Tag Archives: Versailles

Royalty at its Finest at Windsor Castle

Our tour bus arrived in the regal town of Windsor and parked near the train station before we stumbled out into the winter chill.  Located thirty miles west of London, Windsor Castle overlooks the fertile Berkshire landscape of England and its battlements can be seen from miles around.  One of three magnificent residences of London’s royal family, Windsor Castle, has been inhabited by the rulers of England for nearly a millennium.

Our guide directed us to an upstairs shopping center with coffee shops, cafes and shopping boutiques crowded with visitors from the morning tour of the castle.  Couples sitting across from each other at intimate tables designed for two were enjoying a bite to eat while discussing their plans for what remained of the day.   I found myself desperately trying to keep up with the tour, winding through a maze of strangers until I was deposited at the opposite end of the Windsor Royal Shops located across the street from the royal residence.

The cobblestone streets led to an unexpected view of the castle.  The muted colors of the grey sarsen stone and deep red wooden accents have, over the years, replaced William the Conqueror’s original castle built in 1080.   Today, it is the official residence of the Queen of England and is hailed as Britain’s oldest continually inhabited royal home.   Atop of one of the towers was a  tiny clock with a black face and golden Roman numerals preparing us for the start of the next tour.

William built the fortress to guard London against enemies approaching from the west.  Small slits at the base of each tower protected the castle’s defenders as they shot arrows toward invaders who dared to attempt an attack.

Advancing towards the entrance to Windsor Castle, we noticed brick buildings and pastel covered storefronts ahead housing a museum, banks, shops and pubs with fish and chips.  A bronze statue of Queen Victoria stood in the center of Peascod Street where we made a left.  Up a mild slope, reaching a small set of stairs, we happened upon the ticket counter designated for groups and took our place in line.

Within minutes, we were shackled with wrist bands and audio tour devices.  We departed the waiting area where we were met with more cobblestone streets and an archway that pointed us in the direction of the castle.

Recognized as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle includes 1,000 rooms.  I learned that the castle has been home to eight successive royal houses and was the primary childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II and considers it her favorite residence.  My entrance fee allowed me access to the grounds of the castle as well as the staterooms, Queen Mary’s Doll House display and St. George’s Chapel.  During my visit, I would have the opportunity to tour the Great Kitchen, witness the Changing of the Guard and explore the various monarch tombs in the chapel.

Before arranging the logistics to my tour to Windsor Castle, I learned that my cousin, Jim Ambuske, PhD was honored as one of the few American historians selected to review the historical documents of King George III.   He was incredibly helpful with a list of shops and pubs to visit while I was in Windsor.  Queen Elizabeth II had recently announced that she would allow access to these precious artifacts which included letters, journal entries and personal belongings of the King.   King George III reigned over Britain from 1760 to 1820 and made vast improvements to Windsor Castle transforming it into its current picturesque “Gothic” style, Georgian architecture.  I pictured my cousin sitting in the Round Tower reviewing documents and private royal possessions that had been locked away in the Royal Archives for over 200 years.

During the audio tour, I enjoyed learning many interesting facts about Windsor Castle, its history and the royal families that have lived here nearly 1,000 years.  The land on which the castle stands was once owned by Harold Godwinson who used the land as a hunting ground.  The original castle stood on a 50 foot motte, an artificial hill of dirt where the castle was built and had a 13 acre bailey, a courtyard located within the walls of the castle.  Where the Round Tower stands today, William constructed a wooden keep located at the castle’s most central location acting as its inner stronghold.

Many kings at Windsor Castle have contributed to the expansion and renovations of the castle resulting in the magnificent architectural beauty that remains today.

In 1347, Edward III began a major rebuilding program to expand the castle but it was Charles II’s 130,000 pound restoration that would include the addition of new state apartments, and alterations to St. George’s Hall and the King’s Chapel.    What remains of Charles II’s 1670s renovations can be seen in the King’s Dining Room and in the Queen’s Presence and Audience Changes.  My favorite addition to the castle’s landscape are the beautiful elms of the Long Walk, a 3-mile route that begins at the south entrance of the Castle to Windsor Great Park.

