Tag Archives: Yellow Springs

Things to Do in Ohio in November

2019 Travel and Blog Schedule for The Suite Life of Travel

2019 will be my busiest travel year to date….and I can’t wait!  So many opportunities that I could not pass up, so they are booked and I am counting down the days!

Belize:    Port of Belize, Xunantunich, Scuba Diving

China:    Beijing, Tiananeman Square, Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, tri-shaw rides, hutongs, Zhangjiajie (the land of Avatar), Tianzishan Ten Miles Natural Gallery highway, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountains, Gui Gu Plank Road, Highway to Heaven, Tianmen Fairy Fox Show,  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the glass-bottom bridge, Baofeng Lake,  Chengdu,  Jinli Ancient Street, Qing Cheng Mountains, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Panda Conservation,

Egypt:   Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple, Khufu Ship, Camel Rides, Cairo Museum, Khan El Khalili (Souk), Felucca Ride and Belly Dancing; Nile Cruise starting in Luxor, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Ramesses III, Dier El Madina,  the Locks of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Aswan and the High Dam, Philae (the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara and diving in Alexandria.

Honduras:   Port of Honduras, Altun Ha, Scuba Diving,

Israel:   Qumran,  Caesarea Maritima, The Dead Sea,  Masada, Mount Arbel, Capernaeum, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Sailing the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemene, Sepphoris, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, Jerusalem, David Center in Jerusalem, Southern Wall Excavations and the Teaching Steps, The Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, The Via Dolorosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, Ein Karem, Nebi Samuel, Valley of Elah

Mexico:  Cozumel, Cancun, Chitzen Itza, Tulum, Cenotes, Underwater Park

United States: 

California: Yosemite, Napa, John Muir State Park, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Sausilito

United States: 

Connecticut:  East Haddam, Gillette Castle, Mystic, Hartford

United States: 

Michigan:  Upper Peninsula:  Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Seashore

United States:

Ohio:  Cincinnati,  Bellefontaine, Dayton, Greenville, Yellow Springs, Ohio Wines

United States:

Louisiana:  New Orleans

What travel plans await you in 2019?  I would love to hear about them, so list your future adventures in the comments section below!  Wishing you an amazing 2019 and lots of Happy Travels!

Cheering Myself Up at Brandeberry Winery

“Wine cheereth God and Man” is a Proverb posted on the wall of the Brandeberry Winery and I could not agree more.  Having spent the afternoon in the charming  village of Yellow Springs, I was happy to visit this lovely winery in nearby Enon.

IMG_8282

It was a beautiful country drive to the winery where I easily found the entrance into the tasting room.  I immediately noticed the impressive display of awards that hung from the wall and was greeted by the winemaker himself, Jim Brandeberry.  He is an extremely smart, soft-spoken man with a passion for wine who was eager to share with me the history of Brandeberry Winery and the wines that he produces.

IMG_8232

There are several award winning wines on the tasting list and I had the opportunity to try a few of them.  While I made my selection, I read through the descriptions and noticed the many accolades.  From Bronze medals to Double Gold, there were also a few that held the honor of the Ohio Quality Wine Award.  I decided that I would choose six wines so that I could keep the complimentary glass.  Most of the samples cost $1.00, with the exception of the Reserve Premium Syrah and the Polar Crush Ice Wine which are $1.50.

My first selection was IKE, a dry white table wine.  This wine was originally named after Hurricane Ike, whose strong winds reached the Midwest region in 2008.  It was during that time that a stray cat found his way to their front door and made the winery his home.  “Ike” immediately became a part of the family and was a favorite resident among the winery’s guests.

I was happy to see a wide selection of sweet wines, which are popular varietals produced in Ohio.  The remaining samples that I selected just happened to fall under this category and I was ready to try the Sweet Mingo.  It too is named after one of the Brandeberry’s beloved pets and is a grape wine with natural peach flavors.  Mingo is a sweet little black and white dog that the family rescued when he was just four months old.  For the past three years he has been seen hanging around the winery greeting customers and adding to the wine tasting experience. The Sweet Mingo was definitely one of my favorites wines.

I could not resist sampling the blackberry wine, made from 100% blackberry juice.  It was no surprise that this was a silver medal award winner.

Pink Passion is a delicate wine made from a blend of Cayuga grape and cherry wines.  This beautiful pink wine is absolutely delicious.

The cherry truffle is a blend of cherry and grape wine with a flavor of chocolate and of course I had to try the Polar Crush Ice Wine.  Made from the Vidal Blanc grape, Polar Crush has an elegant peach color and tastes just as sophisticated.

IMG_8225

After my wine tasting, Mr. Brandeberry provided me with an impromptu tour of his production room, which was quite impressive.  I enjoyed learning about the technology and science that goes into creating wine.  Although he is an engineer by trade, he explained the process in a language I could understand.  I admire his passion for making wine and great sense of humor.

Brandeberry Winery provides live music, holds several events and caters to private parties.  One of their most popular events is the Annual Dogtober Fest where patrons bring their dogs dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes.  On occasion, the winery will also host release parties to introduce their new wine creations. This summer they will release a new wine titled “Party Girl”.  I had the pleasure of seeing a draft of the label and it is going to be spectacular.

