Tag Archives: Newark

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of May

 

A Girl’s Trip to Turkey and Greece: Arriving in Istanbul

It was June and my best friend, Melissa was trying to put together a girl’s trip to Turkey and Greece.  She had spent last summer there and wanted to bring a group of us to experience these amazing countries with the friends she had made there.

At the last minute, I learned that I would have to leave early because of an FDA audit, but I was so excited to meet up with our friends, old and new, for an opportunity of a lifetime.

From left to right:  Shawna, Amye, Melissa, Trish, Me and Maria

Since each of us lived in different states, we met together in Newark enjoying drinks and snacks at the United Club’s lounge.  Most of us had arrived early, so it was a long day of waiting but so much fun catching up and getting to know each other.

We decided to have dinner at the airport before our flight and agreed upon Vino Volo.

Our flight was scheduled for an evening departure the flight but was continuously delayed until we learned that the pilot bringing in the flight had too many hours and therefore, the Istanbul flight was cancelled.

We found a local hotel for the evening and would be back the next day in hopes of catching the next flight out.

We woke early the next morning only to learn that there had been a shooting at the hotel so we were sequestered in the lobby until they could finish their investigation.  About an hour later, we called a taxi and began our quest for reaching Istanbul the next day.

We were able to board a flight to Frankfurt instead of the direct flight we had attempted the night before.  At least we would be closer to our destination and have more opportunities in the event there were more flight cancellations.

Our flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul was a couple of hours away, so we found a corner to drop our bags and wait while Melissa took care of all of the details.  We had fun listening to music from Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, which became our trip’s theme songs.

As the time approached to check in, It was down to the wire. We were worried that we would be split up so that some of us could make the trip and the rest would follow.  Luckily, they had just enough seats for all of us and we were becoming more excited about our arrival into Turkey.

I had the perfect seat to watch us land into Istanbul.  The sun was shining and we could see the beautiful city and the Bosporus.

As soon as we had arrived, Melissa’s friend Timur had met us at the airport.  He had arranged a couple of cars to pick us up, provide a driving tour of the city.  We had a few minutes to stretch out while we were in the heart of Istanbul and I couldn’t get enough of this amazing city.

After strolling around for a couple of hours, we continued our carpool tour escaping near accidents with wild drivers and narrow tunnels.  The sound of car horns is prohibited adding to the charm of the Old Town and its cobblestone streets.

The traffic was in full force as we had arrived during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.  Locals filled the streets and vendors were selling their Turkish Taffy (Ottoman candy) and trinkets.  Restaurants were open as usual but hardly filled due to the fasting that is required of the Muslims during this time.  We found a cute little cafe for lunch, ordered pita bread with hummus and drank the local beer.

Timur was hosting a welcoming party so we decided to go back to his extravagant house along the Bosporus.  Timur is an art dealer and has done exceptionally well in the city.  He was so happy to host us, enjoy some time at his home and then go out on the town for the evening.  We were excited to have the opportunity to spend time with him and learn more about the customs of Istanbul and make plans for our afternoon in Istanbul the next day.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Istanbul?  Were you on a guided trip or had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals to take you around?  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 first-ever visit to Istanbul and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Contact a Local Tour Guide to take you around the city!

Where to Stay:

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul
Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No. 10
Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 522 32 00

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub and Restaurant
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110  Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:  +90 212 520 09 90

Tip:  Take the elevator up to the rooftop for spectacular views of the Blue Mosque and surrounding area.

What to Eat: 

  • Baklava:  made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
  • Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle.  The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
  • Iskender Kebab:  thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
  • Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
  • Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
  • Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
  • Turkish Delight:  a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
  • Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt.  A must try.
  • Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh.  Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
  • Turkish Ravioli:  dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read: 

  • Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
  • The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
  • My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
  • Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul: 

  • Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
  • The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
  • The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
  • The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
  • Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
  • Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
  • The Grand Bazaar
  • Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

Buckeye Winery in Newark, Ohio

Passing through Newark on my way home from Pennsylvania, I stopped by Buckeye Winery to pick up a couple of bottles of fruit wine and slushie mix.  I had visited a couple of months prior after shopping at the Canal Market, a short distance away.

Stepping into the shop, the décor made me feel as though I had been transported to a charming Italian vineyard with a seating area to enjoy a glass of wine. The shop within the winery is extensive with all wine-related items.

The winery makes wines using the finest juices outsourced from premium grape producers around the world.  From Chardonnay to Zinfandel and fruit wines in between, Buckeye Winery offers one of the widest selections of Ohio-made wines in the state. (See the list and pricing below from the date of my visit.)

Scanning through nearly fifty wine options, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to purchase a glass or a bottle of wine.  When I noticed they offered wine slushies, I couldn’t resist.

Another service Buckeye Winery offers is the ability to make your own wine by booking a session with the winemakers.  The result is close to 30 bottles of wine from the grape/fruit juice you select with specialty labels of your choosing.

