Tag Archives: Ohio

Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation.  The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends.  Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997.  Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles.  While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling.  The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace.  A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape.  In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings.  The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres.  As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s.  Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local.   Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling.  I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio?  What was your favorite wine?  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 winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone;  419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

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

St. Ives Winery: Cable, Ohio

Updated:  St. Ives Winery has closed. 

Rolling hills and farmland led me to the small town of Cable, Ohio where I would stop by St. Ives Winery to sample their sweet wine and craft brews.  The lovely countryside brought me to  their tasting room, a small beige pole barn trimmed in maroon and decorated with patriot hostas and day lilies.

St. Ives is known for their meads made from local honey and their delicious ciders sourced  from nearby orchards in southern Ohio.  Creating a variety of options in small batches, the winery draws visitors from the surrounding counties.

The winery is owned by husband and wife team, Ryan and Heather Hostetler.  They started their business in 2014 out of a love for making beer.  Their journey began when Heather encouraged Ryan to purchase a home brew kit.  Within six weeks, he had  successfully created their first brew and the business grew to making wines as well.

I started my sampling adventure with their blush wine made from raspberries and dragonfruit.  A lovely shade of pink, this blush is light and semi-sweet.   Moving on to the next wine a red, made from pomegranate was incredibly crisp and refreshing.  My final sample was “Your Mom’s Peach” a white wine which tasted like fresh peaches.  I couldn’t resist and bought a bottle of each wine to have on hand for summer.  

Sitting at the counter, a book club group of women arrived and sat at a large table ordering several bottles of wine.  They had brought with them their own food and snacks and were so kind to offer me a cheese plate.  The winery allows for visitors to bring in their own food and snacks and can also order pizza from a local parlor which is delivered in minutes.

Have you visited St. Ives Winery in Cable, Ohio?  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 lovely visit to the winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

St. Ives Winery
6932 Cable Road,
Cable, Ohio  43009
Telephone:  740 649 2832
Hours:  Friday 5 – 9; Saturday 2 – 6; M – Thursday call for appointment

A Day with Melissa in Miami Beach

Melissa and I met while working at the Tampa International Airport.  I would eventually move to Ohio and she to Miami, but we always managed to stay in touch.  I loved staying with her in Miami and our visits always revolved around incredible restaurants, last minute outings and late night stops at the grocery.

My flight arrived early Friday, so I would have a long weekend before leaving for Ohio on Monday morning.  When I arrived at the airport, Melissa met me at the gate and since she had another hour to work, I waited in the United Airlines Club.  Raquel would also be joining us after stopping at home to change before going out.

Mel was excited to show me around the art space of Wynwood with its 20 foot murals and collages.  We shopped at several of the retail stores and strolled through the art galleries before lunch.

A small group had begun to form outside of Wynwood Bar & Kitchen but within minutes we were seated and looking over the menu.  Known for its small plates, USA Today ranked the restaurant as one of the 10 Best in Miami.  Executive Chef Joseph Forest has created an innovative menu, while the walls are adorned with artwork from Shepherd Fairey and Christian Awe.

Along with our specialty drinks, Mel ordered the ceviche, Raquel,  the Spanish charcuterie and I decided on the pork belly with a side of bok choy.  We knew we would be going out later that night but this would tie us over until then.

We arrived at Mel’s condo on Miami Beach, I grabbed my suitcase out of the back seat of the Porsche and we dropped off the car with the valet.  As soon as we walked in the door of the condo, I dropped off my bags in the guest room and went straight for the balcony.  The view is incredible from up here and there was a nice breeze coming in through the sliding glass door.   Melissa brought out a couple of cocktails and we waited for Raquel, Sam and a few other friends of Mel’s before we went out.

Once everyone arrived we decided on dinner at Mila’s on Lincoln Road for a party of eight. It was the perfect night with a light breeze and beautiful, clear sky.  We ordered several dishes to share and a few drinks before going back to the condo.  We made a quick stop at the W Hotel to catch up with the locals and after about an hour, we decided to go back upstairs.

I honestly can’t get enough of this incredible view….

