Home Cooking at The Farm, Adena, OH

22 April 202022 September 2024

Stephi, from The Black Sheep Vineyard, suggested I visit The Farm for dinner which is located just around the corner from the winery. She mentioned that the restaurant provided home-style cooking and recommended the prime rib with their homemade butter. That sounded absolutely fabulous so I purchased a couple of bottles of wine and made my way over to the restaurant.

I was greeted with a warm smile by the hostess, who led me to a table close to the fireplace. The atmosphere was electric as waiters kept busy with a full house. My server was helpful in providing me with a list of specials which included a Shrimp and Scallop Pasta with Grilled Vegetables & Alfredo with Salad for $22, Baked or Fried Cod with two sides for $14 and a twenty-ounce Cowboy Steak with two sides for $32. There was also a Berry Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing for $14. The vegetable of the day was Broccoli with Cheese. Everything sounded so fantastic, so I splurged on the Alfredo special and ordered ranch dressing with my salad.

My salad was perfectly chilled with mixed greens, beets, green beans, cheese and croutons. The dressing, a homemade ranch, was absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned with ground pepper. I checked out some of the orders passing from the kitchen to the tables where I noticed homemade noodles and stuffed Italian peppers.

I could sense my dinner was arriving as I smelled the creamy cheese sauce. There were plenty of meat, vegetables and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese. With so much food, I requested a take out box ahead of time, so I wouldn’t overeat and have leftovers for the next day or two.

Before leaving, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Sally, the owner of the restaurant. She is the epitome of hospitality and what a fabulous cook. She learned that I was interested in writing about The Farm and wanted to introduce herself to me. I thanked her for the delicious meal and before I could pay my bill, she met me at my table with another package….she was so excited to share with me her pot roast and wanted me to try her notorious bread pudding. I would have loved to have tried the meal at the restaurant, but I was quite full from my delicious meal. I needed to make it back to Columbus and thanked her again for her generous hospitality. While I didn’t have room for dessert, I was happy that I saved time for the sunset.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Farm in Adena, Ohio? What did you order or what is your favorite meal? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

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

Where to Eat:

The Farm Restaurant
1247 OH-150
Adena, Ohio 43901
Telephone: 740 769 2050

For more information about The Farm Restaurant, you can check out their Facebook page to access their menu and to find out more information about their hours of operation. I would like to thank Sally and the staff at The Farm for their generous hospitality and kindness during my visit! All opinions provided are my own!

Where to Drink:

The Black Sheep Winery
1454 US-250
Adena, Ohio 43901
Telephone: 740 546 3741

Where to Stay:

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
620 Lincoln Avenue
Cadiz, OH 43907
Telephone: 740 942 1161

Yummy Pot Roast with Awesome Gravy

Incredible Bread Pudding

The Spectacular Sunset at The Farm Restaurant, Adena, OH

Bodega Restaurant in Athens, OH

15 April 202022 September 2024

I arrived early for lunch at the Bodega in Athens, Ohio. A well-known restaurant located in Uptown, it is a perfect stop for local students attending Ohio University. The Bodega is a part of a co-operative, opened in 1986 under the Casa Nueva name as a restaurant. The business continued to grow to include a salsa and later expanded to add The Bodega with its own kitchen.

I found a place at the bar to place my order and was handed a polyethylene coated piece of paper with the number 13.

In the corner of the restaurant is an electrical, back-lit board which displays a number when an order has been completed. Once the number is displayed on the “Bingo Board”, there is a small pass-through to pick up the food.

Until my food was completed, I was happy to enjoy a Pineapple Hurricane made with orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and pineapple infused alcohol.

My grilled chicken burrito arrived with a side of chips and salsa, which was absolutely fresh with the perfect amount of heat. I met a couple of students who had just arrived to the restaurant preparing for their last test of the day. This was the last day of the semester for the students and many would be making the journey home.

As I finished the last of my burrito, the restaurant was filling up with students, so I grabbed my leftovers and headed back to The Plains to wait for my niece and nephew to return home.

Have you visited The Bodega inside of Casa Nueva? What did you order? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to one of Athens’ best restaurants and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Casa Nueva – The Bodega
4 West State Street
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 592 2016

What to Eat:

Each day the restaurant prepares fresh salsas and ingredients for their wraps and burritos. Each menu item is made to order and each selection comes highly recommended.

