Bear’s Mill, Greenville’s Historic Grist Mill

2 March 202414 May 2025

Sitting on 35 acres, historic Bear’s Mill is one of the last gristmills available in the state of Ohio. Providing flour since 1849, this water-powered stone grinder continues to make stoneground flour. The mill offers self-guided tours, seasonal celebrations, and local art.

Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, visitors can learn about the workings of a water-powered mill. Built by German immigrant Gabriel Baer, the location is rich with history. Interestingly, the name of Gabriel was documented as Bear, translated in error when he arrived to the United States.

Built using American Black Walnut siding, the interior beams range from 12 x 16 and 50’ long in one continuous piece. The site of the mill was granted to Major George Adams by President James Monroe in 1824. In 2001, the siding was restored to its original condition with the help of the Friends of Bears Mill, a non-profit organization. .

Entering the mill on the first floor, there is a small shop that offers flour produced by the mill as well as local products and kitchenware.

In an adjacent room on the first floor is an additional shop that displays local artwork available for purchase. While there is a permanent collection of pottery created by the miller’s wife, every six weeks, the mill hosts a rotating art exhibit on the final Friday of the month to Monday. Visitors can also meet the artist and purchase their work through the gallery.

Starting at the base of the stairs of the first floor, I began my self-guided tour of Bear’s Mill. While the tour begins on the fourth floor, the first floor is also the where the production of flour begins.

The local farmer would pull up to the entrance with his sacks of grain, ringing the bell to alert the miller. The miller would lower a rope so that the farmer could send his bags up to the miller on the fourth floor.

Weighing in at 100 pounds each, it was much easier for the miller to use a winch and pulley system to bring in the grain to the fourth floor. As a gravity fed mill, the process of producing flour starts at the top and proceeds downward.

Once the grain has been hoisted to the top floor, it is put into a hole in the floor and stored in bins until the grain is ready to be cleaned. During the cleaning of the grain, the kernels will travel up and down the mill through the elevators five times before the process has been completed.

The cleaning process includes the shaking of the grain through screens so that the larger pieces such as cobs, kernels, leaves, etc. are removed. This process is conducted twice until the remains are dropped into a cylinder traveling to the first floor and ready for the next step.

The cleaning process continues as dust and smut are removed from the grain. Once again, the pieces of grain will end up on the first floor but must be moved to the fourth floor so that the grain will be blown by an aspirator so that remaining dust and dirt is removed. Once the grain travels back down to the first floor, it will be brought up to the third floor where the milling process will continue.

In preparation of the milling process, the buckwheat, corn and wheat is stored in bins on the third floor. This floor was also a great place for the farmer to wait until the flour had been ground. Here they would sell other produce they brought along, catch up on local gossip or play games such as checkers or cards.

The milling process begins when the grain is put into chutes channeling the grain towards the hopper located over the buhr stones.

Browsing the third floor, there are some interesting items to include the scale which could weigh up to six hundred pounds of grain, elevator legs and the buhr stones. I enjoyed browsing the authentic Darke County Fair posters as well as the sale bills that displayed the livestock and produce the locals would have been selling.

The French buhr were the most sought after millstones due to their abrasive and porous qualities as the result was a slow grinding process. Have you ever heard the old adage, “Keeping Your Nose to the Grindstone?” During the grinding process, the miller would need to keep watch over the grindstones to ensure that they did not overheat, causing an offensive burning smell.

The buhr stones on display at Bear’s Mill were the original stones that Gabriel Baer imported in 1848 talking two years to eventually reach the United States. Costing $6000 in the mid-1800s, this would be equivalent to about $140,000 today.

Bear’s Mill did not utilize the typical water wheel system but rather used turbines which was a more modern technology of this time. The turbines are approximately 10 feet below the water, working just as they had over 150 years ago.

Exploring Bear’s Mill was such an amazing history lesson and insight into the technology of grain making in the mid-1800s. I was happy that the mill continues to produce various flours and sells it on-site with additional gourmet foods.

Have you visited Bear’s Mill in Greenville? What did you think of the flour-making process? Did you purchase any items from the store? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day trip to Bear’s Mill and wishing you many Happy Travels!

UPDATE: Check out bonus information below!

What to See and What to Do:

Bear’s Mill
6450 Arcanum – Bear’s Mill Road
Greenville, OH 45331
937 548 5112

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
Hours: The mill is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10AM to 4PM; Thursday thru Saturday from 11AM to 5PM and Sunday 1PM to 5PM.
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:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 459 4405

Where to Drink:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381

On a second visit to Bear’s Mill, I learned that there is a scenic walking path that leads towards the back of the mill. Here are some photos from the trail.

Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map. This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum. I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time. Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals. Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs. Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room. Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations. Unlike the prevous rooms, this floor was carpeted. I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child. This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional. The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches. During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk. Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse. A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor. This was the first motorized vehicle on the property. I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

There are horses….

Cows….

Pigs…

Turkeys…

and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

the baby lambs!

The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl. With so many types of pottery on display, I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor. A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today. The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting. As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal. An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express. I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement. The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west. It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here. In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834 – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area. I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County. This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks for reading about my visit to Sauder Village and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Old Mill Winery, Geneva, Ohio

16 July 202126 February 2025

It was a gorgeous day for wine tasting in Ashtabula County. After visiting Markko Vineyard and Hundley Cellars, I made a quick stop at Old Mill Winery in Geneva.

Settled in a historic mill dating back to the 1860’s Old Mill Winery is a great stop for sampling Ohio wines. The grist mill supplied flour to local residents and feed grain to farmers for over 100 years. Eventually, the mill would close down and would be left abandoned. Years later, the mill was converted into a winery in the 1980s.

Keeping the original structure, visitors today can take a quick trip back into history to explore the mill equipment. Full of character and history, Dave and Eileen purchased the winery in 2005 intent on keeping its charm.

The Old Mill Winery is a great place for locals and visitors and the perfect place to meet for amazing wines, delicious foods and making memories. With local entertainment, a grill for serving up hamburgers and plenty of seating, making memories at Old Mill Winery is sure to happen,

Have you visited Old Mill Winery in Geneva, Ohio? What did you order and how was your experience. I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Old Mill Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Mill Winery
403 S Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 466 5560

Because the winery hours of operation are seasonal, please reference the winery’s website prior to visiting the winery.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH 44010
Telephone: 440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Old Mill Winery
403 S Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 466 5560

Serving great appetizers to pair with wine, steamed mussels, bacon bleu salad, pulled pork, several pizza options, sirloins, burgers and pasta.

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

The Garst Museum and Greenville’s Early Beginnings

4 March 202122 September 2024

As I entered the Garst Museum, it was eerily quiet as I passed through the threshold of a beautifully restored campus house. A table stood in the entryway with several flyers and maps to assist me with touring the galleries. To the left I began my exploration of Greenville’s history titled “Crossroads of Destiny” and found several materials pertaining to this venue.

Starting with the Paleo period are remains of prehistoric animals that once roamed this area of Darke County. On display are several bones and teeth of a Mastodon and Wooly Mastodon which were hunted by the Paleo Indians between 6,000 and 13,000 BC.

In addition to the animal finds are arrowheads dating back to the Paleo and Archaic Periods. Used for hunting and spearing fish, the Indians gradually improved their weapons and tools to include chisels and axes.

By the early 1600s, the English made their way to the New World and settled along the East Coast. In hopes of more opportunities, they began to move west, encroaching on Indian Territory. Fighting broke out between the Indians and the European Americans which eventually led to the 1795 Treaty of Green Ville. The “treaty of peace” included a cease fire between the Indians and Americans, provided compensation to the Indians in exchange for land that included two-thirds of southeast Ohio.

Additional treaties were signed and eventually the Indians were forced to settle in the West. At this point, Tecumseh, a Shawnee Indian from modern-day Columbus, Ohio was determined to fight against the loss of their land by the Americans, but his efforts failed. Eventually, Tecumseh joined the new Americans and fought in the War of 1812, where he died in October of 1813. The story of his life is depicted in an outdoor drama titled, “Tecumseh” which is performed during the summer months in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Growing up about an hour east of Greenville, I was familiar with the historic figures from the area such as Blue Jacket and Simon Kenton. Blue Jacket was a Shawnee War Chief who fought against American settlers who were in pursuit of the Indian’s land. He was defeated in 1794 during the Battle of Fallen Timbers which resulted in his signing the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, ceding to the settlers. Each year, the city of Xenia hosts performances of the outdoor drama ,”Blue Jacket” in a gorgeous, scenic amphitheater in remembrance of this local celebrity.

Simon Kenton was also a key figure as a frontiersman who was a friend of Daniel Boone. Kenton also fought alongside George Rogers Clark during the Revolution. Kenton was kidnapped by the Shawnee Indians on several occasions. Impressing the Shawnee by his ability to escape, he was eventually adopted by the Shawnee as they lived harmoniously in what is known today as Champaign County. He is buried in Urbana.