George III enlarges the Queen’s Lodge, George IV employs the assistance of Sir Jeffry Wyatville for another remodel project and Edward VII brings electricity to the castle in the early 20th century.  

Passing through the King Henry VIII gate, is one of the most significant additions to the castle, St. George’s Chapel.  Founded by Edward IV in 1475, this gorgeous Gothic structure was completed by Henry VIII in 1528 and would become the burial place for no less than 10 monarchs.

St. George’s Chapel was built as a burial chamber for Edward IV to replace the former house of worship, built on the premises.  Most visitors will agree that it is one of the most fascinating examples of late Gothic architecture and is a highlight of one’s visit to Windsor Castle.

Approaching the entrance to St. George’s Chapel, my eyes are drawn to the pinnacles above the flying buttresses.  The seventy-six carved figures are the Queen’s Beasts, representing the Royal Supporters of England.  These animal statues include the lion of England, the red dragon of Wales, the panther of Jane Seymour, the falcon of York, the black bull of Clarence, the yale of Beaufort, the white lion of Mortimer, the greyhound of Richmond the white hart of Richard II, the silver antelope of Bohun, the black dragon of Ulster, the white swan of Hereford, the unicorn of Edward II and the golden hind of Kent.

Inside, the windows allow the light to illuminate the marble floors and the luxurious artwork covering the walls.  The highlights of my visit include the West Window with stained glass images of 75 saints, popes and royal family  members, the tomb of Henry VIII and the brilliant multi-dimensional architecture of the chapel’s ceiling, displaying the Banners of the Knights of the Garter.

The first Round Tower of Windsor Castle was built of wood by William the Conqueror atop the Norman motte.  Offering spectacular views of the River Thames, it was the perfect outpost for the defense of the castle.  The current stone structure of the Round Tower was built by Henry II in 1170 and today houses the Royal Archives and Photographic Collection.

In 2011, the Round Tower was open to the public for tours, having been closed to visitors since 1975.  For a limited time in the summer months, the “Conquer the Tower” tour includes a visit to the cannonade at the base of the tower which was an added defense for the castle during Medieval times.  Ticket holders will be able to climb the 200 steps to the top of the Round Tower for a spectacular view of the London skyline and a close up view of the flagpole which displays the Royal Standard when the Queen is in residence or the Union Flag when she is not.

Located on the Upper Ward of Windsor Castle, surrounding the upper bailey, are the State Apartments and private apartments of the Royal Family.  Known for their exquisite interiors, these rooms were renovated by Charles II to rival the gorgeous quarters of King Louis XIV’s Versailles.  The King’s Dining Room, the Queen’s Presence Chamber and Audience Chamber are what remain of Charles II’s contribution to the Apartments, where ceilings were painted by Antonio Verrio and wood carvings created by Grinling Gibbons.

Queen Elizabeth took on the transformation of Windsor Castle’s State Apartments including St. George’s Hall after a devastating fire in 1992.  While some areas were restored to their original magnificence, the Octagon Dining Room, Lantern Lobby and St. George’s Hall were renovated to reflect the Queen’s preferences.

I was so excited to explore my final exhibit on my tour of Windsor Castle, Queen Mary’s Doll House.  Designed by Sir Edwin Luutyens in 1924, this exquisite dollhouse is the largest, most extravagant, most famous dollhouse in the world.  Built in the Palladian style, the house represented an Edwardian townhouse with running water, electricity and working elevators.  Luutyens received contributions from over 1500 artists and designers to furnish the house which included all of the luxuries one could imagine, including a fully stocked wine cellar containing genuine vintage wine.

Queen Mary’s Doll House is incredibly impressive with its elaborate miniature furnishings, architecture and interior design.  Standing three feet tall, each room was decorated with only the finest and most modern products available in the early 20th century.  While the carpets and curtains match Windsor Castle, I can’t help but notice the grand piano, monogrammed towels, the vacuum cleaner and a garage with fully functioning automobiles.  After returning home, I learned about a book written by Vita Sackville-West, A Note of Explanation, a children’s story about the adventures of a sprite that inhabits the dollhouse.

