Krohn Conservatory – A Photographic Tour

5 March 201614 September 2024

The roads had recently been cleared of snow and I was ready to leave the house to witness this wintery wonderland. What better place to spend a cold, wintery afternoon than in the warmth of a conservatory?

From home, I arrived at the Krohn Conservatory within twenty minutes. Bundled up for the cold, I entered the warmer temperatures to a humidity that only comes from the tropics. It was a wonderful contrast to the bitter freeze outside.

I paid the attendant my admission fee and learned that I had arrived between two exhibits. Having missed the recent Christmas Exhibit, the conservatory was preparing for the Hatching Spring Blooms Spring Show. Parts of the conservatory were closed during the renovations but I was able to explore The Palm House, Fern House, Desert House and the Orchid House.

I picked up the pamphlet for the self-guided tour and entered the Palm House located directly ahead.

Taking the ramp to the right, I was greeted by palm trees and the soothing sounds of water. Crossing the bridge, I walked towards the back of the room where I noticed the waterfall. The exotic trees surrounding me included the Rubber Tree, Coffee Tree, Banana Tree and the Banyan Tree. The path led behind the waterfall for a unique perspective and continued on towards the exhibit’s exit.

Exiting through the handicapped door, to my immediate right was the Fern House, I was fascinated with the trees named from foods such as the Chocolate Tree, Starfruit Tree, and the Pomegranate Tree. The unusual Powderpuff Tree bore bright pink blooms that could have easily been found in a Dr. Seuss book.

Because the showroom was closed in preparation for the next exhibit, I exited the main building to reach the Desert House. I couldn’t help but notice a light snowfall and snow covered trees.

The Madagascar Palm was the first beautiful tree I noticed when I opened the door. Is it a cactus or is it a palm tree? An unusual plant, this palm is indigenous to the large island of Madagascar off the coast of southeast Africa. The arid temperatures were the perfect climate for a variety of cacti that thrive in a humid climate. Various pieces of artwork from clay sculptures to metal images were strategically placed around the exhibit.

Leaving the Desert House, I was excited to see the intense red blooms growing among thick thorny plants. The placard identified it as the Crown of Thorns, the Euphorbia milii. Referred to as the Christ thorn, these thick spikes were driven into the skull of Jesus during His crucifixion. I was surprised by the thickness and length of the barbs and could not imagine the pain He must have suffered at the hands of the Romans.

The final exhibit, the Orchid House is a small, intimate display. Showcasing a handful of orchids, there were various species of its kind, each unique and beautiful. Hearty, drooping clusters as well as dainty, fragile exhibits were available in a wide array of color.

An interesting selection of Carnivorous Plants was also thriving within the Orchid House. The Pitcher Plant was one of the most unusual of species, similar to the Venus Flytrap. In fact, they attract, trap and digest their prey, both in the similar manners. Because of its bright colors and sweet nectar, the Pitcher Plant lures insects into its chamber where they are then digested at the bottom.

As I made my way towards the exit, I couldn’t help but think about the movie, “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Waiting for one of these meat-eating plants to bloom into a life sized human eating machine, I planned my way of escape and happy to be alive.

Are you looking for local attractions and educational opportunities to visit in Ohio during the winter season? I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit if you would kindly leave your suggestions in the comments below! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Krohn Conservatory
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 5707

Admission Fee: Admission for adults is $7, for youth $4 (ages 5 – 17) and children 4 and under are free.
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM, closed on Mondays. Special hours on December 18 – 23: 10AM to 7:30PM; December 24: 10AM to 5PM and December 25: 10AM to 2PM
Amenities: rainforest, desert, butterfly show, seasonal exhibits, special educational programs
Scenic View: Interesting plants and exhibits
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There may be an additional fee for exhibits in addition to admission. The holidays are the best time to visit for the decorated displays.

