Tag Archives: Mansfield

Things to Do in Ohio in November

Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar.  As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour.  For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

  • Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99  per bottle
  • Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
  • Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice.  $13.99 per bottle
  • Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
  • Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend.  A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity.  $14.99 per bottle
  • Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart.  Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
  • Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar.  The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family.  Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985.  Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne.  Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines.  Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate.  French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun.  Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience.  There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion.  With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze.  The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online.  Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock.  Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu.  From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery  to sample some of their amazing 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 fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do: 

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH  43219
Telephone:  614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH  43230
Telephone:  614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls:  wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Exploring the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield, Ohio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to See and What to Do:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road to Buxton:  Crossroads of Snyder and Hagerman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

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

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

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

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

A Famous Wedding Takes Place at Malabar Farm State Park

Hollywood seems so far from Ohio, but for a pair of movie stars who wanted to escape the limelight of Los Angeles, Mansfield became the perfect location to wed and escape the paparazzi.

I began my visit to Malabar Farm State Park at the home of Louis Bromfield, standing on the front porch of the farmhouse.   I looked out onto the open land and could see stately maple trees and endless rolling hills. It was a beautiful sunny day for a tour of the house followed with a wagon ride around the property.

Walking across the threshold, I was surprised to hear the theme of the Mickey Mouse Club playing on the grand piano where a small crowd had gathered.

The grand entrance of the home included beautifully restored wooden floors and elegant wallpaper. Original Audobon prints were displayed on the walls as well as artwork from friends and family.

I imagined Mrs. Bromfeld preparing for her day as she checked her daily planner or making calls on her rotary phone to confirm an appointment.  Would she have planned a lunch date with her girlfriends,  booked her weekly facial or scheduled a fitting for a gown before a special event?  I couldn’t help but allow my mind to wander about the endless possibilities.

While the home was in great condition, there was evidence of wear and tear as displayed in the downstairs’ half bathroom.  The floors were stained and the walls could have used a little upgrade.

The artwork was unique in each room with a variety of paintings.  One of my most memorable moments was gazing into several beautiful farmland photos by artist Grandma Moses, who took up painting in her late 70s.

In 1896, Louis Bromfield was born in Mansfield, graduating high school in 1914. He attended Cornell University to study agriculture and after one semester, returned home,  Helping his grandfather with the farm, Bromfield became injured and put his education on hold.

A year later, Bromfield returned to college at Columbia University to study journalism. As WWI began, he learned that there was a shortage of ambulance drivers and decided to join the military.  It was here that he met, Walt Disney, Ernest Hemingway, Ray Crock and Gertrude falling in love with the French countryside.

Bromfield returned to the United States after the war and lived with his sister, a pianist living in New York City.  While here,  he became a Broadway critic in his early 20s and wrote for the entertainment section of the New York Times.

Often drinking at the local bar, it was here that Louis met Humphrey Bogart.  Ironically, Louis had just recently given Bogart a bad review of his play,  suggesting Humphrey give up acting.  Despite the negative press, they somehow became great friends.

In 1921, Louis married Mary Appleton Wood, a rich socialite whose father owned Appleton Publishing Company.  Honeymooning in Paris, they returned to Mansfield and built their beautiful property.  Mary wasn’t thrilled to live at Malabar Farms and made it clear that she stayed because of her love for her husband.

The Bromfields had three children, Anne, Hope and Ellen.  Their photos  were displayed on the mantle of the fireplace located in the guest room.  Hope and Ellen would go on to marry and have lives of their own living in Montana and Brazil, respectively.   Anne had never married and lived with her father until his death.

Thirteen of Bromfield’s forty books were best sellers and based on his experiences on the farm.  Some of his most recognized works include The Green Bay Tree, Lost Generation and Autumn Wind.

In addition to writing books, Louis was also a screen writer as well as a member of New York’s “Cafe Society.”  His income was an impressive $2500 per week.

In 1938, Walt Disney employed Louis to write the screenplay for the story of Ferdinand and to supervise its animation.  Based on the popular children’s book from 1936, I was surprised to learn that the production was considered a short film, lasting under eight minutes.  Cells of the animated works were presented to Bromfield’s daughters and are on display at Malabar Farm.

Bromfield was known for his love of dogs, especially boxers, where at one time he had eighty of them on the farm.

Louis Bromfield’s novel, “The Rains Came” became a movie in 1938.  An aspiring actress from the 1930s and 40s, Myrna Loy, starred in the film which is based on the story of a British aristocrat who moves to India with her husband.  She meets a gentleman and befriends him but becomes enamored with a surgeon who doesn’t take much notice of her.