With only a half an hour left before boarding the bus, I set aside time to visit the royal gift shop and stroll through the shopping plaza for some coffee and a small bite to eat.  I purchased a Corgi and a commemorative plate from the Queen’s 90th birthday at Buckingham Palace and opted to pick up a sandwich and tea for the road.  Stonehenge, here we come!

Have you had the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle?  What fun places did you visit? Was there a restaurant or shop that you enjoyed?  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 exciting day in Windsor and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire, UK SL4 1NJ

  • Admission Fee:  £21.20 for adults (18 – 59); £13.30  for children ages 5 -17; children for and under are free; Seniors (60+)  are £19.30
  • Hours:  November 1 to February 28: Open from 10AM to 4:15PM (3PM is the last admission); March 1 – October 31:  Open from 10AM to 5:15PM (4PM is the last admission); Check the website for special closures
  • Amenities:  a multimedia guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish , Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin, museum, gift shop, restrooms, special events
  • Length of Visit:  2.5 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  The busiest time is morning and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive after midday.  Photographs are not permitted within St. George’s Chapel or the State Apartments. Re-entry permits are available should you plan on returning to the site throughout the day

Where to Stay:

Sir Christopher Wren
Thames Street
Windsor, Berkshire, UK  SL4 1PX
Telephone: +44 1753 442400

Enjoy dinner along the Thames River!  This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Windsor and offers free Wifi, a conference center and access to the Wren Club with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, and spa treatments!

Where to Eat:

Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel
Marlow Bridge
Bisham, Marlow, UK  SL7 1RG
Telephone:   +44 344 879 9128

Another gorgeous restaurant for riverside dining!

The Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar
Bishopsgate Road
Englefiel Green, Egham, UK  TW20 0XU
Fish Fridays and dogs are welcome everyday!  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What to Eat: 

  • Bacon Sandwich consists of a generous amount of bacon between two pieces of bread seasoned with ketchup
  • Bangers and Mash are otherwise known as sausages and mashed potatoes
  • Beef Wellington
  • Bread Pudding
  • Fish and Chips
  • Full English Breakfast which includes sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes, black pudding and much more
  • Haggis, Neeps and Tatties are comprised  of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs cooked with oatmeal, onions, spices and stock.  The neeps and tatties are turnips and potatoes
  • Spotted Dick is a pastry of dried fruits served with a custard
  • Steak and Kidney Pie is a filling of steak and beans inside of a pastry
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Sunday Roast

What to Read: 

  • The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett
  • Revengeful Death, Jennie Melville
  • George VI by Denis Judd
  • Death at Windsor Castle, by C. C. Benison

Photo Guide for Windsor: 

  • The City of Windsor
  • Windsor Castle

Exploring London and Paris through Gate 1 Travel

Booking a last minute trip to London and Paris through Gate 1 Travel, this vacation would include many first experiences for me.  l would finally be exploring two of the most popular travel destinations for the first time and managing my travel through an independent tour company.   I could not pass up this deal where I would spend three days in London and then three days in Paris for under $1400, including round trip flight from Columbus, a flight to Paris from London, transportation to and from the airport, three excursions and the additional single supplement fee, which is usually an outrageous add-on.

For London, my tours included bus transportation throughout the city, a ride along the Thames and a day touring Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge.

In Paris, I booked the Hop On/Hop Off bus which also included a river cruise down the Seine, a night tour of Paris and a day in Versailles.  Granted, I am taking my chances by traveling in February for the weather, but I am up for the challenge.

The day of departure arrived and for starters, the Delta flight coming in from JFK was delayed.  I would not be able to make my connection.  The gate agent stated that I would need to come back tomorrow and that they would rebook me for an earlier flight.  In hopes that they would help me reach my destination by tomorrow morning, I explained that I was traveling light with a carry on and wanted to see if there were other flights traveling to Heathrow.  I was so happy when Rodney was able to reroute me through Atlanta.  The flight was currently boarding and was only a couple of gates down from where I was standing.  I would be arriving an hour and a half later, so I called Gate 1 Travel and they made arrangements to have a driver pick me up at my rescheduled time.

