An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

19 February 201631 August 2024

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy. I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship. The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca. Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay. Farm stays are perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm. This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled. Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti. I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding. Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives. Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles. What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm. Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs. These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture. With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool. Additional services include local tours, onsite events and cooking classes. The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo. With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover? Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved? Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well. Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: 39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany, by Beth Elon
A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

Florence:
- Canonici Palace
- Florence Baptistry
- Florence Cathedral
- Florence Skyline: view from Palazzo Vecchio
- Il Duomo
- Marcampo
- Michelangelo’s David statue
- Montalcino Street
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Perano Castle
- Piazalle Michelangelo
- Piaza del Duomo
- Pienza
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Streets of Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Volpaia
Pisa
- The Leaning Tower
- Marina
Tuscany
- Abbazia San Galgano
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- Agritourismos
- Basilica di Santa Magherita
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- Carrara Marble Quarry
- Castel Boccale
- Chianti
- Cortona
- Crete Senesi
- Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
- Monte Divalli
- Montepulciano
- Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
- Palazzo Pitti
- Pitigliano
- Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
- Poggio Covilli d’Asso
- San Gimignano
- San Giovanni
- Seminario Maggiore
- Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
- Terranuova Bracciolini
- Tuscan Tunnel
- Volterra
Wineries
- Avignonisi
- Barone Ricasoli
- Capezanna
- Castello Banfi
- Castello di Ama
- Castiglion del Bosco
- Poggio al Casone
- Poggio Antico

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The Port of Monaco, Venturing Off “The Rock” and Visiting a Perfume Factory

2 February 201631 August 2024

A set of stairs led down from “The Rock” where we had just explored Monaco’s Old Town and Monte Carlo Casino. Below the palace is the Monaco Harbor full of expensive yachts and to the right, the starting line for the Monaco Grand Prix. We had only a few moments before making our final stop in Eze so we descended down the stairs leading to the port.

Monaco is famous for its Royal Family, the Monte Carlo Casino and Formula One Racing. The Monaco Grand Prix has drawn race fans to the country since 1929. Known as one of the most prestigious car races in the world, this competition is one of three that make up the “Triple Crown of Motorsports” taking place over Memorial Day weekend. Although the route of the race changes each year, the starting point remains the same. At the base of the stairs descending from “The Rock”, we approached the race’s infamous hairpin curve.

The Circuit de Monaco is approximately 1,000 miles throughout the streets of Monte Carlo and Condamine which wraps around the harbor. The streets of the race are very narrow and the turns quite sharp. The most famous of the turns on the route is the Fairmont Hairpin turn, so named because it passes the Fairmont Hotel and is one of the most sought after locations to watch the race. Spectators pay thousands of dollars to cheer on their favorite driver from this vantage point.

Due to the design of the street circuit, this race is considered one of the “most demanding tracks in Formula One,” With its dangerous curves and narrow course, it is one of the most prestigious races throughout the world. In addition to its challenging track, there is a tunnel that continues below the Fairmont Hotel following the Fairmont Hairpin Turn.

A short bus ride through the French Riviera brought us to our next stop, the coastal town of Eze. Known for its highly acclaimed perfume industry, we visited the world-renowned Fragonard factory. The medieval town of Eze sits atop a large mountainous rock and is famous for its panoramic views as well as its beauty and charm.

Fragonard has been producing a wide variety of fragrances since 1926. Our tour included a presentation of how the fragrances are made as we watched chemists make handmade soaps and lotions in a variety of scents for both men and women.

The factory also produces cosmetics and candles which are available for sale in the gift shop. In addition to purchasing a couple of candles, I found an amazing, fresh smelling scent that reminded me of a day at the beach.

I exited the gift shop into a charming courtyard, surrounded by fragrant roses used to produce the fragrances within the perfumery. I took a seat wanting to sit under the warmth of the sun and gaze out into the Mediterranean, mesmerized by the waterfront scenery below.

While enjoying the sunshine and fabulous scents at Fragonard, I could see the village of Eze up on the hill. This medieval town’s narrow cobblestone streets make it a wonderful change of scenery for drinking an afternoon coffee at the cafes and shopping its lovely boutiques. The Path of Nietzsche originates at the coast at Eze Sur Mer and ends at the town of Eze, offering spectacular views of the coast along the way.