Nostalgic Nutcracker Family Restaurant in Pataskala, Ohio

8 April 202022 September 2024

Meeting my cousin for dinner, we decided on a spot that would make the halfway point for both of us, selecting The Nutcracker in Pataskala. Located on the back roads of Ohio’s farmland, this gorgeous diner first opened as an ice cream parlor in 1995.

Taking my first step through the door, I recognized all of the features that make this restaurant a 1950’s diner, but I also could not help noticing that I was surrounded by Nutcrackers of all shapes and sizes.

The antique cars and authentic signs add to the charm of this roadside restaurant. The black and white checkered floor throughout adds the final touch. I felt a little nostalgic seeing all of the Coca Cola memorabilia as it reminded me of visiting my Grandfather.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the neon signs “Service Station” and the “FrosTop Root Beer” advertisement as I waited to be seated. A small table next to a window sill held about fifteen more Nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes.

Looking through the menu, there were so many items that I had a difficult time narrowing down my order. I remembered walking through the front door where I noticed the advertisement for Snicker Cookie Pie that I knew I wanted to save room for dessert.

I finally decided on the BLT sandwich with fries, placed my order and immediately flipped to the dessert page of the menu. I did not wait long for my meal to arrive and asked for a slice of the seasonal pumpkin roll with whipped cream.

Full from lunch and dessert, I approached the cash register where there was a large pastry display with whole pies, chocolate candies and their famous cream puffs. I was tempted to take a few items to go, but thought it would be best to pass on the additional sugar and wait until the next time I was in town.

Instead of dinner next time, I wouldn’t mind trying a couple of desserts.

Have you stopped by The Nutcracker in Pataskala for an amazing trip down memory lane? Let me know what you ordered by leaving a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my fabulous dining experience at The Nutcracker and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad Street
Pataskala, OH 43062
Telephone: 740 964 0056

Where to Eat:

Nutcracker Family Restaurant
63 E. Broad Street
Pataskala, OH 43062
Telephone: 740 964 0056

Exploring the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield, Ohio

1 April 202022 September 2024

Shawshank Redemption is an all-time classic starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freedman. The movie won several awards and was filmed in central Ohio. So when I learned that most of the movie was filmed in Mansfield, I jumped at the opportunity to download the “Shawshank Trail Drive It Yourself Tour” and began my trek up north. Fourteen sites identify where Hollywood filmed the movie including the Ohio State Reformatory, which is now a museum and open to the public for tours. Here are the details of my tour. SPOILER ALERT!

Shawshank signs and decals identify the sites that are listed on the tour. The drive begins at the Ohio State Reformatory and ends in Upper Sandusky, Ohio where two of the sites were filmed about an hour outside of Mansfield.

Please note: I have put the sites in order in which they appear in the movie and not in the sequence of the driving tour.

At the start of the film, Andy Dufresne is sitting outside of his wife’s lover’s house where he knows she is inside. The façade of the home is Pugh Cabin located at Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, Ohio.

Located in Upper Sandusky, the Wyandot County Courthouse is the site where Andy’s trial took place. Because I completed the driving tour on a Saturday, the courthouse was not open. NOTE: Should you visit from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30, it is required that you ask permission of a courthouse employee prior to taking photos of the inside of the building.

When Red and the other prisoners come out to watch the new prisoners enter the prison yard, there are several angles of the Ohio State Reformatory that are familiar in these scenes.

The guard tower is seen from several angles, but as Red is entering the courtyard of the prison, the view of the post can be seen in the background.

One of my favorite shots in the movie is when the film follows the entrance road up to the façade of the Ohio State Reformatory leading into an aerial view of the prison. It is such a dramatic part of the film that highlights the fascinating architecture of the building.

A view of the bullpen occurs when the prisoners, upon entering the penitentiary, are required to line up on the yellow line. It is here where the new prisoners experience their first sight of police brutality on the inside.

The area set aside for Solitary Confinement is marked within the Ohio State Reformatory. It is here where the prisoners would be sent as additional punishment for not following the rules.

At one point, Andy is washing his face, which shows the inside of his prison cell.

The shower scene in the movie looks very similar to the showers inside of the reformatory except for the fact that the movie shower heads are larger.

Another angle of the shower shows where the towels and clothes of the prisoners are hanging from hooks along the back wall.