Have you visited South Beach? Miami?  Where did you go?  I would love to hear about your visit to South Florida if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my weekend in South Beach / Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay:

The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL  33139
Phone:  305 938 3000

Where to Eat:

Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL  33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362

Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone:   786 673 8374

What to Read:

  • Miami, by Joan Didion
  • Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
  • Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
  • Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
  • Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
  • 15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz

Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:

    • Art Deco Historic District:  The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
    • Big Pink
    • Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
    • Cape Florida Lighthouse
    • Casa Florida
    • Eden Roc Hotel
    • Fontainebleau Hotel
    • Gianni Versace Mansion
    • Life guard stand at South Beach
    • Lincoln Theater
    • Miami Skyline
    • Museum Garage
    • Nikki Beach
    • Ocean Drive:  The Traffic and Palm Trees
    • SOBE sculpture
    • The Delano Hotel
    • The Garden House Restaurant
    • The Standard Hotel and Spa
    • The Views from Juvia
    • The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
    • Venetian Pool
    • Wynwood Art

 

Hundley Cellars, A Cozy Winery in Ohio’s Grand River Valley

An adorable cottage sits in the midst of northeast Ohio’s wine country.  With brown shingle siding, a stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling and hunter green roofing, it looks more like a hunting lodge than a Great River Valley winery .  From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I was sitting in the midst of a best friend’s great room.  The gorgeous light wood interior, accented with dark furniture was classic and extremely cozy.

I selected a table looking out towards the deck where it was still quite cold to be seated outside.  I placed my order at the tasting bar for a flight of wines and a small plate from the simple snacks menu which included cheese, crackers and meat for an additional charge.

My wines arrived and shortly thereafter the Cheese Board which had some amazing samples of Cotswold (Gloucester with Chives, England) cheese, Red Dragon (with Whole Grain Mustard, Wales) cheese, Five Counties/Stripey Jack (England) Vintage Cheddar (Canada), pickles and artisan crackers.  The meat selection was the perfect size that paired well with the wines I had selected.

Starting out with the Chardonnay, I noted the beautiful blonde color of the wine and simple body.  Lightly oaked, this perfect buttery Chardonnay would pair quite nicely with a lovely Camembert.  I knew that my sister will enjoy this wine over the holidays and added this to my list of wines I wanted to purchase.

The Estate Traminette was the color of sunshine and I could taste the minerals in this wine for certain.  It was a perfect pairing with the crackers that were placed on my board as the third set from the left.

Interestingly, the Niagara had what appeared to be bubbles and I enjoyed this wine with the selection of meat.  It was a semi-sweet wine that had a mild bite to its finish.

The Estate Seyval are grown on the property and are hand picked during harvest.  With a color of light straw, this wine had a medium body and a short finish and I imagined it would be perfect with grilled salmon or a tuna steak.

The Late Harvest Vidal was another estate wine which had a hint of light green to its light yellow undertones.  It had an intense honey taste with a strong apricot smell.  The taste was fruity with a smooth texture and I knew this would pair well with my spicy Asian dishes.

The Merlot had a nice dryness and full body.  A beautiful beet color, this purplish red wine was perfect with the meat and cheese and ended with a short tart finish.

My final sample was the Harvest Red.  Solid red in  color it had it had a very strong grape smell which reminded me of jam. A very sweet grape juice taste which I find to be typical of Ohio wines and always a delicious choice.

Hundley Cellars opened its doors in 2014 and offers an amazing selection of wines.  Sitting on 35 acres in Ashtabula County, the property includes a beautiful outdoor deck to enjoy the pond and surrounding vineyards.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hundley Cellars?  I would love to hear about your visit and learn which wines you enjoyed most if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hundley Cellars and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hundley Cellars
6451 St. Route 307
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 361 3088

  • Hours: The winery is open from 12 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 PM to 9 PM on Friday and  Saturday and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. The winery is closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, wine, private 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 Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
4888 N. Broadway
Geneva on the Lake, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  866 806 8066

Where to Eat:

I recommend having snacks at Hundley Cellars because they are fabulous and unique!  Here are a couple of suggestions close by if you would prefer a full menu option:

Chops Grille & Tap House
1752 State Route 534 South
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 7427

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road East
Geneva, Ohio  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668 x4

My favorite menu item is the charcuterie board.   Crosswinds is known for its farm to table offerings where everything tastes so fresh.

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

The First Metro Park in Columbus, Blacklick Woods Metro Park

1 DSC_0002

Buttonbush Swamp

It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.

I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop.  I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve.  Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.

The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching.  There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment.  In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.

2 DSC_0005

Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948.  First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park.  This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.

