Tag Archives: Ohio

Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio

On sunny Sunday afternoons, our family would pack a picnic lunch for a visit to Snyder Park.  With plenty of of picnic tables, we loved finding the best location near the water where we could watch the geese and ducks. After lunch, we would walk along the river or stop by one of the locations to swing before going back home for the evening.

Snyder Park was a generous donation of land that was held by a group of local millers.  They held the title for land measuring over 1000 acres within Clark County.  It was their desire to donate 217 acres to be designated as a park for the locals to enjoy.

With the help of landscape architect, Herman Haerlin, the park opened in 1897, just a couple of years later.  The city inaugurated the park with a parade on April 22nd and named it Snyder Park in honor of John and David.     Two granite stones on the west side of the park commemorate the Snyder brother’s contribution.  Later, in 1902, a stone arch was built as an additional entrance into the park.

In the earlier days, a section of the park was designated as a Par 3 golf course and was a favorite among the locals.  Today, the clubhouse stands as an administrative building for the park.

The tennis courts were perfect for summer lessons and many of the courts have been converted to pickleball courts.

Of course, my favorite memories are visiting the beautiful lagoons to feed bread to the ducks and the geese,

 Crossing the old stone bridge,

Watching the sun set along its shores,

and swinging along the water’s edge.

Since my childhood, there have been several updates and additions to the park, such as the Centennial Playground, which is ADA accessible.

There is also an adorable “Central Bark Dog Park”, a safe place for pups to run about….

and beautiful gardens.

Snyder Park is one of Springfield’s largest parks and a beautiful addition to the city.  With additional activities of white water rafting and a sprayground, the park continues to expand with wonderful activities for the whole family.

Have you visited Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio?  What were some of your favorite activities at the park?  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 Snyder Park in Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Snyder Park
1900 Park Street
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone: 937 328 7275

Where to Eat:

Dairy Queen
721 North Bechtle
Springfield, OH 45206
Telephone: 937 325-9572

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  (937) 322-3600

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights, Ohio

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights

Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts.  I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.

Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio.  From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.

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For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank.  In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.

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Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town.  For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel.  I watched the men working in the  auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.

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A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional  displays which are absolutely spectacular.  Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop.  through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.

The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect.  You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.

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One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank.  From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.

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After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where  I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies.  I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.

Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below!  Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st.  Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge!  Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

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The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display

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The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene

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1950’s style diner

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The Ohio State Football Game

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A re-creation of the Clifton Mill 

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Santa and his reindeer

Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio

“If these walls could talk….”   I must have heard this saying at least ten times while I was enjoying a Prime Rib special at the Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio.

Of course, I agree, but I had not really given it much thought.  The three-story tavern and roadside inn was built by the Minter family in the late 1830s and was a popular stop for Americans in search of opportunities out west.  William and Mary settled here with their nine children in the town they named Lafayette, halfway between Columbus and Springfield.

Most would travel the muddy road known as the National Road which originated from Cumberland, Maryland to include Stanley Watson from Connecticut.  Stanley wed Effa Minter, was given a parcel of land from her father on which the Red Brick Tavern was built in 1836 and was then leased to John McMullen.

Designed in the style of Old English Manor, the Red Brick Tavern originally offered twenty-four rooms for travelers, while the ground level housed the kitchen and dining room.  It was a “reversed L” structure where the front of the building faced the National Road and a narrow section extended along the side street. The third story was the private residence of the family and could be accessed by a stairway with four rooms were located under the gables of the front wing.

According to a placard outside,  the Red Brick Tavern entertained six United States Presidents to include John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding.

Eventually the property would revert back to the Minter family in February of 1854 and would be passed on to the next generation where it would become a school and a rental property.  By 1923, the property would no longer remain in the Minter family and would  sold to become a tearoom and restaurant.

Today, the Red Brick Tavern thrives as a restaurant owned by Cris Cummins and Madonna Christy who purchased the property in 2007.

