Tag Archives: restaurant

Visiting Clifton Mill for Dessert with a Scenic View

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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.

A Taste of Cuba at The Starliner Diner, Hilliard, Ohio

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I won’t claim to be an expert on Cuban food, but having lived in Tampa for several years, I’ve have had my share of Cuban sandwiches at Hugos and La Terasita’s served with a side of black beans and rice.   So when a friend suggested I try Starliner Diner in Hilliard, Ohio, I was curious to see if they could compare to the authentic dishes I truly missed.

When I arrived at the café on Cemetery Road, I quickly learned (from my friends at Destination Hilliard and the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce) that the restaurant had outgrown its space and had relocated to nearby Main Street in Old Hilliard.

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As soon as I entered the restaurant, I briefly felt as though I was back in Florida with the colorful rooms and mounted fish on the walls.  Transported to the tropics without the beach, I was escorted to the main dining room sitting next to a huge mural of the sun.  The extensive menu was full of amazing Caribbean dishes to include appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and supper dishes.

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In addition, I was provided a handwritten page of specials for the day, but I already knew what I would be ordering….the Media Noche (Cuban Sandwich) with the fried plantains.

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When my meal arrived, my mouth was watering from the sweet aroma of the plantains and the delicious smell of ham and Swiss.  My sandwich was perfectly pressed and I was  ready to take my first bite.  Ahhh…I had been waiting for this moment and I was not disappointed.  This Cuban was a perfect blend of marinated pork and ham, Swiss cheese, a hint of mustard and pickles.  It tasted as authentic as if I had just ordered it from a roadside food stall in Cuba.  The plantains were fried to perfection with a mild taste of sweetness and I love the caramelized texture of this delectable side dish.

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The Starliner Diner rates high on my list of restaurants to visit in Hilliard and I wish them nothing but success with its new location.  I am already checking my calendar to make plans to visit for the Chiles Rellenos,

Have you had the opportunity to visit Starliner Diner?  I would love to hear what you like to order if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Many thanks for reading my post and I hope you continue to follow my journey as I explore my home state of Ohio and beyond.

Where to Eat:

Starliner Diner
4121 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio  43026
Telephone:  614 529 1198

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

The bridal party was waiting for the ceremony to begin when I entered the Lakehouse Inn and Winery.   The bride was having a private conversation with her father as her bridesmaids stood in line waiting to begin the wedding procession.  The groom was standing at the end of the stone platform where attendees had taken their seats for the event.  The gorgeous blue lake and small sandy beach provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows.  The view was absolutely stunning and I had almost forgotten I was visiting a winery in Ohio.

I quietly ducked into the restaurant before the festivities began.  The elegant tasting bar, with its large window, looked out onto Lake Erie.  As I reviewed the wine menu, the bartender listed a number of wines that were no longer available, including Red Sky, the Scarti Di Cantina and the Cabernet.

I began my tasting with the Pinot Noir, one of my favorite varietals.  I enjoyed the silky texture of this wine and could taste and smell a hint of berry.

The Vino Della Casa NV, translated as the “wine of the house” is a semi-dry, light-bodied, oaky wine with a very nice finish.

Their strawberry wine was a semi-dry and had undertones of strawberries in both its smell and taste.

Just Peachy tastes exactly as it sounds.  I enjoyed the smell of this wine and the light orange color that looked like a freshly picked peach.

I decided to enjoy a glass of the Pinot Noir while looking out onto the lake and although I did not have a direct view of the wedding from where I was sitting, I could not help but feel as though I was imposing. Selfishly, I was hoping for the ceremony to end soon so that I could take the path down to the beach and relax in an Adirondack chair.

By the time I had finished my Pinot, the wedding ceremony was completed and I opted for a glass of Just Peachy that seemed more appropriate for the beach.  There was a light breeze and just enough cloud coverage for a comfortable summer day.  I was mesmerized by the view of the lake and found it difficult to believe I was in Ohio.  Far from the Caribbean, I felt like I was on island time and swore to return at least one more time before the colder temperatures invaded this tropical paradise.

Have you visited Lakehouse Inn and Winery or one of the other Ohio wineries near Geneva?  I would love to hear about your favorite wines and wineries if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reviewing my visit to Lakehouse Inn and Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

Where to Stay:

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery offers luxurious accommodations along Lake Erie.  Their cottages are situated 100 yards from the water.  All accommodations include breakfast at their restaurant, Crosswinds Grille.

