Exploring the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield, Ohio

1 April 202022 September 2024

Shawshank Redemption is an all-time classic starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freedman. The movie won several awards and was filmed in central Ohio. So when I learned that most of the movie was filmed in Mansfield, I jumped at the opportunity to download the “Shawshank Trail Drive It Yourself Tour” and began my trek up north. Fourteen sites identify where Hollywood filmed the movie including the Ohio State Reformatory, which is now a museum and open to the public for tours. Here are the details of my tour. SPOILER ALERT!

Shawshank signs and decals identify the sites that are listed on the tour. The drive begins at the Ohio State Reformatory and ends in Upper Sandusky, Ohio where two of the sites were filmed about an hour outside of Mansfield.

Please note: I have put the sites in order in which they appear in the movie and not in the sequence of the driving tour.

At the start of the film, Andy Dufresne is sitting outside of his wife’s lover’s house where he knows she is inside. The façade of the home is Pugh Cabin located at Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, Ohio.

Located in Upper Sandusky, the Wyandot County Courthouse is the site where Andy’s trial took place. Because I completed the driving tour on a Saturday, the courthouse was not open. NOTE: Should you visit from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30, it is required that you ask permission of a courthouse employee prior to taking photos of the inside of the building.

When Red and the other prisoners come out to watch the new prisoners enter the prison yard, there are several angles of the Ohio State Reformatory that are familiar in these scenes.

The guard tower is seen from several angles, but as Red is entering the courtyard of the prison, the view of the post can be seen in the background.

One of my favorite shots in the movie is when the film follows the entrance road up to the façade of the Ohio State Reformatory leading into an aerial view of the prison. It is such a dramatic part of the film that highlights the fascinating architecture of the building.

A view of the bullpen occurs when the prisoners, upon entering the penitentiary, are required to line up on the yellow line. It is here where the new prisoners experience their first sight of police brutality on the inside.

The area set aside for Solitary Confinement is marked within the Ohio State Reformatory. It is here where the prisoners would be sent as additional punishment for not following the rules.

At one point, Andy is washing his face, which shows the inside of his prison cell.

The shower scene in the movie looks very similar to the showers inside of the reformatory except for the fact that the movie shower heads are larger.

Another angle of the shower shows where the towels and clothes of the prisoners are hanging from hooks along the back wall.

Moving away from the Ohio State Reformatory, the next location site is the Shawshank Workshop. Inside of this building is where the filming took place that represented the workshop inside of Shawshank Prison. There are several scenes which shows the prisoners working in the workshop. The most notable scene is when Andy locks himself up in the warden’s office and plays opera over the load speaker for the prisoners to hear, playing Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”.

There is a scene in the movie where Andy is coming down the stairs with the warden. Although painted a different color than the film, this scene was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory.

If you look closely to the floor where Andy works on the same level as the warden’s office, you will notice the circular tiles. This floor is located on the first floor of the Ohio State Reformatory and is part of the administrative offices and gift shop.

The façade of the Blissman Building was used as the Brewster Hotel as well as the Portland Daily Bugle. The hotel was where Brooks would stay after being released from prison and would later on, hang himself in his room. On the corner of Main and Fifth is where Brooks would try to cross the street, only to realize that the times are now moving faster and is almost hit by a car. This building is considered haunted and is included in the Haunted Mansfield Tour.

The set for Brooks’ room can be seen at the Ohio State Reformatory.

The scene where Brooks is waiting for his crow, Jake, to return has been replaced with a gazebo.

On the other side of the park is a bench that has been designated as a prop for the movie as the location where Brooks sat waiting for his pet crow, Jake.

On the ground floor of the Ohio State Reformatory is the model for the tunnel where Andy dug his way out to freedom. This is the actual film prop where the Warden throws one of Andy’s stone images that happens to expose the hole from which Andy escapes.

The most memorable prop is that where Andy crawls his way out of the sewage pipe that leads outside of the prison and ending at a creek. According to the museum, the sewage was created by using sawdust, chocolate syrup and water.