Moving away from the Ohio State Reformatory, the next location site is the Shawshank Workshop. Inside of this building is where the filming took place that represented the workshop inside of Shawshank Prison. There are several scenes which shows the prisoners working in the workshop. The most notable scene is when Andy locks himself up in the warden’s office and plays opera over the load speaker for the prisoners to hear, playing Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”.

There is a scene in the movie where Andy is coming down the stairs with the warden. Although painted a different color than the film, this scene was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory.

If you look closely to the floor where Andy works on the same level as the warden’s office, you will notice the circular tiles. This floor is located on the first floor of the Ohio State Reformatory and is part of the administrative offices and gift shop.

The façade of the Blissman Building was used as the Brewster Hotel as well as the Portland Daily Bugle. The hotel was where Brooks would stay after being released from prison and would later on, hang himself in his room. On the corner of Main and Fifth is where Brooks would try to cross the street, only to realize that the times are now moving faster and is almost hit by a car. This building is considered haunted and is included in the Haunted Mansfield Tour.

The set for Brooks’ room can be seen at the Ohio State Reformatory.

The scene where Brooks is waiting for his crow, Jake, to return has been replaced with a gazebo.

On the other side of the park is a bench that has been designated as a prop for the movie as the location where Brooks sat waiting for his pet crow, Jake.

On the ground floor of the Ohio State Reformatory is the model for the tunnel where Andy dug his way out to freedom. This is the actual film prop where the Warden throws one of Andy’s stone images that happens to expose the hole from which Andy escapes.

The most memorable prop is that where Andy crawls his way out of the sewage pipe that leads outside of the prison and ending at a creek. According to the museum, the sewage was created by using sawdust, chocolate syrup and water.

One of the most thrilling events of the movie is when Andy enters the Maine National Bank and cashes in his account under the name of Randall Stevens and drops of a package for the bank to mail on his behalf. You can find the location where they shot this scene at what is known as Crosby Advisory Group, LLC. There is the vault door and an office upstairs that was used in the movie.

After Red is released from prison, there is a scene in the movie where he happens to look inside of a storefront window and gazes upon a compass. It will be this compass that will help Red find the Oak Tree that Andy directs him to find.

One of the movie locations that requires a little driving is approximately 15 miles outside of Mansfield on the country roads of Bellville. It is one of my favorite scenes where Red, looking for the Oak Tree, hitches a ride with a man driving a pickup truck. He drops him off at an intersection and is one of the prettiest scenes in the movie. It is at the intersection of Snyder Road and Hagerman Road in Bellville.

The movie zooms in on Red as he continues his journey searching for the Oak Tree.

It is an exciting moment in the movie when Red eventually finds the Oak Tree and the treasure that Andy has left for him. The scene shows Red walking along a hay field and then following a small wall of rocks until he reaches the tree. Located in Pleasant Valley near Malabar Farm, only half of this tree remains due to a lightning strike on July 29, 2011.

UPDATE: On July 22, 2016, winds damaged the 200+ year old tree and the remainder of the tree was cut down on April 9, 2017.

Once Red finds the treasure, he returns back to the Brewer Hotel to pack his belongings. It is here that he also leaves his mark at the hotel “So Was Red”, next to his dear friend’s last message “Brooks Was Here”. This image can be found at the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield.

Inside of this building is where Andy waits in line to purchase his bus ticket to Fort Hancock, Texas, located at the American/Mexican border. This building is located on Orange Street in Ashland, Ohio.

As Andy rides the bus towards Fort Hancock, Texas, there is a view of the bus heading down a road along the beautiful countryside. This scenic location is also in Belleville, on the corner of Hagerman and Route 95. This is another one of my favorite scenes because it shows a brand new beginning for Red and the opportunity for him to have a second chance.

Shawshank Redemption is a movie about friendship, loyalty, innocence and revenge. It is a thrilling drama where the good guy wins and the bad guy has a second chance. Although it was not a box office success, the US Library of Congress added this film to their National Film Registry finding it “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” I couldn’t agree more.