Today, Greenville is known for its farming of corn and soybean. Visitors can take a step back in time to visit Bear’s Mill, a working gristmill that sells freshly ground flour in their gift shop. Greenville’s Main Street is a great way to spend the afternoon with a visit to the Anna Bier Gallery displaying the artwork of local artists. My favorite stop is the KitchenAid experience to browse the latest KitchenAid mixers and gadgets for sale. In addition, the store houses a museum that shows the evolution of the KitchenAid mixer since 1941. The Merchant House is a highly recommended stop for lunch or dinner or venture to nearby Versailles for a local winery experience and its charming downtown.

From its humble beginnings to its modern day advancement in kitchen appliances, Greenville is an incredible historic stop and one of America’s greatest examples of Main Street, America.

Have you visited Greenville? What activities and restaurants did you decide to visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my lovely afternoon in Greenville and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
Amenities: Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink:

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381

What to Read:

Annie Oakley, by Charles J. Shields
Annie Oakley: A Captivating Guide to an American Sharpshooter Who Later Became a Wild West Folk Hero, by Captivating History
Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

step back into timw
historical destination with over 300,000 artifacts on display over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space within six building wings
Major Exhibit Venues include:
- Crossroads of Destiny: The story of General Anthony Wayne, Little Turtle
- Lowell Thomas – pioneer broadcaster
- Military History – 1812 to War in Iran
- Commander Zachary Landsdowne – Captain of the Navy Airship USS Shenandoah and early advocate of military air power
- Early Pioneers & Period American Furnishings
- Early Village Settlement Shops
- Currier & Ives Collection
- Darke County Research Center

Cade’s Cove, Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

29 October 202022 September 2024

I found myself mesmerized by the playful shadows fading in and out upon the Smoky Mountains. Surrounded by clouds, the rolling hills were dense with firs and oaks, rising up in the distance from the valley of Cades Cove. I decided to take an early morning drive along the 11-mile loop, one way auto tour to visit this informative living history museum. Picking up the brochure, I began my adventure at the Orientation Shelter and followed the road heading west.

A cove is defined as a flat valley that exists between mountains or ridges. A perfect location for settlers coming from the east, Cade’s Cove provided the ideal terrain for farming and raising cattle. Today, there are over 80 structures that contribute to the historical perspective of life in the Great Smoky Mountains. Dating back to the early 19^th century where the population totaled 685, these buildings include homesteads and outbuildings, churches, barns and an early grist mill.

Dating back to the early 1820s, the John Oliver cabin is the oldest log home in Cades Cove and the first homestead on the tour. Made from trees within the vicinity, the home has an upper and lower level that housed their Cadlarge family.

Organized in June of 1827, Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church was the meeting place for early settlers until the time of the Civil War. Crossing into its entrance, there was a group of visitors singing hymns towards the front. Several pews were occupied with onlookers enjoying the entertainment. I took my place on one of the benches and closed my eyes for a moment to listen to the sweet sound echo off of the wooden logs.

A quick stop at the Methodist Church provided me the opportunity to examine several epitaphs dating back to the late 1800s with names familiar to the area. It was here where I located the headstone of John Oliver and his wife Eurena Frazier Oliver who are noted as the first permanent white settlers of Cade’s Cove.

A group of Baptists that believed in the emphasis of Missionary work, started a church in 1839 called the Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation shut its doors in 1944.

Once an Indian trail, Cooper Road Trail is a popular hiking path for visitors to Cade’s Cove. Named after Joe Cooper, the road was a direct route to nearby Marysville.

Elijah Oliver left Cade’s Cove during the Civil War but made his home here once he returned. There are several buildings on the property to include the dog-trot style cabin with the detached kitchen, springhouse, smokehouse, corn crib, a chicken coop and a barn. Oliver later added the “stranger room”, an addition to the front porch for overnight guests.

Approximately halfway through the driving tour is the Cable Mill Historic Area & Visitor’s Center, the perfect place to experience the everyday life of the Smoky Mountain settler. Starting out at the center, I pick up additional information about the area and check out a couple of books and guides.

The blacksmith shop was once owned by Tipton Oliver and was brought to this site from another location in the park. The blacksmith held an important position within the community creating farm-related items for the local residents. With the use of hot coals and fire, the iron was shaped into tools, bits, chains and axes.

In addition to homes, the barn was one of the most important structures on the frontier because they provided shelter for the animals during the winter season. The cantilever configuration left half of the barn open as storage space for farm equipment and animals, while the opposite end was enclosed.