One of the most thrilling events of the movie is when Andy enters the Maine National Bank and cashes in his account under the name of Randall Stevens and drops of a package for the bank to mail on his behalf. You can find the location where they shot this scene at what is known as Crosby Advisory Group, LLC. There is the vault door and an office upstairs that was used in the movie.

After Red is released from prison, there is a scene in the movie where he happens to look inside of a storefront window and gazes upon a compass. It will be this compass that will help Red find the Oak Tree that Andy directs him to find.

One of the movie locations that requires a little driving is approximately 15 miles outside of Mansfield on the country roads of Bellville. It is one of my favorite scenes where Red, looking for the Oak Tree, hitches a ride with a man driving a pickup truck. He drops him off at an intersection and is one of the prettiest scenes in the movie. It is at the intersection of Snyder Road and Hagerman Road in Bellville.

The movie zooms in on Red as he continues his journey searching for the Oak Tree.

It is an exciting moment in the movie when Red eventually finds the Oak Tree and the treasure that Andy has left for him. The scene shows Red walking along a hay field and then following a small wall of rocks until he reaches the tree. Located in Pleasant Valley near Malabar Farm, only half of this tree remains due to a lightning strike on July 29, 2011.

UPDATE: On July 22, 2016, winds damaged the 200+ year old tree and the remainder of the tree was cut down on April 9, 2017.

Once Red finds the treasure, he returns back to the Brewer Hotel to pack his belongings. It is here that he also leaves his mark at the hotel “So Was Red”, next to his dear friend’s last message “Brooks Was Here”. This image can be found at the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield.

Inside of this building is where Andy waits in line to purchase his bus ticket to Fort Hancock, Texas, located at the American/Mexican border. This building is located on Orange Street in Ashland, Ohio.

As Andy rides the bus towards Fort Hancock, Texas, there is a view of the bus heading down a road along the beautiful countryside. This scenic location is also in Belleville, on the corner of Hagerman and Route 95. This is another one of my favorite scenes because it shows a brand new beginning for Red and the opportunity for him to have a second chance.

Shawshank Redemption is a movie about friendship, loyalty, innocence and revenge. It is a thrilling drama where the good guy wins and the bad guy has a second chance. Although it was not a box office success, the US Library of Congress added this film to their National Film Registry finding it “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” I couldn’t agree more.

Have you seen Shawshank Redemption or taken the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield? What were you thoughts about the movie? I would love to hear about your experience and thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, OH 44843
Telephone: 419 892 2784

Admission Fee: No fee to drive up to the cabin at Malabar Farm State Park
Hours: Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
Amenities: Mt. Jeez lookout, picnic areas, restroom facilities, campgrounds, guided tours, Malabar Restaurant, 32-room country mansion
Scenic View: Pugh Cabin, the façade of the house was filmed as Andy Dufresne’s wife’s lover; the park is extensive with scenic views, especially the Mt. Jeez Lookout
Length of Visit: 30 minutes, unless you continue to explore this beautiful state park
Tips for Your Visit: If visiting the park from November through April, some of the facilities may be closed/unavailable

Wyandot County Courthouse
109 S. Sandusky Avenue
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Telephone: 419 294 3826

Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: You must have permission to take photographs inside.

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

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

Blissman Building
193 N. Main Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Telephone: 419 295 2537

Admission Fee: No Fee, but donations are appreciated
Hours: If the door is open, come on in! Let the staff know you are on the Shawshank Tour
Scenic View: The façade represents the Brewer Hotel and the Portland Daily Bugle
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: Only the façade was used for the movie.

Brook’s Bench
Park Avenue West and Park Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Telephone: 419 744 9820

Admission Fee: No Fee, public location
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scenic View: From the park bench there is a beautiful gazebo in the park.
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes

Crosby Advisory Group,
19 W. Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805
www.crosbyadvisory.com

Admission Fee: No Fee, but donations accepted
Hours: 8 – 4; Monday through Friday
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: This building may not be available even during the hours of operation, The vault door, teller line and one of the offices upstairs were used as scenes from the movie.