Have you seen Shawshank Redemption or taken the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield? What were you thoughts about the movie? I would love to hear about your experience and thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, OH 44843
Telephone: 419 892 2784

Admission Fee: No fee to drive up to the cabin at Malabar Farm State Park
Hours: Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk.
Amenities: Mt. Jeez lookout, picnic areas, restroom facilities, campgrounds, guided tours, Malabar Restaurant, 32-room country mansion
Scenic View: Pugh Cabin, the façade of the house was filmed as Andy Dufresne’s wife’s lover; the park is extensive with scenic views, especially the Mt. Jeez Lookout
Length of Visit: 30 minutes, unless you continue to explore this beautiful state park
Tips for Your Visit: If visiting the park from November through April, some of the facilities may be closed/unavailable

Wyandot County Courthouse
109 S. Sandusky Avenue
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Telephone: 419 294 3826

Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: You must have permission to take photographs inside.

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Road
Mansfield, OH 44905
Telephone: 419 522 2644

Admission: Self-guided tours for adults (18 & up) are $12 while guided tours cost $17. Students (7 – 17), Seniors (age 60+) and College ID and Military are $10 for self-guided tours and $15 for guided tours. Children 6 and under are free and there is an additional $5 cost for the audio wand. NOTE: Cash only, but there is an ATM machine provided.
Hours: Winter Hours (February 2 to March 31) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; Spring/Summer Hours (April 1 to September 2) are from 11 AM to 4 PM, daily; Holiday Tours (November 24 to December 17) are from 11 AM to 4PM, daily
Amenities: New for 2018, the reformatory will be open for abbreviated tours (September 4th – November 4th – Thursdays through Sunday only in October); self-guided tours; guided tours offered regularly between June and August on Saturdays and Sundays; Specialized guided tours include: History Meets Hollywood Tour, Beyond the Bars Tour, and the Inmate Tour led by Michael Humphrey who spent 14 months here in the late 1960s. This tour contains adult themes and is intended for mature audiences only. Please contact the Ohio State Reformatory to confirm when this tour is available.
Scenic View: There are several scenic views of the reformatory from the Warden’s Quarters and other locations throughout the prison.
Length of Visit: For the basic self-guided or guided tour, allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. Depending on the number of guided tours you purchase, you will require additional time.
Tips for Your Visit: Pay the additional fee for the audio tour which provides interesting information about the reformatory. Admission is cash only but there is an ATM machine provided. Wear proper shoes due to the condition of the metal stairs in the cell block. If you think you can handle it, visit during the overnight ghost tour.

Blissman Building
193 N. Main Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Telephone: 419 295 2537

Admission Fee: No Fee, but donations are appreciated
Hours: If the door is open, come on in! Let the staff know you are on the Shawshank Tour
Scenic View: The façade represents the Brewer Hotel and the Portland Daily Bugle
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: Only the façade was used for the movie.

Brook’s Bench
Park Avenue West and Park Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Telephone: 419 744 9820

Admission Fee: No Fee, public location
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scenic View: From the park bench there is a beautiful gazebo in the park.
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes

Crosby Advisory Group,
19 W. Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805
www.crosbyadvisory.com

Admission Fee: No Fee, but donations accepted
Hours: 8 – 4; Monday through Friday
Length of Visit: Less than 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: This building may not be available even during the hours of operation, The vault door, teller line and one of the offices upstairs were used as scenes from the movie.

Road to Buxton: Crossroads of Snyder and Hagerman

Shawshank Tree – on Pleasant Valley Road between Malabar Farm and Malabar Farm Restaurant

Revivals Thrift Shop
345 Orange Street
Ashland, OH 44805
Telephone: 419 903 0303

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Open Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Length of Visit: 30 minutes
Tips for Your Visit: The location was used as the Trailways Bus Station in the movie. It is a Christian outreach and ministry today.

Route 95 near Hagerman Road in Butler, OH is where Red rode the Trailways Bus after leaving the Shawshank State Prison,

Zihuatenejo
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Telephone: 340 773 4554

Admission Fee: No Fee
Hours: Open on Saturday to Sunday only and is closed from April to August for turtle nesting season
Amenities: None
Scenic View: The coast of Sandy Point is absolutely stunning with its crystal clear waters and gorgeous white sand beaches
Tips for Your Visit: Do not visit this beach alone. You cannot put a stake in the ground (i.e., for an umbrella) so bring plenty of sunscreen. The water has a drop off and becomes deep very quickly. Turtles and rays are seen here.

Where to Stay:

Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
116 Main Street
Bellville, OH 44813
Telephone: 419 886 9463

Where to Eat:

Malabar Farm Restaurant
3645 Pleasant Valley Road
Lucas, OH 44864
Telephone: 419 938 5205

I started my meal with the mushroom soup which was creamy and full of flavor. As my main meal, I ordered the highly popular Reuben sandwich made of slow cooked brisket, kraut, marble rye, artisan Thousand Island and served with chips. Blog post coming soon!