Where to Stay:

Renaissance Cincinnati Hotel
36 E. 4th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 333 0000

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 3666

During my recent visit, I started out with the jalapeno ravioli, which was spicy and delicious. Depending on my mood, I will either order the grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak or the grilled Mahi Mahi which are both served over wild rice with peppers and onions.

Teak Thai Cuisine
1051 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 665 9800

UPDATE: This restaurant is now closed.

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Coming from the westside of Cincinnati from 50, heading east

Driving through downtown Cincinnati, heading towards Eden Park

The African Statue at the Krohn Conservatory

The Outside Snowy View from Krohn Conservatory

The Desert House

The Orchid House

The View of the Ohio River from Eden Park

A View of Covington, Kentucky and the Ohio River from Eden Park

The Madagascar Palm

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

26 February 201614 September 2024

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park system.

There are two trails within the nature preserve and I began my hiking adventure with the rim trail which is 2.5 miles long and promises some spectacular views.

A set of stairs leads to the start of the trail taking me along the top of the gorge.

Conkle Hollow’s Rim Trail

At the beginning of the trail there is a steep climb so a set of chains have been installed for hikers who may need some assistance to make it up the hill.

Colorful rock formations hide behind the trees.

Looking down into the gorge from the rim trail, it is no surprise that some believe this to be the deepest gorge in the state of Ohio.

Gnarly tree roots occasionally appear along the trail so it is important for hikers to be aware of them so they don’t trip, fall or become injured.

I carefully looked over the cliffside to determine how high I was standing above the gorge below. The views from here are breathtaking.

There are moments along my hike where I stop to take in the amazing scenery. I can only imagine this hike and how spectacular it must be in the fall when the leaves are changing.

Stunning Scenery

Cliff-Hanging Scenery

In the distance, frozen water hangs along the cliff of the gorge.

Another view looking down into the gorge

Fir trees stretching up from the gorge below

The challenges of hiking the Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

The Conkle’s Hollow Rim trail took me about 2.5 hours to complete which left me plenty of time to hike the Gorge trail below, a 1.2 mile loop. I am looking forward to exploring the gorge after having seen it from above. This will give me the opportunity to photograph some of the frozen waterfalls along my route.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature preserve Rim Trail? I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Road
Rockbridge, OH 43149

Admission Fee: There is no fee for hiking the trail.
Hours: Open daily
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you. Stay on the trail. Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins
22784 Purcell Road
South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Telephone: 614 599 1899
Website: https://www.hockinghillstreehousecabins.com/

Where to Eat:

JimBo’s Burgers and Beer
23356 State Route 52
South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Telephone: 740 332

What to Read:

Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed

Road Trip to Marietta, Ohio

19 January 201614 September 2024

Nearing Marietta, Ohio, signs are posted to remind travelers to drive with caution as the local Amish travel in horse and buggy.

I made several stops to photograph beautiful old barns.

It was a beautiful February day to drive from Columbus, Ohio to Marietta. Beautiful white trees against a blue winter sky.

Hereford ccws just a little curious as I drive the rural route.

The beautiful architecture of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, an amazing example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Magnificent sculptures on the churches in Marietta, Ohio

A small cemetery on the side of the road.

Church Rotunda, downtown Marietta

Downtown Marietta

The Ohio River along Marietta

The historic Lafayette Hotel

Unicorn Winery and Tea Room

The Castle

Views of the Ohio River

Adena Mound

It was an amazing fall day to explore Ohio’s southeastern town of Marietta.

What to Do:

Campus Martius Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

Admission Fee: Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Amenities: Free parking available at the rear of the museum and on street. Campus Martius Museum’s three floors of exhibits are wheelchair accessible, excluding the second floor of the Rufus Putnum House.
Guided Tours: Rufus Putnam House Tour Times: 10AM, 11AM, Noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM
Length of the Tour: 1.5 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative. Don’t miss the Rufus Putnam House and visit the nearby Ohio River Museum as well for more Ohio History!