Known for their home cooked meals, local residents fill the dining room for their daily specials and desserts.  I was excited to learn that in addition to dinner rolls, the restaurant also served cinnamon rolls before the meal.

The Red Brick Tavern had come full circle and was once again a restaurant.  I was happy to visit on Friday night for their Prime Rib special that included a side dish, rolls and dessert.

This little historic gem has been a witness to  American history with the building of the National Road and for hosting several Presidents of the United States and now it was going to witness me eat their perfectly prepared, medium-rare steak, followed by a slice of their decadent peanut butter pie.

Have you visited the Red Brick Tavern in Lafayette?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my visit to Red Brick Tavern and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do: 

Red Brick Tavern
1700 Cumberland Street
London, Ohio  43140
Telephone;  614 200 5447

Go on Friday and/or Saturday night for their prime rib special and save room for dessert!

Beach Vibes at Kona Grill, Liberty Center

I decided to spend the day in Liberty Township shopping at Liberty Center shopping plaza.  I found so many amazing boutiques with clothes and beautiful household items.  Some of my favorite stops included Burlap & Birch, Celebrate Local, White House Black Market and Rookwood Pottery.  (Please note that Rookwood Pottery is no longer located at Liberty Township.)

It was a fun day of strolling through all of the different shops and I was growing hungry for lunch. I had noticed Kona Grill.  Besides loving sushi, I think I was more excited about the rooftop seating.  As I entered the restaurant, I was so surprised by the beautiful interior design.

Escorted to the rooftop, I was transported out of Cincinnati and felt that I had arrived in Southern California.  While there were only six booths, there was additional seating to the right to include couches, tables and bar style seating overlooking Liberty Center.

Searching the menu for that perfect drink, I found the Mai Tai.  My server guaranteed that it would be strong and at my first sip I knew it was exactly what I had hoped.

I placed my lunch order for the sea bass roll and macadamia nut chicken while Miami techno played in the background.  From here I could see the Cobb 15 Movie center and thought I may take in a movie if I have enough time.

It was a windy day, so the sails that provided shade over my booth were flopping about.  Although it wasn’t a beach view, the vibe of the restaurant was perfect and I could have easily been enjoying a meal on Lincoln Road in Miami.

The restaurant had opened in October of 2015 and I would not have guessed it was such a new restaurant as the service was fantastic.  James, a young twenty-something with a man bun brought me my sushi roll as a starter.  I loved the crunch of the roll dipped in soy sauce and wasabi.  The roll was made with Chilean sea bass, jalapeno, cilantro, rice, cream cheese, cucumber, peanuts and a tequila miso lime sauce.

Shortly after finishing my sushi roll, I was served a very large portion of Macademia chicken.  For $16 this meal would easily feed two, so I immediately asked for a to-go box so I would not be tempted to finish the full meal.  The chicken is served on garlic mashed potatoes and a pineapple jam with marmalade and sesame seeds.  The mixed vegetables was a medley of zucchini and corn with the added flavor of bacon.  Thick, juicy pieces of chicken were smothered in sauce and I was certainly tempted to eat more than I should.

By now, the rooftop is starting to fill up and I am eager to begin shopping the fabulous stores at Liberty Center.  While the desserts look amazing, I opted to wrap up the second half of my meal and begin my shopping spree with thoughts of stopping by later for a cocktail.

Have you dined at Kona at Liberty Center?  What did you order?  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 dining experience at Kona in Liberty Center and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

Kona Grill – Cincinnati
7524 Gibson Street
Liberty Township, OH  45069
Telephone:  513 322 5860

 

 

St. Joseph’s Pinot Vista Vineyard in Madison, Ohio

When I arrived at St. Joseph Vineyards, I was aware of the winery’s reputation for making some of the best wines in Ohio.

Founded in 1987, Doreen and her husband Art Pietrzyk, moved from Cleveland to Ohio’s Grand River Valley after perfecting their wine-making skills over several years since 1972.  Art was an engineer, so of course he was curious to learn how wine was made, so he began his own operation making wine from grapes and concentrate.

