picnic tables – the suite life of travel

A small fire was ablaze on this beautiful October afternoon as I approached the outdoor seating area of Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery. The welcoming stone fireplace was in need of a few more fire sticks to keep the embers burning, but the smell reminded me of a pleasant fall day, perfect for sampling wine.

It would have been a wonderful afternoon to linger by the fire but I soon learned that a private event was scheduled for this outdoor space. The server kindly directed me towards the beautifully restored 1840s barn where I would find the tasting room and additional seating. The bar was full but within minutes I was able to place my wine order and find the perfect high top table to enjoy my wine.

I started out with the Cuyahoga Valley Reserve, a red zinfandel blend that is aged in oak. This grape varietal is one of my favorites and I am happy with my selection. Sitting next to me was a woman in her mid-30’s waiting for a couple of friends for a wine tasting. She suggested me that I return to Sarah’s Vineyard for their Annual Summer Solstice Festival in June, a celebration of the start of summer.

Looking for another red to sample, I notice a wine labeled “Miserabile.” I asked about this wine and learned that it is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Rubiana grapes. This wine was far less miserable yet smooth and divine.

My final pour was the Sweet Elisa made from Niagara and Concord grapes. A popular blend for Ohio wineries, the wine is a fruity wine that is refreshing when served cold. Very sweet, this is a typical first wine for beginners who are just starting out.

Looking over the menu, I wished I would have made reservations for dinner. With a great selection of starters, soups, salads and sandwiches, the winery also provides wood-fired pizzas. I decided instead to order a carafe of Sweet Elisa, the winery’s top seller, and find a seat outdoors among the endless rows of grapevines. The Indian summer sun felt comforting and warm. I sat at my table happy to have a few moments to relax and take in my rural surroundings.

The Lytz family has been serving wine at Sarah’s Vineyard since the early 2000s. Sitting upon 15 acres in northeast Ohio, the property includes the winery, vineyards and a beautiful view of the surrounding farmland. Varietals grown here include hearty grapes that easily sustain the cold Midwest weather such as Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Niagara and Rubiana. They have six wines that they regularly produce which are the Blue Heron, Golden Solstice, Sarah’s Secret, Miserabile, Cuyahoga Valley Reserve and Sweet Elisa.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the winery was also an art gallery and studio. Sarah’s Vineyards hosts a variety of art shows throughout the year and art classes are offered on a regular basis. Located in the midst of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, quiet surroundings and gorgeous landscape are perfect for a day of art and wine tasting.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sarah’s Vineyard? What was your favorite wine? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Sarah’s Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Winery Contact Information:

Sarah’s Vineyard Winery & Art Gallery
1204 W. Steels Corners Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Telephone: 330 929 8057

Where to Stay:

Vineyard Woods
740 State Route 534 North
Geneva, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 624 3054
Website: http://www.vineyardwoods.com/

Where to Eat:

The Pickled Pepper
4949 Golf Avenue
Geneva on the Lake, OH 44041
Telephone: 440 361 4014

We entered the brightly colored outdoor restaurant and ordered the deep fried pickles to satisfy my obsession. Yum!

When was the last time you enjoyed a banana split? For me, It was probably high school when I worked for a local ice cream shop, Fent’s Dairy.

So, when I noticed the Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio, I was excited to make the short drive to celebrate this delicious dessert in the town where it was invented. This year the event was scheduled to take place from June 8 – 9, 2018.

I arrived downtown and there were several signs directing me towards Denver Williams Park. I passed through a torrential thunderstorm but the skies were clearing up as I arrived at the park 10 minutes outside of town.

Complimentary golf carts were waiting in the parking lot to transport guests to the festival. Vendors were still setting up and displaying their products as I entered. Carnival food stalls were offering deep fried vegetables, pork tenderloins and Bourbon BBQ. I couldn’t decide where to start.

I made a stop at the banana split buffet tent but they had not finished setting up. The attendant asked that I come back in 15 minutes which allowed me more time to browse the remaining stalls and attractions.

From pizza to hot dogs, Texas tenderloins and cotton candy, there were plenty of options. I had my mind set on a corn dog, but decided on an order of deep fried vegetables trying to convince myself this was a much healthier choice. I had to leave room for my “make it myself” banana split.

The band “Rewind” was setting up and preparing to play for the evening. They were testing out their microphones and checking the sound system when I strolled towards the open field where visitors were setting up their chairs. From the town of Circleville, the band plays cover songs from the 60’s to the 90s and have a few of their own originals.

There were plenty of carnival games where the children could win prizes and an enclosed area where the kids could pay a small fee to ride a pony.

I arrived back at the banana split pavilion in time for the shelter house to open. I was handed a ticket to enter and gave the attendant my order for an original banana split. A banana at the bottom of the plastic boat, three scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberry, pineapple and chocolate syrup toppings, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top. I replaced the nuts for sprinkles to brighten it up.

I took a seat at one of the picnic tables and read over the brochure and learned the local story about the banana split. According to the town of Wilmington, this dessert was the creation of Ernest Hazard who owned a local restaurant in town. It was winter in 1907 when he set out to create a way to bring in students from Wilmington College. With unlimited food ingredients, he challenged his employees to come up with a recipe of their own. But it would be Ernest himself that would end up being the winner of his own contest with his fabulous dessert would become popular the world over, known as the banana split.

The brochure also explained that in addition to the food, shows and crafts, visitors can also enjoy a car show and baseball tournament. You may even want to sign up for the banana split eating contest held here each year.

Sponsored by the Wilmington Rotary Clubs, the Banana Split Festival is held annually in Wilmington, Ohio each June. This was their 22nd year, full of activities and events. To learn more about the festival, visit their website at www.bananasplitfestival.com. Many thanks for reading about the Banana Split Festival and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Banana Split Festival
Denver Williams Park
1100 Rombach Road
Wilmington, OH 45177

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington
201 Holiday Dr.
Wilmington, OH 45177
Telephone: 937 382 4400

Where to Eat:

You can choose to eat the fair-style food at the Banana Split Festival or check out some of the local restaurants.

Mediterranean Restaurant
53 East Main Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Telephone: 937 382 6300

We went searching for a pizza place and found The Mediterranean Restaurant, offering calzones, pastas, salads and more!

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