Years later, Louis would receive a call from Humphrey Bogart that would transform the farm into a wedding chapel for two of America’s most beloved stars.  It was here, in 1945, where Humphrey wed Lauren Bacall despite their 25-year age difference.  The decision to marry at Malabar was to escape the paparazzi and press of Hollywood.  They arrived in Mansfield under police escort as they immediately applied for their marriage license at the courthouse.  The wedding ceremony took place that day in the presence of their beloved friends and they departed for Hollywood the next day.

The Bromfields decorated their living room similar to their space in Paris.  Because they loved to entertain their guests, they temporarily removed furniture to make way for social events.  The mirrored wall is covered with 48 stars of the 1939 American flag.

One of my favorite spaces in the house was the large dining room with its elegant chandelier and casual sunroom.  On the white table, there were several wedding photos and a copy of their marriage certificate on display.

Exiting the kitchen, we were invited to board a tractor pulled hayride.  Ready to explore the rolling hills and the surrounding tall trees, we passed by the family cemetery, a large pond, the Bromfield barn and the Malabar Farm Restaurant.

The hayride dropped us off at the barn and I was excited to see several animals boarded here.  The rambunctious baby goats chased each other within the enclosure.  I couldn’t help but stay to watch them play for awhile before deciding to have lunch at the nearby Malabar Farm Restaurant.

Bromfield led a colorful life before returning back to his native home of Ohio.  Malabar Farms, the 32-room mansion standing in the midst of 600 acres of farmland in Pleasant Valley, was once the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning Louis Bromfield and the setting of a Hollywood wedding.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Malabar Farms State Park?  Did you tour the Louis Bromfield home?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Malabar Farms and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

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

Malabar Farm House – The guided tour of the Bromfield family house lasts 75 to 90 minutes and is not recommended for small children

  • Admission Fee: $6 per adult, $5.40 for seniors, $4 for youth and no charge for children 5 and under
  • Hours:  April: Sat – Sun at 11AM and 2PM most weekends. Call ahead.  Memorial Day through Labor Day:  Sunday to Thursday: 11AM & 2PM, Friday and Saturday:  11AM, 2PM and 4:30PM; Labor Day through October 31st:  Tuesday through Sunday 11AM and 2PM;  November and December:  11AM and 2PM; November – December:  Saturday through Sunday:  11AM and 2PM most weekends. Call ahead.  No tours on December 24th, 25th and 31st;  Closed January through March.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Call ahead of time for tour dates and times.

Where to Stay:

Landoll’s Mohican Castle
561 Township Road 3352
Loudonville, OH  44842
Telephone:  419 994 3427

Where to Eat:

Malabar Farm Restaurant
3645 Pleasant Valley Road
Lucas, OH  44843
Telephone:  419 938 5205

This restaurant has amazing farm-to-table menu items.  Try the Maytag Bleu Filet Mignon.

What to Read:

  • Pleasant Valley, by Louis Bromfield
  • The Farm, by Louis Bromfield

An Authentic Audubon Print

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

Reflecting Back Over 2018 Travel and Blog Posts

What a great year for travel!  From conquering France to exploring the Wild West of the United States, it was a wonderful year of exploring 2 continents and 5 countries. There were past memories of travels gone by as well as discovering amazing sites in my own back yard! Here are some of my favorite photos from this years’ travel blogs and the amazing journeys I experienced in 2018!

Asia

Philippines

Naomi’s Heart Mission in the Philippines:  A Day of Travel 

Flying Into Hong Kong Before Reaching the Philippines

Caribbean

A Port Day in Dominica

The View of the Cruise Ship in Dominica

Puerto Rico

Walking Tour of San Juan:  Part 1

The Raices Fountain in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Walking Tour of San Juan:  Part 2