DSC_0011

At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel.  It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months.  The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor.  Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders.  I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio.  I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition.  Such fond memories….

Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about it in the comments below!  Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone:  614 208 4247

  • Hours:  The  park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
  • Amenities:   Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
  • Scenic View:  Views of wildlife from the nature centers
  • Length of Visit:   Determined by the activities
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing.  Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH  43213
Telephone:  614 322 8000

Where to Eat:

Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH  43081
Telephone:  614 300 5014

I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter.  The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal.  I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.

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

The Hike to John Rankin House, Ripley, Ohio

I imagined what it would have been like, a slave, crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ripley, Ohio.  Ahead in the distance, I see the house on a hill.  There is a friendly family that helps slaves, but somehow I need to reach it.  I have been traveling a long way and though I have crossed into free territory, I am still not safe.  The house seems so far away. Will I make it?

There is a steep slope up towards the house and I can still see the light on inside.  I am tired from the miles I have run and cold from the river’s crossing.  I can do this, I can make it to the top.  I am so close and I cannot give up now.

I should be coming up to a wall soon which starts the path up towards the house on the hill.  I see it, just a small pile of stones stacked upon each other.  I hope this is the place.  The woods are blocking my view to the house, but I will give it a try.

I notice that the steep walkway is worn so this must be the way.  As long as I am going up, I will eventually make it there.

I take a quick look behind me and I can see the river just barely between the trees.  This is a great sign so I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually I will make it to the top.

The view from here is amazing but I must stay focused.  The light remains on and I am almost to the front door.  Freedom couldn’t be close enough.

Just within steps and I start to wonder if anyone is home.  The light is not visible, but it was on just a few moments ago.  I have reached the last step and just as I am about to give it a knock a woman greets me at the door with a blanket and some food.   I feel safe.  I begin to cry with relief and happiness. They take me in and bring me warm clothes as I sit by the fire.  This is the first day of the rest of my life.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the John Rankin House?  I would love to hear what you thought about your visit and if you can recommend any additional Underground Railroad locations throughout Ohio!  Many thanks for exploring the hike up to Rankin House and wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to Do and What to See: 

John Rankin House
6152 Rankin Hill Rd.
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4044

  • Admission Fee:   Adults:  $6, Children and Students age K through 12:  $3,  OHC Member:  Free, Children 5 and under:  Free, Golden Buckeye Card Holders:  $5
  • Hours:  The John Rankin House is open from May to October from 10AM to 5PM from Wednesday to Saturday and 12PM to 5PM on Sundays.  The museum us also open for the Historic House Tour.
  • Amenities:   Available by appointment outside regular museum hours.
  • Scenic View:  Views from the home overlook the Ohio River.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit: Visitors can schedule private tours and photos can be taken on the inside of the house.  Public tours take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Where to Stay: 

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

Where to Eat: 

Cohearts Riverhouse
18 North Front Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4819
American Cuisine with a fabulous view of the Ohio River!

Ripley Gourmet Tortillas
6 Main Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 4000
People rave over their guacamole!

Fifties Diner
15 South 2nd Street
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone: 937 392 9328
Cute little diner with American food located along the river!

Where to Drink: 

Meranda-Nixon Winery
6517 Laycock Road
Ripley, OH  45167
Telephone:  248 891 0935

What to Read: 

  • The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead
  • Harriet Tubman:  The Road to Freedom, by Catherine Clinton
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

A Fall Day at Hale Farm & Village, Part 1

Fall in Ohio is magnificent for watching the leaves change, so I decided to take a road trip to Hale Farm & Village to enjoy the scenic fall leaves and to learn more about farm live in the early 19th century.  The farm is a historical property within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and was previously owned by of Jonathan Hale.  The addition of 30+ structures had been added over the years to complete the village which is locally known as Wheatfield.

I purchased my ticket at the Welcome Center, gathered some additional information about the grounds and exited the back of the main farmhouse.  Vendors were selling large pumpkins to visitors who would decorate them for the fall season.  Young children happily shared what they would be wearing for  Halloween while their parents sorted through large boxes of watermelon.

From the moment I stepped outside of the farm house, I could smell the tempting aroma of kettle corn made by volunteers who were raising money for local charities.  A young man wearing gloves stirred the popcorn in a large vat to keep it from burning while a young lady waited for a batch to cool down before placing the popped corn in plastic bags.  There was a line of visitors waiting to purchase a bag or two.

