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!

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio

4 September 202122 September 2024

I was so excited for the opportunity to visit the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio. Entering through the Gate Lodge, I was immediately welcomed by a lovely street lined with apple trees. I parked at the lot near the Carriage House and approached the stables to purchase my ticket.

Stan Hywet Hall was the home of Goodyear Tire and Rubber executive F.A. Seiberling and his five children for 40 years. The 64,500 home had 65 rooms, 23 bathrooms, 23 fireplaces, billiard room, music room and indoor swimming pool. Approaching this fabulous manor, it reminded me of a Downton Abbey Estate with butlers, cooks and other essential staff.

With so many details, it would take nearly 3000 blueprints and architectural drawings to complete its design. In addition, the building materials were shipped by train to the site by way of an additional railroad spur constructed solely for this project.

After exploring the gardens, I was ready to learn more about the Seiberlings by exploring their Tudor Revival estate home. The circular drive in front of the home would have welcomed such guests as Shirley Temple and Will Rogers who visited Stan Hywet to entertain their guests.

Above the entryway is the Seiberlings’ crest which welcomes guests with its Latin inscription “Non Nobis Solum” which translates to “Not for Us.”

From the entryway, the butler would have greeted the family’s guest and directed them to the reception room until one of the family members would have welcomed them to their home. According to the guides at Stan Hywet, ninety-five percent of the furniture within the manor are original to the Estate.

Leaving the reception area, visitors would take a left and walk down the Linenfold Hallway. This space was decorated with oak paneled walls that were ornately carved to look as though they were made of fabric. Straight ahead, guests would then enter the Round Room.

One of my favorite rooms of the Manor, the Round Room acted as a reception area before guests would be led into the Music Room to be entertained.

The Solarium is right off of the Round Room and was paneled with beautiful sandlewood and a diamond patterned overlay. The family used this space as a game room where they would play parlor games. Some of the games they would enjoy included bridge, rummy and dominoes. Exiting the Solarium there is a telephone to the right as one enters the Music Room. During my tour, I was able to pick up the phone, select a numeric code, and listen to one of the family members discuss their fond memories of Stan Hywet.

The Music Room measured a grand 2700 square feet and was the perfect size for hosting large events. It was here where their daughter Irene was married. The spectacular Aeolian organ, with its 2433 pipes could be played manually or automatically by using music rolls.

Towards the west of the home is the screened-in Sun Parlor. An effort to bring the outdoors inside is evident by the fountain and floor tile. Designed by Mary Chase Stratton of Detroit, Michigan, this fountain was based on the poem by Robert Southey’s “The Well of St. Keyne.”

The Library was decorated with gorgeous paneling of black walnut and oil paintings on the ceiling. This space, used for reading and relaxation, was often visited by Franklin who was well-read and had attended graduate school at the University of Chicago. The bookcase hides a secret passageway which leads to the Great Hall.

The Great Hall, measuring three stories high, is one of my favorite rooms in the Manor. Furnished with a large sandstone fireplace (1 of 23 in the home), mounted animal heads (see the 6-foot antler span of the American elk), oversized furniture and extravagant tapestries.

Stan Hywet Manor House was not only the residence of the Seiberlings but a central meeting place of distinguished political figures and decision makers. The Dining Room hosted a variety of attendees who were active in business as well as the arts.

The Butler’s Pantry was one of the most important rooms of the estate as it was where all of the dining activities took place. From polishing silver to coordinating the dinner parties, the butler would have certainly spent quite some time here.

Next to the pantry was the Kitchen. For its time, it was exceptional with a state of the art cooking range, refrigerators, steam table and chopping block. Updated with the latest technology, the kitchen also had a call board, a telephone extension and intercom.

The Breakfast Room, down the hall from the kitchen, was used for informal meals with the family.

I was amazed at the mention of a Flower Arranging Room. Used for the purpose of creating beautiful fresh and dried flower arrangements, this room in the house is where volunteers create floral masterpieces that are on display throughout the Manor.

Somehow I found myself passing a large painting of F. A. Seiberling and a beautiful stained glass window then entering the Billiard Room. Reserved for the men of the house and their guests, the space showcases a fireplace, refrigerator for cold beverages and a humidor for fresh cigars.

Down the hall from the Billiard Room was F. A. Seiberling’s office. It was said that he had a phone that connected directly to the GoodYear company. There was also a side door entrance to allow for guests who were meeting him to conduct business.