IMG_8230

In addition to the wines, what I love about Brandeberry Winery is its support of the community and local charities.  When their wine, Sweet Mingo was first released, the winery dedicated a percentage of its sales to aid their local Humane Society, an organization dedicated to help stop animal cruelty and suffering.  They are also supporters of Honor Flight Dayton which is “dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of [war veterans] and their friends”.  This organization raises money to transport World War II veterans to Washington DC to honor them and offer them the opportunity to explore our nation’s Capitol.

Brandeberry Winery recently hosted an event, The Red Affair, on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 12PM to 10PM as both a release party for its latest wine and a benefit for Honor Flight Dayton.  The winery’s latest creation is a dry blackberry merlot, “Not Your Mother’s Red”, an honorable tribute to the memory of Jim’s mother, Virginia Brandeberry.   I felt privileged to try a sample during my visit and wished it had been available for sale.  For each bottle sold, Brandeberry Winery donated $5 per bottle to Honor Flight.  The event was a success with patrons dressed in 1940’s costumes to celebrate this new vintage while supporting a great cause.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Brandeberry Winery?   I would love to hear about your experience and what wines you enjoyed, so if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below, that would be great!  Cheers!

To learn more about Brandeberry Winery and their fabulous charities, visit their website at www.brandeberrywinery.com.  You can purchase their wines from the winery as well as local stores such as Belmont Party Store, Wine Works and Keg & Cork.  The winery also creates beautiful gift baskets for sale as well.

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

What to See and What to Do:

Brandeberry Winery
5118 W. Jackson Road
Enon, OH  45323
Telephone:  937 767 9103

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim Brandeberry and his family for their time and hospitality during my visit.  Please note that all comments provided were based solely upon my own opinions and experience.

  • Hours: For Fall (September to December), the winery is open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, 12 PM to 9PM on Friday and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday. The winery is closed from Sunday thru Wednesday. Hours are seasonal and are subject to change. Please refer to the winery’s website for any updates to its hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  Weekend entertainment, dining, wine tastings, wine club, wine baskets, wine, gift shop, private events
  • Tips for Your Visit:  During the nights when the winery provides entertainment, wine tastings are not available.  As always, please drink responsibly.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat: 

Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 767 1144

My favorite menu is the Winds Charcuterie Plate, a selection of Winds kitchen’s pates and terrines, including imported and domestic cured meats, pickles and house condiments.

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
    • “Kieth’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

Carrying On Family Traditions at Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs

IMG_9536

I have been visiting Young’s Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio as a child as far as I can remember.  It was always a special day when we would hop into the car and take a ride for some ice cream and to see the animals on the farm.  The tradition continues for the 1.4 million visitors making their own fond memories of visiting Young’s Dairy and the little red barn that started it all.

The story begins in 1869 when the red barn was built on the track of land that once belonged to the relatives of the Young Family.  After the second World War, Hap Young farmed the land raising both hogs and cows.  By 1958, they were selling milk to local residents and in a couple of years they were serving homemade ice cream.

IMG_9556

In 1960, they opened their first dairy store.  Over the years the dairy has expanded to include a bakery and a restaurant.

What I love about Young’s Dairy is their focus on families making memories and having fun during their visit.  Starting in 1993, a miniature golf course was added, followed by a driving range in 1995 and finally the batting cages just a year later.

Additional children’s activities were added for the smaller kids with the most recent addition including the Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral.

IMG_9544

Open all year around, fall is one of the best times for family fun at Young’s.  There is a corn maze, wagon rides and a pumpkin patch where visitors can select their own pumpkin.   And of course, there is springtime, where the new addition of kids (baby goats) and calves are an exciting sight to see.

IMG_8292

One could spend a full day with all of the activities, food and sights to be explored at Young’s Dairy.  Take time to visit the petting zoo to see the dairy cows and goats.  And while you are enjoying a fun-packed day, don’t forget to save room for some ice cream.

Have you made memories at Young’s Jersey Dairy?  What are some of your favorites?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading my blog!

What to See and What to Do:

Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Road
Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
Telephone: 937 325 0629

  • Admission Fee:  There are additional fees for the kids’ activities, so check the website for the most up-to-date rates.
  • Hours:   The restaurants and activities are open at various times of the day, so refer to the website for the current hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  The Dairy Store, The Golden Jersey Inn, Udders & Putters Miniature Golf, picnics, catering, batting cages, driving range, kiddie corral, birthday parties, food truck, petting area, various events
  • Length of Visit:  Minimum of 1 hour depending on the activities
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Check the website to confirm the hours and fees for the activities.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat: 

Young’s Jersey Dairy, The Golden Jersey Inn
6880 Springfield-Xenia Road
Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
Telephone: 937 325 0629

MaMa’s Homemade Chicken-n-Dumplin’s is my favorite item on the menu.  Made with creamy chicken and dumplings, it is served over homemade lumpy mashed potatoes.   During my visits to Young’s, I can’t pass up the opportunity to save room for ice cream and my favorite sundae is “The Buckeye”:  Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Cup ice cream with peanut butter & hot fudge toppings, real whipped cream, Reese’s Pieces and a homemade Buckeye.  So rich and extraordinary!