Following the map, I started my walk towards the left, stopping at a large, red barn.  I shuffled through the damp leaves towards the John McAlonan Carriage Manufactory exhibit where several antique carriages were on display.   The posted placard explained that the four carriages were called cabriolets with fold-down tops and were manufactured by the George J. Warden & Company from Cleveland, Ohio. Named after England’s Queen Victoria, the convertibles were popular after the 1870s.

The white single story Sugar House was the next stop on my tour of Hale Village. Entering through the side door was Josie, a period dressed attendant who was showing visitors how to make small candles.  Using a thick string, she was dipping one of the ends into the hot wax, sitting over an open fire and gently draping them over a string to cool.  Each candle was available for purchase at $1 per piece and proceeds would be donated towards the upkeep of the Village and Farm.

The Sugar House was built by the Hale family at the start of the 20th century.  Charles Oviatt Hale continued his grandfather’s tradition of collecting sap to produce nearly 200 gallons of maple syrup from the 20 acres of maple trees surrounding the farm.  Today the farm uses modern technology to continue this tradition using a wood burning parallel flow evaporator to process the sap into syrup each February.

On my way to the quaint log cabin home of the Hales, I passed an empty lean-to. Overgrown with grass and in need of repair, it may have provided shelter for some of the family’s farm equipment. Nearby, in the open field, I couldn’t help but notice a middle aged man with a saucepan on his head.  A crowd had gathered around him as he discussed the importance of conservation and said he was willing to plant some apple trees on the property as the children giggled at his “hat”.

Passing an overrun garden with weeds and dead plants, I arrived at the one room log cabin sitting beneath a maple tree.

In the corner sat a twin-sized bed that had been made up with a feather mattress and an animal hide.  A long side table had been placed to the right of a 12-paned window lighting up the space with natural light.  While many homes of its time would have left the dirt floors, this home’s wooden floors were perfect for keeping out forest animals and rodents.

A large, well-used fireplace had been built to the far right of the home and with evidence of smoke damage to the stones.  The stonework was absolutely perfect, built to the top of the roof.  The hand-cut logs were stacked on top of each other with a thick layer of clay in between could be seen from the inside while the outside was reinforced with tar.   The nearby outhouse resembled the log cabin and sat a few feet from the family home.

Nearby was a fence surrounding a large pasture with a noticeable tree line in the distance.  Approaching the fence, I was searching for farm animals as I strolled towards the red barn, one of several barns on the property. I was happy to see a muscular, chocolate brown steer giving me hope that I would see some additional barnyard animals.

Jonathan Hale moved to Ohio from Connecticut in 1810 and settled in Bath Township.  A few months later, his wife and three children arrived, moving into a log cabin built by a local squatter.  Several years later, Hale completed the green shutter, three-story brick home around 1825 and lovingly referred to it as “Old Brick”.  The Hale home is considered to be the second brick house built in the Cuyahoga Valley.

The first floor was a large open space that included a great room, kitchen and dining area. The second floor acted as a formal space used for special occasions such as a parlor and formal dining room.  The third floor was originally set up with six small bedrooms but later converted into fewer large bedrooms.

When Jonathan’s son Andrew married in the 1830’s, he built a small home across from the Jonathan Hale estate.  Later, Andrew’s home was moved and attached to the original Hale home, labeling it the “South Wing”.  To store coal to heat the home as well as additional supplies, the family added a “North Wing” to the structure.

My last stop before exploring the additional structures at Wheatfield, was the old gray barn where I found several chickens, adorable sheep and cute little pigs.  It was the highlight of my visit but I was also excited to learn more about 19th century farm life in Cuyahoga County, but who can resist spending just a few more minutes with my new furry farm friends.

Have you visited Hale Farm & Village?  Did you attend one of its many amazing events?  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 fun, educational experience at Hale Farm & Village and wishing you many amazing travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Road
PO Box 296
Bath, Ohio  44210
Telephone: 330 666 3711

  • Admission Fee:    $15 for adults ages 13 & up;  $8 for children ages 3 – 12; WRHS members, active military and children under the age of 2 and younger are free
  • Hours:  Daily from 10AM to 5PM with the exception of holidays.  Check the website before your visit as there may be special events and a change in hours depending on the season.
  • Amenities:  Period actors, historical sites for self-guided experiences, the Marketplace to purchase beverages and snacks,  free parking, restrooms
  • Scenic View:  The farm animals, historical buildings
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable clothes because there is a lot of walking.  Your ticket is valid all day, so you can leave and come back to explore the park.

