Russell – the suite life of travel

All wines are not the same and Ohio wineries are learning how to ferment a wide range of products to create some of the most interesting libations in the state…including A.R. Winery.

I first noticed A. R. Winery while having dinner at Michael Anthony’s at The Inn in Versailles, Ohio. I have to admit, I was drawn to the adorable dog on the label, but when I learned it was a local wine, I was excited to try it. Supporting Ohio wines, I ordered a bottle of the “She Said Yes” a fabulous, semi-sweet wine, which paired quite nicely with the house carbonara. With plenty of time after dinner, I was eager to visit the winery and sample a few more wines.

Entering through the outdoor patio, I was immediately drawn to the winery’s laid-back, country character. Heading straight for the tasting bar, I met Russell, a co-owner of the winery (He is the R in A.R.). Russell is the wine maker and was happy to introduce me to the wines that he produces onsite. With his great sense of humor, I listened as he quickly ran through the highlights of each wine, explaining their distinct characteristics and flavors.

Angie, his lovely wife, was taking orders and serving customers on this busy night. Without missing a beat, she handled each interaction with such grace so I wasn’t surprised to learn she had been a meeting planner prior to opening the winery.

Russell is proud to point out that A.R. Winery is non-traditional as he explained that most of his wines are made from anything but grapes. With his enthusiasm, I couldn’t wait to try some of the interesting combinations he has created. I ordered a wine tasting ($5 for five) and purchased additional samples for $1 per pour thereafter.

Making wine is in Russell’s DNA. His grandfather was a winemaker back in the 1800s. He also knows the flavors that his clientele prefers and focuses on wines that sell in the Ohio region which are fruity and sweet.

Here is the selection of wine that I sampled that evening and a description of each:

Lock, Stock and Berries is a three time silver medal award winner and their most popular wine. Described as “a delicious blend of sweet blackberry, blueberry & red raspberry exploding in a mouthwatering finish. Best Chilled.” has a wonderful sweet smell and a beautiful color. Priced at $12.99 per bottle, it is the perfect summer wine on the deck.

County Fair Caramel Apple won the bronze medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. I love the fact that it is made of cider using local apples from Downing Fruit Farms and enjoyed its smooth silky taste. As the description suggests, “Let the sweet caramel & tart apple flavors take you back to the county fair!”. A bottle of this apple wine is available for $13.99.

Bluesberry is a “rich, sweet blueberry wine that has a smooth, bold and jazzy flavor. Pair this wine with your favorite tasty chocolates!” This was my first opportunity to try a blueberry wine, so I was not really sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not too tart and had a great balance of blueberry flavor.

OMB “Oh My Berry” is a strawberry wine with a nice, very light taste. Described as “rich, sweet strawberries full of flavor! This light refreshing wine has a pleasing aroma for all to enjoy!” And I couldn’t agree more, who doesn’t absolutely love the smell of fresh strawberries?

Forbidden Apple won both a gold medal and best of class awards at the 2015 Indy International Wine Competition. This wine, incredibly priced at $9.99 per bottle has a “smooth mixture of sweet apples. The taste of sweet cider turned wine will tempt your every taste bud”. I loved the perfect balance of apple and purchased a bottle to enjoy again during the fall season.

The next wine on my list was one of the most innovative of all the selections, Fortunately, there was one bottle left because it was sold out. El Loco Lime is “squeezed from fresh limes, it is a one of a kind wine! Sweet, zesty lime wine with a hint of tartness. If you love margaritas, you will love this wine!” This Bronze Medal Award winner is quite unique and it was recommended that I try it with some salt along the rim and I could have sworn I was drinking a margarita.

The El Nino Tropical will literally take you by storm. When Russell explained that with each sip I would taste a different tropical flavor, I had to admit I was a bit skeptical. Flavors of strawberry, pineapple, mango and papaya burst in tropical harmony and truly “warmed my every taste bud!” This chemical reaction is spectacular. Winning a Silver medal at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, I had to buy a bottle to share with friends.

The next white wine holds a special place in the hearts of Russell and Angie. It was their wedding wine that they labeled “She Said Yes”. This wine is described as a “full bodied, sweet white grape wine with hints of pineapple and tropical! Toast your wedding day with this perfect wine pick!” I can see why she said yes. This is a delicious wine and perfectly priced at $11.99 per bottle.

I absolutely love the catchy names of these wines as well as their flavors. Caught Red-Handed is “a fruity, sweet Fredonia red grape wine. Amazingly flavorful! Pairs well with a variety of fruits and cheeses!” This is a wine for any occasion.

Recently released is A.R. Winery’s Back In Blanc. Made from the Diamond grape, it is a “dry white wine with hints of crisp green apples and lemons.” I found it refreshing and is perfect for an afternoon drink on the porch.

With so many fascinating combinations of wines at A. R. Winery, it is no surprise that coming soon is their peach/peppermint bourbon barrel wine. Bourbon barrel wines seem to be popping up all over the state, so this will be quite a novel blend. I look forward to trying it at its release.

No doubt A. R. Winery caters to their customers and loves to offer unique blends of wine that are sure to please. Their outdoor seating area is fabulous and it is one of the few wineries where Ohio State University sports are televised, which is perfect for those Saturday afternoon football games. They also offer brick oven pizza which only proves A. R. Winery knows how to make their customers happy.

Have you visited A. R. Winery? Which wines did you absolutely love? I would be happy if you would let me know about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

A. R. Winery
3564 Gordon Landis Road
Arcanum, Ohio 45304
Telephone: 937 417 0565

Please consult the winery’s website for hours of operation.

