Tag Archives: Ohio

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of July

As the summer heats up, enjoy some time outside with some of these fine ideas for exploring Ohio in the month of July.

 

Ohio Wine Month Featured Winery: Old Mason Winery

Parking near the large pole barn, I noticed the dark clouds and picked up my  umbrella as I exited the car.  I was happy to sample a few local wines at Old Mason Winery in nearby Miami County which had opened its doors in 2013.  I entered into a beautifully transformed pole barn, decorated with light colored brick and  granite counter tops.

Several tables with chairs were open in the tasting room, so I took a seat near the beautiful fireplace.  Reviewing the menu, Donna stopped by to provide me with a tasting sheet and explained that I could select five wines in either 1 or 2 ounce pours.  There were so many options available that included:

  • Frontenac, a dry red wine with cherry over tones and characteristics of black currant, plums, leather and vanilla, aged on American Oak.
  • Marquette, a complex ruby colored wine with notes of cherry, berry, black pepper and spice
  • HyBlend is a blend of Frontenac and Marquette grapes. Fermented dry and then aged on American and French Oak, this smoky smooth wine satisfies.
  • Chambourcin – smooth, French oak, smokehouse and earthy

  • Sunlight – This white wine is made from local Cayuga grapes and is fermented dry.  With a slight citrus aroma, it has a crisp citrus taste.
  • Vidal Blanc – a hybrid white grape fermented dry provides a crisp and clean fruit flavor and texture
  • Traminette – a semi-dry white wine with a floral scent and fruit aromas.  The flavor is rich with hints of pear and honey.
  • La Crescent – a sweet wine made with 100% Estate grown grapes.
  • Nature’s Ink – smelling like a fruity Flintstones vitamin, you can tell the sweetness compares to the other Noiret grapes. With a  berry taste / green and black pepper, raspberry and mint, this wine is dry and has tannin structure
  • White Blossom – This white wine is made of three varietals that give it notes of melon with a slight citrus flavor on the finish
  • Dark Rose- a berry flavored wine best served chilled
  • Niagara – typical of Niagara with its off-putting smell, it has an average taste

  • Statesman – my favorite from the list, this is typical Ohio wine with a cherry finish
  • Razz – made from raspberries
  • Apple Blend – made from apples
  • Cool Mango – made from apple and mango

In addition to the Statesman, I also enjoyed the Razz, Cool Mango and LaCrescent and don’t forget their slushies.

As I left Old Mason Winery and Vineyard, the rain had let up and I noticed the picnic area.  I would love to return when the weather is clear.  Surrounded by open fields and lush green grass, the rural setting would be perfect for a picnic.

Have you visited Old Mason Winery & Vineyard in West Milton, Ohio?  Which wines did you drink?  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 Old Mason Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Ohio Mason Winery & Vineyard Inc.
4199 South Iddings Road, West Milton, OH  45383
Telephone:  937 698 1122

  • Hours of Operation:  Monday – Thursday from 12 – 6; Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 and closed on Sunday
  • 10% discount on a case of wine

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of June

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of May

 

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of March

Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place.  Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations.   Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ.  It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years.  Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs.  From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs.  On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed.  This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3.  Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC.  One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone.  Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.  This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs.  Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone.  The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC.  The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings.  The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance.  Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years.   Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it  is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high.  It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum.  The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes.  This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones.  A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away.    Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected.  He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger.  With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”.  Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East.  Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC.  Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs.  The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels.  The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace.  These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt.   The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows.  Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight.   One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display.  Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library.  While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”.  The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal.    Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece: 

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels.  I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea.  This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory.  Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum.  These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles.  While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome: 

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs.  From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples.  What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull.  Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east.  The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite.  The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC.  There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland.  Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum?  What was your most fascinating memory of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London?  Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London!  Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone:  +44 20 7323 8000

  • Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
  • Amenities:  scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
  • Scenic View:  Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
  • Length of Visit:  At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone:  +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu.  I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas.  I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries.  From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat: 

  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
  • Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
  • Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
  • Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
  • Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
  • Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
  • Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
  • Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
  • Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
  • Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
  • Scones at Gail’s Bakery
  • Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
  • Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
  • Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
  • Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
  • Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read: 

  • A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
  • A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
  • Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
  • Act Like It by Lucy Parker
  • Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
  • London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
  • My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
  • Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
  • The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London: 

  • The Lobby of the British Museum
  • Covent Garden Market
  • St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
  • Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
  • The houses of Notting Hill
  • The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel 
  • Saturday market at Portobello
  • For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
  • The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
  • Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
  • Street art in Shoreditch
  • Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
  • South Bank for photos of the Thames
  • Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
  • Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

You’re at Home at Meranda-Nixon Winery, Ripley, Ohio

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Located in Ripley, Ohio, east of Cincinnati, is Meranda-Nixon Winery.  Surrounded by beautiful vineyards in a gorgeous rural setting, this winery is the perfect location for scenic views, total relaxation and much-needed wine therapy.

