Tag Archives: historical

A Rick Steves Tour of London, England

The train arrived on time at the Underground Terminal of Westminster Station.  Most everyone departed making their way onto the platform, riding escalators and taking stairs to the busy world above.  I had not yet reached the Thames River, but my heart was pounding in anticipation as I exited the tunnel and the view opened up providing me a glimpse of London’s South Bank.

With its spectacular museums, lavish gardens, notorious theaters and exuberant history, London’s cosmopolitan style and attitude attracts over 27 million visitors each year and is home to over 8 million.

Under the suggestion of Rick Steves, I began my exploration of London at Westminster following the Westminster Walk from his Best European City Walks & Museums guide.  Next, I will visit a couple of museums, take the bus tour around the city and if I have time, cruise down the river Thames.  Earlier that morning, I walked to the Gloucester Road Station to purchase my pass.  The front desk attendant suggested that I stop by The Shard for a spectacular view of the city, which I hoped to fit into my schedule later in the day.

I had plenty of British Pounds to purchase a full day pass which allowed me unlimited rides on the Tube for zones 1 & 2.  I fed the machine and confirmed that I was heading westbound for the Westminster stop.

The “Underground” was not as busy as I had expected at 6:30 AM.  The train approached, opened its sliding doors and reminded passengers to “Mind the Gap” before taking their seats.  I found a spot next to a young mother with her little boy in a stroller, who was eating his morning breakfast.  It was a busy work day with full compartment of business suits and backpacks.  I counted the five stops before hopping off the train and was feeling a sense of excitement to explore London having just read the book, War of the Roses.

The exit led me up to a set of stairs where I found the statue of Boadicea to my right.  She was queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the first century AD.  An unobstructed view of the Parliament buildings as well as Elizabeth Tower stood to the north.  Soaking in my surroundings from the Westminster Bridge, I admired the London Eye, the Thames River and the London Bridge in the distance.

Elizabeth Tower (lovingly named after the current Queen of England) stood shining in the morning sunlight and I waited in anticipation to hear Big Ben toll at the hour.  The structure stands 320 feet high and is connected to the Parliament Buildings, the central meeting places for the British Government.  For years, since the 11th century, when King Canute built a palace here, the Royal Family lived at Parliament until they relocated to Buckingham Palace.

Along the banks of the Thames is the London Eye, built in 2000 and standing 443 feet tall.  There are 32 capsules which hold 26 visitors in each car.  On a clear day, the views from this attraction can reach as far as 26 miles.  The ride from start to finish takes approximately thirty minutes.

I felt a bitter cold wind off of the Thames gently pushing me towards Parliament Square, located across the street from Westminster Abbey.  This quiet park, without a bird to be seen, was lined with statues of both famous Brits like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George as well as notable world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.  I followed the stone corridor of this lovely park where I found the gorgeous rosette stained glass window of the infamous Westminster Abbey ahead of me.

One of London’s most precious jewels, not only because of its spectacular architecture but its glorious history, is Westminster Abbey.  Edward the Confessor founded the abbey and it is London’s oldest and most important church.  For over ten centuries, the cathedral has been the location for a host of coronations, royal weddings and funerals.  In 1997, Princess Diana’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where it was estimated over 3 million were in attendance for the funeral procession, while Will and Kate were married here on April 29th 2011.

Following my map to find Whitehall Street, I realized I had come full circle when I noticed the Westminster public subway stop.  My current route led me to many of London’s government buildings such as the Royal Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance.  Colorful pubs occupied corner spaces along the route and the crowds were starting to grow.

In the distance, I noticed a collection of three monuments, one positioned in the middle of Whitehall.   On the towering white memorial made of marble, is a cenotaph honoring the brave men and women who died during the two Great Wars.   Each year, in November, the Royal Family attends the Remembrance Day service which takes place around this “Glorious Dead” monument.

The large, white, Greek-style structure that occupies a block along Whitehall was once a part of the palatial estate of Henry VIII and the location of King Charles’ execution.  Henry VIII moved out of his Palace of Westminster residence (Parliament) and built this grandiose building which, at one time, extended from Trafalgar Square to Elizabeth’s Tower.  The 1698 fire destroyed most of Henry’s opulent structure, but what remained is the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace.

Continuing my walk towards Trafalgar Square, I noticed that the Horse Guard station was empty, and within minutes I stood in front of the 170 foot column supporting the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson.  Credited for his leadership during World War II and the defeat at Waterloo, he died a heroic death in battle.

