:

Canal Wigwam
4 South High Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Telephone: +614 837 0202

This eatery has been serving homestyle food since 1899. Check out their daily specials. My favorite was the Chicken Noodles over mashed potatoes.

What to Read:

Chestnut Ridge website
Chestnut Ridge Trail Map
Chestnut Ridge MetroPark Events Calendar
TrekOhio: An Overview of Hiking Trails in Fairfield County
TrekOhio: Fairfield County Parks and Nature Preserves
American Chestnut, by Wikipedia
ABC News: Reviving the Chestnut Tree
American Chestnut Restoration Project, by US Forest Service
American Chestnut Seedling, by the US Army Environmental Command

Fairytales at Ohio Village…See Your Favorite Characters

11 June 201716 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Daniel the Tiger

Cinderella and her Glass Slipper

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

29 January 201716 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

More favorite Springfield eateries:

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

Where to Drink:

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

A Collection of Blog Posts: 2016

29 December 201627 July 2024

ASIA

Philippines: General Santos City, Naomi’s Heart Mission

CARIBBEAN:

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Walking Tour of Old San Juan and Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Part 2

Caribbean, St. Kitts

19 View of the cruise ships from the belltower, 1.29.16

CENTRAL AMERICA:

Costa Rica: Exploring Central Costa Rica

Costa Rica: The Caribbean Side

Costa Rica: Jaguar Rescue Center

Mexico, Mazatlan

Mexico, Puerto Vallarta

EUROPE:

Italy, Venice: The Clock Tower of Venice

5-d2-a-view-of-st-marks-square-from-the-torre-dellorologio

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona: Grand Canyon

The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

The Painted Desert

United States: California, San Diego

United States: Colorado: A Weekend in the Rockies

United States: Louisiana, New Orleans

United States: Maine, Rockland

United States: Massachusetts: Walden Pond

United States: Michigan: Four Days in Hale

United States: Nevada: Las Vegas: The Paris Hotel

United States: Ohio

Cedar Falls in Athens

BadaBing: This Restaurant is Now Closed

Pizza at BadaBing

Brewfontaine

Brewfontaine in Bellefontaine

Cincinnati: Abby Girl Sweets

Cincinnati: BowTie Cafe

3-img_5846

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cincinnati: Jungle Jim’s

11 IMG_6477

Cincinnati: Yeatman’s Cove

Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland: La Pizzeria

Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Ohio: Columbus, Old Bag of Nails

Ohio: Columbus: Olentangy Caverns

Ohio: Greenville: KitchenAid Store

Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, Ohio

15 December 201616 September 2024

A couple of months ago, I decided to take afternoon walks after my busy days at work. A great way to wind down, I started searching local parks close by to get a little fresh air and some exercise. I happened to find Glacier Ridge Metro Park one afternoon after hiking through Battelle Darby Creek and decided to check it out. Located in rural Plain City, Ohio outside of Columbus, I found the Honda Wetland Education Area and shared the walking path with a young man and his German Shepherd.

Returning from the hike, I noticed the park’s office was closed, but it was swarming with a flock of swallows circling overhead. A nearby nest was on the rooftop where a mother bird guarded her nest.

Glacier Ridge is one of the newer parks in the Columbus Metro Parks center, opening with 1,000 acres in 2002. The park system took an interest in restoring Glacier Ridge to its natural habitat after it had been agricultural land for years.

Wildflowers flourish along the nearby stretch of land as fragile blooms push forward through the wild, grassy underbrush. As a result of the park’s conservation efforts, there are now several species of plants and animals, with a large population of birds.

The clouds started breaking up, so it was the perfect time to climb the observation tower. I reached the top for a beautiful view of the wetlands and surrounding area. From here I could see herons and geese and sound of bullfrogs in the distance. I waited long enough to enjoy the quiet sunset in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

I decided to return to Glacier Ridge during the winter, excited of what I may find in the snow. I once again strolled the Wetland Education Area and hiked the Ironweed Trail to explore the north end of the park.