Where to Stay;

The Ohio Motel
2248 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH  44333
Telephone:  330 659 9999

Where to Eat:

Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle
1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH  44333
Telephone:  330 666 9990

What to Read: 

  • The Jonathan Hale Farm, by John Horton and Herman Vail
  • Edith Hale: A Village Story, by Thrace Talmon

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

Hocking Hills Winery in Athens, Ohio

After making several trips to Athens to visit my sister, I decided to stop by Hocking Hills Winery in Logan on my way home to Columbus.  Beckoned by billboards along US-33, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample locally-produced wines and purchase a couple of bottles for myself.

Max and Loris Davidson owned the property and raised cattle on the farm until the land was passed down to their family by 2008.  Wanting to maintain the farm for agricultural use, it was their grandson, Blaine, who came up with the idea to plant a vineyard to produce wine as Hocking Valley Vineyards.  That same year, 2013, they planted their first 600 vines on just over one acre.  The grapevines included the hearty French-hybrid varietals that would thrive in the cold weather of Ohio to include the Chambourcin, Traminette and the Vidal Blanc.

The large room is a great meeting place with the tasting bar on the opposite side of the entrance.  I grabbed a seat and a menu and within minutes ordered their wine flight where I could sample eight of their sixteen varietals.

Their estate grown wines include:

  • Vidal Blanc, first harvested in 2013 from their estate grown grapes. It is a full bodied white which pairs with shellfish and chicken.
    • The Vidal Blanc grapes are also used to make the Lilly of the Valley wine
  • Sauvignon Blanc, first harvested in 2016 from the Lontue region of the Curico Valley of Chile, South America.  Pairs great with grilled chicken as well as Greek and Mexican cuisine.
  • Traminette, first harvested in 2017

Additional Wines:

  • Chardonnay aged in American Oak for 8 months
  • Pinot Grigio from grapes harvested from the Lontue region of the Curico Valley of Chile in South America. The cool wine region allows the grapes to flourish in the Andes Mountains providing a crisp, dry white.
  • Riesling from the Columbia Valley of Washington state in a cool climate resulting in semi-sweet wine which balances out rich, saucy dishes.  (This was one of my favorites!)
  • Moscato from Lodi, California
  • Sweet Chardonnay from California’s Central Valley
  • Malbec
  • Syrah
  • Zinfandel from Lodi, California is a region where much of the great Zinfandel is produced. Pair this wine with rich meats.
  • Hocking River Red, a sweet red wine blend
  • Rock House Rouge
  • Balanced Rock Port, a dessert wine
  • Peach Wine Slushy
  • Raspberry Wine Slushy

While the winery has been winning awards since 2015 and their wines have also been recognized by a number of organizations:

Awards and Recognition?

  • 2019: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
  • 2019: Riesling awarded a Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
  • 2019: Chardonnay awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
  • 2019: Hocking River Red awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
  • 2018: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
  • 2018: Petite Syrah awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
  • 2018: Trillium awarded a Bronze Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!
  • 2017: Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor!
  • 2015: New Business of the Year Award by the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce!

Hocking Hills Winery offers a nice menu of appetizers ranging from $8 to $20 and visitors can also order food from local restaurants through UberEats, DoorDash or from the restaurant’s website as well.

What to See and What to Do:

Hocking Hills Winery
30402 Freeman Road
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:  740 385 7117

  • Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1PM to 8PM,  Friday from 1PM to 10PM and Saturday from 11AM to 10PM; Closed Tuesday
  • Tips for Visiting Hocking Hills Winery:  The winery caters to hikers, so make sure to stop by!  In addition to wine, the winery provides additional juices and water.  Children are permitted as well as dogs.  They do not accept reservations.  Their white wines are vegan but egg whites are used in their red wines to soften the tannins.  Outside food and beverages are not permitted but they have a menu which is also located on their website.

Strolling Through Stan Hywet Hall’s Beautiful Gardens

Home to famous basketball player LeBron James, Akron, Ohio was once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World.”  The world’s largest tire manufacturer, Goodyear began their operations in 1898.  Co-founder F.A. Sieberling built his Tudor Revival manor home in Akron where he lived with his wife Gertrude from 1915 to 1955.