The drive back to Villafranche was just as spectacular as the rest of the tour. I sat at the back of the bus with a wide open window where I could see the magnificent coastline of the French Riviera. The shades of blue darkened as the water met the coast. The towns and people seemed like miniature toys as we climbed up hills towering over the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

Although this coastal drive is magical and mesmerizing, it is also a scene of tragedy and sorrow. One of the most memorable tragedies was that of Princess Grace of Monaco. As she was returning back to the palace from her vacation home, she suffered a stroke and lost control of her car sustaining life threatening injuries. It was a sad day for Monaco as well as the world. She was 52 years old.

Within a few moments and we are passing through the popular, metropolitan port city of Nice. This panoramic coastal drive takes us through the cornices of Basse, Moyenne and Grande. Nice is most known for its scenic promenade, the Promenade des Anglais that offers a spectacular view of the waterfront.

Additional dramatic overlooks include Cliff Walk and the Fort at Mont Boron. Nice also has an Old Town, the Vieux Nice, where visitors can get lost in the maze of boutique shopping and local markets.

At last we have arrived back to port and I had wished we had more time in Villafranche. I was drawn to the town’s laid back atmosphere and how it had maintained its character without succumbing to the typical touristy nature of popular port towns. I learned that the beach here is preferred over some of the other French Riviera shores because it is quiet and more relaxing. I had experienced an amazing day in Monaco and Monte Carlo and look forward to coming back for a peaceful day in Villafranche.

Have you visited the port town of Villafranche? Did you take an excursion or explore this cozy port town? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my shore excursion to Monaco and Monte Carlo. Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Parfumerie Fragonard
158 Avenue de Verdun
06360 Eze France
Telephone: 33 4 93 41 05 05

Admission Fee: Free guided tours year around (book ahead by calling +04 93 36 44 66 or by email at tourisme@fragonard.com). Guests may experience additional wait times if reservations are not made ahead of time.
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM
Amenities: Perfume shop, lovely courtyard with beautiful roses
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the French Riviera
Length of the Tour: Approximately 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Guided tours must be made in advance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider this tour. Wait times may apply if advance reservations are not made.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Ambassador Monaco (affordable)
10 Avenue Prince Pierre, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 97 97 96 96

Fairmont Monte Carlo (luxury)
12 Avenue des Spelugues
98000 Monaco
Telephone: 377 93 50 65 00

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Le Pinocchio
30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 93 30 96 20

I ordered the Salde de calamars grilles, fenoil, oranges et huile parfumee a la vanille for 18 Euros. It was the perfect lunch , although I would have also liked to have tried the Risotto “La Fee Bleue”, a risotto with Mascarpone and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, Liquour Cointreau 1849 and poire et pistache for 29 Euros.

What to Eat:

Barbajuan is the national food of Monaco. Similar to an empanada, these pastries are filled with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard. Some may also include added ingredients such as onion, rice, leeks, spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Bouillabaisse, a fish stew.
Fougasse, made popular by the Monegasque is a bread seasoned with sage, rosemary and/or thyme.
The Galapian is a cantaloupe-cherry-almond tart
Gnocchi is a potato based dough served with cream
Pissaladiere is a French pizza topped with olives, carmelized onions and anchovies.
Porcetta – stuffed pork roast
Socca are street food pancakes/crepes

What to Read:

Loser Takes All by Graham Greene
A Ghost in Monte Carlo by Barbara Cartland
I Kill by Giorgio Faletti
Headhunters, by Jules Bass
Anything Considered, by Peter Mayle
Grace, by Robert Lacey
Once Upon a Time, by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Photo Guide for Monaco:

Port Hercule for the super mega-yachts in the harbor
Tete de Chien is trail that takes you from the center of Cap d’Ail to the hills offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Rooftop Terrace of Musee Oceanographique
Digue de l’Avant Port where a pathway winds along the water’s edge
Jardin Exotique for its gardens and cliffside pics
The Observatory Cave is located inside of the Exotic Garden
The Monte Carlo Casino for its elegant exterior
Ride the Bateau Bus for gorgeous photos of the coast
Monaco Cathedral for its beautiful interior
Monaco-Ville, the charming old town of Monaco

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

A view of the fort as seen from the tender

The port of Villafranche as seen from the ship

Road Trip to Marietta, Ohio

19 January 201614 September 2024

Nearing Marietta, Ohio, signs are posted to remind travelers to drive with caution as the local Amish travel in horse and buggy.

I made several stops to photograph beautiful old barns.

It was a beautiful February day to drive from Columbus, Ohio to Marietta. Beautiful white trees against a blue winter sky.

Hereford ccws just a little curious as I drive the rural route.

The beautiful architecture of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, an amazing example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Magnificent sculptures on the churches in Marietta, Ohio

A small cemetery on the side of the road.