The Vault Wine Bar
29 W. Main Street
Shelby, OH 44875
Telephone: 567 292 9081
The Suite Life of Travel Blog Post

I had already eaten a big lunch and decided to order the stuffed dates at The Vault which are stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon, baked and then drizzled with balsamic reduction. I could have ordered two servings they were amazing!

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

Lunch at Teaberry’s, Springfield, Ohio

25 March 202022 September 2024

Update: As of December 26, 2022, Teaberry’s and Heart of Ohio Gift Shop has closed.

Restaurants can bring on a nostalgic feeling and I felt that as I entered Teaberry’s in Springfield. I remembered visiting craft stores when I was younger and vividly recollected the menu of home-cooked meals. I was so happy to be visiting here again to try some of the cooking that reminded me of my favorite lunches we shared at my Grandmother’s house.

We were seated straightaway and our server took our drink order. It was a hot sunny day in my hometown and so I ordered the lemonade, trying to decide on what I would have for lunch.

Once I had decided on the chicken salad sandwich with cauliflower salad, I took time to read the historical account of Teaberry’s learning that the restaurant had once been a two-room schoolhouse in Clark County, built in 1868. It later became a home, a gift shop and the restaurant was added in 1998. Today, Teaberry’s has expanded by adding five rooms to accommodate up to 120 guests.

The serving of chicken salad was overflowing from the perfectly baked croissant, lightly toasted with a think layer of butter. The broccoli salad was dressed with a sweet and salad dressing, which was absolutely delicious.

Of course I had to save room for their famous “orange cakes”, which were moist and full of flavor. Completely full, we had time to shop and found a few items to decorate my home and gifts for the upcoming holiday. I’m not sure which I had enjoyed more…the lunch or the shopping, but both were quite enjoyable.

Have you visited Teaberry’s in Springfield? What was your experience and did you eat and shop? 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 lunch and shopping at Teaberry’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Heart of Country Gift Shop
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505

Where to Eat:

Teaberry’s
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505

What to Eat:

Chicken Salad
Reuben Sandwich
Orange Cake

Hiking East Fork State Park in Clermont County, Ohio

18 March 202020 September 2024

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I was lost on the Steven Newman Trail at East Fork State Park. I finally gave up and returned a couple of days later to hike one of the mountain bike trails. Here are some of my favorite photos from visiting East Fork State Park.

Day 1

Day 2

Visiting East Fork State Park in the early spring was a quiet experience as the summer are the park’s busiest time of the year. For more information about East Fork State Park, visit their website at East Fork State Park (ohiodnr.gov).

Have you visited East Fork State Park? Do you have a favorite trail that you would like to share? If so, please leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for browsing some of my favorite photos from my visit to East Fork State Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth af Fluff Bakery in Athens, Ohio

11 March 202022 September 2024

Strolling past Fluff Bakery in Uptown Athens, a sweet smell of sugar and chocolate chips was escaping the door each time it had opened. I had just eaten lunch with my niece and nephew and they loved the idea of stopping for dessert.

Opened in 2010, Fluff Bakery offers cookies and cakes as well as sandwiches, salads and local craft brews. I couldn’t pass up the decadent chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing, chunks of chocolate and chocolate syrup while the kids selected a large chocolate chip cookie and red velvet whoopie pie.

We took a seat at one of the tables and it didn’t seem long until we had finished our baked goods, so I asked them if they wanted to pick up something for the next day, and of course, we chose a more selections to have after lunch. With a few more days in town, we may have decide to stop by Fluff Bakery for lunch.

Have you visited Fluff Bakery in Athens? What did you order? 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 stop at Fluff Bakery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Fluff Bakery
8 N. Court Street
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 249 4286

Little Fish Brewing Co., Athens, Ohio

4 March 202020 September 2024

While visiting family in Athens, one of my favorite breweries to visit is Little Fish Brewing Co. Opening the summer of 2015, the owners Jimmy Stockwell and Sean White focused on their mission to create beers from Ohio-grown ingredients. The following year, their “Barrel-Aged Woodthrush” won the 2016 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Belgian- and French-style Ale category.