Mound Cemetery
514 Cutler Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 4180

Admission Fee: Free admission
Hours: Dusk to Dawn
Length of the Tour: 1.5 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear tennis shoes for strolling around the cemetery where headstones date back to the Revolutionary War. Comfortable shoes will also be needed to take the stairs to the top of the Mound where benches await for a moment of contemplation and rest. Visit here after the Campus Martius Museum as many of the founders of Marietta are buried here.

The Castle Historic House Museum
418 4th Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 4180

Admission Fee: Adults: $10; Seniors (Age 60+): $9.50; Students (Age 5 to 18 College ID): $7; Children under the age of 5: Free and Group Rate (10 or more visitors): $9; Active Duty Military (with ID): Free; Family of Active Duty Military (with ID); Half price; AAA, AARP and AMAC Members: 10% off; Call in advance for group tours
Hours: Spring and Fall hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10AM to 4PM; Saturday & Sunday from 1 – 4PM. Summer Hours (June – August) are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 – 4PM, Sunday 1 – 4PM. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Amenities: Gift shop, Gift Certificates, Facility Rental and Virtual tours
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Dress comfortably and photos are not permitted in specified areas of the house.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
506 4th Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3643

Admission Fee: There are no admission fees but a donation is welcome.
Hours: Sunday Mass at 8AM and 10AM; Tours: 10AM to 6PM daily with no conflict with Masses, weddings or funerals.
Amenities: Gift shop, tours, pre-arranged lunches, free parking available behind the Basilica and is accessible off of Fifth Street, bus tour parking, wheelchair accessible.
Guided and Self-GuidedTours: Tours can be scheduled any time between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM as long as they do not conflict with Masses, weddings, or funerals. Self-guided tours take approximately 45 minutes, but you are welcome to visit as long as you wish. Copies of the tour brochure are available at the entrances of the Basilica. Group tours are also available.
Length of the Tour: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Call in advance for group tours and self-guided tours to ensure there are no conflicts. Bring a donation to off-set the cost for tours.

Ohio River Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

Admission Fee: Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. WP Snyder Jr., the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboat is open for tours daily at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
Amenities: Free parking available in the museum lot, outdoor exhibits, and facility rental. Exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
Guided Tours: Group tours can be scheduled in advance. Tours of WP Snyder Jr. are provided by The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative, especially aboard the WP Snyder Jr.

Where to Stay:

Layfayette Hotel
101 Front Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 800 331 9336

Where to Eat:

Harmar Tavern
205 Maple Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 8727

Known for its famous fried bologna sandwich!

The Buckley House Restaurant – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
332 Front Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 374 4400

The Red Snapper was absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink:

Marietta Wine Cellars
211 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 WINE

Unicorn Wine Guild
1816 Washington Blvd.
Belpre, OH 45714
Telephone: 740 423 1300

What to Read:

The Pioneers, by David McCullough

An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman, and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras: Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE:

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States: Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California: San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California: San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan; Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

United States: Ohio

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015. Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

Alum Creek Lights is now Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

22 December 201531 August 2024

For nearly twenty years, Alum Creek has hosted a spectacular light show for the Christmas holiday. Hundreds of cars arrive for the drive thru event which features piped in music and thousands of lights on display. Visitors are invited to stop by Cross Creek Camping Resort to visit Santa and enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa. The event, now known as Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, begins on November 17, 2016 until January 1, 2017.

Fantasy of Lights

Rejoice!

Noel Display

Joy to the World

Santa’s Ship

Snowball Fight!

More Snowball Fun

Nativity Scene

Holiday Lights

God Bless the USA

Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas Lights

Happy Holidays!