Church Rotunda, downtown Marietta

Downtown Marietta

The Ohio River along Marietta

The historic Lafayette Hotel

Unicorn Winery and Tea Room

The Castle

Views of the Ohio River

Adena Mound

It was an amazing fall day to explore Ohio’s southeastern town of Marietta.

What to Do:

Campus Martius Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

Admission Fee: Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Amenities: Free parking available at the rear of the museum and on street. Campus Martius Museum’s three floors of exhibits are wheelchair accessible, excluding the second floor of the Rufus Putnum House.
Guided Tours: Rufus Putnam House Tour Times: 10AM, 11AM, Noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM
Length of the Tour: 1.5 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative. Don’t miss the Rufus Putnam House and visit the nearby Ohio River Museum as well for more Ohio History!

Mound Cemetery
514 Cutler Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 4180

Admission Fee: Free admission
Hours: Dusk to Dawn
Length of the Tour: 1.5 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear tennis shoes for strolling around the cemetery where headstones date back to the Revolutionary War. Comfortable shoes will also be needed to take the stairs to the top of the Mound where benches await for a moment of contemplation and rest. Visit here after the Campus Martius Museum as many of the founders of Marietta are buried here.

The Castle Historic House Museum
418 4th Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 4180

Admission Fee: Adults: $10; Seniors (Age 60+): $9.50; Students (Age 5 to 18 College ID): $7; Children under the age of 5: Free and Group Rate (10 or more visitors): $9; Active Duty Military (with ID): Free; Family of Active Duty Military (with ID); Half price; AAA, AARP and AMAC Members: 10% off; Call in advance for group tours
Hours: Spring and Fall hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10AM to 4PM; Saturday & Sunday from 1 – 4PM. Summer Hours (June – August) are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 – 4PM, Sunday 1 – 4PM. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Amenities: Gift shop, Gift Certificates, Facility Rental and Virtual tours
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Dress comfortably and photos are not permitted in specified areas of the house.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
506 4th Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3643

Admission Fee: There are no admission fees but a donation is welcome.
Hours: Sunday Mass at 8AM and 10AM; Tours: 10AM to 6PM daily with no conflict with Masses, weddings or funerals.
Amenities: Gift shop, tours, pre-arranged lunches, free parking available behind the Basilica and is accessible off of Fifth Street, bus tour parking, wheelchair accessible.
Guided and Self-GuidedTours: Tours can be scheduled any time between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM as long as they do not conflict with Masses, weddings, or funerals. Self-guided tours take approximately 45 minutes, but you are welcome to visit as long as you wish. Copies of the tour brochure are available at the entrances of the Basilica. Group tours are also available.
Length of the Tour: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Call in advance for group tours and self-guided tours to ensure there are no conflicts. Bring a donation to off-set the cost for tours.

Ohio River Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

Admission Fee: Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. WP Snyder Jr., the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboat is open for tours daily at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
Amenities: Free parking available in the museum lot, outdoor exhibits, and facility rental. Exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
Guided Tours: Group tours can be scheduled in advance. Tours of WP Snyder Jr. are provided by The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative, especially aboard the WP Snyder Jr.

Where to Stay:

Layfayette Hotel
101 Front Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 800 331 9336

Where to Eat:

Harmar Tavern
205 Maple Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 8727

Known for its famous fried bologna sandwich!

The Buckley House Restaurant – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
332 Front Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 374 4400

The Red Snapper was absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink:

Marietta Wine Cellars
211 Second Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 373 WINE

Unicorn Wine Guild
1816 Washington Blvd.
Belpre, OH 45714
Telephone: 740 423 1300

What to Read:

The Pioneers, by David McCullough

An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman, and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras: Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE:

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States: Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California: San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California: San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan; Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

United States: Ohio

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015. Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

Our Last Day in Hale

3 November 201531 August 2024

Shelly, Izzy, Erika and Gunnar would be leaving for home today and we were sad to see them go. It was an overcast day with large billowy clouds so we packed up a picnic lunch and started out for Lumberman’s Monument. Overlooking the Au Sable River, we arrived at the 14-foot statue and visited the visitor’s center before setting out for a hike.

Grace and Bennett were snuggled safe on the backs of their Mom and Dad, taking in the scenic views and eating snacks.

The sandy trail followed the edge of the Au Sable with stunning views of the surrounding water and trees.

We hiked through lush fern-filled forests where we spotted squirrels and chipmunks.

Grace had fun picking up small pinecones from the nearby fir trees.

It was time for lunch, so we found a place to have a picnic.