Art and Doreen’s curiosity for making wine led them to work with such winemakers as Bill Worthy in the Grand River Valley, Doug Mooreshead at Presque Isle Winery and favorite local, Arnie Esterer of nearby Markko Vineyard.   They also reached out to Ohio State University’s agriculture division, traveled the world to sample lots of wine and eventually purchased land to start growing their own grapes.

The drive to reach the vineyards was absolutely stunning with twists, turns, valleys and hills.  The gravel road eventually reaches the winery which was built in 1999. Approaching upstairs, the smell of cedar escapes the tasting room where the winery’s medals and wines are displayed while the basement houses the winemaking operations.

Standing behind the counter was Doreen, pouring her award-winning varietals from their local vitis vinifera grapes.

According to Doreen, there are seven acres of grapes, mostly red from Ohio’s Grand River Valley with an additional six acres of white grapes in Conneaut’s Lake Erie Appellation. They types of grapes they have planted include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Vidal Blanc.

I couldn’t resist a glass of the Saperavi, a popular grape from the country of Georgia. The name means “dye”, which relates to the deep, red color of the wine, almost black in color. With a full body and dynamic texture, this wine is my favorite at St. Joseph Vineyard.  Considered a bit jammy, the taste of the wine changes after the second day.  Smelling of berries, it also tastes fruit-forward and would be perfectly paired with steak.

The wine label is a replica of the beautiful stained glass window on the property.  Perfectly recreated, it resembles the elegance and artistic nature of the winemakers and their process.

White Wines

  • Pinot Gris:  A dry wine with orange, citrus and honeysuckle fruit flavors
  • Chardonnay:  A dry, complex and intense wine made “sur-lie style” with apple and buttery flavors
  • Sauvignon Blanc: A fruity wine rich in tropical, pineapple floral and herbal character
  • Riesling:  A semi-dry fruity wine intense with apple, citrus and melon flavors
  • Vidal Blanc: A semi-dry Germanic style wine enlivened with pear, peach and apricot fruit flavors
  • Ice Wine:  This special sweet dessert wine is made from grapes that are picked and pressed while still frozen to extract a highly concentrated juice.

Red Wines

  • Pinot Noir: A bright red with luscious bing cherry and strawberry flavors, coupled with hints of violet.
  • Reserve Pinot Noir:  A big intense red with black cherry and plum flavors along with clove spice and cedar tones with a perfume bouquet with hints of roses.
  • St.  Joseph Noir: A proprietary red blend which includes varieties such as Pinot, Cabernet, Petit Shiraz, Merlot, Shiraz and Sangiovese.
  • Merlot: A dark red wine teeming with raspberry, currant and plum aromas.
  • Shiraz: The Shiraz is Rhone-style red with blueberry, clove and peppery flavors.
  • Cabernet / Cabernet Franc: Big Red Cabernet with berry, plum and vanilla notes.

St. Joseph’s Vineyard’s philosophy comes from a Bible verse from the book of Matthew.  “Wherefore ye shall know them by their fruits. The good vine bears good wine.”  (Matthew 7:16).

The Pietrzyks have lived up to their philosophy, creating award winning wines for years and I am ready to grab a couple bottles of Saperavi and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Have you visited St. Joseph Vineyards?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to St. Joseph Vineyards and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

St, Joseph Vineyards
6060 Madison Road
7800 Warner Road (tasting room)
Thompson, Ohio  44086
Telephone:  440 298 3709

Main Room is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11AM to 6PM during the spring and fall and open Friday and Saturday from noon to 7PM, all year.

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 Winery at Wolf Creek in Norton, Ohio

Taking the last sip of my wine sample of Space Cowboy, I noticed a group of bubbly young college students walking through the door of The Winery at Wolf Creek, dressed for a bachelorette party. They approached the tasting bar where I was enjoying a glass of wine when we struck up a conversation.  It was their first time here, so they asked what I was drinking and if I had any suggestions for what they should order.