The square was alive with tourists and commuters passing through to reach their destination.  A line formed at the entrance of the National Museum which had not yet opened.  Attempting to climb one of the four bronze lions, a group of teenagers disregarded the warning signs and placards, capturing photos with their cellular devices.   A light mist of spray clings to my coat and kisses my face as I pass a fountain eager to find the ticket office for the Hop On/Hop Off bus.  A perfect mode of transportation for the day, the double-decker is a quick option for touring of London.  Bringing me back to Trafalgar Square, I will have time to indulge in more attractions, sites and pubs which are waiting to be explored.

Have you had the opportunity to visit London?  Which guidebooks and resources did you reference?  Let me know about your visit by providing a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my walking tour of Westminster in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit:  Ambassadors Hotel London

 

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7370 2760

Walking Tour Resources: 

Best European City Walks & Museums guide, by Rick Steves

London Telephone Booth

Visiting the Historical Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market

2016 marked the 225th year of Knoxville’s Market Square Farmer’s Market and my family happened to be passing through on our way to Gatlinburg.  Farmers and vendors from all over East Tennessee have been coming to downtown Knoxville to set up shop at the Market Square, surrounded by fabulous restaurants and interesting boutiques.

From Babalu Restaurant, we walked towards Market Square to visit the Knoxville Farmer’s Market.  Located along a long pedestrian mall, it was here, in this very location, where the first market opened for the sale of farm produce.  We were curious to see what vendors would be there and what items we could buy.

The square, just over an acre in size, has been a popular meeting place for street musicians and artists since the 1880s.  I imagine listening to the music of Duke Ellington or watching the fiddle contests of Frank Murphy back in the 1920s.   We watched a guitar and cello duo playing at one of the street corners in front of a furniture shop,  Enjoying the talent of these musicians, we stayed for a few songs and dropped off a tip in their instrument cases.

In addition to the vendor’s booths, there were children dancing through the fountains and busy outdoor cafes along the market square.  It is a different scene than that of the late 1800s farmers who would pull their wagons up to the Market House.  Back then, there was a monthly cost of three dollars for merchants who rented a stall.

After the marketplace opened in January 1854, several shops and venues were built along its outskirts.  Among the sites were a grocery, saloon and lumberyard. Over twenty years later, additional services were set up to include a mill, a boarding house, physician and pharmacists offices, more saloons and Peter Kerns’ confections store.  Today there are several upscale and casual sidewalk cafes where one can find a seat to enjoy the exciting hustle of the market scene.

On the north end of the square is Knoxville’s City Hall, built in 1868.   Just five years earlier, in 1865, this area had been occupied by the Union Army and converted into barracks and storage for ammunition during the Civil War.

By the early 1900s, prohibition closed the saloons, residents began to move out to the suburbs and small businesses began to close, replaced by chain commercial commerce and movie theaters.   Eventually, the Market Hall would be replaced by the open-air market in 1960 in hopes of revitalizing the city.

In addition to the traditional stalls of produce, crafts and more, food trucks line the alleys for an expanded option of lunch items, baked goods and delicious local foods.  Today, Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market continues the tradition it began 225 years ago, with a modern twist and we loved the time that we spent here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market in Tennessee?  What did you buy?  Did you eat at one of the restaurants or food trucks?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for exploring the Farmer’s Market with me by reading my blog post.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Market Square Farmer’s Market
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee

Open every Wednesday (11 AM to 2 PM) and Saturday (9 AM to 2 PM) starting in May through November, the Market is open in the heart of Knoxville.

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu’s
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

We ordered Babalu’s signature guacamole, made table side, which was absolutely amazing (secret ingredient? sundried tomatoes!).  We decided to share three tapas which included the beef empanadas, three tacos and grilled tenderloin with a teriyaki glaze and we enjoyed our meals.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs

John Rankin House: A Historical Safe Passage for Slaves

Many safe houses along the Ohio River provided a gateway to slaves that had escaped the south in pursuit of freedom.  Having recently visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, I became more interested in visiting these private homes and shelters and was curious to learn more about the families that operated them.   My search led me to The John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio.  This home was instrumental in providing assistance to over 2000 slaves in the 1800s.

Waiting for the tour to begin, I wandered towards the front of the property to check out the scenic view of the Ohio River.   A stone path and wooden stairs lead down a steep decline to the street below and the vista is amazing on a clear, sunny day.

The tour begins in the parlor which is located at the front entrance of the house.  Decorated in its original blue woodwork and hand painted stencil, the house is refurbished in the way it would have appeared in the 1840s.

The character Eliza, from Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is loosely based on the life of a young slave girl who passed through the Rankin home.  The wood burning stove, mentioned in the book, was a central fixture located in the parlor of the home.