Where to Eat:

Crosswinds Grille
5653 Lake Road, East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 8668

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely winetasting within the restaurant and ordered the Charcuterie & Salumi Board (assorted house made cured meats, pickled vegetables, local cheeses and crostini) as well as the Baked Brie (Mayfield Road brie, puff pastry, seasonal jam, candied walnuts, toast points).   We ordered a bottle of wine and headed out to the beach to relax on the Adirondack chairs for an afternoon of relaxation.

For dinner, we returned for the Caprese Salad and the Wood-Fired White Pizza (garlic, four cheese blend, red onion, red pepper and chicken).

What to Eat: 

  • Madsen Donuts
  • Slovenian Hot Dogs at Eddie’s Grill

What to Read: 

  • Geneva on the Lake, A History of Ohio’s First Summer Resort, by Wendy Koile
  • Geneva Lake by Carolyn Hope Smeltzer

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

Cecil and Lime in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up in Springfield, Ohio, there were not many fancy restaurants in town.  I was so excited to return for a visit and meet a longtime friend, Lauren, at Cecil and Lime Café on East Cecil Street. Located in the Northern Heights neighborhood, they offered steak, seafood and upscale salads.

It was a beautiful day and I happened to arrive early.  I thought it would be great to order a bottle of wine for dinner and found a great Zinfandel, the Truant.  I had just poured a glass of wine when Lauren walked through the door.   It wasn’t long until we were catching up and laughing about some of the fun times we had on a recent trip we had just taken.  Looking over the photos, it was so much fun to reminisce.

Looking over the menu, there were so many amazing options that we could have ordered.  I was drawn to the three options for Risotto, but was also salivating over the Candied Jalapenos.  There were so many great meals and I was finding it difficult to choose.  After another glass of wine, I finally made my choice.

When my Candied Jalapenos arrived, I could smell the heat.  I was so excited to dig into this amazing appetizer and I wished I could have ordered a larger portion; it was absolutely delicious.

Passing on dessert, I was already thinking about my next visit.  I was really impressed with the service, space to look over our vacation photos, and of course, the amazing food.  What should I order the next time?

Have you eaten at Cecil and Lime Restaurant in Springfield?  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:

Cecil and Lime Cafe
227 East Cecil Street
Springfield, Ohio  45503
Telephone:  937  322 3600

  • Hours of Operation: Tuesday  – Saturday from 5PM to ??
  • What to Eat:  I highly recommend the Candied Jalapenos but would not be surprised if everything on the menu was just as amazing.  Enjoy!

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Cecil and Lime Cafe
227 East Cecil Street
Springfield, Ohio  45503
Telephone:  937  322 7950

  • Hours of Operation: Tuesday  – Saturday from 5PM to ??
  • What to Eat:  I highly recommend the Candied Jalapenos but would not be surprised if everything on the menu was just as amazing.  Enjoy!

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

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

Rudy’s Smokehouse Barbecue in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up, one of my summer jobs was working at Perkins on Upper Valley Pike.  It was a temporary position, but it was such a great opportunity to stay in touch with some of our great family friends and to meet new ones.  I will never forget the day that I first met the owner, Rudy Mosketti and his family.  They owned the three franchises in my hometown and were always so kind when they visited.

During a holiday visit to my hometown, I learned that the Perkins was no longer in business, but that the Mosketti family had opened up a barbecue place and I couldn’t wait to try their pulled pork. My friends had been raving about the restaurant and provided me with some suggestions on what I should order.  It was fun listening to their advice and recommendations.

Entering the restaurant, I could hear the tunes of John Mellancamp on the radio and stood back from the counter to look at the menu.  I had already made up my mind to order the barbecue sandwich, but there were so many sides available and I could select two.  From baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, homemade chips, hush puppies, potato salad, scalloped potatoes, French fries, mac n’ cheese, scalloped corn and sweet potato casserole, this was going to take some time.   After a few moments, I placed my order, prepared my drink and sat down at a table until my food was ready.

Within a few minutes,  I picked up my sandwich along with my sides of coleslaw and mac n’ cheese.  Sitting down, I added some additional sweet barbecue sauce to my pork, which was provided at the table and added a little slaw to my sandwich.

I loved the cheesiness of the macaroni and creamy tanginess of the coleslaw.  The portion sizes were quite generous and nearly halfway into my meal I was beginning to feel full.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish the meal and I was happy to have some leftovers for the next day and besides, I was prepared to listen to the best advice that my friends had given me about Rudy’s….

Save some room for their no-bake chocolate cookie!  And of course, they were right…

Have you been to Rudy’s Smokehouse or have a favorite barbecue spot?  I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Rudy’s Smokehouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

I love supporting Christian organizations who are generously giving back to their communities, so if you are ever in town, please visit Rudy’s Smokehouse as he financially supports the amazing community of Springfield.