In addition to their craft beers, I love the atmosphere of Little Fish as soon as I walk through the door. The wrap-around bar is large enough to seat about twenty-five with a gigantic chalkboard that lists all of their available beers.

Inside, there are board games for families and friends to play as well as decks of cards for Euchre tournaments or a friendly game of Rummy.

Outside are several picnic tables a large outdoor space for cornhole tournaments or a children’s game of tag.

My favorite craft brews are the Woodthrush and Our Lightest Beer, but there may be a new selection each time I visit. I’m always happy to try the new brews to add to my list of favorites.

When Little Fish first opened, they brought in food trucks so their customers could order food. Today, the breweries in Dayton and Athens have kitchens, run by Becky Clark. In addition to the brewery’s awards over the years, Clark was nominated as a James Beard Award Winning Chef (Best Chef) in the Great Lakes Region for her work with Little Fish. Just another reason why this brewery is so amazing.

Have you been to Little Fish Brewing Co. in Athens, Ohio? Which craft beer did you like best? Many thanks for reading about my visit to this award winning brewery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Where to Eat:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Where to Drink:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio

26 February 202020 September 2024

Updated September 13, 2024

Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with designing over four hundred homes, commercial buildings and other works to include The Westcott House located in Springfield, Ohio. An architect with a vision beyond his time, Mr. Wright’s designs and influence have made him one of the most famous architects in the world. The Prairie-style home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Burton and Orpha Westcott, completed in 1908. After many years of decline, the home was purchased by The Westcott House Foundation in 2000 and a $5.8 million dollar renovation ensued. From the restoration to the home’s structure and architecture, the foundation has also focused on bringing back the furniture and restoring the gardens during the time of the Westcotts. The masterpiece was opened to the public for tours beginning in 2005.

As visitors enter the museum through a side entrance from Greenmount Street, they will find a gift shop as well as a small cinema in the area of the home that was once the garage. The Visitor’s Center displays various items that showcase the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and are available for purchase. The tour was led by docent Mary Ellen who provided a thorough overview of The Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the Westcott family.

Having moved from Richmond, Indiana, Burton Westcott became a prominent resident of Springfield due to his successful career in the automobile industry. It would be his wife, Orpha, having come upon the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, who would commission him to design and build their home. Jeanne, the oldest of the two Westcott children, lived here until her marriage to Richard Rodgers. John, born in Springfield in 1903, would live in Italy to attend Montessori School for his education and return home until his parent’s passing in the 1920s. At the time of Orpha’s untimely, tragic death, Burton’s automobile business was in decline. His attempt to save the failing venture would be unsuccessful and lead to a decline in his health resulting in his death in 1926.

The Westcott House is considered one of Wright’s most significant homes as it was designed after Wright’s visit to Japan. There are various features in the residence from its furniture to the light fixtures that suggest this Japanese influence. With a total of sixteen rooms, the home was built to accommodate the Westcott’s love of entertaining. From its exceptional living room and fireplace to its exquisite dining area, the blueprint also included a reception space for receiving their guests.

Throughout the home, Wright’s emphasis on drawing one’s eye to a horizontal perspective is exhibited by the skylight and dining room. From the stonework to the fireplace to the chimney, there is beauty in Wright’s use of organic architecture referred to as Wright’s First Golden Age, a style which ran from around 1893 to 1910. Wright’s Prairie-style construction of the Walcott House is very similar to the Robie House in Chicago.

There are so many exciting aspects of The Westcott that one finds intriguing to include the use of cantilevered overhangs applied to the low-pitched roof of this home. From the French doors that lead to the pergola to the wrap around windows, Wright consistently incorporates the use of natural light and nature to the interior of his architecture and designs as seen in the earth tones and textures exhibited throughout the home.

Wright had a love for the dramatic. While the living spaces were more modest, it was the public, entertaining spaces that were the focal point of the home and the most fascinating. Built in bookcases, seating around the fireplace and a buffet are some of the features of The Westcott House that showcase his incredible talent. The design of the dining room table is also somewhat intriguing. At each corner, Wright included a tower-like lighting structure to increase illumination to the room.

The tour ended in the garden of the home where the metal works and awnings of the exterior could be explored. The gardens are beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It would have been a perfect outdoor space for the Westcott children.

A visit to The Westcott House includes a guided tour of the public spaces of the home such as the library, the family room and the dining room. The private living quarters include the kitchen and pantry, the maids’ rooms, Burton and Orpha’s bedrooms, closet space and powder rooms as well as the rooms of John and Jeanne, the Westcott Children.