Road to Buxton: Crossroads of Snyder and Hagerman

Shawshank Tree – on Pleasant Valley Road between Malabar Farm and Malabar Farm Restaurant

Revivals Thrift Shop
345 Orange Street
Ashland, OH 44805
Telephone: 419 903 0303

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Open Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Length of Visit: 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: The location was used as the Trailways Bus Station in the movie. It is a Christian outreach and ministry today.

Route 95 near Hagerman Road in Butler, OH is where Red rode the Trailways Bus after leaving the Shawshank State Prison,

Zihuatenejo
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Telephone: 340 773 4554

Admission Fee: No Fee
Hours: Open on Saturday to Sunday only and is closed from April to August for turtle nesting season
Amenities: None
Scenic View: The coast of Sandy Point is absolutely stunning with its crystal clear waters and gorgeous white sand beaches
Tips for Your Visit: Do not visit this beach alone. You cannot put a stake in the ground (i.e., for an umbrella) so bring plenty of sunscreen. The water has a drop off and becomes deep very quickly. Turtles and rays are seen here.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

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

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

Strolling Through Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (Part 1)

5 March 201817 September 2024

Arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the weather was absolutely perfect. I hailed a taxi into the heart of downtown to my hotel at the Plaza de las Armas.

After a great night’s sleep, I awoke excited to begin the walking tour I had downloaded online. I stopped for a coffee and sat at a table in the square, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets, I watched the pigeons looking for food and noticed the early risers exploring the heart of downtown San Juan. After a few moments of taking in the beauty of Puerto Rico’s capitol city, I started my walk towards the pier.

The walking tour began at La Casita ending at Castillo de San Felipe del Morro. Another option to reach the starting point is to take the trolley to stop 13 at the Plaza Darsena, Casita, San Juan Bay.

Arriving at La Casita at 9AM, I realized it was closed and found a nearby café for a second cup of coffee while taking in the views of the harbor.

While ordering my coffee at Café Colao, I was excited to see the Carnival Liberty was already in port. It reminded me of my younger days of working for the cruise lines and embarkation day. It had been awhile since I had cruised and I was looking forward to revisiting some of the amazing ports of call on this itinerary.

The self-guided tour took me through some of Old San Juan’s 400 historical sites. The town is considered the second oldest settlement founded by the Europeans in 1521.

I couldn’t help but notice the cobalt blue cobblestone streets throughout San Juan. These pavers were once used as weights to balance the trade ships on their way to Puerto Rico. Once the ships arrived, these ballasts were then removed to make room for the exported sugar cane going out from the island. The locals re-purposed the beautiful brick-like stone to develop the streets of this charming, historical wonderland and the local pigeons seemed to love them.

With my back toward the bay, I made a left and began walking towards the Paseo de la Princesa. I was excited to see the Raices Fountain during the day and the expansive ocean view during the daylight hours. The tree lined promenade led me to the Raices fountain which had been busy with local teens and lit up the night before.

Before reaching the fountain, I noticed the beautifully decorated Puerto Rico Tourism Company which was once the Carcel de la Princesa, the San Juan jail. Built in 1837, the penitentiary was in use until 1976 when it was determined that the conditions were inhumane for prisoners, both local and political. While this building is the headquarters for Puerto Rico’s tourism, visitors can explore the three prison cells and tour the small courtyard where prisoners were executed by hanging.

With the bay in the background, the beautiful Raices fountain was now ahead of me and as the temperatures continued to rise, I wished I could have jumped in. The elegant bronze sculpture, reminding me of the Roman fountains, was designed by Spanish artist Luis Sanguion. It is called “Raices” meaning roots and symbolizes the roots of Puerto Rico’s African, Spanish and Taino cultures.