Where to Eat:

Rudy’s Smokehouse
2222 South Limestone Street
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 324 0884

Rudy’s Boxed Lunch includes:

a sandwich (Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Bourbon Chicken and Beef Brisket for an additional $1;

two sides:  Potato Salad, Fresh Potato Chips, Cornbread, Hush Puppies, Scalloped Cornm Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Green Beans with Bacon, Scalloped Potatoes, Mac N’ Cheese

and a cookie!

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Food at The Merchant House

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Recommended by Louisa at Kennedy Vineyards, I was eager to dine at The Merchant House in nearby Greenville, Ohio.  There was hardly a seat in the house, so I took a place at the bar, which was just as busy.  The bartender, Joanne, recommended a great wine and took my order for Pig Candy as a starter.   Enjoying my glass of bold red, I took my time admiring the rustic, contemporary architecture and looked over the menu.  The exposed brick and hardwood beams added to the charm of this popular new restaurant.

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As my appetizer arrived, I could smell the smokiness of the spices along with the sweetness of the brown sugar.  My first bite was the perfect blend of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon and I could have honestly placed another order, it was that extraordinary.

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The Merchant House has a gift for taking ordinary food items and turning them into delectable gourmet dishes,  The combinations are unique such as fried chicken & mac n’ cheese waffles.

Butter burgers, seafood jambalaya and BBQ are some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, but I had my eye on the Monte Cristo sandwich.  All I could think about was a crispy, deep fried sandwich to dip into homemade strawberry preserves.  This “thick cut ham, turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich between two pieces of Texas toast” is “dipped in egg batter, breaded, then deep fried golden brown.” The sweet potatoes fries were billowy with a lovely light texture and seasoned perfectly.

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The Head Chef of the restaurant, Eric, was taking a break and took a seat next to me at the bar.  Joanne, who is married to Eric, explained that they had recently moved to the area from Detroit to help start the restaurant.  Since the age of fifteen, they have both been working in restaurants which is where they met Chris and Cassie Campbell, co-owners of The Merchant House. Joanne is also a talented baker opening up her own business, the Delightfully Decadent Bakery while Eric enjoys creating new recipes exploring unique flavor combinations.  Many of his creations are listed on the menu.

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I had the opportunity to take some photographs of the restaurant, pay my bill and exchanged contact information with Eric and Joanne.  Eric was kind enough to introduce me to Cassie and her family and I thanked them for their  hospitality, wishing them great success.  I know that I will be making a return visit and can’t wait to try the restaurant’s Chicago-style pizza, which will be added to the menu next month.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Merchant House in Greenville?  What menu item did you choose?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my delightful dining experience at The Merchant House and wishing you many Happy Travels!

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Eric and Joanne for their generous hospitality and time during my visit at the Merchant House.  Please note that all comments and opinions are my own.

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

Where to Eat:

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

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Fish and Chips at the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Hilliard, Ohio

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I called a British friend of mine to meet me for lunch at The Old Bag of Nails Pub and explained that this was one of my favorite go-to places for authentic Fish and Chips.  Surprised by the name, he said he thought that this was a coffee shop rather than a restaurant. I guessed he was confusing the restaurant with Chock Full O’Nuts…who knows, but we agreed that the Hilliard location was closest for both of us.

I quickly learned, through the magic of the internet, that this restaurant had originally opened in a former hardware store, so hence the name, The Old Bag of Nails.  Regardless, you can’t go wrong with pub food and a pint.

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Located on the corner of Norwich and Main Street in Old Hilliard, the restaurant is easily accessible with plenty of parking spaces.   Graham was waiting as I parallel parked and we were quickly seated at a nearby booth. Handed our menus, we each placed our order for a pint of Guinness.

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Although I usually know what I am going to order, I am always tempted to order the all you can eat fish and chips.  There are two options which include fried cod or baked cod with a dill dip.  The portions are unbelievably large, with two pieces of fried fish.  Just thinking about the fried fish batter makes my mouth water.  It is served with coleslaw,  tartar sauce and a side of French fries that could feed a family of five.  I love to add malt vinegar to both the fish and fries.

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I can hardly eat the first piece of fried fish, but my server brings me a piece of baked fish so that I can try it.  The dill dip that comes with the baked option really compliments the flavor of the cod.  I’m glad I tried it, but now I’m wondering how I could feel so full.  I want to blame the fish, but then again, it could be the ale. Yes, it was probably the ale.  I guess I’ll just have to go home and take a nap.