Leaving the wetlands, I passed over a creek where the trail opened up into a large field. There was a clear view with little obstruction from trees and the water seemed to continue to ice over as the temperature continued to drop. Dedicated runners and hikers walking their dogs slipped past me while I took photos. Footprints quickly disappeared with the new fallen snow and the silence continued until another visitor appeared on the trail.

Crossing the bridge, I noticed a weathered barn that reminded me of a scene in an Amish painting. Glacier Ridge seems so different in the winter months, so naked and exposed compared to the spring when life begins to flourish with bugs, birds and wild beasts. The crunch of snow under my feet and the swishing of my ski pants are the only sounds I heard as I continued deeper into the park.

There were no signs of life, only snow covered shells of plants that once thrived in the spring and summer months. The thistles grew fat as the snow broadened their core, creating little snow monsters protecting the prairie. I enjoyed the feeling of the sting of cold on my face and the light touch of snow as it fell from the sky.

The hike would total 5.6 miles round trip, but it was worth the experience to see in the winter. Besides feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing the Ironwood Trail, I was also reminded that parks are not only for the summer, but can be a great way to exercise all year around.

Have you hiked Glacier Ridge Metro Park? When is your favorite time to visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my blog post about Glacier Ridge Metro Park! Happy Trails!

Make sure you visit Glacier Ridge during their interpretive programs, which cater to all families and individuals of all ages. There are four trails that range from .8 to five miles, cross-country skiing trails and trails for horseback riding. In addition to picnic areas, there is also a wind and solar learning center and disc golf course.

What to See and What to Do:

Glacier Ridge MetroPark
9801 Hyland Croy Avenue
Plain City, OH 43064
Telephone: 614 891 0700

Hours: The park is open daily from 6:30AM until dark
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time depending on the activity
Scenic View: There is an observation tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area
Amenities: Trails, cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf course, wind and solar learning center, dog park, Honda wetland education area, observation tower, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground and
Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm the latest information about the park. Pick up the Metro Parks magazine, ParkScope, which is published on a quarterly basis.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Matt the Miller’s Tavern
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive
Dublin, OH 43016
Telephone: 614 799 9100

I started out with the Bavarian Bites, warm and soft pretzels served with roasted garlic sauce (my favorite) and sweet & tangy mustard sauce. For my main course, I chose the Miller Salad with the addition of sesame crusted Ahi Tuna. The restaurant has an extensive drink menu to include several types of bourbon.

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

The Wyandottes at Olentangy Caverns

1 December 201616 September 2024

Several signs along interstate 23 near Columbus, Ohio announced the nearby cave system of Delaware. I had just visited the Blend of Seven Winery for a wine tasting and the billboards piqued my interest. I decided at the last moment to explore the Olentangy Caverns and learn of their importance to the local Wyandotte tribe.

Formed millions of years ago by underground streams, the Olentangy Caverns are three levels of limestone caves, rooms and natural passages.

Well lit for self-guided tours, there are seven stations within the caverns that provide historical information about the creation of the caverns and how the local Indian tribes found them. Narrow passages may have an adverse effect on those visitors who are claustrophobic and Fat Man’s Misery is one of the narrowest.

This cave system, used by the Wyandotte Indians to escape the Delaware Indians, was discovered by J.M. Adams, a local camper, in 1821.

The Fish Rock, located in the Council Chamber is believed to have been used to conduct tribal ceremonies by the Wyandotte. Inside this large room, several arrowheads and other stone artifacts were found and are on display in the red cabin museum.

Additional points of interest within the cave system include the Battleship Rock and Crystal room on the second level. Located 105 feet below Cathedral Hall shows evidence that the Wyandotte built fires here where visitors can find creosote deposits on the walls, while the Bell Tower displays fossils in the wall.