This was their first winery experience but they were not new to wine. We discussed which types of wine they would normally purchase and I shared with them my wine list with all of my hand written notes.   I suggested that they start out sampling some of the wines before they commit to a bottle.  They agreed that the sweet, fruit wines were more their style so they started out with samples of Blue (blueberry), Original Sin (apple) and Space Cowboy (peach).

The server set them up as I took a glass of Redemption out to the patio, waiting for a pizza from Fat Boys.  Redemption is a French-hybrid blend that is light on the sweet side which I absolutely enjoy chilled.

I took a menu outside to look over the beer selection that includes craft beers from local and popular breweries as well as ciders and fruit based ales.  The Winery at Wolf Creek has a limited menu of cheeses, meat and crackers but they welcome patrons to bring their own foods to enjoy with their wines while enjoying the spectacular view.

With a few minutes to spare, I reviewed my tasting notes and information that I had collected from my server.  Distracted by the beautiful view of the Akron skyline, I noted which wines I would be purchasing before leaving the winery.

The Vignoles was my first sample which is a semi-sweet estate wine that I found had a lingering sour finish.  This having been my first experience with this wine, I was curious to learn about specific food pairings that may alter the taste of the wine and found an unusual list to include pumpkin and ginger-based foods as well as gingers snaps*.

One of the varietals grown on the estate, Vignoles is one of three grapes that make up about 80 percent of their white wine production which also includes the Pinot Gris and Leon Millot.

Peppery and smooth, the Zinfandel was my absolute favorite but having learned that the winery makes a great Cabernet Franc, I had to sample this wine as well.

Summit County provides a grape growing terrior that includes sandy loam, clay loam and gravel.  Because the climate is similar to the Loire Valley in France, this provides the potential as a perfect location for growing Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin varietals.

Switching over to sweet wines, Sweet Revenge is a beautiful Ohio rose that the winery has been making for over twenty years.  A blend of Seyval Blanc and French Hybrid wines, this crisp, delicious wine is a classic.

I am always interested in sampling the fruit wines from Ohio wineries because they have the potential to be extremely fruity or combined with grapes, have subtle notes of fruit flavor in the blend.  Blue, a semi-dry blueberry wine was rich in color as well as a little tart which I found to be an absolute lovely combination.

Original sin is the perfect name for this crisp, apple based wine, but it is Space Cowboy that wins my vote with its full peach flavor in every sip.

The sun is starting to set on this beautiful, brisk October evening. I bring myself inside where I can continue admiring the outside view from the beautiful glass windows of the tasting room.

My pizza had just arrived, so I ordered a bottle of Zinfandel, knowing that the winery can repackage the remaining wine for me to take home.

The Winery at Wolf Creek is open year around, with limited hours during the winter season.  Cellar tours are available by appointment and wine tastings are offered daily.  The winery offers a great selection of wine accessories, clothes, gift baskets and of course, wine which ranges from $14 to $24 per bottle.

The bachelorette party is going strong in the tasting room and I stop by to inquire how they enjoyed the wines.  The bride-to-be, dressed in red, mentioned that they had such a difficult selecting a favorite that they purchased one of each to enjoy with their large group.  I told her to beware of the Big Bad Wolf as I exited the winery, happy to see they were having the time of their lives.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Winery at Wolf Creek?  Did you pack a picnic or order some food?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your visit to The Winery at Wolf Creek if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about The Winery at Wolf Creek and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Wolf Creek
2637 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, Ohio  44203
Telephone:  330 665 1445

Where to Stay:

The Whimsical  Pig Bed & Breakfast
2682 South Cleveland Massillon Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 330 576 6104

Ron and Sue Bishop were absolutely lovely hosts.  The French toast for breakfast was amazing!

Where to Eat:

Wolf Creek Tavern
3044 Wadsworth Road
Norton, OH  44203
Telephone: 234 571 4531

Seated on the outside patio, I was so excited to try an order of homemade pierogis and I selected the fish and chips for my entree.

Yellow Butterfly Winery in Newcomerstown, Ohio

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Sipping on a glass of Country Rose, I enjoyed the gorgeous rural landscape in the eastern region of Ohio, home to the Three Rivers Wine Trail.  Painted bright yellow, Yellow Butterfly Winery stands out among the rolling hills of farmland, offering spectacular views of its vines from their two-story deck.

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Making its home in a 100 year old restored farmhouse in Newcomerstown, this fabulous winery is easy to find.  The beautiful rustic interior provides plenty of space for visitors to enjoy their wines.  The tasting bar is also located inside and I was prepared to sample a wide range of fruit wines as well as the traditional wines that I have come to love in Ohio.

The winery offers three wine samples for a dollar, and since there are so many interesting combinations, I selected a total of nine.

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The first wine on my tasting sheet is the Passionate Peach. The beautiful pale yellow color of this wine reminds me of straw, but smells like I am surrounded by a peach orchard.  It is crisp with a bit of thickness which reminds me of a dessert wine.

Strawberry Fields is a lightly colored fruit wine made of strawberries and apples.  There is a hint of strawberry in the smell and it has a light, fruity taste with a little stronger alcohol taste towards the back of my tongue.  This is a very refreshing wine, and I purchased a bottle to enjoy on a hot summer day.

While I am trying my second sample, Lisa, the head wine steward brings me a small taste of Cranrazzmatazz.  It is one of their newest wines and has been a huge success for the winery.   It has a deliciously unique fruity smell and tastes amazing. Made from a combination of cranberry, raspberry and apple, this is a very sweet wine with a smooth texture.

Wistful Watermelon is made from watermelon and apples.  I liken it to the watermelon-flavored Jolly Rancher with a tartness towards the back of my tongue.

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Sweet Meadows is lighter in color than the previous wines I had tasted and is made from a combination of both the Concord and Niagara grape.

Sweet Red is the perfect Concord grape wine which is popular among Ohio wine drinkers.

Country Rose is my favorite out of all of the wines and is perfect for any occasion.  I love the smell, the taste and the color of this wine and bought a bottle to enjoy later at home.

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I thought I would go out of my comfort zone and order a semi dry so I added the Ohio Vidal Blanc to my wine tasting.  Despite my usual preferences, I like this wine.   Put it on ice and this would be another great wine for the summer season.

My final selection is the Golden Apricot.  It has a great texture and consistency with a mild apricot flavor.

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At the Yellow Butterfly Winery, the winemaking process takes place on the property from start to finish.  Michael wasn’t shy about crediting the late Leland Weiss of Rainbow Hills Winery for helping him when he started out.  Each winery advertises for each other close to their properties, which goes to show the camaraderie in the Ohio wine business.  It makes me proud to be a part of it.

Michael enjoys having his guests get involved in the naming of his new wines.  When he releases a wine he offers tastings at a discounted rate.  But I’ll have to wait until next year.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Michael and admire his passion for converting skeptics into wine lovers.  “It’s all about drinking the wines that you like, any way you like to drink them,” says Michael. I ordered a bottle of Country Rose and decided to check out the view which is more than stunning.  I enjoyed the music, listening to the live entertainment and wanted to take in the moment.  It was a perfect afternoon to enjoy some delicious wine.

Have you visited Yellow Butterfly Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience or let me know your favorite wine from this amazing winery by leaving a message in the comments section below!  Cheers!

Many thanks to Michael White and everyone at Yellow Butterfly Winery for their generosity and hospitality.

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

What to See and What to Do: 

Yellow Butterfly Winery
11661 Blue Ridge Road
Newcomerstown, Ohio  43832
Telephone: 740 492 1216

  • Hours: The winery is open the months of February to December, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM and later on the weekends.  The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Please note that the wine tastings are only provided during certain hours and are subject to change.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Those that were on the tour were provided with a country BBQ Rib/Chicken or Steak Dinner with two sides, the winery’s famous wine cake and a wine tasting!  this offering is also available to those visitors who reserve in advance on Saturdays for a cost of only $25.  Dinner reservations must be made by Thursday by calling 740 492 1216.  Live entertainment is also available during the summer months, so check out their website for a list of events.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn
200 Morris Crossing Avenue
Newcomerstown, OH  43832
Telephone:  740 498 9800

Where to Eat:

Railroad Restaurant & Saloon
509 Main Street
Coshocton, OH  43812
Telephone: 740 575 4151

It was a day to try some fried food and I could not pass up the opportunity to try the deep fried pickles because I prefer the chips over the spears.   The spicy cajun dipping sauce was the perfect condiment.  I also ordered the lobster bisque which was creamy, delicious and full of lobster meat.

