Tag Archives: hometown

Lunch at Teaberry’s, Springfield, Ohio

Update:  As of December 26, 2022, Teaberry’s and Heart of Ohio Gift Shop has closed. 

Restaurants can bring on a nostalgic feeling and I felt that as I entered Teaberry’s in Springfield.  I remembered visiting craft stores when I was younger and vividly recollected the menu of home-cooked meals.  I was so happy to be visiting here again to try some of the cooking that reminded me of my favorite lunches we shared at my Grandmother’s house.

We were seated straightaway and our server took our drink order.  It was a hot sunny day in my hometown and so I ordered the lemonade, trying to decide on what I would have for lunch.

Once I had decided on the chicken salad sandwich with cauliflower salad, I took time to read the historical account of Teaberry’s learning that the restaurant had once been a two-room schoolhouse in Clark County, built in 1868.  It later became a home, a gift shop and the restaurant was added in 1998.  Today, Teaberry’s has expanded by adding five rooms to accommodate up to 120 guests.

The serving of chicken salad was overflowing from the perfectly baked croissant, lightly toasted with a think layer of butter.  The broccoli salad was dressed with a sweet and salad dressing, which was absolutely delicious.

Of course I had to save room for their famous “orange cakes”, which were moist and full of flavor.  Completely full, we had time to shop  and found a few items to decorate my home and gifts for the upcoming holiday.   I’m not sure which I had enjoyed more…the lunch or the shopping, but both were quite enjoyable.

Have you visited Teaberry’s in Springfield?  What was your experience and did you eat and shop?  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 lunch and shopping at Teaberry’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Heart of Country Gift Shop
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505

Where to Eat:

Teaberry’s
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505

What to Eat:

  • Chicken Salad
  • Reuben Sandwich
  • Orange Cake

Rudy’s Smokehouse Barbecue in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up, one of my summer jobs was working at Perkins on Upper Valley Pike.  It was a temporary position, but it was such a great opportunity to stay in touch with some of our great family friends and to meet new ones.  I will never forget the day that I first met the owner, Rudy Mosketti and his family.  They owned the three franchises in my hometown and were always so kind when they visited.

During a holiday visit to my hometown, I learned that the Perkins was no longer in business, but that the Mosketti family had opened up a barbecue place and I couldn’t wait to try their pulled pork. My friends had been raving about the restaurant and provided me with some suggestions on what I should order.  It was fun listening to their advice and recommendations.

Entering the restaurant, I could hear the tunes of John Mellancamp on the radio and stood back from the counter to look at the menu.  I had already made up my mind to order the barbecue sandwich, but there were so many sides available and I could select two.  From baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, homemade chips, hush puppies, potato salad, scalloped potatoes, French fries, mac n’ cheese, scalloped corn and sweet potato casserole, this was going to take some time.   After a few moments, I placed my order, prepared my drink and sat down at a table until my food was ready.

Within a few minutes,  I picked up my sandwich along with my sides of coleslaw and mac n’ cheese.  Sitting down, I added some additional sweet barbecue sauce to my pork, which was provided at the table and added a little slaw to my sandwich.

I loved the cheesiness of the macaroni and creamy tanginess of the coleslaw.  The portion sizes were quite generous and nearly halfway into my meal I was beginning to feel full.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish the meal and I was happy to have some leftovers for the next day and besides, I was prepared to listen to the best advice that my friends had given me about Rudy’s….

Save some room for their no-bake chocolate cookie!  And of course, they were right…

Have you been to Rudy’s Smokehouse or have a favorite barbecue spot?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Rudy’s Smokehouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

I love supporting Christian organizations who are generously giving back to their communities, so if you are ever in town, please visit Rudy’s Smokehouse as he financially supports the amazing community of Springfield.

Where to Eat:

Rudy’s Smokehouse
2222 South Limestone Street
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 324 0884

Rudy’s Boxed Lunch includes:

a sandwich (Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Bourbon Chicken and Beef Brisket for an additional $1;

two sides:  Potato Salad, Fresh Potato Chips, Cornbread, Hush Puppies, Scalloped Cornm Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Green Beans with Bacon, Scalloped Potatoes, Mac N’ Cheese

and a cookie!

A New Watering Hole Opens in my Hometown of Springfield, Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company was not without controversy when it first applied for its permit as an upcoming craft beer maker in Springfield.  Taking its name from a founder in the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement, Eliza Daniel Stewart, affectionately known as “Mother Stewart” would have been turning in her grave had she known.

I first came across the name, Mother Stewart while touring The Heritage Center of Clark County to learn more about the development of Springfield, once known as the “End of the Road”. She was known for her opposition of alcohol, claiming its negative influence, enticing working men away from their families.  She made it quite clear her stance on alcohol and encouraged the prosecution of saloon owners as a key player in the Women’s Crusade of 1873 – 1874.

According to the founders of the brewery, Kevin and John Loftis, the name was not intended to disrespect Mother Stewart but rather pay homage to her and her cause.

The brewery is located downtown in a rustic industrial warehouse that was once the largest metal casket maker in the world, Springfield Metal Casket Company.  Accessible through a back alley, Mother Stewart’s has been a gathering place for locals offering indoor and outdoor activities as well as concerts and events.

The 36,000 square foot building stood vacant for several years and was worn down and wavering on the edge of condemnation.  Broken windows and decaying brick have all been replaced and renovated to house the expansive brewing operation.

My first visit was the year that they had opened when they were only serving four beers.  The last time I had checked their website, that were serving seven homegrown brews, rotating several seasonal options in the mix.

Sitting at the long bar, I was excited to try their American Pale Ale and look forward to visiting again soon to attend one of their upcoming events and sample a few more great brews.

Have you visited Mother Stewart’s in Springfield, Ohio?  Did you attend one of their events or stop by for a beer tasting?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do: 

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company
102 W. Columbia Street
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone:  937 717 0618

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

More favorite Springfield eateries:

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

Where to Drink: 

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