The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights, Ohio

31 December 202022 September 2024

Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts. I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.

Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio. From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31^st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.

For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank. In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.

Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town. For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel. I watched the men working in the auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.

A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional displays which are absolutely spectacular. Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop. through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.

The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect. You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.

One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank. From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.

After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies. I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.

Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family? I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below! Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

What to Read:

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:

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

The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display

The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene

1950’s style diner

The Ohio State Football Game

A re-creation of the Clifton Mill

Santa and his reindeer

NTPRD Chiller: Springfield, Ohio’s First Ice Skating Rink

1 December 201919 September 2024

On a hot summer day, I had the idea to escape the heat by visiting the NTPRD Chiller in downtown Springfield, Ohio. A complex that is a part of the City’s Parks and Recreation’s program, the ice rink also has a partnership with the Chiller Organization, associated with Columbus’ professional hockey team, the Blue Jackets.

I had the opportunity to talk with Chris, who explained that the rink sustains temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit so that they can maintain an ice thickness of 1 ½ inches. I While the rink is regulation National Hockey League (NHL) size, it is smaller than an Olympic rink.

The Chiller provides several children’s programs for children starting at the age of two years old and in addition, they host adult leagues as well.

Founded in 1993, the NTPRD Chiller is Springfield’s first indoor ice skating arena. The location is the perfect place to host birthday parties by renting out the mezzanine when the space is available. Wittenberg University and Wright State University’s hockey teams use the rink for practice, college games while high school programs are beginning to offer team sports here as well. Last year the organization hosted a cardboard bobsled competition where there were lose to fifty participants.

There are several opportunities for visitors to register for freestyle and public skate sessions when space is available. All visitors must register online and until further notice, visitors are required to wear masks due to COVID.

Skate rental are available for a small fee with a selection of over 800 pairs of skates. Sizes start at children’s 6 and they are also available for purchase through stores such as MC Sports, Dunhams and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

NTPRD offers hot dogs and Mother Stewart’s root beer at their refreshment stand for that much needed break off of the ice. So if you are looking for a great way to cool down in the summer, or sharpen your skating skills year around, check out NTPRD in Springfield, Ohio. Their online calendar provides a schedule for skating times, lessons and hockey games to cheer on your favorite teams.

Have you skated at the NTPRD Chiller? How was your experience? I would love to hear about your time spent at Springfield’s first ice rink if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my fun visit to The Chiller and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

NTPRD Chiller
301 West Main Street
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 323 RINK (7465)

Admission Fee: Admission $5 and Skate Rental $2; kids 5 and under are free.
Hours: Check out the Freestyle hours on their website
Amenities: Skate rental, snack bar, hockey leagues and ice skating classes
Tips for Your Visit: Book your reservations online. Wear a sweater or jacket if you plan on spending more time at the rink.

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:

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

What to Read:

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

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

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

Exploring Cincinnati’s Italian Heritage at CincItalia!

11 June 201918 September 2024

Cincinnati is known for its weekly Catholic festivals and the integral part they play, not only in raising money for the local parishes, but as a social meeting place among each of the churches. One of these festivals is the CincItalia, representing the St. Catherine of Siena Parish on the west side, which takes place at the Harvest Home Park each year.

The festivities began on Friday with an Adult-Only Carnevale celebration. Lasting from 6PM until midnight, the Italian food and wine flowed abundantly. This year, the Rusty Griswolds would perform on opening night, drawing large crowds to hear their favorite 80’s tunes.

I made my first stop at Gregorios to try the Arancini ($5), a Sicilian dish, made of rice with meat and cheese in the center, coated in bread crumbs and then fried. With a crisp outside and cheese-filled middle, this would only be the start of my Italian feast.

There were over 12 food stalls serving everything from Fried Calamari to Penne Pasta, hot dogs to pizza. A large selection of desserts included Italian favorites such as gelatos, ice and cannolis.

The Beer Garden was packed, but I was able to find a place to sit after waiting in the short line for a Prosecco.

The Rusty Griswolds were preparing for their first set as a large crowd began to gather near the stage. This band has been a local favorite in the early 1980’s when they were known as Free Reins. Having won a local rock station band contest, they performed for a few years until the band took a short hiatus. Reconvening in the late 90’s, the band changed their name to the Rusty Griswolds and bring large crowds to the venues where they perform.

With an amazing selection of Italian food, drinks and desserts, phenomenal 80’s music from the Rusty Griswolds, the CincItalia is one of the best Catholic festivals to attend each year.