What to Read: 

  • Restored Ohio: History Brought Back to Life, by Glenn Morris
  • Lost Circuses of Ohio, by Conrade C. Hinds
  • A Taste of the Hocking Hills by Matt Rapposelli
  • Asylum on the Hill, by Katherine Ziff

Photo Guide for Southeast Ohio: 

  • Hocking Hills State Park, Athens, Ohio
  • The Wilds Safari Park, Cumberland, Ohio

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Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

I could hear the beautiful, distinct sound of bagpipes through a large crowd of onlookers as I approached Old Firehouse Winery.   I immediately took notice of the quaint little antique fire truck at the front of the building, half the size of the ones today, and entered the winery to sample a few of their wines.  The sassy red barn had been converted into a firehouse before becoming a winery and restaurant twenty-five years later.  “Old Betsy”, a 1926 Graham Brothers engine, represents the historical evolution of Old Firehouse Winery.

Standing in line with other patrons, I soon realized that the slushies were one of the winery’s best sellers.   I was easily entertained by the television screen with interesting information about the winery and Old Firehouse wines.

I had watched the informative loop twice when I was next in line to be served.   I decided to try the preset Sweet Wine Tasting Samples which included ten 1-ounce sized  plastic cups for a cost of $8.99 plus tax.

The umbrella-covered table had a lakeside view where I could enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.  An Arts & Crafts Show had been set up in an open area where visitors browsed the booths and made a few purchases. During the summer, the fair takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with hours from noon to 8.

Each Old Firehouse sample was numbered in the order of less sweet to the sweetest.

  • The Firehouse White is made of Catawba grapes was a Gold Award Winner.
  • The Firehouse Red is a semi-sweet wine, with a jammy taste and beautifully red in color.
  • Made from the popular, local Niagara grape, my next sample was the Lighthouse Niagara wine.
  • Lake Erie Riesling was surprisingly sweet compared to other Rieslings I have sampled in the past.
  • Raspberry Reflections has a sunset hue, but with its aromatic raspberry scent, it was perfectly prepared with just a hint of raspberry flavor.
  • Not quite sure what to expect with Spiced Apple, I was pleasantly surprised by its refreshing taste.
  • Frosty Peach, a lovely summertime wine,  was lightly flavored with a hint of peach.
  • Grape Jamboree is typical of an Ohio sweet wine and is one of the winery’s best sellers.  The Grape Jamboree is also an annual festival that takes place in Geneva during the month of September.
  • Pink Catawba, with its deep cranberry color was the sweetest wine yet.
  • My final sample was the Sweet Concord which tastes like grape juice that packs a punch.  This was my favorite sample and I purchased a bottle to make some sangria on a hot summer afternoon.

The view from where I was sitting was absolutely gorgeous.  Within a few feet from the seating area was an antique Ferris wheel at the edge of the lake.  This stand-alone attraction is well known to the locals and was built in 1956.  They call it the #5 Big Eli because it was fifth patent of George Ferris.   Old Firehouse Winery has a port wine named after this colorful wheel and has a spectacular view from the top.

Strolling through the winery before leaving for the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, I could not pass up the opportunity to try the slushie and I quickly learned why they are one of Old Firehouse Winery’s best sellers.