Before dams and locks were installed along the Ohio River, it was half its current depth and half as wide.  This made crossing the river much easier than it would be to travel across today. Once the slaves reached Ohio, their first stop was the John Parker House down by the banks of the river. The local Red Oak Presbyterian church was also a haven for slaves between 1862 and 1868.  A light in the window of the Rankin house signaled to Parker when it would be safe to bring the slaves to his home.  From here, the girls of the home would feed their visitors, give them dry clothes and provide them a place to sleep.

Slaves could stay only about four to five hours before continuing their journey.  They would travel along the underground railroad, a series of homes reaching Canada or Mexico that supported the freedom of slaves.

John Rankin was a reverend and staunch abolitionist.  He was forced out of the southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee because of his beliefs and eventually made his home in Ripley.

Moving into the house on the hill in 1822 he paid only $700 for the 66 acre farm. There were nineteen people that lived in the Rankin House which included nine sons, four daughters and a few relatives.

The barns that they owned would also be used to hide slaves.  Eventually, when bounty hunters would be allowed to search properties to find runaway slaves, this would be risky.

Jean Rankin, John’s wife, spent most of her time in the kitchen, while John could be found in the bedroom writing his sermons.  Period furniture appears throughout the Rankin House and the Bible and glasses on display were property of the Rankin family.

The bedroom on the lower level was the master that had a rope bed/trundle bed.  The stenciling found by the bed is original and it was protected by glass as part of the $1 million restoration of the home.

The kitchen has a nice fireplace with plenty of storage space and cupboards.  In the center of the room is a large table for the adults to sit, while the children and servants would stand to eat.  Other amenities included a butter churn, an overgrown wood station with a sink, a candle maker and a coffee grinder.

The girls and boys slept upstairs with multiple children sharing a bed.   Sometimes, during the winter months, the boys would take a place on the kitchen floor to stay warm through the night.

The boys’ side of the room was always messy with clothes and shoes hanging from their beds.  In the event that their parents would need their assistance in the middle of the night, they could quickly dress in the dark and make their way downstairs.

By 1850, bounty hunters were permitted to cross into Ohio to take their slaves back to the south, but they were not allowed to enter the homes.   One night, there was a total of eight bounty hunters that approached the house while the eight children remained inside with their mother. She would not allow them to go outside in fear for their lives.  Jean Rankin stood guard with her shot gun and was prepared to protect her family.  At one point, shots were fired, but it was later determined that there were no fatalities, only an injured bounty hunter who was shot in the leg.   During the time that the Rankin family took in slaves, none of them were injured nor caught while in their care.

Putting their lives in danger to assist slaves in their quest for freedom, the Rankin family are true American heroes. Learning more about them through the tour of their home, I am humbled by the passion of John Rankin and his active stance against slavery.  He truly was a reverend who knew how to practice what he preached.

Update:  The John Rankin House, formerly owned by the Ohio Historical Society, the home is now under the management of the Ohio Connection.

Have you visited the John Rankin House or can you recommend another home that was on the Underground Railroad trail, open for visitors?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly provide your information in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the John Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Road
Ripley, OH 45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Beautiful Rural Winery in Ohio: Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

I narrowly escaped a torrential downpour as I entered the charming Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery in Eaton, Ohio.  I took the last open stool in the corner of the tasting bar and began to review the wine menu.  A group of regular patrons were finishing up their order for several cases of wine, so I was eager to hear what they purchased.  I knew this would be a great start for coming up with my list of samples for my tasting.

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery is Preble County’s first winery.  Located in the 1890’s brick Oklahoma Schoolhouse Number Four, the beautiful renovations to the property include beautiful rustic golden walls framed with dark trim, floor to ceiling windows, keeping the original stone sills and the  elegantly stained wooden floors.  The result of the restoration was absolutely stunning considering the building had been vacant for over thirty years.

This young winery is already off to a great start winning several awards both in Ohio as well as Indiana.  Olde Schoolhouse won Best Amateur Wine at the INDY International Wine Competition, which was quite an honor and award winning wine maker, Mr. Z was invited to judge the competition the following year.  Another grand accomplishment for Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard was that they were the featured winery at the Ohio State Fair at the Taste of Ohio pavilion.  I was excited to try some of these amazing wines, starting with the Noiret, a gold medal winner at INDY.