On Saturday nights, the winery offers free entertainment where you can come together over homemade pizzas and cheese plates.  And of course, there’s wine.

What to See and What to Do:

Buckeye Winery
25 North 3rd Street
Newark, OH  43055
Telephone:  740 788 9463

Open Tues to Thurs from 12 – 7
Fri & Sat from 12 – 9

The list of wines and pricing per bottle may have changed. They offer 50 cent tastings and offer their wines $5 per glass.  Please contact their website for updates.

Reds: 

  • Luna Rossa – Harvest Moon – $14
  • Montepulciano – Jack’s MP – $14
  • Merlot – Cardinal Red – $16
  • Shiraz – Kanga* – $14
  • Cabernet Shiraz – Aussie – $14
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Red River – $14
  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot – Trio – $14
  • Malbec* – $14
  • Zinfandel (dry red) – Tecumseh – $14
  • Pinot Noir – Ruby Red – $14
  • Chianti – Buckeye Red – $14
  • Sweet Red – Bourgeron Rouge – $12
  • Cherry – $12
  • Plum – $12

Whites: 

  • Chardonnay (unoaked) – Whitetail – $16
  • Pinot Grigio – Trillium – $14
  • Sauvignon Blanc – $14
  • Gewurztraminer – Intrigue – $14
  • Luna Bianca – Moonrise (oaked) – $14
  • Libfraumilch – Farmboy – $14
  • Riesling – Buckeye White – $16
  • Farmer’s Daughter (Sweet Wine) – $12
  • Moscato – $12

Blush: 

  • White Merlot – Satisfaction – $12
  • White Zinfandel – Celebration – $12
  • Pink Moscato – $12

Sparkling Wines (available by the bottle only):

  • Sparkling Watermelon – $15
  • Sparkling Acai Raspberry – $15
  • Sparkling Green Apple – $15
  • Sparkling Root Beer – $16.50
  • Sparkling Liebfraumilch – $16.50
  • Sparkling Moscato – $16.50

Fruit (Sweet) Wines:

  • CranApple – Holiday CranApple – $11
  • Green Apple – Forbidden – $11
  • Kiwi Pear – Nature’s Wonder – $11
  • Peach Apricot – Afternoon Delight – $11
  • White Cranberry – $11
  • Strawberry – Sweet Summertime – $11
  • Watermelon – $11
  • Acai Raspberry – Razzle Dazzle – $11
  • Blackberry – Brambles – $11
  • Blueberry – Berry Blue – $11
  • Cranberry – $11
  • Pomegranate Wildberry – Eternity – $11
  • Sangria – $11
  • Wildberry – $11
  • Apple Pie – $14
  • Cotton Candy – $14
    • Try this mixed with strawberries!
  • Maple Wine – $14
  • Pumpkin Pie – $14
  • Jalapeno Wine – $14
  • Bloody Mary with 1/2 Jalapeno Wine – $5

Dessert Wines – $6 per glass and 75 cent tastings

  • Cabernet Franc Ice Wine – Red Ice – $21
  • Riesling Ice Wine – Buckeye Ice – $21
  • Port – Sweet Harbor – $12
  • Coffee Port – $15.50
  • Caramel Port – $15.50
  • Chocolate,  Raspberry Port – Sweet Holiday Harbor – $15.50
  • Raspberry Mocha Port – $15.50

Wine Slushies are $5 per glass!

Canal Market District in Newark, Ohio

Fresh fruit and vegetables, new products and crafts were just a few of the items available at the Canal Market District in downtown Newark.

Opening in 2016, the market began with close to ten vendors and offered a summer schedule of local entertainment.

 Some of the amazing merchants I met included Nay and Terry Dismore from Pretzels with a Twist.  Their company offers miniature gourmet pretzels with lots of flavor.  From ChipotleQue to Peppermint Cocoa, there is a fantastic combination for any pretzel lover.

JC’s Lemonade was such a refreshing drink and I absolutely loved the pineapple twist flavor.

The marketplace was once a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal which passed through this space in the early 1800s. Horse-drawn boats would transport goods along the 308 miles of waterway until 1913 when the Great Dayton Flood destroyed much of its banks, aqueducts and locks.  A beautiful black and white mural memorializes the canal’s culture and history.

The market is located at 36 East Canal Street and is open on Fridays between 4 – 7PM from May through October.  While there are several downtown restaurants, food trucks are also available for food and for those who prefer to drink, Canal Market District is also located in the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), allowing person s aged 21 and older to buy alcohol.  In addition, the Canal Market District’s covered pavilion may be rented to host weddings and memorable occasions for up to 190 attendees.

What to See and What to Do:

Canal Market District
26 East Canal Street
Newark, OH
Telephone:  740 527 0420

Where to Stay:

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
50 N. Second Street
Newark, OH  43055

Where to Eat:

Bummie’s On Main
400 West Main Street
Newark, OH  43056
Telephone:  740 522 0730

Best Reuben sandwich in town!