Have you visited Geneva on the Lake and tried the wines at Old Firehouse Winery?  I would love to hear about your fun experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Old Firehouse Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Firehouse Winery
9425, 5499 Lake Road East
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 9300

Open seven days a week year around, the winery and restaurant provides daily entertainment during the summer months with extended hours over the weekend.  For more information about the winery and their themed weekends which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH   44010
Telephone:  440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

Guerra’s Crazy Tacos: Springfield, Ohio

Since Guerra’s Crazy Tacos first opened in Springfield, Ohio, it has drawn visitors from all over the state of Ohio and beyond.  Known for its unique taco combinations, this brightly colored, boutique restaurant is the place for a unique twist on Mexican cuisine.

Drawing on recipes from his San Antonio roots, Felix Guerra III doesn’t shy away from fascinating culinary combos such as cabbage and candied ginger, teriyaki sauce and pineapple, or toppings to include BBQ sauce or jerk seasoning.  Each taco creation is written on the black board and changes from time to time, leaving you wanting to return to Guerra’s to taste his next invention.

The Sugar Skull artwork makes for a beautiful interior.  From the wall art to the tables and chairs, this symbol known for its remembrance of loved ones who have passed denoting the passing from the physical to the spiritual. It is also a reminder that our lives must be fully lived.

Starting with some chips and green salsa, it was the perfect distraction from my grumbling stomach anticipating the triple order of Sweet Lucy, Asian Ginger and the traditional taco.  I also couldn’t resist their spicy margarita.

I savored each bite and slowly enjoyed my margarita, tempted to purchase a couple of additional combos.  In the end, I decided it would not be the best idea and I could always return for more.  Besides, since it has been named one of Business Insider’s top places to order tacos, let’s hope they will be here for a very long time.

Have you visited Guerra’s Krazy Taco?  I would love to hear about your experience and what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Guerra’s Krazy Taco and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Guerra’s Krazy Tacos
229 N. Belmont Avenue
Springfield, OH  45503
Telephone:  937 325 0799

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Guerra’s Krazy Tacos
229 N. Belmont Avenue
Springfield, OH  45503
Telephone:  937 325 0799

What to Eat:

Tacos, Tacos and More Tacos!

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Hiking Buzzardroost Rock in Ohio

Located in the rolling hills of southwest Ohio is one of my favorite hikes, Buzzardroost Rock. Nearly two hours of driving from Cincinnati, I arrived at the lot where I parked my car and took the stairs down to the trail head.

An old sign marked the start of the trail so I crossed the road where I entered a forest of maple trees.  Considered a moderately difficult trail, I was guaranteed stunning views of the valley once I reached the scenic overlook.

Additional stairs brought me further into the woods where I reached a board walk protecting me from the surrounding wetlands.  Even a small rain would cause this area to flood, so the wooded platform was much appreciated.

Wooden stairs were a welcome sight for climbing up the side of the hill.

I crossed over the creek using wooden planks which had been perfectly laid down for hikers to span the trickling water.

Large sandstone rocks appeared at the crest of the hill and as the sun began to set, its reflection gave the monolith stones a reddish orange glow.

I was a little disappointed that the sun was beginning to set, but the sky was such a beautiful pink and orange that I took a few moments to enjoy the spectacular colors streaming through the trees.

The further I walked, the more beautiful the colors came together.  It was so worth taking a few moments to enjoy the views, but I was also wanting to make sure that I made it to the overlook before it was too late.

I continued walking while enjoying the beautiful sunset.

The sky remained dusk when I reached the overlook.  The boardwalk led to a circular viewing area which seemed to cling to the side of the hill.

A closer look at the countryside below leaves me breathless….or it may have just been the hike.  I could feel the peace and quiet as I looked down over the valley.  I immediately took notice of the farmhouse, surrounded by acres of land and agreed that the hike was definitely worth the effort.

Have you had the opportunity to hike Buzzardroost Rock? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.   Thanks for reading about my evening hike at Buzzardroost and wishing you many Happy Trails!

To hike Buzzardroost Rock, enter the following address into your GPS to  reach the parking lot for the trail:

Buzzardroost Rock Trail
16300 OH-125
West Union, OH  45693