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The charming winery looks like a page out of Country Living  magazine with its fashionable displays and bottles of wine for purchase.   It was a busy Saturday morning and the tasting bar was crowded with wine enthusiasts and first time visitors. Eagerly waiting to ease into an open spot, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on several conversations to decide which wines I wanted to sample.

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Maura Meranda, co-owner of the vineyard, reached over the crowd to hand me a wine list and welcomed me to the winery.   I began my tasting with the Chardonnay, described as “aged in oak barrels…starting with a buttery flavor followed with a toasty oak flavor with a hint of lemongrass and butterscotch followed with a pleasant citrus finish”.  This complex wine is full of flavor and has a heavenly, buttery smell (Imagine an oaky hot buttered popcorn…yum!).  It won the 2016 Gold Medal Winner in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Easing into the semi-sweet wines, the Trotter White Wine is my next selection which has “tropical flavors with a smooth finish. Summer in a bottle!”   This would be a fabulous wine chilled and enjoyed on a hot summer day.

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The winery’s 2014 Catawba Estate wine is described as “a wonderful blush wine balanced with raspberry and strawberry flavors”.  I loved the sweet hints of fruit that lingered for a perfect, smooth finish and decided to purchase a bottle to enjoy later.

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Sparkling wines are oh-so-fabulous and there is nothing better than a cold bottle on a hot summer day or for a lovely, winter celebration.  Meranda-Nixon’s Estate Sparkling Catawba is absolutely refreshing, winning a Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition.

Crossing over into red wine territory, I am ready to try the Red Oak Creek, a “blend of Traminette and Norton grapes and is aged in stainless steel.  This semi-sweet wine has pleasing berry and raspberry flavors.  Enjoy room temperature or chilled.”  I had just recently been introduced to the Traminette grapes, which I learned is a French-American hybrid native to the state of Indiana.  Known to sustain cold temperatures, it is resistant to fungal diseases and is a popular grape among Ohio wine makers.   The Norton grape, however, was quite new to me.  Used in producing a more dry wine, the Norton was first grown  in the state of Virginia gaining popularity in the 1830s.

For a great wine to drink with burgers, the winery produces their Estate Cabernet Franc which is described as a wine which has “cherry flavors followed by hints of vanilla and a smooth peppery oak finish!”  (Pepper?  I am always looking for that perfect spicy wine).

Winning the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition is the 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that is a “ruby red wine with black cherry notes from start to finish with hints of vanilla and tobacco.”  This wine comes highly recommended with steak.

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Although they only had a few bottles left, Maura poured me a sample of the 2013 Estate Norton.  One of their best wines to date, it won the 2015 Silver Medal in the Ohio Wine Competition.  I enjoyed the smooth, complex taste of this “full bodied, deep ruby red wine that has a little bit of a tart, sweet and bold berry flavor.  It has a delicate but smooth oak finish and is aged 12 months in 100% American Oak!”

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Enjoying the combination of pepper and vanilla, the 2013 Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc was one of my favorite wines at Meranda-Nixon.  This grape grows well in southern Ohio due to warmer temperatures so the grapes can ripen on the vine prior to harvest.  “Black cherry on the mid-palate…it shows complex aromas of freshly crushed fruit (blackberry and plum) pepper and tobacco. Velvet smooth tannins, dense and rich, this elixir fills every corner of the mouth its decadence.”  In addition to winning Best of Show, it also took home the Double Gold Medal in the 2016 Ohio Wine Competition.  James Suckling, former editor of Wine Spectator, compared Meranda’s Cabernet Franc to those wines made in France.

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With a two-hour drive home, I decided to complete my tasting and stock up on a few of my favorite wines.  This has been one of the best wine tastings I have experienced in Ohio to date and the wines are of superior quality.  But don’t take it from me, even their dog Lucy likes to chew the corks.

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I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Maura Meranda to learn more about the history of the winery and to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful view.  She explained to me that her husband Seth grew up in Ripley on his family’s tobacco farm.  With over 100 acres, they provided tobacco for Philip Morris until 2003.  Having purchased half of the farm, Seth and his late wife Tina decided to start a vineyard with only three acres.  In 2007, they opened the Meranda-Nixon Winery, planted more grapes and made wine until her passing in 2012.

Seth’s passion for winemaking continued the operation.  He later met Maura and they were a perfect match for producing some of Ohio’s fabulous award winning wines.  What impressed me the most was that I also had the opportunity to meet their children.  It was such a pleasure watching them work alongside their parents and providing tours of the vineyards.  At the age of 15, Austin was so knowledgeable about the wine-making process and telling me about the grapes they grow in the vineyard (I see a future winemaker in the making).