What to See and What to Do:

Butch Bando’s spectacular light show is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Weekend hours for Friday and Saturday are 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Entrance fees for the event are calculated per vehicle as follows: Cars (Monday – Thursday): $20; Cars (Friday – Sunday): $30; Limos, Large Vans and Motor Homes: $40 while Motor Coaches up to 30 people: $60; Buses and Large Motor Coaches: $100

Alum Creek State Park
Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
Telephone: 740 548 4631

Cross Creek Camping Resort
3190 S. Old State Road
Delaware, OH 43015
Telephone: 740 549 2267

Where to Stay:

Staybridge Suites Columbus Polaris
9090 Lyra Drive
Columbus, OH 43240
Telephone: 614 880 9080

Where to Eat:

House of Japan
8701 Sancus Blvd
Columbus, OH 43240
Telephone: 614 781 1776

This is my favorite restaurant close to home in Dublin and I love to stop here when shopping in Columbus because they have the freshest sushi.

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

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

The Best Carbonara at Michael Anthony’s in Versailles, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

15 December 201516 March 2025

UPDATE: Michael Anthony’s has been temporarily closed due to a fire as of October, 2019.

On my last trip to Versailles, Ohio, I sampled wines at The Winery at Versailles and found the Michael Anthony’s restaurant at the nearby inn. I had invited my Aunt Jackie to meet me for an afternoon of wine tasting at the winery and an early dinner downtown.

The host seated us near a loarge picture window where we could admire the charming town of Versailles. We began our visit with a Cabernet Sauvignon and placed our order for the house pasta Fettuccine Carbonara and the Chicken Parmisian.

Our server brought us warm bread with extra virgin olive oil, spices and cheese. I loved the presentation and the ability to add as much as we wanted to create our own dipping sauce.

As our server began to approach our table, I could smell the amazing scent of cheese and bacon. The beautifully prepared dish was just as delicious as it looked.

Jackie was just as amazed by the beautiful serving of breaded chicken topped with a red sauce and plenty of cheese. This restaurant specialty was decadently rich and we each shared our meals for an amazing experience at this Euro-American bistro.

We ordered an additional glass of wine instead of dessert, but knew that we would need to visit again someday, eating maybe a little lighter fare and indulging in a number of amazing sweets.

The time seemed to disappear as we caught up on family and made plans for another visit to a nearby restaurant and winery. I can’t imagine we will find anything as exciting as this, but it is always great to try.

Have you visited Michael Anthony’s in The Inn at Versailles in Versaiiles, Ohio? I would love to hear which meal you ordered and hear your opinion as to whether you would make plans for a return visit. Please leave a message or comment in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my dinner at Michael Anthony’s restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Michael Anthony’s in the Inn at Versailles
21 W. Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 W. Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Where to Eat:

Michael Anthony’s at the Inn
21 W. Main Street
Versilles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant, Manchester, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

10 November 201531 August 2024

UPDATE: Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant is permanently closed.

Gorgeous vineyards overlooked the Ohio River and a secluded gazebo offered privacy to guests who wanted to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant. Sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett shared the airwaves as I waited for my wine tasting on the second story balcony with a riverfront view. I flipped through the menu and found myself immediately drawn to this mystical place, so I read the fascinating decades of history that had eventually led to the opening of the winery.

It wasn’t long and the fifteen small pours of wine were delivered to my table. I could smell the fruit from the wines and slushies on the tray and was so excited to start my tasting.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, it is a dry white with a clean finish, very smooth with a beautiful clear color; it has a slight sweet aftertaste.
The Vidal Blanc is an estate grown grape that is also very clear in color and I find it to be a little drier, yet smoother than the Chardonnay.
River Valley White is a moderately sweet estate blend that has a sweeter smell with a dry finish that lands towards the back of my tongue.
Merlot is full bodied with an oak taste that I absolutely enjoy.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full bodied dry red and it is absolutely perfect for a Cab.
Chambourcin is an estate grown wine.
River Valley Red is another moderately sweet estate blend with a perfect balance of sweet and dry. It has a fruitier taste than the Cabernet Sauvignon.
Country Home Red is the most popular wine at Moyer Winery and Vineyard and it is a sweet red made from the Concord grape. Smelling like grape juice it has a rich, full jammy taste.
Blush is a semisweet with a hint of Concord, which makes this wine such a beautiful color, a light pink with a very light smell it has a floral taste at the finish.
Strawberry fruit wine smells just like fresh picked strawberries that I could enjoy as an after dinner drink for dessert or poured over ice cream.
Red raspberry is the winery’s most popular fruit wines and it has a delicious, full berry flavor.
Peach is light and delicate and it has a refreshingly sweet taste.
Strawberry sangria made my heart sing with its strawberry jam flavor that was crazy amazing.
Peach sangria tastes like nectar and has been created with perfection with a wonderfully rich taste.
Mixed berry sangria tastes like a Jolly Rancher hard candy and could drink any one of their sangrias on a daily basis (I really could!…yum).