  • Noiret: Described as a dry, medium-bodied wine, the hint of oak compliments the smooth texture of the wine.   Priced at $8 per glass or $14.99 per bottle, this wine is rich with color as well as taste.
  • Nightberry is one of Old Schoohouse Vineyard and Winery’s new additions. A lovely blend of semi-dry red wine and blackberry makes this wine perfect for any occasion.  It is described as a fruit forward wine that finishes nice and dry.  Price for a glass is $6 and bottle priced at $14.99.
  • The Riesling is another semi-dry wine, white with a light body.  Surprised by its perfect balance, I tried a sample at the winery’s recommendation and found it to be airy with a classic finish.  A glass of this wine can be purchased at $6.50 per glass or $16.99 per bottle.
  • The Traminette is a popular varietal in Ohio and Olde Schoolhouse took the silver medal at the INDY International Wine Competition. A semi-sweet wine with tropical aromas and flavors, I enjoyed the texture of the wine and would consider it medium bodied.  Perfectly sweet, this wine is priced at $6 for a glass and $14.99 for the bottle.

  • With a hint of cherry, this bronze medal winner, Rebel Red is a fruity blend of Fredonia and Chambourcin grapes. Perfectly priced at $6 per glass or $12.99 per bottle, I knew this would be a hit with my sweet-wine loving friends.
  • The Valvin Muscat, made with a grape similar to the Moscato, will please all wine drinkers who enjoy sweet wines. This Silver Medal winner at the Indy International wine competition would be a great summer wine, chilled and carefully sipped on a hot afternoon.  I learned from another customer that this wine makes an incredible slushie paired with Olde Schoolhouse’s blackberry wine. Winning a double gold award, the blackberry wine is obviously one of the winery’s most popular wines as it was sold out during my visit.
  • My final sample was the Pinkaliciouz, a pretty-in-pink colored wine made of a blend of grapes and berry wine. The wine was priced at $6 per glass and $15.99 per bottle.

Having finished my wine tasting, I ordered three bottles of wine, the Riesling, the Noiret and the Rebel Red and found the perfect spot overlooking the vineyards to enjoy my glass of Noiret.

One thousand grapevines replaced the former pasture in the spring of 2015.  Crops of Marquette and Le Crescent will be ready in approximately four years. This will be a welcome addition to the winery as it continues to grow, producing over 6,000 gallons of wine each year.

History buffs will enjoy some of the memorabilia that hangs from the walls of the winery.  From an annual school photo of children dating back to 1913 to an original Montgomery Seed Company bag, the winery preserves some of Preble County’s historical treasures.

The Olde Schoolhouse Winery is a wonderful place to host an event regardless of whether it is a corporate meeting or a baby shower.   The party room boasts a 53 inch screen television and holds up to 50 guests, while the patio can accommodate 60.  At the time of my visit, the winery was exploring the opportunity of purchasing a food license.  For a list of current events as well as a schedule for their weekend entertainment, The Olde Schoolhouse’s Facebook page is a great way to stay connected.    Their wines are sold at nearly 40 different locations such as Sutton’s Food in Arcanum and Ray’s Wine Spirits and Grille a local restaurant in Clayton.

Have you had the opportunity of visiting Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery?  What were some of your favorite wines?  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 visit to Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery
152 State Route 726 North
Eaton, OH  45320
Telephone:  937 472 WINE (9463)

Where to Stay:

Whispering Oaks Bed & Breakfast
1881 Route 127 North
Eaton, OH  45320
Telephone: 937 456 1121

Where to Eat:

Ray’s  Wine Spirits Grill
8268 N. Main Street
Clayton, OH  45415
Telephone:  937 890 0300

The fish tacos were exceptionally fresh, creamy and full of flavor.  I ordered the asparagus with my entree.

The Hike to John Rankin House, Ripley, Ohio

I imagined what it would have been like, a slave, crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ripley, Ohio.  Ahead in the distance, I see the house on a hill.  There is a friendly family that helps slaves, but somehow I need to reach it.  I have been traveling a long way and though I have crossed into free territory, I am still not safe.  The house seems so far away. Will I make it?

There is a steep slope up towards the house and I can still see the light on inside.  I am tired from the miles I have run and cold from the river’s crossing.  I can do this, I can make it to the top.  I am so close and I cannot give up now.

I should be coming up to a wall soon which starts the path up towards the house on the hill.  I see it, just a small pile of stones stacked upon each other.  I hope this is the place.  The woods are blocking my view to the house, but I will give it a try.

I notice that the steep walkway is worn so this must be the way.  As long as I am going up, I will eventually make it there.

I take a quick look behind me and I can see the river just barely between the trees.  This is a great sign so I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually I will make it to the top.

The view from here is amazing but I must stay focused.  The light remains on and I am almost to the front door.  Freedom couldn’t be close enough.

