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Tag Archives: pottery

Featured Ohio Winery: Terra Cotta Vineyards

16 June 20248 February 2025

Passing cattle farms along the hilly landscape of Muskingum County, I approached Terra Cotta Vineyards in New Concord, Ohio.  The long gravel drive boasted beautiful full grapevines that would soon be ready for harvest.  It was an early Saturday afternoon, the calm before the storm as a large crowd was expected for the winery’s popular weekend cook outs with a selection of strip steak, marinated pork or salmon cooked over the grill.

The winery, owned by Donna and Paul Roberts, was first established in 1996 sitting in the midst of fifty-six acres.  With an environment similar to the European wine regions, the Roberts family found the perfect terrior to grow quality grapes that can sustain the cold Ohio winters.

Entering the rustic winery, the light woods of poplar accented by the terra cotta walls were overshadowed by the gorgeous open, cathedral ceiling.  The tasting table was to my left where I decided to try a few samples which included the Chambourcin,  Steuben, Baco Noir, Catawba and the Terra Rosa.

I ordered a glass of the Terra Rosa and took a seat on the back porch to admire the dramatic valley views and rolling hills.   I learned that beneath the beautiful green landscape was red clay soil and the region is known for its beautiful clay ceramics.  In addition to their daughter, Alysia’s pottery, it was how the Roberts’ family came up with the name of the winery, Terra Cotta Vineyards.

So while I am enjoying the panoramic view and the delicious wine, I think about the upcoming harvest.  While so many factors have an impact on the quality of the wine, all of the preparation and maintenance over the spring and summer will be important.  But in the end, everything is about the harvest.

I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Terra Cotta Vineyards, if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Do you have a favorite wine or another Ohio wine suggestions?  I would be happy to learn more about the Ohio wine industry and look forward to your message and recommendations.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Terra Cotta Vineyards
2285 Rix Mills Road
New Concord, OH 43702
Telephone:  740 872 3791

Please refer to the winery’s website for the most up-to-date information such as hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Garland
150 Garland Way
New Concord, OH  43762
Telephone: 855 462 9255

Where to Eat:

Theo’s Restaurant
632 Wheeling Avenue
Cambridge, OH  43725
Telephone:  740 432 3787

Looking for authentic home cooking, we stopped at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch and ordered burgers and fries.  The service was excellent and so was the food!

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Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 2

31 October 202314 May 2025

I spent the morning visiting the historical buildings located on the Village Green and those in the outer perimeter. The structures built in the early 20th century include the 1920’s Grime Homestead, Building 19 on the Complex Map.  This has been such a fabulous, educational experience learning about the history of each of the buildings as well as exploring the items that are inside relating to the type of building, shop or museum.  I hope you have had the opportunity to read Part 1 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, the Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between the years 1803 to the 1920s.  From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will give you a glimpse of a time in US history with abundant growth and change.

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The 1920s Grime Homestead looks practically like any other farm house that one would see in Ohio. A beautiful representation of our country’s “Modern Era”, this home is very similar to those we would see today without many of the technological advancements.

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Friendly costumed guides are staged throughout the structures, replicating the activities of daily life at this time.  Inventions, such as the gas range reduced the amount of time to prepare family meals.  Our guide explained the process of gathering the ingredients of the meal using items the farm such as flour and eggs.  Using the appliances and kitchen gadgets from that era, she explained the steps to ready her meal and offered samples of the pie she had prepared in advance.

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The dining room, located off of the kitchen also served as a casual family room.  Furniture included a table and chairs, a couch, phonograph and radio as well as wall decorations.    Unlike the prevous rooms,  this floor was carpeted.  I learned that carpeting symbolized the wealth of a family, able to afford some of the nicer things in life and were considered well-off financially.

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Entering the parlor, I was immediately drawn to the upright player piano reminiscent of the one I had as a child.  This space in the house was set aside for entertaining guests and housed the more delicate possessions of the family, such as expensive furniture and family heirlooms.