This gorgeous 64,500 square foot home, named Stan Hywet (pronounced HEE-wit) was designed by Cleveland architect, Charles Sumner Schneider on 70 acres to include the main mansion as well as a greenhouse, carriage house and extravagant gardens.

Entering the estate through a large gate off of North Portage Path, I passed the impressive Gate Lodge.  Once the residence to the estate’s administrator, it was later home to Frederick and his wife and has been recognized as the “Birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

A short walk from the parking area, I began my tour of Stan Hywet by entering the Carriage House, one of five historic buildings on the property.  Once the stable, living quarters for the chauffer and groomsmen, it was also the garage for the estate’s ten cars, a car wash and mechanic’s stall.  Today it houses Molly’s Shop and Café and the Admissions office offering several visitor’s services to include Lost and Found, First Aid, and restrooms.

The staff were extremely helpful in providing me with a map which outlined several self-guided tours of the main structures as well as the gardens.  In addition, there are several guided tours of the mansion to include behind-the scenes tours.   From here, visitors can book tram service upon request and enjoy a picnic lunch at nearby picnic tables.

Within the Carriage House is the Orientation room displaying family photos as well as an in-depth overview of Stan Hywet’s construction.

The Guest Services attendant suggested that I start my tour of the Stan Hywet’s 70 acres of gardens and landscaping.  A wedding party had made reservations at 1PM to take photographs throughout the gardens so I had a couple of hours before their arrival.

Exiting the Carriage House, I made my way towards the Manor House bearing left towards the Plane Tree Allee until I found myself at the entrance to the English Garden.  This was Gertrude Seiberling’s favorite garden.

This sunken walled garden was designed by Boston landscape architect, Warren Manning in 1915.  Surrounded by flora and fauna, the stone walls were reminiscent of a Roman ruin.  In 1928, Gertrude reached out to prominent American female landscape designer, Ellen Biddle Shipman, to redesign this garden showcasing over 3300 perennials.

I approached a shallow pool with light tan brick decking and flower boxes overflowing with vibrant pink blooms.  A short set of stairs towards the back of the garden lead to the focal point of this extravagant garden, “The Garden of the Water Goddess”, created by sculptor, Willard Dryden Paddock.

En route to the Japanese Gardens, I found myself walking through the Perennial Garden, reminiscent to the gardens of England. The gardens, also designed by landscape artist Warren Manning, display colorful flowers in this transitional space.

Before reaching the Japanese Garden, there is a West Overlook, a popular location for wedding photos.

Japanese Gardens were making their way onto prominent estates in the early 1900s.  With the assistance of J.R. Otsuka, Manning was able to design this space using plants indigenous to cold weather locations such as Michigan and the North Atlantic.   This garden can be seen from the estate’s Terrace and West Overlook.

The original plans included the addition of a conservatory off of the Breakfast Room but a decision was made to relocate the structure to another location, leaving the option to add a garden in this space.  Flowers planted in this garden match the Breakfast Room colors of white, blue, yellow or purple.

The simple yet elegant fountain that stands in the garden was purchased by Gertrude during a shopping trip to New York.  

After an extensive look at the Manor House (see upcoming blog post), I strolled through the Birch Tree Allee, made up of 100 gray birches connecting the main house to the Tea House.  Measuring 550 feet long, this was one of my favorite locations on site.

There are two teahouses at the end of the Allee made of stone, timber and slate. The lagoon was a former stone quarry that was used as a recreation area for the family.   Used for fishing, canoeing and swimming, this was a popular area for the family to gather for activities.

The Birch Tree Allee reaches the Grape Arbor which extends towards the Corbin Conservatory.  Grape vines cling to the brick columns as they reach towards the top of the arbor.  This was one of the places where you could find the Seiberling grandchildren at play.

The nearby three-acre Great Garden was not only a flower garden to provide fresh blooms for the Manor House but also a Rose Garden.  Not far from the garden, the Play Garden was added to include activities for children, more flowers and a beautiful fountain.

The final stop on my tour of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was the Corbin Conservatory.  Designed for the Seiberlings to grow produce, this beautiful glass structure was made of 4,322 panes of laminated glass.  Today, there are several plants from various regions throughout the United States.