I paid for my tasting and ordered the country home red, strawberry and peach wines and was so sad that they did not bottle their amazing sangria. I walked the grounds of the restaurant and had permission to wander through the vineyard where they grow the winery’s estate Vidal Blanc, DeChaunac and Chamborcin grapes.

When I returned to the restaurant, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Hamrick one of several owners who discussed how he became associated with the winery and his current involvement with the restaurant. He was happy to share with me some fun facts about the history of the property which is fascinating as you can read for yourself:

Situated on prime riverside real estate, the River By Restaurant opened in the late 1920s offering Nickelodeon music, square dancing and bootleg beer (oh yes, prohibition!). I imagined boats tied up to the riverbank and the latest Ford model-T cars parked along the side of US 52. Women wearing their flapper style dresses and wearing choche hats to accentuate their coiffed bob hairstyles. While their dates are sporting slim dark suits, matching vests and a fedora hat….just a place to get together for the evening, dancing the night away.

In the mid 1930’s the barn-like structure built close to the restaurant became a training ring for amateur boxers. Cincinnati’s Ezzard Charles, a professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion was known to have made an appearance or two.

The restaurant would be hit hard by the flood of 1937 where six feet of muddy water made its way to the present day dining room. By the late 1940s, the restaurant would be converted into a private gambling club called “The Top Hat” and would eventually become a truck stop in the 1950s and 60s.

Ken Moyer’s dream to become a vintner would transform the property into a winery that originally offered bean soup, French bread, cheese and of course, wine. He later added the gorgeous deck with relaxing views of the Ohio River and his wine list continued to expand with their production of fabulous wines. At the height of the winery’s success, the Moyers decided to sell their business. A close group of their dear friends were entrusted to maintain the winery and restaurant with as much love and care as Ken and his wife Mary had done over the past 27 years. From where I was sitting, my conversation with Ken only proved that the restaurant would continue with its success.

Have you visited Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant? Did you order dinner and try their fabulous 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 visit to Moyer Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 2957

Where to Stay:

Riverhaven B&B
407 West Front Street
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 1999

Where to Eat:

Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
3859 US Route #52
Manchester, Ohio 45144
Telephone: 937 549 2957

Have dinner at Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant! I recommend the River Valley Salmon and save room for the Toasted Pecan Caramel Ball!

Photo Guide for Moyer Vineyard Winery & Restaurant:

Views of the Ohio River from the second story winery
Gazebo along the Ohio River
The Vineyards

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

6 October 201531 August 2024

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family. With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July. Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon. We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot. So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold. We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores. It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard. There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast. The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat. Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet. With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet. Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan. Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada. Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner. Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake. What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan? Stayed on Long Lake? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Plan a Visit to Buckeye Lake Winery for Ohio Wine Month in June

22 September 201531 August 2024

What better place to enjoy a bottle of wine than alongside the beauty of Buckeye Lake in Ohio? Buckeye Lake Winery was my first choice for a girl’s day of wine tasting, so I called a couple of my Columbus girlfriends to join me and began our 25-mile road trip to Thornville.

We arrived at 11 AM when the winery opened and was met by the winery’s proprietor, Tracy Higgenbotham and a large truck of fermented grapes arriving from Napa Valley. Tracy welcomed us, provided us with menus and excused himself for a moment while we decided on what to order for lunch.