Where to Stay:

Artist Junction Bed & Breakfast
6100 Routzong Road
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 941 780 2490

Where to Eat:

Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe
125 N Broadway Street
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 548 9340

Maid-Rite has been serving these amazing loose meat hamburgers since 1934. Their signature beef sandwich, the Maid-Rite is only $2.15 and can be ordered with mustard, pickle and/or onion.

You can’t stop by Maid-Rite without checking out the “gum wall”. For years, people have been depositing their chewed up gum on the wall….so very interesting.

Books to Read:

The secret town: The story of the founding of Arcanum, Ohio, by William Gunder
The Ren Faire at the End of the World, by Josef Matulich

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

Approaching the residential house on the corner of Russell and McCain, Hartman Rock Garden could easily be missed if it wasn’t for the welcome signs. I found a parking spot nearby and began to walk towards the left side of the house. I entered towards the back through a white picket fence where I found a guide book and a map.

Ben Hartman began his work on the Hartman Rock Garden during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job at the age of forty-eight. Over the next twelve years, he continued to add on to his garden by constructing over fifty projects including famous monuments and figurines.

I skimmed through the booklet to learn more about about Harry George “Ben” Hartman, the man behind the artwork and noticed the self-guided walking tour. I was so excited to start my visit to this unique little garden and to learn about each of the lovely structures Ben had created.

I left a donation, reviewed the guide and began the walking tour at The Fishing Pond towards the center of the yard. This was the first project of Hartman’s that started this “garden of love” known today as the Hartman Rock Garden.

Ben loved nursery rhymes, so the Rose Basket was filled with figurines recreating some of the most well-known nursery rhymes: Jack & Jill, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater. These small delicate figures made of stone are available for viewing only during special events and behind the scenes tours.

In addition to fairy-tale figurines, Mr. Hartman reproduced some of the local landmarks of his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Fascinated by historical structures from all over the world, he re-created several of these as well. The Cathedral is the largest project completed by Hartman, standing 14 feet tall. Replicating the spectacular cathedrals of Italy, inside are niches showcasing several Madonna figurines.

Because Mr. Hartman also took an interest in American History, there were a few designs based on several historic buildings and events that took place throughout the United States. Mount Vernon, the childhood home of the country’s first president, George Washington was beautifully created with stately columns and multiple windows. Peeking through the windows, I could see small, period figurines that would have coincided with this historical period.

Hartman gathered small stones on his property to create the structures of George Washington’s Valley Forge. The delicate stonework and the dormers shaped into the concrete roof showed Hartman’s attention to detail as well as his love for creating these amazing pieces of art.

A continuation of the Valley Forge display showcases the smaller lodging areas for sleeping. One of the details that Mr. Hartman included were the icicles that clung to the rooftops of the miniature buildings. I also noticed the small, weathered handwritten cards identifying some of the structures. Unfortunately they were difficult to read, so I made my next stop at Custer’s Last Stand.

I was soon approaching my favorite part of the garden known as The Castle. Rising twelve feet high, this masterpiece is surrounded by a moat and equipped with a working drawbridge. This medieval fortress was created by Hartman out of mixed stone, concrete and grey dolostone. With 107 windows and 100,000 stones, it took him only fourteen days to build.

With a pathway of animal pairs making their way to the entrance of this large boat, there was no mistaking this was Noah’s Ark. The recreation was perfect to the last detail with a pair of doves on the top of its roof and fourteen pairs of metallic animals making their way to the ark’s entrance. I absolutely adored this rendition of one of my favorite Bible stories.

From Death Valley to the Oregon Trail, even Hoover Dam was unmistakable.

The White House, made from concrete and granite, was another lovely tribute to American History.

Adding a little color to the collection is Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Also known as Freedom Hall, this meticulous miniature was built from red brick.

It is said that the Tree of Life was one of Ben Hartman’s favorite works and is considered one of his most impressive. The tree symbolizes country, school and church, which Hartman felt were the most important things in a man’s life. There are close to 20,000 stones used to create this sacred tree.

Created around 1932, a colorful planter depicts two Bible stories. With flowers to the left, the figurines to the right represent both Daniel in the Lion’s Den atop the structure and the Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace below.

Based on his Christian faith, Hartman designed a beautiful nativity, the place where Jesus was born, Calvary Hill where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where Jesus would rise from the dead.

My last stop was to the Wishing Well made of concrete, dolostone, granite and a mix of stones. Beneath the cover was an old wooden bucket, so I made a wish and placed a few coins inside.

There are close to fifty structures on display at Hartman Rock Garden. Each unique, they held a special place in Ben’s heart. Today the garden is considered a work of “in situ folk art” and thousands of visitors come from all over the world to admire the unique works of Harry George “Ben” Hartman. You may be so inspired to create a beautiful garden for yourself.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio? I would love to hear about your time spent here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
Email: info@hartmanrockgarden.org

Admission Fee: Free but a $2 per person donation is appreciated.
Hours: Open daily, 364 days, from dusk until dawn
Amenities: Self-guided tours
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a flyer on the property for the self-guided tour. Directions: Traveling south down South Yellow Springs Street leaving downtown Springfield, you will pass John Street and will see McCain Avenue to your right. Turn onto McCain and within a couple of blocks there is a white picket fence which was the home of the Hartmans.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone; 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Seasons Bistro and Grille
28 South Limestone Street
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 521 1200

My favorite item on the menu is the Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with marinated beef strips and seasonal vegetables served over white rice. Topped with a fried egg and Korean chili paste.

Another seasonal favorite that is offered on a limited basis is their grilled Chilean sea bass!