Grace was happy to sit on her Daddy’s shoulders so she could have a perfect view.

Grandpa posed for pictures.

It was our last moments to explore Hale, Michigan and its nearby surroundings. We thought it would be fun for one last evening on the lake and to have a small campfire for making s’mores.

After a quick swim, we took the pontoon around the perimeter of the lake to enjoy the scenery for our last night on vacation.

The sun was beginning to set and with a perfectly built campfire, we sat around and talked about the highlights of our vacation.

We laughed about how hot it had been in Hale and began planning our next adventure.

I’m not sure if Grace had more fun making s’mores or eating them.

We toasted the remaining marshmallows before putting out the fire and preparing for bed. The last night was a great way to wrap up such a relaxing day before our long drive back to Ohio.

Have you visited Hale, Michigan or Long Lake? What was your experience? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family Michigan vacation and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Plan a Visit to Buckeye Lake Winery for Ohio Wine Month in June

22 September 201531 August 2024

What better place to enjoy a bottle of wine than alongside the beauty of Buckeye Lake in Ohio? Buckeye Lake Winery was my first choice for a girl’s day of wine tasting, so I called a couple of my Columbus girlfriends to join me and began our 25-mile road trip to Thornville.

We arrived at 11 AM when the winery opened and was met by the winery’s proprietor, Tracy Higgenbotham and a large truck of fermented grapes arriving from Napa Valley. Tracy welcomed us, provided us with menus and excused himself for a moment while we decided on what to order for lunch.

Within minutes, we had ordered several wine samples, the charcuterie plate, Boursin with Pecan & Honey and the Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread. Several other options we considered were the Brie Wedge with fruit and a house made port reduction, Buckeye Lake Winery’s signature Winery Chips with a garlic cream sauce, bleu cheese, Parmesan and scallions as well as the Caprese Flatbread. One look at the brunch menu and we all agreed we needed to make reservations soon to share the Bananas Foster French Toast.

Chatting it up with Tracy, he was eager to tell us about the winery and his previous experience visiting California’s wine country on business trips. With his passion for great food and delicious wine, he and his wife Laura opened the winery to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio. Tracy explained that he works directly with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and the Russian River Valley, personally selecting the grapes that go into making his wines. Wine production begins at custom crush houses where the grapes are fermented and then he coordinates the shipping of the product to complete the aging, blending and bottling of the wine in Ohio.

While most of Buckeye Lake Winery’s wines come from grapes in California, Tracy knows that the Ohio wine drinkers like their sweet wines and has collaborated with local Ohio grape growers to make the winery’s popular Sweet Lake View.

White Wines

Lake View White – Dry White Wine, California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is clean, bright and fruity $23 / $7
Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley: This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and is minerally rich. It has a honeysuckle and pear taste $24 / $7
Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California: Bright floral notes with tropical fruit, honeysuckle and a clean finish. $26 / $8
Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 10 months and is clean and bright with hints of smoky toasted oak vanilla, green apples and pears. $32 / $9

Red Wines

Lake View Red – Dry Red Wine, Lodi California: The winemaker’s selection is a limited release blend of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is full bodied with a soft finish. $29 / $8
Cabernet Sauvignon – Lodi California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months and has hints of black cherry, blackberry and oak with a soft finish. $32 / $9
Zinfandel – Lodi, California: This wine is produced with grapes from 100 year old vines and is barrel aged for 18 months. It is jammy, spicy and rich with a velvet finish. $43 / $9
Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California: This wine is barrel aged for 18 months in oak barrels and is rich, robust with black cherry flavor and a hint of dark chocolate and tobacco. $75 This wine is sold by the bottle only to Wine Club members and is not included in wine tastings

Ohio Wine

Sweet Lake View, Ohio Wine: Sweet Lake View is produced and bottled at Buckeye Lake Winery. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has hints of citrus, peach and honey $18 / $6

Prices are subject to change, so visit Buckeye Lake Winery’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Our lunch had arrived and we could not stop raving about our selection. The Fig and Gorgonzola flatbread was spectacular with a perfect mix of saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness of the figs and caramelized onion with bursts of garlicky goodness. The charcuterie plate was a generous portion of meats and cheeses (homemade goat cheeses with either apricots or blueberries), a few grapes, olives and French bread with a delicious marmalade. We could not wait to dig into the Boursin with Pecan & Honey but waited to make it our dessert to this divine trio of small plates.