The indoor swimming pool was only one amenity that focused on the family’s consideration for health and fitness. They also had an indoor gym, as well as a mini-golf course, tennis courts, walking and riding trails.

I had completed the first floor of my tour throughout the Stan Hywet Hall. So many exciting stops to my tour as I thought about how advanced technology had developed in the early 1900s and most certainly even in the early 21^st century. I was looking forward to exploring the living spaces of the Seiberling family as I climbed the stairs to the second story.

Have you visited Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens? What tours did you take? What was your favorite memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your time at this fantastic historical home if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and don’t forget to check out more photos of my visit after the information section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
Telephone: 330 836 5533

- Admission Fee: Non-Members – Adults 18 and over are $15; Non-Member Youth (6 – 17): $6 and Stan Hywet Members are free. Visit their website for membership prices.
- Hours: Estate Hours: April – November/Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM to 6PM last admission at 4:30; Closed on Mondays; Please check the website as they are closed during the winter season after the Deck the Hall festivities.
- Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
- Tips for your Visit: Do not lean, sit on or touch collection items or the interior of the historic house museum as it is more fragile than it appears. Food, gum, beverages and drinks are prohibited throughout the house. Begin in the English Gardens as there will be a wedding that will be taking place at 1PM. Manor house hosts are stationed throughout the hotel to assist visitors with their tour. Stan Hywet welcomes motor coach travelers and other groups and an advanced reservation is required by calling Group Sales: 330 315 3284. Visit Stan Hywet’s website for December Hours and Deck the Halls Exhibit; Restrooms are located in the Corbin Conservatory and the lower level of the Manor House. Backpacks are not permitted in the Manor House but may be stored in the Powder Room.
- Photography is permitted in the Manor House, however, no flash or professional photo equipment or videography permitted; Photos only with cellphone or handheld cameras only. No photography permitted on guided tours but is encouraged on the grounds and in the Corbin Conservatory; Must have a photography membership to use monopods and tripods in the gardens, unless it is part of a pre approved commercial photography session; Selfie sticks not permitted; No private photography is authorized for commercial reproduction.
- Guided tours of the Manor House are offered on the hour between 11 am and 4 pm. Guests who prefer a more leisurely experience may choose a self guided tour of the Estate buildings, gardens and grounds, available anytime between 11 am and 4:30 PM. Experience one of their specialty tours:
  - Blueprints to Bricks (noon, daily, May 1 – September 30) highlights Stan Hywet from conception to creation
  - Nooks and Crannies tour (3 times daily) is a behind the scenes experience
  - Grand Estate Tour (noon, daily) provides information on the Estate’s historical landscape elements.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 926 1233
Website: https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-cuyahoga-falls-oh?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:OHCUYAHO

Where to Eat:

Molly’s Café & Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at Stan Hywet

The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery
1970 State Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Telephone: 330 926 9774

My favorite menu item is their Chicken & Waffles: jalapeno & cheddar buttermilk waffle, buttermilk & pepper brined southern style green circle, free range chicken, bourbon organic maple syrup, whiskey butter, house made hot sauce, organic blackberries

What to Read:

The Seiberling Family, by Julie Frey
The Gate Lodge, by Julie Frey

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation and Winery

22 September 201919 September 2024

A visit to Belle Meade Plantation was on the top of my list when my sister and I arrived in Nashville for a long weekend. In addition to all of the music-related attractions, we were also interested in some of the local historical sites and learned that Belle Meade was not only a plantation, but a winery and restaurant.

In the heart of the south, the grounds of this gorgeous estate are beautifully maintained and the home in pristine condition. Belle Meade’s exhibits are educational providing a detailed account of the plantation’s former owners, their everyday lives and an overview of their wide range of businesses.

I loved the simple, yet modern architecture of the home. The shuttered windows and classical columns are elements of a Greek revival façade. Under John Harding’s ownership in the early 1800’s, he grew the farm to include a blacksmith, a grist mill, saw mill and later a cotton gin.

Harding would later break into the industry of horse racing and breeding thoroughbreds. It was a home of high standing that entertained the likes of President Grover Cleveland and General Grant.

Strolling the grounds was a relaxing detour from the nightlife of Nashville’s Music Row. We had arrived early enough where we were the only visitors on the estate and embraced our own love for horses.

John’s son William took over the plantation in 1839 and continued in the business of horses, but it was in the early 1900s that the plantation would fall on hard times.