Just within steps and I start to wonder if anyone is home.  The light is not visible, but it was on just a few moments ago.  I have reached the last step and just as I am about to give it a knock a woman greets me at the door with a blanket and some food.   I feel safe.  I begin to cry with relief and happiness. They take me in and bring me warm clothes as I sit by the fire.  This is the first day of the rest of my life.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the John Rankin House?  I would love to hear what you thought about your visit and if you can recommend any additional Underground Railroad locations throughout Ohio!  Many thanks for exploring the hike up to Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to Do and What to See: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd.
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

The Signal House Bed and Breakfast
234 N. Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  937 392 1640

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

A Fall Day at Hale Farm & Village, Part 1

Fall in Ohio is magnificent for watching the leaves change, so I decided to take a road trip to Hale Farm & Village to enjoy the scenic fall leaves and to learn more about farm live in the early 19th century.  The farm is a historical property within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and was previously owned by of Jonathan Hale.  The addition of 30+ structures had been added over the years to complete the village which is locally known as Wheatfield.

I purchased my ticket at the Welcome Center, gathered some additional information about the grounds and exited the back of the main farmhouse.  Vendors were selling large pumpkins to visitors who would decorate them for the fall season.  Young children happily shared what they would be wearing for  Halloween while their parents sorted through large boxes of watermelon.

From the moment I stepped outside of the farm house, I could smell the tempting aroma of kettle corn made by volunteers who were raising money for local charities.  A young man wearing gloves stirred the popcorn in a large vat to keep it from burning while a young lady waited for a batch to cool down before placing the popped corn in plastic bags.  There was a line of visitors waiting to purchase a bag or two.

Following the map, I started my walk towards the left, stopping at a large, red barn.  I shuffled through the damp leaves towards the John McAlonan Carriage Manufactory exhibit where several antique carriages were on display.   The posted placard explained that the four carriages were called cabriolets with fold-down tops and were manufactured by the George J. Warden & Company from Cleveland, Ohio. Named after England’s Queen Victoria, the convertibles were popular after the 1870s.

The white single story Sugar House was the next stop on my tour of Hale Village. Entering through the side door was Josie, a period dressed attendant who was showing visitors how to make small candles.  Using a thick string, she was dipping one of the ends into the hot wax, sitting over an open fire and gently draping them over a string to cool.  Each candle was available for purchase at $1 per piece and proceeds would be donated towards the upkeep of the Village and Farm.

The Sugar House was built by the Hale family at the start of the 20th century.  Charles Oviatt Hale continued his grandfather’s tradition of collecting sap to produce nearly 200 gallons of maple syrup from the 20 acres of maple trees surrounding the farm.  Today the farm uses modern technology to continue this tradition using a wood burning parallel flow evaporator to process the sap into syrup each February.

On my way to the quaint log cabin home of the Hales, I passed an empty lean-to. Overgrown with grass and in need of repair, it may have provided shelter for some of the family’s farm equipment. Nearby, in the open field, I couldn’t help but notice a middle aged man with a saucepan on his head.  A crowd had gathered around him as he discussed the importance of conservation and said he was willing to plant some apple trees on the property as the children giggled at his “hat”.

Passing an overrun garden with weeds and dead plants, I arrived at the one room log cabin sitting beneath a maple tree.

In the corner sat a twin-sized bed that had been made up with a feather mattress and an animal hide.  A long side table had been placed to the right of a 12-paned window lighting up the space with natural light.  While many homes of its time would have left the dirt floors, this home’s wooden floors were perfect for keeping out forest animals and rodents.

A large, well-used fireplace had been built to the far right of the home and with evidence of smoke damage to the stones.  The stonework was absolutely perfect, built to the top of the roof.  The hand-cut logs were stacked on top of each other with a thick layer of clay in between could be seen from the inside while the outside was reinforced with tar.   The nearby outhouse resembled the log cabin and sat a few feet from the family home.

Nearby was a fence surrounding a large pasture with a noticeable tree line in the distance.  Approaching the fence, I was searching for farm animals as I strolled towards the red barn, one of several barns on the property. I was happy to see a muscular, chocolate brown steer giving me hope that I would see some additional barnyard animals.

Jonathan Hale moved to Ohio from Connecticut in 1810 and settled in Bath Township.  A few months later, his wife and three children arrived, moving into a log cabin built by a local squatter.  Several years later, Hale completed the green shutter, three-story brick home around 1825 and lovingly referred to it as “Old Brick”.  The Hale home is considered to be the second brick house built in the Cuyahoga Valley.

The first floor was a large open space that included a great room, kitchen and dining area. The second floor acted as a formal space used for special occasions such as a parlor and formal dining room.  The third floor was originally set up with six small bedrooms but later converted into fewer large bedrooms.