The Cementerio de San Juan

Raices Restaurant

Authentic Puerto Rican Costumes at Raices Restaurant

Sunny San Juan

My First Mofongo Experience

Europe

Italy:  Rome:  St Peter’s Facade

St. Peter and the Keys

Monaco:  A City of Wealth

The Wealth of Monaco

Monaco: The Port of Monaco

Strolling the Port of Monaco

Spain:  Barcelona and Its Architecture

La Sagrada Familia

Middle East

Israel

Bethlehem:  Shepherd’s Field

The Chapel of the Angels

Bethlehem:  The Church of the Nativity

The Altar of the Nativity

Turkey:  The Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace

United States

United States:  California

Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua Tree

La Jolla Cove, California

+120312 La Jolla Cove Beach

Beautiful La Jolla Cove, California

+120312 Seals on the South End of La Jolla Cove

Seals at La Jolla Cove, California

A Day in Morro Bay

Visiting the Rock at Morro Bay

A Weekend in San Diego

The Coronado Hotel 

United States:  Connecticut

East Haddam

United States:  Georgia

Savannah

Strolling Through Savannah

United States: Maine

Acadia, Whale Watching and Visiting the Doubling Point Lighthouse

Acadia National Park

Enjoying the Coast of Maine in Rockland

Kayaking Near Owl Head Lighthouse, Maine

United States:  Massachusetts

Salem

Touring the House of the Seven Gables

United States:  Michigan

Oswald’s Bear Farm

Feeding a Baby Bear at Oswald’s Bear Farm

United States:  Nevada

Harrah’s, Las Vegas

008 Harrah's Hillbillies

Slot Winners at Harrah’s

Las Vegas

001 Las Vegas Airport

Welcome to Las Vegas!

United States:  New York

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

The Gorgeous Falls on the US Side

United States:  Ohio

Cincinnati:  The Blind Lemon

The Patio in Winter

Cincinnati:  Krohn Conservatory

Exploring Krohn Conservatory

Columbus:  Inniswood Hike

Strolling through Inniswood Metro Park during Winter

Columbus: Zoo Lights

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

 

Ohio Festivals:

The Banana Split Festival

Making our own Banana Splits at the Banana Split Festival

Medieval Life at the Renaissance Festival

Exploring the Ohio Renaissance Festival

United States:  Ohio Wineries

A.R. Winery

Buckeye Lake Winery

Gervasi Vineyard

Entering Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio

Charcuterie Plate at Gervasi Vineyard

Henke Winery and Restaurant

Hundley Cellars

Lakehouse Inn and Winery

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant

Vinoklet Winery

Winery at Versailles

Yellow Butterfly Winery

United States:  Rhode Island

Cliff Walk

A Furry Friend on Cliff Walk

United States:  South Dakota

Deadwood

Mount Rushmore

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Visiting Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

United States:  Wyoming

Wyoming, Cody

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Beautiful Landscape from Cody, Wyoming

It is amazing how much ground one can cover in a year!   This year will be another amazing travel year!  Where did you go in 2018?  Do you have any plans for this year?  I would love to hear from you! Leave a message in the comments section!   Happy Travels!

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

 

Malabar Farm Restaurant, Mansfield, Ohio

Malabar Farm Restaurant re-opened in May of 2021 having closed due to the 2020 COVID Pandemic.  In addition to its spectacular menu of mouth-watering food, this eatery is a beautiful historic site.

My first experience visiting Malabar Farm Restaurant was in tandem with a tour of Malabar Farm, former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Louis Bromfield.  During the hayride, our driver pointed out the restaurant and suggested the Reuben sandwich and their famous mushroom soup, so I couldn’t resist.

The location of the restaurant is on prime real estate – a former home located inside of the park, owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  The two-story residence was built by frontiersman, David Schrack in 1820, made of brick and local sandstone.

I was immediately seated at an inside table and ordered the restaurant’s signature passion fruit tea which was spiced with a little cinnamon.  I was already set on the mushroom soup but couldn’t help considering the crab cakes with remoulade sauce.

The soup arrived steaming hot so I allowed it to cool down for a few minutes.  Silky smooth and seasoned perfectly, I enjoyed every last spoonful.

A table beside me had ordered the meatloaf and was raving over their meal, focusing on the taste and texture of the  gravy. The portion size was enormous and it smelled amazing, but I had just finished the bowl of soup.  I placed my order for the sandwich with a side of kettle chips.

My Reuben sandwich was served on marble rye and stuffed full of corned beef and sauerkraut.  Oozing with thousand island dressing, my meal was full of flavor and perfectly prepared.

In preparation to leave, I requested a take-out box and gave my regards to the chef.  Of course I was completely satiated, but I couldn’t help asking myself, should I place an order for the meatloaf to-go?

Malabar Farm Restaurant was a wonderful experience and I hope to return.  I love supporting businesses that make their home in historical places, in an effort to conserve history.  Do you have a favorite historical place?  Have you had the opportunity to visit Malabar Farm Restaurant?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Malabar Farm Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Malabar Farm Restaurant
3645 Pleasant Valley Road
Lucas, OH  44843
Telephone:  419 938 5205

The Malabar Farm Restaurant is open year-round.
Tuesdays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.