Belle Meade became famous for its thoroughbreds. In addition to racing, Belle Meade provided sire services and had many successful studs. The Enquirer (1880-1889) and Bonnie Scotland’s (1873-1879) bloodlines continue to dominate horse racing today after many generations. The Enquirer was named after Cincinnati’s newspaper and has been buried here at the plantation.

Belle Meade was, at one time, the largest plantation in the South. The Smokehouse, one of the 10 buildings that remains on the property, smoked approximately 20,000 pounds of pork each year.

The Gardener’s House and Greenhouse was one of the original buildings on the estate, a part of the Belle Meade plantation, circa 1890. The building was used as a private residence for the gardener and a location to store tools for gardening and to plant seeds for food and flowers.

The dairy supplied a variety of products such as cream, cheese, fresh milk and close to 250 pounds of butter each week.

Four generations of the Harding-Jackson families were buried in this mausoleum, designed by Nashville architect, Adolphus Heiman. Once the property was sold to Judge Jacob McGavock Dickinson, the family remains were moved to Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Belle Meade was known to have one of the largest populations of slaves who resided on its premises. After the Civil War, some of the freed slaves stayed on at the mansion to assist in the everyday tasks of keeping the plantation in business. A replica of the two room cabin offers an insight to the life of the slaves and history of slavery around the area.

In 1892, a large carriage house and stables were built at Belle Meade. The building was used to store and display the family’s carriage collection. Depending on the type of transportation, carriages would be selected for every day use such as trips into town or for special occasions when traveling to high-end social events. A 16 passenger double-decker carriage was available for a large group traveling with the family.

Visitors can explore Belle Meade Plantation on a self-guided tour or by guided tour of costumed guides for an additional cost. Specialty excursions such as Culinary Tours and, Progressive Plantation Tours can also be booked through Belle Meade.

At the end of the tour we decided to check out the restaurant’s menu, then wandered the gift shop and indulged in a free wine tasting.

The Winery at Belle Meade Plantation opened in November of 2009 producing wines from local muscadine grapes and blackberries. They offer an assortment of wines and wine-related products that are unique and native to Nashville. My absolute favorite was the Red Muscadine.

Just as John Harding had intended, Belle Meade continues to offer its visitors an assortment of quality products and services. The long time tradition of hospitality remains an integral part of the plantation as it had so many years ago.

Have you already visited the Belle Meade Plantation? I would love to hear about your experience if your would kindly leave a message below! Happy Travels!!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0501

Admission Fee: Mansion Tour Admission (lasts 45 minutes): $24 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+, Youth ages 6 – 18; Children 5 and under are free. Grounds Tour only: $15 for adults and $10 for youth; Segway Guided Tours: $35 for adults; Wine and Food Pairing is $35 per person; Private Tasting from $50 per person; The Battle of Nashville Tour which includes three battle sites starts at $48 per person and the one hour Journey to Jubilee Tour starts at $24 per person.
Hours: Daily from 9AM to 5PM with the exception of some holidays. Tours begin at 9:30 and the last tour of the day begins at 4PM. Belle Meade Plantation is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Harding House, the on-site restaurant, provides seasonal hours, so refer to the website to confirm the hours of operation.
Amenities: Tour guides, restaurant, winery, wine tastings, self-guided tours.
Scenic View: The grounds are absolutely astounding and provide scenic views throughout the property.
Length of Visit: 3 hours to include the mansion tour, ground tour and winery tasting
Tips for Your Visit: The Journey to Jubilee tour is highly recommended which takes you through the slave exhibit. On the grounds tour you will have access to all of the out buildings as well as the previous gravesite of the owners. The winery makes a great muscadine and we enjoyed the wine tasting following our tour.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville
310 4th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37201
Telephone: 615 277 5000

Where to Eat:

The Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0096

I can’t remember the last time I had homemade meatloaf, and when I learned that it was the house specialty, I couldn’t wait to dig into some southern comfort food! I also saved room for their bread pudding.

What to Eat:

Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy chicken
Meat and Three: A meat and three sides

What to Read:

Because You’re Mine, by Rea Frey
A Murder in Music City, by Michael Bishop
All We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin

Photo Guide for Nashville:

Downtown Broadway
Opryland Hotel
I Believe in Nashville mural
Ryman Auditorium
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Draper James Building
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

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

11 June 201616 March 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

More favorite Springfield eateries:

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

Where to Drink:

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

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

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

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