The central figure of the wild horse seems to rise out of the fountain in a full gallop as a young child scans to watch the horizon from sunrise to sunset. The two dolphins jumping out of the water represent the Puerto Rican character of kindness and gentleness while a woman offers gifts of garlands and local delicacies to the island’s visitors. To the left of the fountain are sculptures of a family and the native jibaro is represented to the right. The central female figure stands for the independence of Puerto Rico as if she is attempting to reach the stars.

The tree-shaded walkway wrapped along the bay as joggers sped by me on their morning run. A strong wind picked up as I continued walking through the tunnel-like pathway, where the twisted roots of trees resembled the Banyan. Interesting spikes rose up from the ground as I continued my stroll towards the Puerta de San Juan.

I soon began to realize I was following along the fortification walls of the Paseo del Morro when I noticed the garita above. The pathway split heading towards the entrance to the fort but I took an alternate route leading to the top of the city gate, ending my walk along the Paseo de la Princesa. Standing inside the guard tower, the symbol of San Juan, I was amazed by the stunning views of the cove where Spanish ships once anchored.

Only three of the six city gates remain. One of them, the Puerta de San Juan. Spanish traders would unload their supplies, pass through the massive wooden doors under the red arch and exit through the 1630s-tunnel to enter the city. When this main gate was in use, the doors would be closed at sundown to protect the residents from potential invaders and reopened the next morning. Once the tunnel was open, sailors would walk through the passageway towards the cathedral at the top of the hill to thank God for their safe passage.

Instead of taking a right along the Paseo del Morro and the old city walls, I decided to continue up the hill towards the Catedral de San Juan (The San Juan Cathedral). Several feral cats were hanging around, protected by San Juan’s Parks Department. They had been neutered, spayed and vaccinated through a local program called “Save a Gato.”

At the top of the hill, I reached the San Juan Cathedral where explorer Ponce de Leon and martyr St. Pio are buried. A mass was taking place inside, but I couldn’t help but peek into the church as I continued my walk. The cathedral dates back to 1540, but updates and renovations have given this church its Gothic-Neoclassical style. I noted the inscription above the entrance, “Misericordia” which translates to “mercy”. Pope John Paul II visited the church in 1984.

Making a left on Calle del Cristo, I reached the Plaza del Quinto Centenario and its El Totem Telurico, designed by local artist Jaime Suarez. The square was designed for the 500-year celebration of Columbus’ initial voyage to the Americas, which took place in 1992 at a rumored cost of $10 million. Popular with both tourists and locals, this square offers a glamorous view of the El Morro fort and the infinite ocean.

As I walked down the stairs towards the coastline, I passed a pair of life-like sheep flanking the steps before reaching the fountain at the bottom. Children were playing around the water, splashing each other to cool off from the afternoon heat and vendors were selling water and soft drinks nearby.

With El Morro in sight, I stood for a moment to enjoy the view of the fort and the nearby cemetery. I promised myself I would return after my cruise. I enjoyed leisurely stroll through the streets of Old San Juan and enjoyed the memories of being here so many years ago.

Have you visited San Juan and walked through the historic Old San Juan? What were some of your favorite sites or stops along with way? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about our walking tour in Old San Juan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Puerto Rico Tourism Company
500 Ochoa Building, Cll Tanca, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00902
Phone: 787 721 2400 extension 3901

Contact the local office for hours of operation and to inquire when the interim jail is open.

Bacardi Rum Factory
Carretera 165, Catano, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787 788 8400

Admission Fee: $13 for the historic tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes, includes guided tour of the Bacardi Visitor Center, Commemorative Bacardi Cup, Bacardi Welcome Cocktail for adults, Access to the Self-Fill Experience & Retail Shop, Complimentary WiFi on property. The site recommends that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time to allow for registration and to enjoy your Welcome Drink.