When Jonathan’s son Andrew married in the 1830’s, he built a small home across from the Jonathan Hale estate.  Later, Andrew’s home was moved and attached to the original Hale home, labeling it the “South Wing”.  To store coal to heat the home as well as additional supplies, the family added a “North Wing” to the structure.

My last stop before exploring the additional structures at Wheatfield, was the old gray barn where I found several chickens, adorable sheep and cute little pigs.  It was the highlight of my visit but I was also excited to learn more about 19th century farm life in Cuyahoga County, but who can resist spending just a few more minutes with my new furry farm friends.

Have you visited Hale Farm & Village?  Did you attend one of its many amazing events?  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 fun, educational experience at Hale Farm & Village and wishing you many amazing travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Road
PO Box 296
Bath, Ohio  44210
Telephone: 330 666 3711

  • Admission Fee:    $15 for adults ages 13 & up;  $8 for children ages 3 – 12; WRHS members, active military and children under the age of 2 and younger are free
  • Hours:  Daily from 10AM to 5PM with the exception of holidays.  Check the website before your visit as there may be special events and a change in hours depending on the season.
  • Amenities:  Period actors, historical sites for self-guided experiences, the Marketplace to purchase beverages and snacks,  free parking, restrooms
  • Scenic View:  The farm animals, historical buildings
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable clothes because there is a lot of walking.  Your ticket is valid all day, so you can leave and come back to explore the park.

Where to Stay;

The Ohio Motel
2248 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH  44333
Telephone:  330 659 9999

Where to Eat:

Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle
1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH  44333
Telephone:  330 666 9990

What to Read: 

  • The Jonathan Hale Farm, by John Horton and Herman Vail
  • Edith Hale: A Village Story, by Thrace Talmon

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

Old Mill Winery, Geneva, Ohio

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.

Historical Christian Moerlein Brewery Reopens at The Banks in Cincinnati

After spending a beautiful day along the Banks of Cincinnati, I was ready for an outside table at  Moerlein Lager House.  With views along the Ohio River and northern Kentucky, I had the perfect Cincinnati Reds pre-game seat to enjoy a hearty lunch and a couple of beers.  The place was flooded in red with Reds game attendees.

Prior to Prohibition, Cincinnati was one of the leading beer producers throughout the United States with nearly one-hundred breweries opening before the 1920s.  One of these brewers was German immigrant, Christian Moerlein.

Moerlein arrived in the United States in 1841 and settled in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati popular with German and German-American immigrants.  He began brewing beer in his blacksmith shop before opening the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company on Elm Street in 1853.  He produced over 1000 barrels of beer in his first year of production.

Moerlein created brews that were not only popular in Cincinnati, but throughout the country.  The brewery became the largest in Ohio, the fifth largest in the country and began shipping internationally to Europe and South America.  By 1890, Cincinnati was called the “Beer Capital of the World.”

Unfortunately, with the passing of Moerlein in 1897 and Prohibition shortly thereafter, the brewery closed in 1920.

The Christian Moerlein brand was reintroduced to the public when Christian Moerlein Select Lager was produced by Hudepohl Brewing Company in 1981 and was considered on the “leading edge of the craft beer revolution.”  It was the first beer to pass the strict Reinheigsgebot Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 which requires a beer to contain only four ingredients:  malted barley, hops, water and yeast.

By 2004, local Cincinnatian, Greg Hardman purchased the Christian Moerlein and Hudepohl brands to re-introduce some of the best known brews of Cincinnati.  Six years later, Hardman bought the Husman Potato Chip factory in Over-the-Rhine just a few blocks from Moerlein’s original site.  The first beer produced was the 1861 porter which was introduced on New Year’s Eve 2010 in celebration of Arnold’s Bar and Grill’s 150th anniversary.

I was excited to see an amazing list of Cincinnati retro beers to include Hudy 14-K, Hudy Delight, Hudepohl, Little Kings and Burger on the Lager House menu.  I ordered the Purity Pilsner from their amazing selection , a wonderful light beer.

Moerlein Lager House opened in February 2012 along Cincinnati’s newest neighborhood, The Banks, located along the banks of the Ohio River.  This prime location is also adjacent to Great American Ball Park, home of Cincinnati Reds baseball along the riverfront.

Measuring 150,000 square feet and standing two stories, Moerlein offers plenty of seating with 500 seats inside and 600 outside throughout its multiple beer gardens.  A large beer garden connects to Schmidlapp lawn, an outdoor event space along the riverfront park.

With an extensive menu, Hardman wanted to include foods based on the 19th century German cuisine of Over the Rhine such as soft pretzels, German sausage platter and Reuben sandwich.