I thoroughly enjoyed the colorful gardens throughout the Stan Hywet Estate and made my final stop at the Carriage House for a little shopping.  I am looking forward to sharing more photos and details about the Stan Hywet Hall in a post that will be available soon.

Have you visited Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens?  What tours did you take?  What was your favorite memory of your visit?  I would love to hear about your time at this fantastic historical home if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and don’t forget to check out more photos of my visit after the information section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
Telephone:  330 836 5533

    • Admission Fee:  Non-Members – Adults 18 and over are $15; Non-Member Youth (6 – 17): $6 and Stan Hywet Members are free.  Visit their website for membership prices.
    • Hours:  Estate Hours: April – November/Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM to 6PM  last admission at 4:30;  Closed on Mondays; Please check the website as they are closed during the winter season after the Deck the Hall festivities.
    • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
    • Tips for your Visit: Do not lean, sit on or touch collection items or the interior of the historic house museum as it is more fragile than it appears.  Food, gum, beverages and drinks are prohibited throughout the house.  Begin in the English Gardens as there will be a wedding that will be taking place at 1PM. Manor house hosts are stationed throughout the hotel to assist visitors with their tour.  Stan Hywet welcomes motor coach travelers and other groups and an advanced reservation is required by calling  Group Sales: 330 315 3284.  Visit Stan Hywet’s website for December Hours and Deck the Halls Exhibit;  Restrooms are located in the Corbin Conservatory and the lower level of the Manor House. Backpacks are not permitted in the Manor House but may be stored in the Powder Room.
    • Photography is permitted in the Manor House, however, no flash or professional photo equipment or videography permitted; Photos only with cellphone or handheld cameras only.  No photography permitted on guided tours but is encouraged on the grounds and in the Corbin Conservatory; Must have a photography membership to use monopods and tripods in the gardens, unless it is part of a pre approved commercial photography session; Selfie sticks not permitted;  No private photography is authorized for commercial reproduction.
    • Guided tours of the Manor House are offered on the hour between 11 am and 4 pm. Guests who prefer a more leisurely experience may choose a self guided tour of the Estate buildings, gardens and grounds, available anytime between 11 am and 4:30 PM.  Experience one of their specialty tours:
      • Blueprints to Bricks (noon, daily, May 1 – September 30) highlights Stan Hywet from conception to creation
      •  Nooks and Crannies tour (3 times daily) is a  behind the scenes experience
      • Grand Estate Tour (noon, daily) provides information on the Estate’s historical landscape elements.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221
Telephone:  330 926 1233
Website:  https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-cuyahoga-falls-oh?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:OHCUYAHO

Where to Eat: 

Molly’s Café & Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at Stan Hywet

The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery
1970 State Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Telephone:  330 926 9774

My favorite menu item is their Chicken & Waffles:   jalapeno & cheddar buttermilk waffle, buttermilk & pepper brined southern style green circle, free range chicken, bourbon organic maple syrup, whiskey butter, house made hot sauce, organic blackberries

What to Read:

  • The Seiberling Family, by Julie Frey
  • The Gate Lodge, by Julie Frey

The Living Quarters at Stan Hywet Hall

Having just toured the first floor of the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, it was time for me to explore the second floor of the Manor which housed 18 bedrooms for family, friends and staff.

The Master Bedroom was complete with two beds, a wood fireplace, library, bay window seating and an incredibly large bathroom.  The room was spacious with a desk, couch, and beautifully engraved furniture.  What was once state-of-the art fixtures and amenities are now somewhat antiquated as technology has evolved.

The Red Bedroom was Franklin’s room and the youngest of the Seiberling family.  The Head Housekeeper’s room was close to Franklin’s to help him should he awake in the middle of the night.

Willard and Penfield Seiberling shared the blue room where they had an adjoining bathroom with a shower.

The Seiberlings were known to entertain and host guests throughout their stay at Stan Hywet Hall.  At times, family members, such as Gertrude’s mother or Henrietta’s parents also made the mansion their home as their health declined.

It was common for the children to return to Stan Hywet over various times throughout their lives and were always welcomed by their parents.

The Colonial was one of several guest rooms which featured a large walk-in closet and private bathroom.  During the Nooks and Crannies tour, visitors can explore the closed doors that lead to the domestic staff for the women.