Have you had the opportunity to visit The Old Bag of Nails Pub?  Besides the fish and chips, what other menu items are your favorite?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

Where to Eat:

The Old Bag of Nails Pub
4065 Main Street
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Telephone:  614 777 0713

You can’t go wrong with the best Fish & Chips in town!

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

IMG_9253  The Bar at The Old Bag of Nails Pub

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Inside the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Old Hilliard, Ohio

Featured Ohio Winery: Mon Ami Winery, now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Update:  Mon Ami Winery is now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Sumptuous smells of garlic and cheese reached the table within seconds before my pizza arrived.  I ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of Concord and the menu’s recommended wine pairing, Pinot Noir. I had just spent the Labor Day weekend exploring nearby Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and planned to stop for lunch at one of Ohio’s oldest and largest wineries, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery.

I arrived early passing through the Mon Ami arch to avoid the Saturday night crowd. Mon Ami’s weekend entertainment and decadent seafood buffet can leave visitors waiting hours for a table.

The dramatic façade of the winery, constructed of limestone and sand, was designed and built by George Loeb.  Construction of the initial structure began in the 1850s, but was halted during the Civil War, becoming a temporary, make-shift prison for the Confederates.  The building was finally completed in 1872.

The history of Mon Ami began in 1873 when a cooperation of grape growers and vintners established Catawba Island Wine Company.  While Prohibition saw the closing of many Ohio wineries, Mon Ami survived by producing and selling altar wine.  Generating 130,000 gallons of wine, the estate was purchased by Mon Ami Champagne Company in 1937, one of the few American wineries producing the finest champagne.

The fire of 1945 destroyed much of the upper rooms of the original winery and it was at this time, Mon Ami decided to open its restaurant, collaborating with the local Zapone family.  Mon Ami continues its tradition of offering up-scale cuisine in its Main Dining room with a selection to include Alaskan crab, Prime Rib and Executive Chef specials.  Sommology recommendations are listed on Mon Ami’s menu, making it easy to decide which wine to pair with one’s food order.

The Chalet offers a more casual seating environment with live Jazz on Sundays and additional entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

I passed on dessert so that I could sample some of Mon Ami’s wine in the wine tasting room.  Tasting Flights range from $5 – $7 or $1 per wine and an additional charge for dessert wines, liquors and champagne.  I was so excited to sample the limoncello in additional to some of my favorite wine varietals.

Mon Ami’s spectacular collection of wines include California premium wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Zinfandel in addition to their Ohio line of estate wines such as Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Mon Ami Winery hosts, on average, seven weddings over a weekend not to mention additional banquets and special celebrations throughout the year.  From photographs in the arbor and rose garden or weddings in the wine cellar, the winery offers a wide range of on-site venues to celebrate that perfect occasion.

I inquired about the Loretta Pagnini Cooking School which features demonstrations and classes taught by Pagnini, a teaching chef who offers cooking tips, teaches a wide range of kitchen techniques.   I knew that this would be a wonderful experience for a weekend with the girls.

Have you visited Mon Ami Winery?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  Dinner?  Wine Tasting?  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 fun afternoon at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

The winery is open seven days a week, but the hours differ from the Winter to the Summer season, so check their website for hours of operation.  Reservations are only taken on select holidays (Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve), so it is first-come, first-served.   For Holiday Reservations call 419 797 4445.

Many stores throughout Ohio carry the popular Mon Ami wines, but purchases can also be made through Mon Ami’s online store.

Where to Stay:

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Hotel Reservations;  419 798 4900
Cottage Reservations:      419 798 5503

Where to Eat:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

During the weekends, Mon Ami hosts a seafood buffet on Saturday and Sunday brunch which are both very popular. Arrive early!

What to Eat:

  • Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
  • Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
  • Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
  • Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
  • Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
  • Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
  • Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood

 

Holland, Michigan: True to its Dutch Heritage

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors:  driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos.   If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus.  After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

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I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip.  I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

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Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park.  After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner.  We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

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The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

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On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel.  We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light.  It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

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Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us.  The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

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We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta.  The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six.   We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready.  The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

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The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel.  Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States.  CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI  49424
Telephone:  616 399 9390

Where to Stay: 

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat: 

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI  49423
Telephone:  616 394 3002

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
  • Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
  • Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland: 

  • The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
  • DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
  • Sunset on Lake Michigan
  • Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
  • Dutch Dancers
  • Nelis’ Dutch Village:  landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
  • Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

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

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A Young Boy and his Fish

Our Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

It was our final day cruising along the Mexican Riviera as the Carnival Splendor brought us into the port of Puerto Vallarta.  This cruise ship stop on the Pacific Coast rests on the edge of Banderas Bay, protected by the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  My friend Dani and I were so excited for this day because we had booked the dolphin excursion from the ship.  We would have plenty of time after our tour to explore this popular port town and enjoy an authentic meal of tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

As soon as we disembarked the ship, we boarded the ferry that shipped us off to the Dolphin Rescue and Reserve.  It was a short ride but the scenery was beautiful as we took in the bay and watched the ship fade into the distance.  Our group size totaled twenty, which included not only adults but several children.  The kids were so happy to see the dolphins and their energy made us just as excited as well.

