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Tag Archives: pancakes

The Apple Barn, Pigeon Forge

14 January 202122 September 2024

The Apple Barn story began in the early 1900s,  when the barn was built by the  Mullendore family.  Here, they raised cattle and planted tobacco.  Seventy years later, the barn and property were purchased by the Hicks and Kilpatrick family and they planted their first apple trees in 1976.

A Visit to the Apple Barn is a tradition for the many families that visit Gatlinburg on a regular basis.  I love their breakfasts starting with their complimentary Apple Fritters served with their famous Apple Butter.

Nolan couldn’t wait to eat his pancakes with a spoon and each of us couldn’t wait to see him try.

Scott decided it was too late for breakfast and went for the traditional meatloaf with a side of macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes.  A great hearty meal before our long drive home.

The Original Farmhouse Sampler Trio included a generous serving of fried chicken, chicken and dumplings and chicken pot pie.  I was happy to share my meal, thinking of all the calories in my order.

Mom and Dad each ordered the chicken friend steak with a side of mashed potatoes.

Of course, this family could not leave the restaurant without dessert…from cobbler and ice cream…

To chocolate cake, this family left the Apple Barn without room to spare.  It was time to visit the gift shop and work off a few pounds we had packed on in one seating.

Have you visited the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant?  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 the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Apple Barn
340 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 7470

Where to Stay: 

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone:  865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

  • Barbecue
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Visiting Clifton Mill for Dessert with a Scenic View

13 October 201716 September 2024

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Growing up in nearby Springfield, I have some great childhood memories of visiting Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show during the Christmas Holiday.  I decided to visit during the fall to explore this unique flour mill and to enjoya piece of their delicious pie.

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Tucked away in the little town of Clifton, Ohio, the mill is one of the largest remaining grist mills in the United States.  It is powered by water with the help of a 20 foot water wheel, located along the outer banks of the Little Miami River.

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Approaching the mill, I took a quick peek inside to see one of the seven floors used for making flour.

Just a close walk on the left side of the mill is the restaurant offering scenic views of the Little Miami River and the water wheel.  Greeted by a friendly server, I was escorted to a sought-after window seat and handed a menu with a selection of pies.

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With so many made-from-scratch options, I decided on the chocolate pecan pie.  Sinfully decadent, this slice had a flaky crust topped with chocolate and pecans and lived up to my expectations.  I thoroughly enjoyed every last bite.  If I would have arrived sooner, I would have been tempted by their famous pancakes which are also one of the restaurant’s specialities.    IMG_8350

The gift shop is located next to the restaurant and offers flour from its mill as well as a wide variety of country-style gifts and food times such as preserves, sauces and dips.

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I was happy to find a two pound bag of apple cinnamon pancake mix and would make them for the brunch I was hosting the next weekend.

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Settled in the year 1802, Clifton is a small town with a population of 150.  There are several historical buildings within the city that are worth checking out as well.  I am deeply grateful for the Satariano family for their passion in preserving the mill back in 1987 and their yearly display of holiday lights that bring thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Have you had the opportunity of having a meal at Clifton Mill or visited during the holidays for the lights?  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 afternoon dessert stop and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

Check out my write up on the holiday lights to experience the tradition of Clifton Mill that brings so much joy during the holiday season.  I hope you make it a family tradition for you and your family.

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A Taste of Home at Sam and Ethel’s, Tipp City, Ohio

12 March 201614 September 2024

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I remember learning about Sam and Ethel’s in Tipp City, Ohio when my grandparents would visit here for breakfast on Sunday mornings.   This amazing diner in the heart of town has been serving delicious, down home meals since 1944.  That’s over 70 years of yummy food.

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The menu was endless with amazing options, including buffalo, but I had my mind set on their famous Reuben Sandwich, a decadent combination of rye bread, thousand island dressing, corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.  My mouth was watering as I ordered this local favorite and one of Sam and Ethel’s best sellers. Along with their tenderloin and roundhouse club, each sandwich is served with their signature chips and garlic onion dip.

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The front room of the restaurant is reminiscent to the diners of the good ole days, where locals can sit at a counter and enjoy a hearty, home cooked meal or a cup of coffee with a slice of pie.  I found a seat at one of the booths where I could see the kitchen through the pass-through and was close enough to take in the delicious smell of meat cooking on the grill.

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When my sandwich arrived with a heaping of Sam and Ethel’s famous, homemade potato chips, I was in culinary heaven.  One of the most amazing sandwiches I had ever eaten, this Reuben was oozing with dressing and Swiss cheese.  The buttered bread was perfectly toasted with a generous portion of juicy corned beef piled high to make this the ultimate sandwich.

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While I was ordering my meal, the waitress mentioned Sam and Ethel’s signature dill dip and she asked if I wanted to try it.  The gentleman sitting at the bar turned from his meal to agree with her.  He further warned me that it was addictive and guaranteed I would not be able to stop eating it once I started.

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I was so happy I had asked for a to-go box, because secretly, I probably would have ordered another sandwich…it was that amazing,  I was disappointed that I didn’t save room for pie, but promised myself that on a return visit, I would definitely order one to share with my friends.

I learned a lot about Sam and Ethel’s from reading the menu.  This former single family home was built in 1869 and housed a variety of businesses before Bill and Flora Sensemen turned it into a restaurant in 1944.   Mom and Pop Pittinger bought the restaurant and ran it from 1947 to 1955 until it was purchased by Sam and Ethel Moore, giving the restaurant its current name. The restaurant stayed in the Moore family when Sam and Ethel’s son John took over and ran the business for forty years before selling the property to Keith Long in 2009.   The restaurant has won several awards including the 2012 Best Comfort Food and 2013 Best of Dayton Restaurants.  There is also a photo of former comedian and actor Jonathan Winters, a Dayton, Ohio native stopping in to enjoy a meal at this longtime eatery.