My visit to Meranda-Nixon Winery was more than just a tour and a tasting.  They are a family that loves to share their desire to make great wines. They are committed to giving their visitors an enjoyable experience with an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing.

You may arrive at Meranda-Nixon Winery as a guest, but don’t be surprised if you leave this beautiful place feeling like family.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Meranda-Nixon Winery?  I would love to hear about your visit if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, Ohio  45167
Telephone:  855 651 9188

  • Hours: The winery is open from 1PM to 8 PM on Friday and from 11AM to 6PM on Saturday.  Monday – Thursday, the winery is open by Appointment only. The winery is closed on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

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

Voted one of the top Bed & Breakfasts by Cincinnati Magazine in 2001.

Where to Eat:

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000

What to Read:

  • Ripley, Ohio It’s History and Families, by Eliese Bambach Stivers
  • Beyond the River: The Untold Stories of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad, by Ann Hagedorn
  • His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad, by John P. Parker

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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

Endless Views of Lake Erie from Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I was surprised I had never heard of the Lake Erie Islands when a friend asked me if I wanted to spend a long weekend exploring Put-in-Bay.  Curious to learn more about this popular Ohio vacation spot, I found that Put-in-Bay is a town on one of the thirty-three islands that make up the Erie Islands archipelago.  The three most visited in Ohio include Kelleys Island, South Bass and Middle Bass islands off the shore of Port Clinton.

The drive was nearly three hours from Dublin so we checked into the Sleep Inn on OH-53 to drop off our luggage and have lunch.  We found this great Mexican place next door and had a couple of drinks and tacos at Casa Las Palmas.  Just over 10 minutes and we reached the parking lot to catch the ferry, courtesy of Miller’s Ferry, which dropped us off at the island.  We had the option to walk or wait for a  bus to drive us into town, so we chose the bus for a $2 fee.

The bus dropped us off at the edge of town where we immediately recognized its charm as we found ourselves at the corner of Main Street and Langram Road.  Deciding to reach the pier, we made our way through the large tree-filled lawn.  To our right I noticed a large Doric column out of the corner of my eye which looked more like a Washington DC monument than an Ohio memorial.

We had some drinks at the Boardwalk and then wine at Put-in-Bay Winery overlooking the lake taking in the boats docked in the harbor.  It was the perfect day to slip into the nearby bars for a drink and bar hop the afternoon away.

A long sidewalk arrives at the base of the tower which connects downtown Put-in-Bay to East Point.  We arrived at entrance within minutes from the pier and paid the $10 entrance fee.  With sunny skies and miles of visibility, I was looking forward to reaching the top.

We boarded the elevator to reach the platform with 360 degrees of breathtaking views.  Sailboats and speedboats dotted the crescent shaped harbor.

A closer look at the peninsula that rounds out the moon-shaped edge of the island, shows beautiful homes with gorgeous views of Lake Erie’s clear water.

The monument was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who fought against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie.  With his famous motto, “Don’t Give Up the Ship”, Perry took control of Lake Erie, which helped win the War of 1812.

A map of the site where the war took place has been engraved in steel on the observation deck.  Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was first built in 1915 to represent the long-lasting peace between the United States, Canada and Britain.  Standing 352 feet above Lake Erie, it is the tallest Doric column in the world.

The copper rotunda at the top of the tower is decorative and stylish.  In memory of those who fought in the battle, the names of Perry and the six soldiers who lost their lives are commemorated on its walls.  The bodies of the six have been buried under its rotunda.

Standing 47 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty, Perry’s Memorial is the only international peace memorial in the US National Park System and ranks high on my list of things to do in Put-in-Bay.

Have you visited Put-in-Bay, one of Ohio’s Lake Erie vacation spots?  What were some of the activities that are on the top of your list?  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!

What to See and What to Do:

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument
93 Delaware Avenue
Put-in-Bay, Ohio  43456
Telephone:  419 285 2184

Where to Stay:

Sleep Inn, Port Clinton
947 OH-53 N
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 732 7707

Where to Eat:

Casa Las Palmas
4000 E Harbor Light Landing Drive
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 734 6593

What to Read:

  • Put-In-Bay books by Robert Adamov

Photo Guide for Put-in-Bay:

  • Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
  • Front entrance gate at Cedar Point
  • Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island
  • Inside Crystal Cave, Put-in-Bay
  • Sunset from West Bay, Kelleys Island
  • Lake Erie Love signs, Nickel Plate Beach, Huron and Waterworks Park, Port Clinton
  • “Greetings From” murals, Port Clinton and Vermillion

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