Arriving in Atlanta, I needed to reach Terminal E and we had arrived in Terminal B.  Everything was running smoothly to reach my gate in Atlanta and shortly after taking a seat in the concourse, Zone 3 is called and I board the plane, eager to find my seat.  I am so relaxed and looking forward to take off.  What a crazy start to my trip, but it is all working out in my favor.

I decided to watch The Girl on the Train and soon after leaving Atlanta, I was provided dinner which includes pasta, shrimp cocktail, salad, cheese and crackers and a brownie.  I ordered a couple of glasses of white wine (included with the international flight) in hopes that I will be able to fall asleep sooner. Unfortunately, it seemed to have the opposite effect and I could not manage to find a comfortable position.   After the movie, I played a couple of games of Bingo and finally rested before I realized that daylight was slipping through the window.

This was possibly one of the worst landings I have ever experienced, not by any fault of the pilot, but apparently we had wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour.  I was so happy to be on the ground and ready to bolt for ground transportation.

Customs and immigration took less than ten minutes and I was in search of the driver, so kindly arranged by Gate 1 after reaching baggage claim.   I finally found Fernandes after searching through a crowd of hand-held signs and learned that he would be picking up additional passengers to include a newlywed couple and another solo traveler.

I was so happy that I packed my winter coat, scarf and umbrella at the last minute with a forecast of rain, rain and more rain.  Our driver explained that the winds were exceptionally strong and unusual for this time of year.  Leaving the Heathrow Airport, the scenery from the airport to the West End was grey and industrial.  I would be staying at the charming Ambassador Hotel for the next three days.

I checked in at the front desk and learned that I was too early to enter my room, and that the hotel staff was working quickly to help accommodate a large group that was waiting in the lobby.  I was asked to take a seat and they would call me as soon as my room had been cleaned.  I picked up a few brochures and reviewed some of the additional tours available and within minutes I was dropping off my luggage and heading out into London to find a bank to exchange some money,  Off to find a place for Fish and Chips and a pint.  Welcome to London.

Trying to reach the Thames River where I could reach Westminster Abbey, somehow, I managed to walk in a circle in an hour’s time.  I’m not sure if I was lost because I had not had enough sleep or of it was merely because I could not read the map.  I found the MetroBank where I exchanged $100 for British Pounds (72 BPs to be exact) and by now  starting to feel hungry.  I asked the bank attendant if she could direct me towards a restaurant with fish and chips, which was easy enough.  Just around the corner is the Earl’s Court Tavern Taylor Walker and within 20 seconds I am entering the pub.  I placed my order for a pint of Punk IPA and the Ultimate Fish and Chips, not settling for anything less than ultimate on this vacation.

Either I was extremely hungry, or this was the best fish I had ever tasted.  The batter was perfectly crisp and warming me up on the inside.  I had as much malt vinegar as I wanted for drowning my fish and fries, careful not to contaminate my peas.  My bill came to a little over 18 BPs without the tip and the pub began to fill up for happy hour just as I was ready to leave.

Exiting the pub, the wind had picked up and my hair was flying in every direction possible. The sky was spitting rain and I was being pelted by dirt and any type of debris that could have been picked up in 30 degree winds.  I thought it best to turn in early and reach my hotel before dusk.

There were several apartments and pubs where the local police were assisting with flying debris from balconies and windowsills.  I was ready for a great night’s sleep so I could wake early to watch the sunrise down at the Thames.  The weather was once again calling for rain, so I would be prepared with my raincoat, umbrella and new pair of wellies.

I arrived at the hotel, unpacked my belongings and turned on the television, which is something I do not typically do on holiday.   Flipping through channels, I happened upon the British Bravo television show of the Ladies of London, where I watched a couple of episodes back to back.  Seriously, now I will need to find the Eclipse Bar so I can order a watermelon martini and isn’t Sophie the most amazing Brit with her fabulous hair?