Following the wooden flume along the path, I notice the mill which was once owned by John Cable one of the area’s original settlers who purchased this land in the 1860s. Soon after purchasing the land, he built the water-powered grist mill and sash sawmill around 1870. The grist mill uses circular stones that crush grains to create meal while the sawmill cuts into the logs which were used for building homes. Demonstrations of the grist mill take place here and visitors can purchase a small bag of grain.

A short distance from the mill, is the smokehouse where the meat from the hogs were cured by using smoke or salt. The meat was stored here until it was time for the next hog was butchered.

The corn crib was a structure with cracks in between the logs to ensure that the corn would stay dry. Consumed by both animals and man, corn was an important staple for the local residents. They could grind it down to make bread or use it in their stills to produce moonshine.

The bridge-like structure within the distance of the corn crib was actually barn. The load of hay could be brought up to the drive through so that the hay could be unloaded by two men speeding up the process of delivering the load.

Several important structures sit on land that was parceled out by the state of Tennessee once known as “Kate’s Cove”, named for the wife of Cherokee Chief Abrams.

The Gregg Cable House is known as the first frame house to have been in the area making it one of the greatest landmarks in Cade’s Cove. Many of the homes during this time period were not only homes but places of business as well.

Due to its location on a lush valley, surrounded by mountains, it is a wonderful place to see deer, making it one of the most popular destinations within the park.

Leeson Gregg built this house in 1879 on land that he had purchased from John P. Cable, who also provided him the lumber. The home included the main open-style living quarters with a fireplace as well as three room upstairs. A porch and kitchen were added later. Looking up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of bats, which had me running out of the building as soon as possible.

In addition to the Becky Cable House, there are two additional important sites located on this land which includes Don Lawson’s cabin….

…and the Tipton Cabin.

The “Cove”, once a hunting ground for the Cherokee, is located in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountains and an abundance of wildlife. Living history demonstrations add an added educational aspect from spring through fall. Cade’s Cove is the perfect location for hiking, biking or taking a scenic drive and learning about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Have you visited Cade’s Cove? Did you drive, bike or walk through the park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my adventure at Cade’s Cove and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cade’s Cove
Cade’s Cove Loop Road
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 1200

Where to Stay:

Firefly Chalet
Highway 321 North
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: www.vrbo.com

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

What to Eat:

Barbecue

What to Read:

Cade’s Cove, by Nann Wilson
Cade’s Cove: A Personal History, by William Wayne Oliver
Cade’s Cove: The Dream of the Smoky Mountain by Rose Houlk

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

Visiting Clifton Mill for Dessert with a Scenic View

13 October 201716 September 2024

Growing up in nearby Springfield, I have some great childhood memories of visiting Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show during the Christmas Holiday. I decided to visit during the fall to explore this unique flour mill and to enjoya piece of their delicious pie.

Tucked away in the little town of Clifton, Ohio, the mill is one of the largest remaining grist mills in the United States. It is powered by water with the help of a 20 foot water wheel, located along the outer banks of the Little Miami River.

Approaching the mill, I took a quick peek inside to see one of the seven floors used for making flour.

Just a close walk on the left side of the mill is the restaurant offering scenic views of the Little Miami River and the water wheel. Greeted by a friendly server, I was escorted to a sought-after window seat and handed a menu with a selection of pies.

With so many made-from-scratch options, I decided on the chocolate pecan pie. Sinfully decadent, this slice had a flaky crust topped with chocolate and pecans and lived up to my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed every last bite. If I would have arrived sooner, I would have been tempted by their famous pancakes which are also one of the restaurant’s specialities.

The gift shop is located next to the restaurant and offers flour from its mill as well as a wide variety of country-style gifts and food times such as preserves, sauces and dips.

I was happy to find a two pound bag of apple cinnamon pancake mix and would make them for the brunch I was hosting the next weekend.

Settled in the year 1802, Clifton is a small town with a population of 150. There are several historical buildings within the city that are worth checking out as well. I am deeply grateful for the Satariano family for their passion in preserving the mill back in 1987 and their yearly display of holiday lights that bring thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Have you had the opportunity of having a meal at Clifton Mill or visited during the holidays for the lights? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my afternoon dessert stop and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st. Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Telephone: 937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge! Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read:

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:

Clifton Gorge
Colorful, Artsy Streets
Glen Helen Nature Reserve
John Bryan State Park
Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
Wall Murals
- Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
- Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
- “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
- Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
- Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
- The patio of Sunrise Cafe
- The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
- The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
- Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
- Kings Yard murals

Check out my write up on the holiday lights to experience the tradition of Clifton Mill that brings so much joy during the holiday season. I hope you make it a family tradition for you and your family.