With temperatures a consistent 55 degrees year around, the Olentangy Caverns are a great place to visit regardless of the weather.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Olentangy Caverns? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Olentangy Caverns
1779 Home Road
Delaware, OH 43015
Telephone: 740 548 7917

Admission Fees are based on the selected activities. As prices may change, visit the Caverns’ website for the most up to date information. Activities include: petting zoo, gem mining, treasure maze, minigolf, giant checkers and playground.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from April 1^st to November 30th;
Amenities: Picnic area, playground and clean bathrooms
Length of Visit: 30 minutes for the cave tour and additional time for the additional activities and amenities.
Tips: Arrive early as buses will start to unload tour groups around 11AM. Wear tennis shoes as the rock floor may be slippery due to water. Narrow passages, so this may not be a great adventure for those who are claustrophobic. Visit the caverns’ website for more historical information as well as a map of the cave system. Not wheelchair accessible. Self guided tour provides kiosks with recorded summaries at each stop.

Where to Stay:

Nationwide Hotel and Convention Center
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 614 880 4300

Where to Eat:

The Porch Ohio
5808 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 740 201 8761

Order the Arepa Cabimera which is a baked cornmeal cake with chicken.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Brewfontaine….The Tap of Ohio

3 November 201616 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and Do:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Drink:

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

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

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

Springtime in Sharon Woods, Metro Park, Columbus

11 August 201616 September 2024

It was a beautiful weekend and my mother had come to meet me in Columbus for a visit. I told her about the great wildlife that I had been seeing lately at Sharon Woods and she wanted to come along to see it for herself. We are both nature lovers, so it only made sense that we should wake up before sunrise and head out for an early morning walk along one of the paved trails at the park.

It was a foggy morning and just as we were pulling into the Sharon Woods, we noticed a deer and her fawn to our right. They were so close to our car and did not seem to mind, so I thought I would exit my car and take a couple of photos. Slowly inching closer for the perfect shot, it was then that the mother gave me a hearty snort and a signal from her hoof warning me to keep my distance. Realizing that she was not too pleased, I returned to my car hoping that I had taken some great pics.

Within minutes, the fog was lifting and we managed to stay on point with our hike which was not going to take much time. We stopped to listen to the sounds in the trees and to identify some of the plants, insects and animals along the way. The vibrant colors of butterflies landing against the greenery and blooms were a sign that spring had finally arrived.

With each step, the musical sounds of the birds were coming towards us at every direction and we were surrounded by blue jays, orioles and cardinals. The male cardinals were easy to find with their bold red colors and we could see the females resting on the tree limbs nearby.

Schrock Lake was full of activity with ducks and geese paddling and chasing each other along the shoreline. We found a front row seat on a nearby bench along the dock and watched the signs of spring before heading back to the trail.

We had just returned to the walking path when we encountered a wild turkey and her chicks. This was the first time I had ever seen them at Sharon Woods, so I was happy that I had brought along my camera. I’ve hiked many of the Columbus Metro Parks and Sharon Woods is one of my favorites, just for the simple reason to experience its wildlife.

Do you have a favorite Metro Park in Columbus? I would love to hear where you like to spend time outdoors, so if you would leave your story in the comments, section, that would be great! Many thanks for reading about my day at Sharon Woods and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sharon Woods Metro Park
6911 Cleveland Avenue
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614 315 5520

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April through September and from 6:30AM to 8PM from October through
Amenities: Park programs, trails, shelters, biking, fishing, picknicking, and sledding
Scenic View: Early morning and dusk, there are several types of animals that roam the park.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours or more depending on the activity

Where to Stay:

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown
50 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 228 4600

Where to Eat:

Yanni’s Greek Restaurant
6196 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43231
Telephone: 614 890 4775

I had a light lunch here ordering the tzatziki sauce with pita bread.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

The Whetstone Park of Roses in Columbus

2 April 201615 September 2024

Walking the north Olentangy River Trail, I came upon the Columbus Park of Roses in Clintonville. Considered one of the most unique parks in the state of Ohio, I was amazed by the beautiful blooms growing throughout this thirteen acre lawn.

The rose garden was a dream come true for the members of the Columbus Rose Club and Central Ohio Rose Society who had proposed their wish to Mayor James A. Rhodes in 1951. A year later, the City Council agreed and began raising money for the Park of Roses which would be planted in Whetstone Park.