While it would have been lovely to have dined inside of the wine cave, we found a table outside so that we could enjoy the soothing view of Buckeye Lake. We shared a bottle of Chardonnay, Zinfandel as well as our meals while catching up on the latest gossip. We shared photos, secrets and happily stayed longer than planned. Feasting on spectacular meals and delicious wines, enjoying the spectacular views, we couldn’t help but feel that we had truly arrived in Napa.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Buckeye Lake Winery? What did you think of the fabulous wines and food? What were your favorite wines and menu items? I would love to hear about your experience sampling wines at the winery if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for catching up with me at Buckeye Lake Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels. Cheers!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Where to Stay:

Best Western Lakewood Inn
122 Arrowhead Drive
Hebron, OH 43025
Telephone: 866 599 6674

Where to Eat:

Buckeye Lake Winery
13750 Rosewood Road
Thornville, OH 43076
Telephone: 740 246 5665

Buckeye Lake Winery has extensive menu of starters and meals that have been customized to pair with their wines.

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

Rockland, Maine: Kayaking out to Owl Island Lighthouse

12 March 201531 August 2024

When I learned I would be attending a pharmaceutical conference in Boston, I called my friend Kristen to see if she wanted to meet me in Mass. Instead, she graciously invited me to their beautiful home in Rockland, Maine for the rest of the weekend. They were preparing to move to Chicago and asked if I would be interested in a day of kayaking and sightseeing. I couldn’t turn down this amazing opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, so I added a couple of days to my business trip.

The exhibit lasted a couple of days and soon I was taking I-95 north to US-1. I began the three hour drive making a stop in New Hampshire (no tax for alcohol) and soon arrived on the Penobscot Bay.

Waking early, we ate a robust breakfast and loaded up the kayaks. As we made the short drive to the harbor, I took in the gorgeous scenery along the coast. The sunny weather and mild breeze made it the perfect day for exploring the bay and Rockland Harbor.

The water was as smooth as glass when we paddled out towards the Atlantic. Passing the sailboats in the harbor, the sounds of sea gulls could be heard in the distance. We continued paddling as our route hugged the shore and I couldn’t wait to reach the lighthouse.

The peninsula was covered in pine trees and small islands of beachrock emerged from the Atlantic to offer a resting place for a siege of herons. They hardly noticed us as we quietly sailed past them.

The stroke of the oars brought us closer to the peninsula where the Owls Head Lighthouse came into view. With its stubby base, this gorgeous light stands 80 feet along Midcoast Maine.

Standing along the edge of Owls Head, the lighthouse was first built in 1825. South of Rockland, the light aided sailors with navigation along the shores of Penobscot Bay.

Consisting of the lighthouse and keeper’s house, Owls Head sits along a rocky outcropping. It was said that the former light keeper’s dog, Spot had been trained to pull the rope on the station’s fog bell and bark to keep passing boats from running aground,

Panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands are worth a visit to Owls Head Lighthouse, especially during the early morning sunrise.

It was a spectacular day to kayak the Atlantic off the coast of Maine. Once we returned to Rockland, we would prepare for dinner at one of the local lobster stands. For seven or eight dollars per pound, we were sure to enjoy our fresh catch of the day.

Have you visited Owls Head Lighthouse or kayaked around the area? Let me know about your experience with a quick not in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my amazing kayaking excursion and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Owls Head Lighthouse
186 Lighthouse Road
Owls Head, ME 04854
Telephone: 207 594 4174

Admission Fee: Lighthouse Climbing Tours: From Memorial Day to Columbus Day; Free, donation of $3 suggested
Hours: Monday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4PM
Scenic View: The view from the top of the stairs is stunning.
Length of the Tour: ½ hour to 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs of the lighthouse.

Where to Stay:

Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
886 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME 04856
Telephone: 800 589 4009

Where to Eat:

The Lobster Shack
346 Main Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Telephone: 207 390 0102

What to Eat:

Blueberries
Clams
Corned Hake – a meal made of salted pork with potatoes, onion and vinegar
Crab
New England Clambake
Crab Cakes
Fiddleheads – a fern that grows near fresh bodies of water
Lobster
Lobster Rolls
Maple Syrup
New England Chowder
Ramps – wild leaks that grown near fresh bodies of water

Books to Read:

- Bull Mountain, by Brian Panowich
- That Camden Summer, by LaVyrie Spencer
- The Poacher’s Son, by Paul Doiron
- High Tide at Noon, by Elisabeth Ogilvie
- A Seal Called Andre: the Two Worlds of a Maine Harbor Seal, by Harry Goodridge

Photo Guide for Owl Harbor, Maine and surrounding area:

The View from Owl Harbor lighthouse
Windjammer on Penobscot Bay

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