The Dayton newspaper had just written an article about Sam and Ethel’s famous pancakes, which are also a hit with the locals. I guess I will have to try them on my next visit.  Could I order the pancakes with a piece of pie on the side please?

Have you eaten at Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant in Tipp City?  What is your favorite menu item?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many Thanks and Bon Appetit!

What to See and What to Do:

Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant
120 East Main Street
Tipp City, Ohio  45371
Telephone:  937 667 0113

  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday from 6AM to 3PM and on Sunday from 8AM to 2PM
  • What to Eat:  I highly recommend the Reuben sandwich with the chips and homemade dill dip, the fried bologna sandwich and any one of their fabulous pies!  For breakfast, enjoy their plate-sized pancakes and corned beef hash (I like mine crispy).  Enjoy!

Where to Stay: 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton North – Tipp City
1100 W. Main Street
Tipp City, OH  45371
Telephone:  937 667 5161

Where to Eat:

Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant
120 East Main Street
Tipp City, Ohio  45371
Telephone:  937 667 0113
Website:  www.samandethels.com

  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday from 6AM to 3PM and on Sunday from 8AM to 2PM
  • What to Eat:  I highly recommend the Reuben sandwich with the chips and homemade dill dip, the fried bologna sandwich and any one of their fabulous pies!  For breakfast, enjoy their plate-sized pancakes and corned beef hash (I like mine crispy).  Enjoy!

Photo Guide for Tipp City: 

  • Canal Lock located just outside of town
  • Charleston Falls, 3538 Ross Road
  • Coldwater Creek for food photos
  • Mums during the Tipp City Mum Festival 
  • Gem City Ice Cream Mural, 1462 Harmony Drive
  • Tipp Roller Mill is an historic grist mill where they provide entertainment on Thursdays from May to December.

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

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The Old Arcana, Arcanum Ohio – NOW CLOSED

9 July 201531 August 2024

UPDATE:  The Old Arcana is now CLOSED.

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What initially drew me to The Old Arcana Restaurant was their Bourbon Praline French Toast, which was voted the best by Ohio Magazine.  I was also interested in visiting Bear’s Mill in Greenville, so I combined the two for a pleasant morning in Darke County, Ohio.   Passing through cornfields and small country towns, my GPS guided me to Arcanum with its red brick streets and charming antique shops.

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The beautiful interior was rich with exposed brick walls, dark wood furnishings and simple, yet elegant table settings.  The bar is the main attraction displaying the homemade desserts in the glass enclosure at the front, while in the back, servers are ringing up orders and pouring their customer’s beverages.

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The menu offered a long list of Southern-style entrees with a few healthy options as well.  My eyes were drawn to the sausage gravy and biscuits, three egg omelets with herb roasted potatoes or an order of pancakes and homemade syrup.

Lunch and dinner selections included comfort foods such as the Kentucky Hot Brown and burgers of fresh meat made from brisket.  All menu items are made in-house with fresh ingredients purchased from local markets and farmers.

A unique list of starters such as falafel fries, deviled eggs and Reuben rolls, and an excellent selection of salads ranged in price from $6 to $8.  While each item looked delicious, I was not swayed away from the Bourbon Praline French Toast.

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As Janeen brought my meal to  the table, I could smell the sweetness of the bourbon praline sauce and the candied pecans.  Coupled with the subtle aroma of cinnamon and homemade whipped cream, I could not wait to dive in.  Taking my first bite, I have to admit it tasted more like a dessert than breakfast.    This rich cinnamon creation, loaded with pecan goodness, was sinfully delicious.

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All desserts at The Old Arcana are made from scratch and the selection changes on a regular basis.  Behind the counter, there was the carrot cake bread pudding, devil’s food cake, their signature banana pudding, strawberry tart parfait and their chocolate cake with strawberry icing. The temptation was overwhelming, but having had the decadent French toast, I was going to have to pass and plan for dessert on my next visit.

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Janeen mentioned that her brother Jeff Besecker was the owner and successful self-taught chef behind some of the most amazing menu items.  Her father was instrumental in the renovations of the restaurant, adding some personal touches such as the bench seating along the wall opposite the bar. The restaurant sells some of her father’s beautifully designed walnut and brown maple cutting boards as well as sycamore rolling pins.

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After settling my check, I was determined to return soon for another of the restaurant’s top sellers, the Arcana Hot Brown.  The Old Arcana Restaurant ranks high on my list of restaurants in the state of Ohio and is a hidden gem located in the farmlands of Darke County.  Of course, the next time, I will definitely save room for dessert.

Have you had the opportunity to dine at The Old Arcana Restaurant?  I would love to hear about your experience or to recommend any restaurant items that you have tried if you would kindly leave your comments below!  Many thanks for reading about my experience at The Old Arcana Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

The Old Arcana Restaurant
109 W. George Street
Arcanum, OH  45304
Telephone:   937  692 0068

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and accepts cash only for payment.   The Old Arcana Restaurant also offers cooking classes, which are provided on their webpage.  In March of 2016, they began a Supper Club to bring like minded foodies together to enjoy a meal in a slow, engaging environment.  This is also an opportunity to meet the chef, the staff and “hear their inspiration behind the  month’s dish”.  Information about becoming a member of the Supper Club is also listed on their website.

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

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The brick streets of Arcanum and the storefront for The Old Arcana Restaurant

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Aprons for Sale at the Old Arcana Restaurant in Arcanum, Ohio

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Cigar Box Guitars Available for Purchase at The Old Arcana Restaurant

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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