Within minutes, we had ordered several wine samples, the charcuterie plate, Boursin with Pecan & Honey and the Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread. Several other options we considered were the Brie Wedge with fruit and a house made port reduction, Buckeye Lake Winery’s signature Winery Chips with a garlic cream sauce, bleu cheese, Parmesan and scallions as well as the Caprese Flatbread. One look at the brunch menu and we all agreed we needed to make reservations soon to share the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Chatting it up with Tracy, he was eager to tell us about the winery and his previous experience visiting California’s wine country on business trips. With his passion for great food and delicious wine, he and his wife Laura opened the winery to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio. Tracy explained that he works directly with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and the Russian River Valley, personally selecting the grapes that go into making his wines. Wine production begins at custom crush houses where the grapes are fermented and then he coordinates the shipping of the product to complete the aging, blending and bottling of the wine in Ohio.

While most of Buckeye Lake Winery’s wines come from grapes in California, Tracy knows that the Ohio wine drinkers like their sweet wines and has collaborated with local Ohio grape growers to make the winery’s popular Sweet Lake View.

White Wines

Lake View White – Dry White Wine, California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is clean, bright and fruity $23 / $7
Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley: This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is minerally rich. It has a honeysuckle and pear taste $24 / $7
Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California: Bright floral notes with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and a clean finish. $26 / $8
Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 10 months and is clean and bright with hints of smoky toasted oak vanilla, green apples and pears. $32 / $9

Red Wines

Lake View Red – Dry Red Wine, Lodi California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is full bodied with a soft finish. $29 / $8
Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months and has hints of black cherry, blackberry and oak with a soft finish. $32 / $9
Zinfandel – Lodi, California: This wine is produced with grapes from 100 year old vines and is barrel aged for 18 months. It is jammy, spicy and rich with a velvet finish. $43 / $9
Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months in oak barrels and is rich, robust with black cherry flavor and a hint of dark chocolate and tobacco. $75 This wine is sold by the bottle only to Wine Club members and is not included in wine tastings

Ohio Wine

Sweet Lake View, Ohio Wine: Sweet Lake View is produced and bottled at Buckeye Lake Winery. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has hints of citrus, peach and honey $18 / $6

Prices are subject to change, so visit Buckeye Lake Winery’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Our lunch had arrived and we could not stop raving about our selection. The Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread was spectacular with a perfect mix of saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness of the figs and caramelized onion with bursts of garlicky goodness. The charcuterie plate was a generous portion of meats and cheeses (homemade goat cheeses with either apricots or blueberries), a few grapes, olives and French bread with a delicious marmalade. We could not wait to dig into the Boursin with Pecan & Honey but waited to make it our dessert to this divine trio of small plates.

While it would have been lovely to have dined inside of the wine cave, we found a table outside so that we could enjoy the soothing view of Buckeye Lake. We shared a bottle of Chardonnay, Zinfandel as well as our meals while catching up on the latest gossip. We shared photos, secrets and happily stayed longer than planned. Feasting on spectacular meals and delicious wines, enjoying the spectacular views, we couldn’t help but feel that we had truly arrived in Napa.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Buckeye Lake Winery? What did you think of the fabulous wines and food? What were your favorite wines and menu items? I would love to hear about your experience sampling wines at the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for catching up with me at Buckeye Lake Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Where to Stay:

Best Western Lakewood Inn
122 Arrowhead Drive
Hebron, OH 43025
Telephone: 866 599 6674

Where to Eat:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Buckeye Lake Winery has extensive menu of starters and meals that have been customized to pair with their wines.

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

Visit Historic Dublin, Ohio

15 September 201531 August 2024

I settled into Dublin, Ohio after moving from San Clemente, California and loved the charm of this lovely Midwest neighborhood. While I have since moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, here were some of my favorite places to visit.