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The master bedroom, typical of one that you would find in the 1920s, was simple yet functional.  The women loved vanities and dressing tables with benches.   During this era, it was not uncommon to find furniture made out of veneer to help reduce the cost.

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Downstairs, the large cellar served as a pantry and cooler for storing meat and milk.  Because grocery stores were not as readily accessible in the 1920s, the lady of the house would can fruits and vegetables then place them on shelves until she was ready to use them.

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The cellar also housed the laundry for cleaning of the clothes, hanging them out to dry and then ironing them on a regular basis.

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Exiting the cellar into the outdoors was a garden, storage shed and outhouse.  A garden’s size was based on the number of family members in the home as the produce was used to feed the family.

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Before reaching the festival barn, I passed the garage that held the tractor.  This was the first motorized vehicle on the property.  I was so excited to see all of the farm animals and spent most of my time in this part of the village.

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There are horses….

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Cows….

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Pigs…

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Turkeys…

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and chickens…but my favorite of all of the animals was…..

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the baby lambs!

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The Festival Barn is used strictly for entertainment purposes only holding special events, picnics and group lunches for visitors.

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Over the bridge I arrived at Brush Creek Pottery where I found Mark Nafziger, the resident potter creating a bowl.  With so many types of pottery on display,  I browsed through the flower pots, vases, plates and decorative items exploring all of their designs and shapes.

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Building 22 is a storage shed for employees only, but I can’t wait to visit the next building…the Ice Cream Parlor.  A perfect time for a break, I ordered a single, hand-dipped ice cream in cookie dough on a sugar cone, super creamy and delicious.

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Barbara’s Weaving Shop was closed, but on days that it is open, weavers use the barn’s frame loom to create beautiful items out of both threads and rags.

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The water-powered grist mill at Sauder Village is one of the few that remain in the state of Ohio today.  The process for producing corn meal is actually quite interesting.   As the water is released from its source, it rushes over the wheel, turning the millstones inside to produce corn meal.

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What fascinates me about this exhibit is that there are so many products that can be turned into flour or meal.  An in-depth information sheet outlines how the mill works and the  interactive display describes what is needed to ensure the mill runs smoothly.

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I purchased a bag of fresh corn meal to compare the fresh meal with a box for making homemade cornbread.

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About a minute walk from the Grist Mil is the Erie Express.  I decided to board the 15 minute train ride along the north end of the park where I will see glimpses of the Natives and Newcomers as well as the Pioneer Settlement.  The train ride costs $2 for the multiple rides throughout the day.

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Once I disembarked the train and walked the short trip to the Natives and Newcomers exhibit.  Covering the period between 1803 and 1839, I learn more about the pioneers who settled this region known as the Black Swamp area.

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The Native American’s housing is surprisingly different than the teepee structures that I have seen in reading materials and during some of my travels out west.  It seems so large and more rectangular in shape.

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The wigwam was much larger than I had anticipated, but it was used to house two families here.   In the center there was a partition that separatee each family, providing a little privacy.

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During the time that these structures were built, the settlers and the natives were already developing a trading relationship in places that were called trading posts.

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One of the more important items that settlers needed during the cold weather were animal pelts. Other items important for trade included pottery, guns, tobacco, whiskey and other items that were of interest to the trading parties.

From here, the walking path leads to the Pioneer Settlement that covers the years 1834  – 1890 when the Lauber family first arrived to this area.  I am looking forward to reading more about the early settlers of the Black Swamp and to explore more of the personal lives of the residents of Fulton County.  This part of my tour will be covered in Part 3 of my blog.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village?  What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here?  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 Sauder Village and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611  OH-2
Archbold, OH  43502
Telephone:  419 446 2541

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $24;  Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18;  Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over:  $22.   person is permitted.   2-day Admission:  Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16:  $26;  Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable.  AAA Discount: $2
  • Hours:  Spring (May 3 – 27):  Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM;  Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.  Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM  and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
  • Length of the Tour:  From 2 hours to 2 days.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings.  Download the map ahead of time and plan your day.   There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss.  While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone:  800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone:  800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

  • Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
  • Soups and Salads
  • Fried Chicken
  • Roat Beef Dinners

What to Read:

  • Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

  • Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals
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Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

D5 The Island of Santorini

Arriving by sea, the cruise ship pushed forward, edging closer to dramatic views of whitewashed villages atop Santorini’s crescent-shaped caldera.  The scenic view of watching the island appear between the islands of Sikinos and Ios is breathtaking.  Undeniably one of the most beautiful islands in the world,  Santorini’s history, scenic views and whitewashed buildings are incredibly fascinating, but it is the island’s gorgeous sunsets that make the “Devil’s Isle” worth a stop in the Cyclades.

D5 Amazing View of Santorini

Santorini  is one of a group of islands that includes the isles of Santorini and Therasia, while the uninhabited islets of New Kameni and  Palaia Kameni (the “Burnt Isles”), Aspronisi (“White Isle) and Christiana are great for day hiking.   Surviving one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, what remains of Santorini are the steep 1100 feet cliffs and the water-filled caldera.

When the island was first established, it was appropriately named Kallisti which means the “the most beautiful one”.  By the thirteenth century, the  Empire of Romania renamed the island Santorini after Saint Irene of Thessoloniki, who was martyred in the 4th century BC.   Locals may refer to the island as Thera, which became its official name in the 19th century.

To confuse matters a little, Santorini’s capital is also Thera (Fira), located on the northern side of the island.  The town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful domes, displays the typical scenery that one sees in travel magazines and photographs.D5 Heading up the volcano

Anchoring within the cove of the caldera, passengers boarded the ship’s tender offering transportation to the south end of the island, the New Port at Athinios.

After researching the opportunities available on Santorini, I decided to purchase the ship’s excursion which included a stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Greek-inspired lunch and then sunset in Fira.  That morning, the tour group boarded the bus and our driver began the steep climb up the side of the cliffs.  As the bus rounded the corner,  I could see the cruise ships in the harbor and, in the distance, the smaller islands in the caldera.D5 Akrotiri Ruins

As we entered The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, I had not imagined the complexity of the archaeological dig.  I was impressed that the site was enclosed under a large structure, which was built to protect the ancient ruins.  Unlike many excavations, the structures, streets and artifacts were intact and in pristine condition.D5 Beautiful City with Volcano Backdrop

Boarding the bus, I was left thinking about how terrifying it would have been for the Santorinians during the time of the volcanic explosion and was relieved to think that they were smart enough to leave town before the event.

Next, we had the lovely pleasure of spending time in the picturesque town of Oia (or Ia) which is located at the northern tip of the island.  Oia’s charm is seen in its white-washed buildings and gorgeous bougainvillea making it the most photographed village of the Aegean. Walking through Santorini’s second-largest town, I noticed the beautiful whitewashed fences, narrow passageways and staircases that disappeared into restaurants and hotels. Searching for the central square, there were gorgeous views of the cobalt sea and rust-colored lava cliffs in the distance.

D5 Blue Dome of a Greek Orthodox Church

White washed churches with their stunning blue domes are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Santorini.  The charming combination actually keeps the buildings cool over the hot summer months.

After learning about the local cave houses, I found the Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House in Oia.  I had plenty of time to stop by to explore this gorgeous home before finding a restaurant to try the local wine.  Carved into the rocks on top of the cliff, some of these beautiful structures have remained here for many years.  This amazing location was once a bakery and the interior and decor were completely stunning. The views from Old Bakery were spectacular and would have been the  perfect location to watch the sunset.  130903, D5 Greek Orthodox Church in Oia

I easily found an authentic Greek restaurant that offered all of the local dishes and was interested in sampling the world-renowned  wines of Santorini where the grapes are grown in volcanic ash.  I ordered  the tzatziki sauce with pita bread and a glass of Aryitiko, the island’s popular dry white wine.  My second glass of wine was  the Vinsanto, which is a  sweeter white, produced from dried grapes at Gavalas a local winery in Megalochori.   Santorinian wines are served in some of the most upscale restaurants in the world and I knew I had to buy a few bottles. 130903, D5 Cliff Homes in Oia, Santorini

The dramatic cliffs provided several opportunities to witness a bird’s eye view of the town.  The awnings, walkways and balconies along the side streets piqued my interest as I strayed away from the main street to enjoy the extraordinary scenery.  Wandering the streets, I could easily lose myself among the unique landscape with scenic views all around me.