Needing to have at least a couple of hours of sleep before the early dawn, I finally switched off the telly and feeling a bit knackard (tired), I enjoyed an amazing night of restful slumber.  I can’t wait to explore London tomorrow!

Have you been to London?  What fun “touristy” things did you attempt during your visit?  I would love to hear all about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my first day (short as it was) in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Watch Ladies of London on the local television station!

Check out my later posts for a list of amazing attractions in London…

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit:  Ambassadors Hotel London

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7370 2760

I ordered the Fish and Chips and a local beer for dinner.

What to Eat: 

  • Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
  • Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
  • Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
  • Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Cockles – a small type of clam
  • Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
  • Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
  • Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

Where to Drink:

Eclipse Bar 
158 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London, SW5 0BA England
Telephone:  +44 20 7259 2577

What to Read:

  • The Light Over London, by Julia Kelly
  • London: The Biography, by Peter Ackroyd
  • The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold
  • London: A Travel Guide Through Time, by Dr. Matthew Green
  • The Diaries of Samuel Pepys

Photo Guide to London:

  • Inside the Natural History Museum
  • Oxford Street and Regent Street – lovely street photos
  • Neal’s Yard – colorful surroundings
  • Notting Hill and Ladbroke Square- upscale architecture
  • Portobello Street and Hillgate Place – pastel colored flats
  • Leadenhall Market
  • Peggy Porschen Cakes
  • Coppa Club
  • Churchill Arms Pub
  • Tower Bridge
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Millennium Bridge

Voted Best in Ohio! The Winery at Versailles

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Surrounded by cornfields in all directions, a white modest barn houses one of the largest producers of wine in the state of Ohio, The Winery at Versailles, the home of Rodeo Red.

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Stepping inside the winery, the gorgeous, Italian farm setting is accented with oak barrels and high ceilings.  The tasting room is beautifully laid out with bottles of wine and accessories displayed along the perimeter.  The open-style, tasting room has exposed beams, rustic posts and several round tables covered in black table cloths.

With a history connected to Annie Oakley, this winery has over twenty-five wines available for tasting.

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A young attendant provided me with a tasting menu and explained that their tastings are five one ounce samples or two ounces which also included a complimentary wine glass.  The wide range of wines made my decision difficult, but I decided on a diverse selection of red and white, both dry and sweet.

I submitted my list which included the Merlot, the Darke Red, Peach Mist, Rodeo Red and the Schwaartzbeeran.  Within a few moments my plastic tray arrived with the wines arranged from dry to sweet, starting with the Merlot.

Deep red and rich in color, this wine had a very robust body with a hint of oak.  I imagined it would be spectacular with a juicy steak or roast.  The cost of this wine is $15.99 per bottle.

Darke Red, named after the county from where it was produced, is a chilled red wine and I find it exceptionally refreshing.  It is a semi-dry wine and is a “blend of Chambourcin, Chancellor and Foch (grapes) to create a rich, fruity and hearty bramble-berry and textured oak flavor”.  The cost of this wine goes for $9.99 per bottle.

The Peach Mist was one of my favorite surprises on the wine list.  It was tart, but had an elegant taste, similar to a sweet tart or a Smarties candy.  “Well ripened juicy peaches give this sparkling wine a sweet yet soft and refreshing finish.  Perfect when chilled ice cold on a hot summer day!  Makes a fantastic peach Mimosa!”  $13.50

Rodeo Red:   This is an “all-time best seller here at the winery. Made from a blend of Concord and Niagara, this is the ultimate party wine.  One of our “Celebration of Country Life” series.”  Personally, all I can taste is fabulous grape juice.

Schwartzbeeren is one of The Winery of Versailles’ dessert wines and after having read the description, I had to try it.   “What can you say about a wine that tastes like blackberry pie in a glass? Made from 100% blackberries, this dessert wine can be warmed, poured over ice cream, or served just as a dessert itself.” IMG_9214

Nothing makes me happier than learning that a business gives back to its community.  I noticed in the list of wines, there are specific selections where proceeds are given to support some of the local charities.  The new Freedom wine is “a sweet white late harvest Riesling blend with notes of tropical fruit and a rich honey finish”.  This wine was named in honor of those men and women who have dedicated their lives and service to our country.  A $2 donation will be set aside for each sale of Freedom and donated to an incredible organization, Honor Flight – Dayton.  This non-profit group is dedicated to helping WWII, Korean and Vietnam war veterans and terminally ill veterans visit their national monuments in Washington DC.