$50 for the Rum Tasting Tour, lasting approximately 90 minutes, to learn how Bacardi makes their premium wines, the history of the company and taste five Bacardi rums including Legacy, exclusively available at Casa Bacardi. Visit the distillery, the “Cathedral of Rum” a Bacardi Specialist will lead you through the tasting and help you understand the five unique premium rums. This tour includes tasting of five premium rums, Commemorative Bacardi Cup, Bacardi Welcome Cocktail for adults, Access to the Self-Fill Experience & Retail Shop, Complimentary WiFi on property. (Must be over the Legal Drinking Age to participate). The site recommends that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time to allow for registration and to enjoy your Welcome Drink.

$60 for the Mixology Experience, to last approximately 90 minutes, to include your own bar set up where you will prepare three basic Bacardi cocktails, Commemorative Bacardi Cup, Bacardi Welcome Cocktail for adults, Distillery Visit, Access to Bottle your own Bacardi, Access to the Self-Fill Experience & Retail Shop, Complimentary WiFi on property. (You must be over the Legal Drinking Age to participate). The site recommends that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time to allow for registration and to enjoy your Welcome Drink. Children are not permitted.

$160 for the Bottle Your Own Bacardi Experience, includes a full-size bottle of Special Reserve rum exclusively available at Casa Bacardi, a special padded box to preserve your personalized bottle of Special Reserve, recording your name and bottle number in the Casa Bacardi registry, high resolution photo of you and your freshly filled bottle in front of the numbered barrel at Casa Bacardi. This experience takes place in the Self Fill area of our retail shop, Complimentary WiFi and Complimentary parking on site.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9AM, last tour starts at 4:30PM; Saturday to Sunday from 12 noon, last tour starts at 4:30PM; Closed Mondays.
Length of Visit: Depending on the Bacardi Experience
Tips for Your Visit: Please ensure that you arrive in the required time to register and enjoy your welcome drink. Some Bacardi events require that you be of Legal Drinking Age.

San Juan Cathedral
151 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902
Phone: 787 722 0861

Admission Fee: Free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9AM to 11:30AM and from 2PM to 4PM; Friday from 9AM to noon. Please visit the cathedral’s website for worship services.
Amenities: Services and Sacraments provided
Length of Visit: Less than 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Enter with reverence and remain quiet in respect of other visitors. Dress appropriately covering your shoulders and knees.

San Jose Church
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
Phone: 787 918 3800

The church is currently closed for renovation and to raise fund for conservation.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
Phone: 787 729 6960

Admission Fee: $7 which includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal and 24 hours are provided to visit both forts
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Amenities: Gift shop and restrooms
Scenic Views: Gorgeous views from the fort include the harbor and the cemetery as well as the shoreline.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There are several iguanas and feral cats that roam the premises. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bring plenty of water. (Carts outside sell water). Don’t miss the Dungeon at Castillo San Cristobel!

Where to Stay:

Hotel Plaza de Armas
San Jose Street 202
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: 866 599 6674

Amenities: Non-smoking, free continental breakfast, WiFi, refrigerator and microwave; there is a free trolley nearby at Stop #8

*Hotel was prepaid costing $150 per night. We arranged for a queen sized bed, room without a window, non-smoking and guaranteed late arrival.

Where to Eat:

Café Colao
Calle Marina, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
Phone: 787 725 4139

Cute little coffee shop down by the Port of Puerto Rico

What to Eat:

MOFONGO! This is absolutely my favorite dish in San Juan. Mashed fried plantains are smothered with meat and/or vegetables.
Alcappurias are similar to fritters filled with crab, meat or lobster and dipped in a batter made from green bananas.
Arepas de Coco is a bread made from coconut flour stuffed with meat, seafood or vegetables.
Chicharrones de Pollo are usually served as a side dish to mofongo, these tasty pieces of chicken are seasoned with garlic, oregano and achiote.
Chilo Frito is a fried red snapper served with fried plantains or french fries on the side.
Lechon is a suckling pig cooked whole and prepared juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Pastelon: San Juan’s answer to lasagna made with plantains instead of pasta
The Pina Colada was invented at Barrachina in Old San Juan.