D5 Fort in Oia, Santorini

Oia is full of surprises and one of them is the Venetian Kasteli (Castle) of Agios Nikolas.  Built in the Middle Ages, as a beautiful church carved in the side of the rock, it also served as a lookout point.  Much of the structure was damaged in the earthquake of 1956 and only the Goulas (watchtower) exists.   It is one of many ideal locations to watch the sunset.

Another gem located below the town of Oia, at the base of the cliff, is the Harbour of Amoudi.   From Oia, there are 300 stairs that reach the harbor, known for its red lava cliffs.

From the Harbour of Amoudi,  the ferry service takes tourists out to the islet of Therasia.  A piece of land untouched by tourism and commercialization, the landscape draws hikers and adventurers.  Within fifteen minutes, tourists can experience an authentic Theran village and view the caldera from a different perspective.

D5 Homes on the Cliffs of Oia

What remains of the volcano wraps around to create a semi-circular basin.  The spectacular formation of the caldera dominates the view at every angle and I wondered how it would have looked before the eruption.

Taking in the sunset in Fira is highly recommended, but not before we lunched at Restaurant Iris.  We boarded the bus for a short ride and arrived at the restaurant to enjoy a buffet of Greek food and desserts.  Since I had already eaten, I had a lovely conversation with our tour guide who was happy to give me an insight to the current economic situation in Greece.   We had a lovely dining experience and looked forward to winding down our day where we would witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the world.

D5 Terrace View of the Caldera, Santorini

Fira is located close to the cruise ships dock and is the starting point for most tourists visiting the island.  The town has made it very easy to find the perfect location to enjoy the sunset although it can be more crowded than Oia at sunset.  From this vantage point, the structures built into the lava cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and view.

D5 Donkeys in Santorini

Several options are available to reach the town of Fira.  For the adventurous, brave and strong, a set of 587 stairs reach the top.  This is also the way of the donkeys, so if one does not mind sharing the route with donkeys, there are no lines and no waiting.  Riding up the cliff on a donkey-for-hire is another possibility as long as the mule is not stubborn.

D5 The Cable Car in Fira, Santorini

Cable car rides run every 20 minutes and takes only a couple of minutes to go up or down.   Each car transports 36 people at a time and is very convenient, quick way to travel.  The cost is 6 Euros one way and there may be a wait, especially when cruise ships are in port.

D5 Terrace in Fira

The town has made it very easy to find a cliffside, seaside spot to enjoy the sunset and there are many more options here in the energetic village of Fira.   Fellow cruise ship passengers waited for the spectacular show as the sun began to hide behind a piece of the caldera.  We watched in awe as the sunlight reflected off of the iconic Clycladic architecture.

D5 Wonderful Restaurant in Fira

Undeniably, the view from Santorini a couple of hours before sunset is phenomenal.  As the sun slowly disappears behind the caldara, the sun’s light dances upon the cove below and reflects off of the cliffs and islands to create a magnificent pink glow.

130903, D5 Sunset in Fira

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.D5 Incredible View of Fira at Dusk

No one can deny that Santorini is magical, spectacular and everything in between.  Picturesque at every turn, the island is one of the most scenic and enchanting of the Greek isles.  What a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Fira at twilight.  I could have stood in this moment forever but this moment of awe would soon come to an end.

Moving towards the cable cars, I looked back at the extraordinary scene.  I couldn’t help but contemplate if the ancient Greeks knew that they were living among one of  the most beautiful landscapes in the world.   I think I have found my Atlantis.