Historic Dublin, Ohio is located on the corners of Bridge and High Streets. Once an area home to the Scioto Indians, Dublin is a sought-after suburb in Columbus. There are several business districts, a large number of restaurants and shopping venues with a historic district that has maintained its appeal.

La Chatelaine, a French Bakery and Bistro, made its debut in Dublin in 1991. I couldn’t wait for Saturdays to purchase Brioche rolls for the week and choose from their large selections of fresh pastries as well. From chocolate croissants to coconut macaroons, I enjoyed selecting a few for a late afternoon indulgence.

Happy Hours are best spent at the Dublin Village Tavern. Before prohibition, the Tavern was only one of the many pubs that lined the street. Considered one of the rowdiest, it is most certainly referenced in this ballad. “Dublin, Dublin, city of beautiful roses, Gouged out eyes and bloody noses, If it weren’t for the solid rock foundation, It’d be gone to hell and damnation!” Fortunately, this lovely town is not as rambunctious as it once was and the Village Tavern is a great place to meet up with friends and make new ones.

Jeni’s Ice Cream (now Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream) was also a frequent stop throughout the week. When out-of-town friends would stop for a visit, it was always such a great excuse to visit. The company makes “one-of-a-kind flavors with Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and super fresh milk from family dairy farms”. My favorite flavor was Queen City Cayenne which was a spicy, chocolate ice cream, but I am also a fan of the Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel, Gooey Butter Cake and Buttercream Birthday Cake. There are so many amazing flavors!

For an amazing steak in historical Dublin, my favorite restaurant is Oscar’s Bar and Grill. With a lovely, rustic setting, this restaurant offers an incredible selection of entrees, but in my opinion, their finest dish is the 8 oz. filet. For a side dish, my go-to options are either the cranberry balsamic salad or the fried Brussel sprouts.

Looking for an Italian restaurant in historic Dublin? Look no further than Mezzo. From Arancini to Winter Squash and Radicchio Salad, there is a large number of dishes to satisfy that Italian craving. For starters, the Truffle bread is one of my go-to selections but I am also tempted by the Cheese & Charcuterie board when I am dining with a friend or two. My favorite soup and salad option is the Wedding Soup and Salmon Kale salad, but if I want a hearty meal that tastes like Italy, I can’t wait to dig into a Margherita Pizza or the rich, filling Carbonara. Somehow, I always find room for the Spumoni or an after-dinner Limoncello liqueur.

J. Liu is the perfect place when you are craving Asian-inspired dishes. My only problem is that the offer so many delicious appetizers, that I have a difficult time making a choice. My favorites include the crab rangoons, spring rolls, potstickers and the lettuce wraps. However, if I’m in the mood for an entree, I can never go wrong with the miso salmon or the poke bowl.

What to See and What to Do:

Le Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro
65 W. Bridge Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 763 7151
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 8AM to 3PM
Tip for your visit: Arrive early for the best selections and breads and pastries.

Dublin Village Tavern
27 S. High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 766 6250
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11AM to 11PM; Sunday from 12PM to 9PM;
Tip for your visit: Order their eggrolls and house-made chowder!

Oscar’s of Dublin
84 N. High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 792 3424
Hours: Lunch: Tuesday – Friday from 11:30AM to 2:30PM; Dinner: Monday – Saturday from 5PM to close.
Tip for your visit: Make reservations ahead as this restaurant books up during the summer.

Mezzo
12 West Bridge Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 889 6100
Hours: Monday from 4PM to 9PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4PM to 10PM; Thursday from 11:30AM to 10PM; Friday and Saturday from 11:30AM to 11PM; and Sunday from 11:30AM to 9PM.
Tip for your visit: The restaurant is now serving lunch!

J. Liu Restaurant and Bar
50 West Bridge Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Telephone: 614 718 1818
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 11AM – 9PM; Friday: 11AM – 10PM; Saturday: 4PM – 10PM and Sunday from 4PM – 8PM
Tip for your Visit: Bring lots of friends and order lots of appetizers!