Designed by George B. Tobey, I was pleasantly surprised that in addition to the Main Rose Garden, there was also the Herb, Heritage, Daffodil, and Perennial Gardens. The park showcases a total of 350 different varietal of roses out of its 11,000 blooms. Each year, the park hosts an annual Rose Festival in June which has become a family tradition for many Ohioans.

Known as one of the largest rose gardens in the United States, it is not a surprise that the park is one of Columbus’ most sought after wedding venues. Within the park is a mile of paved walking paths as well as benches to soak up the beauty and scents of the blooms, which are best enjoyed from mid-June to mid-September. One of my favorite spots in this beautiful arboretum is the miniature and heritage roses.

A part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the Whetstone Park of Roses is open daily from dawn until dusk and is wheelchair accessible. Conveniently located off of I-71, admission and parking are free.

Have you attended the annual Rose Festival in June? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comment section below. Many thanks for reading about my stop at the Whetstone Park of Roses in Clintonville, Ohio and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Whetstone Park of Roses
3901 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43214
Telephone: 614 645 3391

Where to Stay:

Moxy Columbus Short North
808 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 412 7664

Where to Eat:

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
569 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 224 2204

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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

Hiking Olentangy Trail North in Columbus

19 March 201614 December 2024

This spring I started hiking the parks near my home in Dublin, Ohio. Beginning with a few short hikes lasting a couple of hours, I was ready to embark on a longer, more challenging hike and decided on an urban hike near downtown, crossing through several neighborhoods.

My cousin had suggested I try the Olentangy Trail which passes close to his Clintonville home. I learned the paved pathway follows along the Olentangy River for nearly 22.5 miles. It was a beautiful Saturday and I decided to tackle the north trail starting at Northmoor Park (near the corner of Olentangy Boulevard and Northmoor Place), make a stop at the Whetstone Park of Roses and end at Worthington Park for a trip of nearly 10 miles. I would complete the remaining miles of the trail on another date.

From Northmoor Park, I was 1.75 miles from Henderson Road and 3.75 miles from Antrim Park.

Columbus Recreation and Parks celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010. With nearly 400 parks throughout Franklin County, there is a never ending opportunity to hike and connect with nature. The organization is committed to improving the physical and mental health of its residents in addition to making a positive impact on our community.

Shortly into the hike, I noticed so many locals enjoying the trail from bicycles, bikes with child seats, tricycles and bicycles built for two. The pathways were full of cyclists, joggers, marathon trainers and leisurely strollers.

The trail markers helped track how close I was to the end of my trail. They were a welcome sight and a reminder that I was closer to completing my goal.

Throughout my hike, I photographed plants, trees, flowers and bees. The highlight of my day was photographing the 12,000 plus beautiful roses and flowers at Whetstone Park and enjoying the picnic lunch I had been carrying in my backpack.

In addition to the paved trails and walkways at Whetstone Park (also referred to as the Columbus Park of Roses) there are restroom facilities and a drinking fountain to replenish your water bottles.

Just after reaching Henderson Road, I crossed the bridge that would lead to the river’s west bank.

Posted trail signs confirmed that I was approaching Antrim Lake Park and I decided to take a loop around it. I could see the freeway and hear the cars passing by when I finally noticed the interstate sign for OH 315. The trail also crosses under this busy stretch of highway which leads to Antrim Park for restrooms, benches, picnic tables and parking. Arriving at the end of my hike for the day, I was happy that I had challenged myself on a longer hike enjoying the sunshine and smelling the roses.

What to See and What to Do:

Hike the Olentangy Trail (North)

To reach the northern trailhead in Worthington Hills Park, take I-270 to Exit 22, and head north on OH 315. In 0.5 mile, find the Olentangy Valley Center on your right. The trailhead and parking are located in the southeast corner of the shopping center.

Though no designated trail parking lots are on the south end of the trail, its northern half has numerous parking spots in the parks that line the route. Visit the trail’s websites for details.

Where to Stay:

Moxy Columbus Short North
808 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 412 7664

Where to Eat:

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
569 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 224 2204

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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