Have you been to Santorini or any of the other Greek Islands?  What would you recommend doing on my return visit?  I would love to hear your comments below!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone:  +30 2286 081939

  • Admission Fee:  12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31;  open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31.   The museum is closed on Mondays.
  • Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
  • Scenic View:  Amazing archaeological artifacts
  • Length of Visit:  4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation.  Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone:  +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece  84700
Telephone:  +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

  • Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
  • Greek Salad
  • Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
  • Gyros
  • Lamb
  • Local Olives
  • Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
  • Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
  • Pomegranates
  • Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
  • Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
  • Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
  • Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
  • Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

  • The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
  • One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
  • Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini: 

  • Akrotiri Lighthouse
  • Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
  • The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
  • Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
  • Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
  • Oia
  • Skaros Rock 
  • Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

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A Visitor’s Guide to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH

24 November 201616 September 2024

Having lived in Cincinnati, I spent many weekends in Mt. Adams, enjoying its old-world charm and fabulous restaurants.  Steep winding roads lead to a hillside neighborhood that towers over the city’s downtown district.   With parks providing spectacular views, Mt. Adams is also a perfect getaway for locals who want to experience a location that seems more like a European village than a suburb of the Queen City.

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I began this trip with a visit to Rookwood Bar and Restaurant which is located at 1077 Celestial Street.  First established in 1892 as the location for the production of world-renowned pottery, a visit to Rookwood is one that will not soon be forgotten.  Eat on the outdoor patio or request to dine inside of the kiln for a unique experience.  I love the views from here and the food is spectacular.

UPDATE:  Rookwood Restaurant now closed!

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Across the street at 1071 Celestial is the upscale restaurant, The Celestial.  This four-star restaurant requires a dress code, but the food is exceptional as well as the views of downtown Cincinnati.  This piece of land was once part of Mt. Adams’ “entertainment district” where an amusement center and beer garden stood until they were destroyed by a fire in 1895.

UPDATE:  The Celestial Restaurant has closed after 50 years.

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I followed Celestial Street until it met Hill Street.  Next to the Mt. Adams steps is a beautiful park.  Quite often I would pass by runners and joggers along this path which opens up to phenomenal views of Kentucky and the Ohio River.  This area was once owned by Nicholas Longworth who planted his vineyards along this hill.  Soon thereafter,  immigrants from Ireland and Germany took residence here.  It was in this part of southwest Ohio that Longworth developed the Catawba grape which would be used to produce “America’s first champagne” known as Golden Wedding.

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One of my favorite places to hang out with friends on the weekends was Mt.  Adams Bar and Grill, located at 938 Hatch Street.  This place has some great history and I love the fact that the backbar came from a speakeasy owned by “The King of Bootlegging”, George Remus.  Remus was a Cincinnati criminal attorney that became famous for defending murderers, but was most known for making and distributing alcohol during the Prohibition.  It is said that he was the inspiration for the famous character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby.

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A small entrance leads to The Blind Lemon next door to Mt. Adams Bar and Grill and could easily be missed.  Another hidden gem with lots of history, this amazing bar is the perfect place to enjoy the summertime garden patio or wintertime bonfires.

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Most bars and restaurants on Mt. Adams are within walking distance, so finding a great streetside parking spot is essential.  Since spaces fill up quickly, there is also the three-level parking garage on St. Gregory.

It was not unusual for us to start our night at Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for dinner, stop at The Blind Lemon for a couple of drinks and end the night at Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon where the drinks were strong and the prices were cheap.

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A short walk from the Holy Cross Church is The Monastery that was once the location of the Cincinnati Observatory.  Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the telescope was considered  the most powerful scope of its time.  Today the Monastery houses the property management firm of Towne Properties, while the Observatory has long been moved to the Mount Lookout neighborhood.

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From the Monastery, I traveled down Pavilion to the next corner where I stopped for a Cafe Mocha at The Bow Tie Café.  I took a seat at the Piazza where I took some time to enjoy the view, catch up on some of my notes and look over a few of my photos.

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I sat under the shade of the monk statue who stood with grapes in his right hand and a cup of wine in his left.  What a perfect representation of historical Mt. Adams when it was once a successful vineyard.