I couldn’t resist ordering the Cuban sandwich, chips and Hudy Delight.  With over 80 selections, I have time to try another beer before the Cincinnati Reds game.

Have you visited Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati?  What beers did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my visit to Moerlein and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 2337
Website:

Where to Eat:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 521 2337
Website:  https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/

Where to Stay:

AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 521 2337

What to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

AC Hotel Rooftop Bar
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 744 9900

What to Read:

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide to Cincinnati:

  • City Hall – Inside and Out
  • Smale Riverfront Park
  • Union Terminal
  • Roebling Suspension Bridge
  • Washington Park
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • American Sign Museum

The Historic Carew Tower of Cincinnati

When I first moved to Cincinnati, I worked downtown for a contract research organization, Kendle International.  The company had offices on several floors of the Carew Tower, a beautiful high-rise on Vine Street.  I quickly learned that my workplace was, at the time, the tallest building in Cincinnati’s skyline and one of the most historical within the city.

Arriving each day by public transportation, the bus would drop me off outside of the Omni Netherland Plaza (now the Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza) .  Entering the revolving doors, I strolled through the large lobby passing several stores before reaching the concierge desk.  Taking a right, the second set of elevators would take me up to the 9th floor where I worked in the marketing department.  To gain entry, I would need to use my key card to enter through the security doors.

Lunch was always the exciting part of the day where we could stay within the confines of the tower with various dining and shopping options.   On the ground floor, a large exhibit of photos displayed the detailed history of Carew Tower.  Designed by Chicago architects W.W. Ahlschlager & Associates in the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne style, the Tower is the tallest building in downtown Cincinnati standing 49 stories and 574 feet tall.  Built of brick and steel,  it was intended to emulate the Rockefeller Center of New York and took one thousand men working around the clock to build this skyscraper in record time.

Construction began on January 8th, 1930 and was completed on July 7th of the same year.  This world record has yet to be broken.  It was also the first downtown Cincinnati office building to have an electronic push button elevator.

Carew Tower is comprised of two separate buildings that connect the Carew Tower Office Complex to the nearby Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.  Lavishly decorated in Art Deco decor, this beautiful hotel offers a “Hall of Mirrors” for wedding receptions, festive events and exquisite banquets, very Versailles-esque in its decoration.  Known as the place to stay in Cincinnati, the hotel hosted a long list of A-listers to include Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby, John and Jackie Kennedy, Elvis Presley and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Indoor walkways once passed over outdoor streets bridging workplaces with some of the finest shopping in town.  TJ Maxx was one of my favorite stores that took up two stories of retail space.  You could also find such clothing shops as Casual Corner and Express to find business and casual clothing for work.

Beautifully decorated in art deco decor, the Carew Tower once supported 1,383,000 gross square feet of retail and shopping space.  On the first floor was long-time tenant Hathaway’s Diner, which was a great place to visit for a quick lunch.  The basement was occupied by a fitness center and Paragon Hair salon while the upper floors drew tourists to its impressive Observation Deck on the 49th floor.

The ground elevators reach the 45th floor with a separate small elevator continuing  to the top.   I remember how I would take the ride to the observation deck during a break from work to enjoy the spectacular views on a clear, sunny day.

With its 4 million bricks, 5000 doors and 8000 windows, I was proud to work at Carew Tower.  Somehow, I felt more connected to Cincinnati working in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle.  The kiosk directory, located next to the concierge desk,  listed some of the finest businesses in the city.

On a recent visit to Carew Tower, I noticed so many things had changed.  Hathaway’s Diner had moved, the shops that were once bustling during the weekdays had been closed and the Observation Deck had currently suspended elevator service to the top.  I had even learned that one of the last original tenants was moving out in a couple of months which only seemed to confirm the difference from when Carew Tower was my home away from home and where I had made so many great memories.

The Concierge was still at the desk when I had last visited, but he mentioned that there were plans to make this spectacular tower an apartment community.  His last day was the following Friday, so I wished him well and hoped that he would return once the renovations had been completed.

Have you visited Carew Tower?  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 time at Carew Tower and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:   513 579 9735

  • Admission Fee: $6 per person for guests ages 12 and up; $3 for children ages 6 – 11 and free for children ages 5 and under. Cash only.
  • Hours:  Observation Deck Hours: Open Monday through Tuesday from 9AM to 5:30PM, Friday from 9AM to 6PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 7PM.
  • Amenities:  Nearby shopping and retail
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Call ahead of time to ensure that the observation deck is open.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
35 West Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 421 9100

Where to Eat:

Hathaway’s Diner
25 West 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 621 1332

Serving downtown Cincinnati since 1956.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 2337

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

 

The Historical Simon Kenton Inn in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up in Springfield, I was well aware of several historical names associated with my town.  From George Rogers Clark to Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, one name stands out in the history of our city, Simon Kenton.