The Westcott House is located in Springfield, Ohio on the corner of Greenmount Avenue and High Street. You can find the location on your GPS by entering 85 South Greenmount Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504. There is plenty of visitor parking on Greenmount.

Have you visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties? I would love to hear about your experience, so leave a message in the comments section below. Happy Travels!

If you would like more information about Frank Lloyd Wright, you can also check out artsy.net/artist/frank-lloyd-wright.

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

What to See and What to Do:

The Westcott House
85 S. Greenmount Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 327 9291

Admission Fee: Adults: $18 and $15 for Seniors. Free for school groups and Westcott Members.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM to 5PM; Sunday from 1PM to 5PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Guided Tours: This Frank Lloyd Wright home requires a guided tour to explore the property: January – March: Tuesday to Friday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Saturday at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM; Sunday at 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM From April – December: Tuesday to Saturday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Sunday at 1PM and 3PM
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Photography is NOT permitted inside of The Westcott House.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

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.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
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.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

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

Former Church is now the Home of Father John’s Brewery

8 December 201919 September 2024

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, my sinful urge to have a beer led me to Father John’s Brewery, the former Methodist church in Bryan, Ohio. Originally built in 1867, this wooden church was later renovated in 1895 with a red-brick exterior, beautiful stained glass windows and the addition of a pipe organ, custom built.

Instead of waiting for a table, I grabbed a chair at the cross shaped bar and placed an order for a flight of brews.

A self-proclaimed novice to local craft beer, I tend to lean towards the light beers or ones that offer hints of fruit flavors.

My beer selections for my flight of 6 include:

The Venerable Bede IPA 1% – love this one
Sacrificial Goat Amber 66% – just a slight nutty taste
Proverbial Porter 1% – grows on you; wasn’t my favorite at first
Michael’s Pale Ale 6.3% a fellow bought the very first pint and they named this beer after him
Fresh off the Bine Fresh op Beer 5.3% – can taste the wheat
The Imp Imperial Rye 8,4%
Ranger IPA 6.5% – love this one

Enjoying my selection of craft brews, I grabbed a couple of my samples so I could walk around and browse the amazing set up. I felt as though I was standing in the middle of a Renaissance castle with life-size armor, period furniture and Medieval embellishments.

Father John’s Brewing Company opened in 2012 to produce ales and lagers in addition to wine and meads. With a brew-on-site operation, Father John’s includes eighteen draft beers.

Red hymnals rest on each table in lieu of the traditional church pew.

While indoors you may notice the dark, mysterious interior, a walk outside will have you feeling as though you have taken a seat among the French countryside.

The owners of Father John’s want visitors to consider their brewery as a place to discover. One way is to roam both the beautiful exterior as well as the fascinating interior. During my exploration, I learned that there is a crypt within the grounds of the church. The space below the ground has been covered with a clear glass as it is thought to be containing remains, but out of respect it has been undisturbed.

Did you know that the first gluten-free craft beer made in Ohio came from Father John’s? They appropriately named it Intolerant Ale.

Exiting the brewery, I found the beautiful garden with fire pits, flowers and tables to enjoy the outdoors. What a change from the dilapidated structure that had lay empty over a period of time leaving the slate roof falling in and its foundation crumbling. Saving the building, Dr. John Trippy opened the space as a brewery/restaurant in 2012. Shortly thereafter, the Stoned Goat Inn was opened for visitors needing an overnight stay.

There is an incredible serenity at Father John’s. Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the brewery, experience a wine tasting, book a private gathering or even a night at the inn for an immersive experience.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Father John’s Brewery in Bryan, Ohio? Did you stay overnight? 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 exciting visit to Father John’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Stay:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

Where to Eat:

Father John’s Brewery
301 W Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313

Tues – Thurs: 3pm – 10pm; Friday: 3pm – Midnight; Saturday: 11am – Midnight and closed Sunday and Monday

I ordered the Angelic Wings with the Sweet Thai sauce in addition to the Charcuterie Board with its many cheeses and meats.

Where to Drink:

Father John’s
301 W. Butler Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 633 1313
Website: https://www.fatherjohnsmicrobrewery.com/

What to Read:

A Sweet Century: The 100-Year History of Spangler Candy Company and the Spangler Family, Bryan, Ohio, by William L. Culbertson