Once we arrived, we followed a path through dense brush where our tour guide pointed out several native birds.  The iguanas were difficult to find, camouflaged against the green foliage so we were thrilled to point them out to our fellow travelers the moment we spotted them.

It wasn’t long until we had arrived at the pool and distracted by wanting a glimpse of the dolphins, we strayed away for a minute or two in hopes of seeing these amazing creatures.   The research team led us to a covered space providing us with a safety briefing as well as instructions on how to interact with the dolphins.

We were asked to remove our jewelry so that we did not scratch the dolphins’ delicate skin.  It was also important that we allowed the dolphins to take their time to get comfortable with us once we entered the pool.  The trainers would be looking for any signs of distress by the dolphin(s) and our interaction could cease at any time should the caretakers feel the dolphins were not comfortable.  Cameras were not allowed in the pool area, but we could purchase our photos from the reserve.

Prior to hearing the rules, Dani and I happened to take a photo of the dolphins as they were let out during our educational session.  I was happy that they allowed us to keep the photos, but of course, reminded us not to take any additional photographs.

Once we finished our dolphin swim, we followed our guide to an observational deck below where we could catch a better glimpse of the dolphins underwater.  A highlight of my trip was to watch a seven month calf swimming side by side with her mother.

I would have loved to have had more time watching the dolphins, but our group was preparing to leave as another tour began.  Dani and I had decided to stop by a local restaurant to enjoy a couple of margaritas before boarding the ship.

We selected a cozy, open-air café where we could people watch and place an order for an authentic Mexican meal.

We started by requesting a Pacifico, the local beer.

An order of chips and salsa….

and guacamole.

After finishing our snacks, we decided to return to the ship a little early and hang out by the pool.  The excitement of swimming with dolphins lasted throughout the evening and I wished I would have purchased the photo.  Removing “Swimming with Dolphins” from my bucket list, I was ready to relax for the rest of the evening.

Have you had the opportunity to explore Puerto Vallarta?  Or have you recently marked off one of your bucket list items?   I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my day at the Dolphin Reserve and Rescue and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dolphin Discovery Vallarta
Tepic Km 155
63732, Nuevo Vallarta, Nay Mexico
Telephone:  866 393 5158

Where to Stay:

Fiesta Inn Puerto Vallarta Isla
Blvd. San Francisco Medina Ascencio 2477
Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48333, Mexico
Telephone:  888 734 8507

Ranked 9.2 out of 10

Where to Eat:  (our restaurant has closed, but the following comes highly recommended)

Azul Vallarta
Playa de Oro #126,
Zona Hotelera, Zona Hotelera Nte.,
48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Telephone:  52 322 221 9606

What to Eat:

  • Birria is made of goat or lamb boiled in local spices and prepared spice. It is served with lime, onion and tortillas.
  • Fish roasted on a stick or “pescado embarazado”
  • Tamales are corn meal stuffed with meat, tomatoes, chilis, while some have pineapple without chiles. The corn meal is then wrapped by a corn husk and steamed.  A favorite during the Christmas holiday.
  • Tequila, mescal and raicilla are alcoholic drinks. While most are familiar with the tequila and mescal (with the worm), raicilla is much stronger and has a smoky taste.

What to Read:

  • Knock Until the Dog Barks, by D. E. Brobst
  • Getaway, by Lisa Brackmann
  • Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, by Robert James Walter
  • Boomers in Paradise: Boomers in Puerto Vallarta, by Robert Nelson
  • Tomorrow There will be Sun. by Dana Reinhardt

Photo Guide for Puerto Vallarta:

  • Bay of Banderas
    • Cultural sights
  • Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
  • Cuale River Island
    • Stairway to heaven
  • Local Hotels
    • Pool shots
  • Los Muertos Beach
    • Brightly colored architecture
  • Old Town
    • Angel Wings in Old Town Puerto Vallarta
    • Beautiful Murals
  • Sayulita
    • Charming alleys
    • Iguanas
    • Murals
    • Restaurants
    • Wall art and art vendors

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