Friend to Daniel Boone, Kenton traveled to Ohio from Virginia and settled on 50,000 acres of land between today’s Springfield and Urbana.   Building a cabin on the outskirts of Springfield, his former property is now the Simon Kenton Inn and was the first white settlement in the state.

As a result of financial hardship, Simon would lose the land, passing it down to the McCord family in the early 1800s.  In 1828, the land was divided into parcels and sold.  The Hunt family, having made their wealth in textiles, moved from Princeton, NJ and settled on land they had purchased from the McCords.

Katie had taken my reservation and kindly greeted me when I arrived.  I decided to visit on Wine Wednesday with $1 off glasses of wine and found a great wine that would pair nicely with my meal.  I ordered the High Note, a Malbec with cassis and raspberry fruit flavors with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice.  Reservations are highly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays, where waits can take up to thirty minutes.

The Inn offers live music on certain weeknights and weekends.  Enjoying the music and the beautifully restored historic home, I was introduced to current owner, Theresa Siejack.  Energetic and passionate about her new adventure, Theresa was eager to talk about Simon Kenton Inn and her life experiences that led her here.

The house had been empty for three years.  There were lots of potholes on the road and many trees were down.  There was only one lit candle in the window.

Because of the holidays, Theresa was unable to go inside of the home until mid-January but as soon as she was able to visit, she made an offer within 10 minutes.  At the time of purchase, the housing market was doing well and she was able to secure the money for the purchase. With no inspection, she purchased this dilapidated old house on four acres for 250,000.  She had a vision, becoming the third owner of this property.

Originally from Baltimore, Theresa’s parents died when she was young and she was raised by her grandparents until they too passed.  Brought up in foster homes, she would marry young and join the Air Force as a flight nurse.  She retired after thirty years and one day, realizing she wanted to run a bed and breakfast.

With plans to stay in Ohio, she found her first opportunity in South Charleston and later decided that she wanted to make a home in Clark County.  Driving on the outskirts of Springfield with a friend on a cold and rainy day in December, Theresa noticed that the property was for sale.

My meal had arrived and it was absolutely delicious selecting the pistachio crusted salmon and cheesy risotto.

I was happy to continue our conversation as Theresa detailed the defining moment when she knew she had to purchase this  beautiful place.  She explained that in between the process of signing the papers and meeting for the official close,  she would drive up to the property to watch the sunset and enjoy the view from atop of the hill.  One morning, she noticed a woman on the property who was throwing feathers in the air as if conducting a ritual of some sort.  Theresa went to meet with this mysterious woman.  What the woman would say, was a foretelling of Theresa’s ownership of Simon Kenton Inn.

This woman stated that Theresa was going to be the next owner of the house, just as the spirits had told her.  She mentioned Simon Kenton’s Indian name and explained that she, herself, was a descendent of the Shawnee.  Theresa knew that this was the confirmation she needed and thanked Barbara for her visit. They would become long friends and Barbara would be able to provide additional information about the property and its role in the lives of the Kenton and Hunt families.  Barbara was also instrumental in developing the logo.

Theresa mentioned that when she cleared the attic of the home, she found wooden crates with the name Ischy Hunt, who was part of the Hunt family.  They were most likely used to carry their belongings for the east all the way out to this area in Ohio.

The property had a barn towards the back, but it was falling apart and she felt it could potentially be a hazard as children liked to go back to check it out.  She had it imploded and the remains were buried in the spot where it once stood. During construction, Theresa lived above the kitchen and there were loft rooms above the laundry as well.

In 2005, the property underwent a 1.1 million dollar renovation and an expansion was added in 2009.  A breezeway was later built to connect the two.

Recently the Inn hosted a Craft Beer and Wine event during their anniversary where 160 people attended. With 52 wines and 27 craft beers from 7 Ohio wineries and 12 Ohio breweries, the event was a huge success.

The inn is also a popular wedding venue with a large, covered seating area, gorgeous setting for photographs and overnight accommodations.

Theresa has big plans for Simon Kenton Inn to include further expansion and more events.  I’m looking forward to seeing what she  has in store for this, beautiful, historic place where the spirit of the Indians still roam.

Have you visited Simon Kenton Inn?  Did you enjoy a meal 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 dinner and discussion with Theresa at Simon Kenton Inn and wishing you many Happy Travels.

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

What to Do and What to See:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Stay:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

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: 

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