Passing two of the additional guest rooms, I approached the steps leading to Irene’s bedroom. Beautifully exposed beams and  vaulted ceilings remind me of the Great Room downstairs.  The eldest of Seiberling’s daughters, Irene was a free-spirit in her time marrying at the age of thirty-three.  Assisting in the design of the manor, she traveled with her family to England, visiting several English homes and  flew to New York with her mother to help design the interior of the house.

Virginia’s style was much different than that of her older sister, decorating her room in the style of Louis XVI French Provincial.  Nine years younger than Irene, married immediately after graduating and would have six boys and four girls.  Later, the family would move back into the house until they were financially stable having been affected by the Great Depression.

Beautiful parquet floors and outdoor balcony were highlights to Mrs. Seiberling’s Dressing Room. I was impressed by the many closets showcasing some of the beautiful dresses once worn by Gertrude.

Visitors can explore more of the house by attending the Nooks and Crannies tour to visit the Gymnasium, Dark Room and Wood Room while additional tours include the Filter Room, Boiler Room, Changing Room, Wine Room and Laundry Room.

Stan Hywet was an expansive family home that included additional buildings no longer standing.  I was able to visit during the Celebrating Family: Sharing Our Stories exhibit in 2016 where audio clips of family members told stories about their life at the manor.

In addition to special exhibits, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens continues its passion for entertaining guests with its events throughout the year.  Join the docents and tour guides at this gorgeous venue for their Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast,  Woof Walks, Teas, Educational Programs and other holiday tours and experiences.  Visit their website for more information.

Have you visited Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens?  What tours did you take?  What was your favorite memory of your visit?  I would love to hear about your time at this fantastic historical home if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and don’t forget to check out more photos of my visit after the information section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
Telephone:  330 836 5533

    • Admission Fee:  Non-Members – Adults 18 and over are $15; Non-Member Youth (6 – 17): $6 and Stan Hywet Members are free.  Visit their website for membership prices.
    • Hours:  Estate Hours: April – November/Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM to 6PM  last admission at 4:30;  Closed on Mondays; Please check the website as they are closed during the winter seasonafter the Deck the Hall festivities.
    • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
    • Tips for your Visit: Do not lean, sit on or touch collection items or the interior of the historic house museum as it is more fragile than it appears.  Food, gum, beverages and drinks are prohibited throughout the house.  Begin in the English Gardens as there will be a wedding that will be taking place at 1PM. Manor house hosts are stationed throughout the hotel to assist visitors with their tour.  Stan Hywet welcomes motor coach travelers and other groups and an advanced reservation is required by calling  Group Sales: 330 315 3284.  Visit Stan Hywet’s website for December Hours and Deck the Halls Exhibit;  Restrooms are located in the Corbin Conservatory and the lower level of the Manor House. Backpacks are not permitted in the Manor House but may be stored in the Powder Room.
    • Photography is permitted in the Manor House, however, no flash or professional photo equipment or videography permitted; Photos only with cellphone or handheld cameras only.  No photography permitted on guided tours but is encouraged on the grounds and in the Corbin Conservatory; Must have a photography membership to use monopods and tripods in the gardens, unless it is part of a pre approved commercial photography session; Selfie sticks not permitted;  No private photography is authorized for commercial reproduction.
    • Guided tours of the Manor House are offered on the hour between 11 am and 4 pm. Guests who prefer a more leisurely experience may choose a self guided tour of the Estate buildings, gardens and grounds, available anytime between 11 am and 4:30 PM.  Experience one of their specialty tours:
      • Blueprints to Bricks (noon, daily, May 1 – September 30) highlights Stan Hywet from conception to creation
      •  Nooks and Crannies tour (3 times daily) is a  behind the scenes experience
      • Grand Estate Tour (noon, daily) provides information on the Estate’s historical landscape elements.

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221
Telephone:  330 926 1233
Website:  https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-cuyahoga-falls-oh?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:OHCUYAHO

Where to Eat: 

Molly’s Café & Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at Stan Hywet

The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery
1970 State Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Telephone:  330 926 9774

My favorite menu item is their Chicken & Waffles:   jalapeno & cheddar buttermilk waffle, buttermilk & pepper brined southern style green circle, free range chicken, bourbon organic maple syrup, whiskey butter, house made hot sauce, organic blackberries

What to Read:

  • The Seiberling Family, by Julie Frey
  • The Gate Lodge, by Julie Frey