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I continued my walk heading east on Pavilion where I reached Guido Street.  Making a right, the street dead ends into The Holy Cross Immaculata Church.  Built in 1859 for mid-19th century German immigrants,  Mass continues to this day with one service on Saturday and two on Sundays.

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Since the 1860’s, the Mount Adams steps leading up to the Holy Cross Immaculata have a great significance to Christians during the Good Friday holiday.  The tradition is similar to the Santa Scala in Rome where believers start at the bottom and recite the rosary while advancing up each of the 85 stairs until reaching the top.   Beginning at midnight on Holy Thursday until midnight on Good Friday, the ritual begins at the “Good-Friday Arch” on Adams Crossing, across  Columbia Parkway.

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Backtracking towards St. Gregory on Pavilion, I passed another popular spot on Mt. Adams, known as Crowley’s.  Located at 958 Pavilion, Crowley’s is Mt. Adams’ oldest Irish Pub.  Irish immigrants made Crowley’s their meeting place when it first opened and it has remained in the Crowley family for decades.

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Mount Adam’s Pavilion has been a favorite bar on Mt. Adam’s for as long as I can remember.  With a packed schedule of live entertainment, this location is also perfect for enjoying fabulous views of the river.

Along  St. Gregory’s are several bars and restaurants to include:

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Quincy’s, located at 111 St Gregory, Mt. Adams

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Longworth’s at 1108 St. Gregory Street, Mount Adams

UPDATE:  Longworth’s is now permanently closed.

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Monk’s Cove, at 1104 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

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Tavern on the Hill, found at 1111 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

Mt. Adams remains  an artistic community and location for some of the best museums in Cincinnati.  I have visited both the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory.  The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is a two-time Tony Award winning theater which sponsors a wide variety of productions.  For a period of meditation, visit Eden Park with its gardens, fountains and spectacular scenic views of the Ohio River, downtown Cincinnati and Kentucky.

I imagine Mt. Adams as it would have been when the German and Irish immigrants first lived here or when it was a community of artists, who enjoyed the quiet solitude away from the city.

I love this neighborhood’s strong history and its European charm where one can easily walk from one side of town to the next.  So many things have changed over the years but one thing remains constant.  Mount Adams is one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati.

Have you spent time in Mt. Adams or have a favorite Cincinnati neighborhood that I should visit?  I would love to hear your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for visiting Mt. Adams with me through my blog post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Monastery
1055 Saint Paul Place
Cincinnati, OH  45202

The Holy Cross Immaculata Church
30 Guido Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 721 6544r

Where to Eat: 

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 621 3666

The Bow Tie Cafe
1101 St. Gregory  Street
Cincinnati, OH   45202
Telephone:  513 621 2233

Where to Drink: 

The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 241 3885

Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon – permanently closed
930 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone:  513 421 9998

Crowley’s Bar
958 Pavillion
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 721 7709

Mount Adams Pavilion – permanently closed
949 Pavilion Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 744 9200

Quincy’s – permanently closed
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 381 3132

Monk’s Cove
1104 St. Gregory
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone: 513 703 7600

Tavern on the Hill – permanently closed
1111 St. Gregory St, #1
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 3309

Where to Stay: 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 381 8300

Mt. Adams is located on the east side of Cincinnati and can be accessed by taking Columbia Parkway.  For more information about this  fabulous hillside location, pick up a Mt. Adams map by the parking garage or visit their website at www.mtadamstonight.com.

 

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View from the Celestial Parking Lot

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Another View of Downtown Cincinnati from the Celestial Parking Lot

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Mt Adams Steps

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View from the park next to Mt. Adams Steps

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The Monastery

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A View of the Monastery from Guido Street

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Mt. Adams Steps

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View of Cincinnati from the Mt. Adams Steps at the Holy Cross Immaculata Church

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Reaching the top step of the Holy Cross Immaculata Church, Mt. Adams

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View of Downtown Cincinnati from Ida Street on Mt. Adams

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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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