The Liebster Award: Nominating Fellow Travel Bloggers for their Exceptional Talent

I want to extend a humbling thanks to the wonderful staff of bohotraveller at http://bohotraveller.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award, an award by fellow travel writers who in turn recognize other  writers for their amazing contribution to travel!   I am overwhelmingly grateful for the recognition as I had recently started sharing my travel adventures this year!  Here is what bohotraveller had to say about my travelblog:

A travel bug bit her when she was a little girl and her passion for travel increased multifold when she took up a job as Assistant Purser on the SS Vera Cruz. What hooked us to her blog was the amazing collection of pictures from around the world and her coverage of Arizona just blew us off our feet. So before we spill more beans on her, why don’t you pay a visit to her on https://www.thesuitelifeoftravel.com/ and get in touch with this lovely traveler!

Many thanks to bohotraveller for taking an interest in my blog and for the nomination!   It has been such an amazing experience to share stories with others who are just as passionate about travel as I am!  I look forward to posting more information that I hope can be helpful to all my readers with their travels and thank you for your continued support!  I can’t thank you enough for the honor, bohotraveller!  Muah!

Having accepted this nomination, I have answered the ten questions that were provided by bohotraveller and have thoroughly enjoyed this process as it has taken me back to some of most memorable adventures!

Question 1:  Tell us a little about yourself.  And do add something that we do not know about you!
Travel is my passion and I currently work in pharmaceuticals on the research development side of the industry.  I have been an active traveler for most of my life living on both coasts of the United States! I am an insane lover of all animals, especially cats, big or small and have one of my own named Sammy.  When I was in the sixth grade, I won the highest honors for a singing contest for the state of Ohio!

Question 2:  What is your blog about and when did you start? 
My blog is a compilation of travels that I have experienced both internationally and in my backyard.  You can find an opportunity to write a story if you just look for it and explore the places that interest you, even in your own hometown!  My first blog post was published on January 1, 2014!

Question 3:  Why did you feel the need for a blog?
I have always been fascinated by travel writing, and kept journals of my cruise ship life and all of the travels I had experienced since my early vacations.  I did not have the courage to submit my writings to be published, but my friends and colleagues encouraged me to start a blog as a way to keep up with me and my travels.  And voila! It has since become a passion and second career, to say the least!

Question 4:  What is your most favourite destination till date?
Working on cruise ships, this was always the question I dreaded to answer.  Mainly because each place that you visit will usually make an impact on you in one way or another.  But to be fair in answering, I would have to say Bali, Indonesia, for several reasons.  It was my first major solo travel trip with the help of a Balinese friend that I stayed in contact with over the years since my cruise ship days.  Secondly, I was invited private Hindu ceremonies that brought me closer to the culture of the Balinese.  Finally, if you have ever seen photos of Bali, you can see the beauty in the island and the diversity that you can experience here!

Question 5:  What is next on your bucket list?
I have a bucket list that seems to be unending.  This year I will be hitting Madeira, Portugal, Vietnam and Cambodia as well Nova Scotia and New Brunswick!   Next year I have already begun planning my two top bucket list items which are trips to Israel and Machu Picchu!

Question 6:  If you could live only in one place all your life, which place would you choose and why?
I have always been fascinated by the Italian culture and their way of life.  I would have to say that living in Tuscany would be the ideal place for my laid-back personality and love of wine. The only drawback would be that the weather can be cold at times.

Question 7:  What is the biggest challenge that you have ever faced in your travels to date?
Having missed my connecting flight to Venice, I worked with the ticketing agent to “creatively” create an itinerary that would allow me to arrive before the cruise ship for which I was scheduled to embark the next day.   Within a 24 hour period, I had visited five countries.  The route went from Newark, NJ where I was to fly into Heathrow, England and taxi to Gatwick.  The time to reach Gatwick was too short, so the agent booked me on a flight to Frankfurt, Germany.  Upon arrival they immediately provided me a ticket to Paris, France, as there were no seats available for Venice.  From Paris, I boarded the final leg of my flight, finally arriving in Venice, Italy!   I was about 10 hours late from my initial arrival, but I somehow managed, with the help of the airline staff, to make it before my cruise the next day!

Question 8:  You are a seaside person or a mountain person?  And why?
Maybe it’s my living on cruise ships for so many years, that I love the sound of water and love to watch the waves crashing on the beach.  It is such a therapeutic experience for me to smell the salty air and sink my toes in the sand.

Question 9:  Apart from travelling, what else do you really enjoy doing?
Photography!  From family photos to landscape and animals, I absolutely love to capture incredible sights on film!

And with that said, I want to once again thank bohotraveller for their kind words of introduction, the nomination and keeping in touch for some travel inspiration!

For some, travel is an outlet that takes one to a whole new level in understanding culture, seeing the beauty in the world and experiencing an education that you can’t always find at home!  This is what I found in MY nominees for the Liebster award!!

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