A donation of $2 per bottle of Hope Whispers, a Riesling style wine with a soft pink hue, will be donated to Wayne Health Care Cancer Center in Greenville in support for breast cancer. This bottle sells for $14.99.

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I was elated when I learned that Carlena Sneed, events coordinator for The Winery at Versailles, had a few moments to chat about the winery.  She is a cheerful, enthusiastic young lady with a personality that lights up the room.  She provided me with a brief overview of the winery’s operations, the events that they host and how much she loves working for Mike and Carol Williams, the owners.

Not familiar with the wine season, I wanted to know when Ohio grapes are harvested.  I learned that the vineyards are at their peak in August or September and then shortly thereafter they are ready for reaping.   Since most of the grapes for their wines are grown here, they can produce about 100,000 bottles in the course of one year.  They also supply bulk juice for close to 70 wineries in the United States. Carlena mentioned that they grow the Steuben grapes that taste just like cotton candy off of the vine.

The winery hosts several events over the year.  In the spring the winery sponsors an Adult Easter Egg Hunt, where there is music, wine, random prizes and items for auction.   During the fall season, there is the annual Sips and Sounds event, full of wine and music.  Each weekend during the summer, the Winery at Versailles holds their Thrill to Grill restaurant style meal which includes a selection of one of five meats for grilling, potatoes, vegetables and a dessert for $60 per couple.  This also includes a bottle of one of the winery’s many delicious wines.

There is so much to love about the Winery at Versailles, and besides the wine, I admire the owners, Mike and Carol Williams for their strong sense of family.  After their daughter moved to Ohio, the Williams’ moved from Wilcox, Pennsylvania to be closer to her and their grandchildren.  They were excited to open another successful winery which brought them to their current location in Versailles, a property once owned by the aunt of Annie Oakley.

The names of some of the wines are drawn upon a horse theme or are named after one of their children or grandchildren.  I was drawn to the Lucia wine, named after their granddaughter, bottled in an elegantly twisted glass container.  The cute pink label is bejeweled and is perfectly designed to represent breast cancer survivors.

It is no surprise that The Winery at Versailles was voted as one of Ohio’s Best in 2016. Their wines are fabulous, the location is beautiful and the staff are outstanding.  And if having one winery was not enough, Mike and Carol will be keeping busy this summer as they open The Winery at Hunter’s Valley, their newest location in Liverpool, Pennsylvania.  Although the winery itself is smaller, it sits on 120 acres of vineyards along the Sesquahanah River.  A four and a half hour drive from Pittsburgh, the property provides million dollar views of the river, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.   As the Williams family continue to put their faith in God above all else, treat their employees like one of their own and generously give back to their community, it certainly has proven to bring them success.

If you have had the opportunity to visit The Winery of Versailles, I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Winery at Versailles
6572 OH State Route 47
Versailles, Ohio  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3232

  • Hours: The winery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday through Wednesday and from 10 AM to 8 PM on Thursday and from 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.  The winery is closed on Sunday.  Hours are seasonal and are subject to change.  Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation and schedule of events.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, outdoor seating, online shopping, wine, private events and scheduled events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings may not be available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

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

I have visited Michael Anthony’s several times and cannot bear to order anything else but the Fettuccine Della Casa, the house pasta cooked with crispy bacon, peas, Parmesan cheese and cream. The portion size is extremely generous and I have been known to eat the whole dish in one seating or save it for a couple more days for leftovers.

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What’s Happening in 2018? My Travel and Blog Schedule for Next Year

I am so excited for the many opportunities I have for travel this year!   Here is an overview of my travel schedule for 2018 and what you can expect to read on The Suite Life of Travel!

Travel Schedule, 2018:

Will start out celebrating the New Year with a week in San Francisco and a long weekend in Las Vegas!

My best friend will be marrying late winter/early spring, so a few days in Miami and a few more in Tampa to check out possible real estate!  Super excited!!

Work will take me to Montreal and Quebec City, where I will extend my stay in Canada with a vacation along the east coast.

Photo Credit:  Best of Italy Photos

I will wrap up my spring travel plans with a Mediterranean cruise….ALL EXPENSE PAID!!  This is  my first writing assignment as the ship I will be sailing has an all new itinerary!

Summer plans include exploring more of my home state of Ohio!

Photo Credit:  AFS

Late summer, I will spend ten days on African Safari and visiting friends in South Africa, many thanks to some friends that live there!  I will make the drive up to Victoria Falls, check out a rescue where I will volunteer to assist and interact with animals that require medical care before heading back to the States….a possible side trip to include Madagascar??!!

Photo Credit:  VRBO

My last overseas (tentative) trip, will be spending a couple  of weeks on the island of Sicily taking cooking classes and exploring the island by rail.  Any suggestions or recommendations for places to stay are appreciated!

I will be speaking at two conferences this fall….one in San Francisco and Seattle, so a couple of added days to my itinerary will fit in just perfect.

Wow!  So much to anticipate and so many more plans to make.  I have quite a few writing projects in the works and look forward to seeing where this year leads!

Blog Schedule, 2018!

Continued coverage of my Ohio outings (lots of posts about Cincinnati this year) as well as Wine Wednesdays will continue!

Winter posts will include my December west coast trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as last year’s last minute trip to London, Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge!

Check out my National Parks in the West/Midwest series coming in May and July.

Paris takes center stage in August with a side trip to Versailles.

September makes a detour back to the US with a weekend in Yosemite.

I can’t wait to share my insights on New Orleans, which is full of restaurant recommendations and amazing things to do in the “Big Easy”!

And the rest of the year will cover my recent trip to Jordan and Israel which will carry on into 2019!

Hang out with me to explore some amazing locations across the world and to hear about my exciting adventures!  Thanks for reading my updated posts to “The Suite Life of Travel”  and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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The Best Carbonara at Michael Anthony’s in Versailles, Ohio – NOW CLOSED

UPDATE:  Michael Anthony’s has been temporarily closed due to a fire as of October, 2019.

On my last trip to Versailles, Ohio, I sampled wines at The Winery at Versailles and found the Michael Anthony’s restaurant at the nearby inn.   I had invited my Aunt Jackie to meet me for an afternoon of wine tasting at the winery and an early dinner downtown.

The host seated us near a loarge picture window where we could admire the charming town of Versailles.  We began our visit with a Cabernet Sauvignon and placed our order for the house pasta Fettuccine Carbonara and the Chicken Parmisian.

Our server brought us warm bread with extra virgin olive oil, spices and cheese.  I loved the presentation and the ability to add as much as we wanted to create our own dipping sauce.

As our server began to approach our table, I could smell the amazing scent of cheese and bacon.  The beautifully prepared dish was just as delicious as it looked.

Jackie was just as amazed by the  beautiful serving of breaded chicken topped with a red sauce and plenty of cheese.  This restaurant specialty was decadently rich and we each shared our meals for an amazing experience at this Euro-American bistro.

We ordered an additional glass of wine instead of dessert, but knew that we would need to visit again someday, eating maybe a little lighter fare and  indulging in a number of amazing sweets.

The time seemed to disappear as we caught up on family and made plans for another visit to a nearby restaurant and winery.  I can’t imagine we will find anything as exciting as this, but it is always great to try.

Have you visited Michael Anthony’s in The Inn at Versailles in Versaiiles, Ohio?  I would love to hear which meal you ordered and hear your opinion as to whether you would make plans for a return visit.   Please leave a message or comment in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my dinner at Michael Anthony’s restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Michael Anthony’s in the Inn at Versailles
21 W. Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Michael Anthony’s at the Inn
21 W. Main Street
Versilles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020