Have you visited the CincItalia Festival or do you have a favorite Catholic festival in Cincinnati? I would love to hear about your experience or recommendations on where to visit next! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

CincItalia
Harvest Home Park
3961 North Bend Road
Cheviot, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 661 0651

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Street
Cincinnati, OH 45248
Telephone: 513 574 6000

Where to Eat:

CincItalia
Harvest Home Park
3961 North Bend Road
Cheviot, OH 45211
Telephone: 513 661 0651

I recommend the arancini, stromboli, prosecco and limoncello.

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.

Reclamation Brewing Co., Butler, Pennsylvania, NOW CLOSED

2 July 201816 March 2025

During a weekend visit to Butler, our family stopped by Reclamation Brewing Co. for lunch. It was a place that my brother had visited often and highly recommended their food….especially their Beer Cheese Macaroni.

As we passed the bar, the large chalkboard provided a list of their craft brews while a smaller board posted their daily specials. We placed our orders for drinks as we reviewed the menu and made our decision for lunch.

The kids ordered hot dogs and beer cheese macaroni and it looked absolutely delicious.

I was happy when my bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich arrived with a side of beer cheese macaroni while my brother and his wife ordered burgers and beer cheese macaroni as well.

We sat over lunch catching up and listening to the kids talk about their school. It felt like old times when my brother’s family had lived closer and it was so wonderful to see how much they had grown since my last visit.

Have you been to Reclamation Brewery in Butler, Pennsylvania? What was your favorite menu item? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat in Butler, PA:

Reclamation Brewery
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

Charming Portland, Maine

8 December 201716 September 2024

Approaching the historic city of Portland, I arrived from the south crossing Casco Bay Bridge. By way of 1A, I reached DiMillo’s on the Water for lunch. I was excited for fresh seafood and a waterfront view.

I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp and Wedge Salad as starters. There were so many amazing options on the menu, so I chose the Lobster Roll sandwich with a side of cole slaw. Absolutely amazing!

Tony DiMillo first opened his restaurant, Anthony’s in 1954 because of his love for seafood. Located on Fore Street in Old Port, Tony’s business flourished, bringing in business from both locals and visitors alike. Anthony’s continued to grow, moving to Center Street, and by the late 70’s, he purchased and reinvented the Long Wharf transforming it into “DiMillo’s Marina”. With 120 slips, boaters had the opportunity to dock and enjoy a fresh seafood meal with a spectacular view. The current restaurant opened in 1982 as “DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant” as the only one of its kind along the Upper East Coast, accommodating over 600 guests. DiMillo’s legacy lives on as his family continues to create an exceptional dining experience with incredible views of Portland’s Harbor.

Although I could have stayed here all afternoon looking out into the bay, I had planned to walk off my lunch and explore the Old Port. With its cobblestone streets, I found myself lost in time visiting the specialty shops and boutiques.

My curiosity brought me to the holy donut to try a Maine-style donut. Founded in 2010, Leigh Kellis uses a northern Maine recipe to create her amazing donuts. Her special ingredient is riced potatoes which provide “added flavor, texture and consistency” to her 24 different flavors of donuts, including gluten-free selections. I couldn’t resist ordering the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Maple Bacon flavors which were incredibly moist and absolutely delicious.

I was completely mistaken when I thought the Thirsty Pig was just another craft brewery and excited at the endless possibilities of pairing specialty hot dogs with local beers. From the BBQ Bahn Mi to the Viking, there is not a combination they haven’t created.

Luxurious yachts docked along the waterways are registered from multiple states along the east coast. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon than to tie up in Portland and explore the interesting port.

I would have never guessed that Portland was a cruise ship stop and it was such a wonderful surprise to see the Grandeur of the Seas docked in town for the day.

Approaching the end of my walk, I came upon an amazing artistic installation designed by Andy Rosen, a South Portland artist. Titled, “Unpack”, the display was created from fake fur, PVC pipe, foam, and aluminum piping. According to Rosen’s website, “The work imagines a pack of once domesticated dogs turned wild and abandoned on a pier waiting for their “masters” to return.”

And so, it was time for me to make my return back to Boston to prepare for a morning of meetings. I was happy that I took the time to visit the beautiful, artistic port town of Portland to explore its lighthouses, enjoy its deliciously fresh seafood and to experience its charm.

Have you visited Portland, Maine? I would love to hear about your visit and the things that you experienced here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Portland and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Holy Donut
177 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
Telephone: 207 331 5655

The Thirsty Pig
37 Exchange Street
Portland, ME 04101
Telephone: 207 773 2469

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04102
Telephone: 800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME 04101
Telephone: 207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read: