DiscoveringOhio

Ohio Castles Reveal Panache and Artistry of Ohio's Early Settlers

Eighteen hours after our visit, the grandeur, mystery and majesty of the castle is still fresh. There it was again, in my dreams, as I revisited the hallways, the hand-painted murals, the parquet patterns of oak, walnut and maple floors. I was, I imagine, trying to find the answers to so many mysterious questions – why did they build tunnels at the Piatt Castles? 

It’s astonishing really, to see a limestone tower peeking out through the hills of this Ohio valley, just west of Mad River Mountain, near the Ohio Caverns, where, just across the road, there is a pasture of cows gently grazing in the meadow.

Here, the gothic architecture of two castles fills the Midwest landscape, like a bucket overflowing with opulence. With a bit of fog rolling in, you would be hard-pressed not to believe you were roaming through the Moors of England.

The Piatt Castles are two historical mansions, Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee built in the 19th century. They were the homes of Brigadier General and farmer, Abram Sanders Piatt, and his brother, famed journalist, poet, and diplomat, Colonel Donn Piatt.

The two castles sit less than a mile apart, in the valley where the Shawnee Indians once had a village. A book can explain the historic struggle of our ancestors’ efforts in taming Ohio’s rugged frontier; but if you really want to grasp the exquisite struggle of these pioneers, you must see the castles.
They stand as living testimonials of man’s ability to create harmony with nature, while adding the panache of art, cultivation, sophistication and a wise use of natural resources.

The castles boasted intricate indoor plumbing and heating systems, at a time when most Ohioans couldn’t fathom such luxuries. There is a copy of a check, dated 1881 for a furnace: $750. Just by the front door, is a miniature "castle" for the family dog.

A sculpture adorns the entry, and the walls are hand-painted in Victorian-era patterns by French artist Oliver Frey.

The bedrooms hold intricate iron and wooden beds, enclosed with draperies, to keep in the warmth.

Hands-on stations, with games and art projects, are strategically placed throughout the castle to keep kids engaged throughout your self-guided exploration of the castle.

Just to the east of the master bedroom, is a small room, the tower room, flanked by carved angels, which served as a chapel for Ella Piatt, Don’s second wife, as a chapel, and is topped by 

a hand-painted ceiling mural of Genesis 3. 

You’ll also find Native American artifacts, firearms and military relics on display. 

For as many historical artifacts you'll find here -- you'll find just as many mysteries.  One visit to the castles is not sufficient. You’ll need time to admire Frey’s painstaking hand-painted art on the walls and ceilings, to review Donn’s political writings and war relics, and time for Mac-O-Cheek, the castles that raised generations of children.

As Thomas Corwin, the 15th Governor of Ohio, said, “If there is a line where Mac-O-Chee ends and heaven begins, it is imperceptible.”

Hours are May 25 - September 2: Daily, 11am - 5pm; September 7 - October 27: Weekends, 11am - 4pm.  Here is a link for maps and directions.

In addition to Ohio Caverns and Mad River Mountain, the castles are close to Marie's Candies.

Wilmot, Ohio: French Fries and Forest Fun

If there are two things my family loves, it’s a hike through the woods and a good plate of french fries. And that’s just what we found after a sunny trip to the town of Wilmot, Ohio.  A lesser known stop through Amish Country, Wilmot holds a few gems that are definitely worth a visit.

We began our trip hungry, as most trips with children are, and stopped at BeeBops Diner.  Motorcycles lined the gravel parking lot and you could smell the onion rings (in a good way!) as you opened the door. 

With glasses of canning jars, BeeBops was a friendly, comfortable, clean, and fun place for the family.  Famous for their stuffed ½ pound cheeseburgers, we knew exactly what we would order the next time we came with a really hungry belly.  

They're also famous for their onion rings and fries.  “We make our own batter here,” said our waitress.  “And fresh cut our own french fries.”  With malt vinegar waiting on the table, we were all nearly drooling on their menus. 

Just north of Wilmot is The Wilderness Center, a magnificent natural wonderland.  What started as a few hundred acres in 1964 is now over 2,000 acres today.  This not for profit organization provides visitors with many opportunities in an area that is naturally protected.  Learning opportunities abound for people of all ages.  There are organized hikes for adults, children, families, schools and scouts available, all led by the nicest people you’d ever want to meet.  Mostly staffed by volunteers, The Wilderness Center is a place that is truly loved by many. 

The beautiful visitor center provides information, a great store (pack your wallet!), and a hands-on learning room for children of all ages.  You can meet Boris, a black rat snake, and Barnaby, a box turtle.  A bird observation room with outdoor speakers lets you get a close up look at our feathered friends as well.

Out on the trails, the possibilities are endless.  There are trails that lead through a well-maintained tall grass prairie, along a creek, through the woods, to a pond, or even to a lake where you can find a gaggle of Canada geese.  In the lobby, there is corn available to take to feed the geese, which you transport in an ice cream cone.  Once the geese have eaten the corn, take a walk out onto the dock and break up the cone to feed the fish.  With two large beaver dams on the lake, there is certainly wildlife everywhere.

One of our family’s favorite things to do is to hike around the lake, feed the geese and fish, and then continue through the pine forest on the Pond Trail and up to the watchtower.  Just a few flights of stairs and you can overlook the property and enjoy a snack or a good book.

The Wilderness Center does not charge visitors for hiking, but some programs require a small fee.  Yearly membership is very affordable and goes to support a fantastic wild area that provides so much to so many, not to mention the service it does to the natural world.

Columbus' Top 5 Food Trucks

Putting together this short list was no easy task. The food truck scene in Columbus has grown at an extraordinary rate ... and keeps getting bigger and better. There is very little nowadays that you can't find at a nearby truck: crepes, ribs, pizza, dumplings, cupcakes ... there's a truck for all of these, and more.

And there lies the problem in creating a Top Five list. Many deserving businesses missed out simply because I couldn't list them all. There are just too many great trucks to choose from! The five that made the list were chosen to highlight the diversity of the food truck scene in Ohio's capital. For more detailed information and a list of trucks, check out Street Eats Columbus or, better yet, take a Food Truck tour hosted by the author of the Street Eats blog. Also, set a reminder for the 3rd Annual Columbus Food Truck Festival August 16-17th at the Columbus Commons.

1. Ray Ray's Hog Pit

Parked around the back of the Ace of Cups bar in the Clintonville area, Ray Ray's serves up smoky barbecue eats such as ribs, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches -- and everything is made from scratch. They have recently added a Wing Shack to their operations; check out their Facebook page for current specials.

2619 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43202

Open: Friday - Sunday, 12pm – 8pm

 

2. Tokyo GoGo

Tokyo GoGo is run by a husband-wife team, one half of which is from Japan and the other is the co-owner of Brothers Drake Meadery.  Their truck is parked outside the Brothers Drake bar in the Short North, Wednesdays through Saturdays, and offers small dishes that include gyoza, deep fried tofu in a mushroom broth and crispy chicken strips. The best part is that they will bring your order to your table and add it to your bar tab.

26 E. 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201

Open: Wednesday - Thursday, 5pm - 12am; Friday - Saturday, 5pm - 2am

 

3. La Yerba Buena

La Yerba Buena food truck is an offshoot of El Arepazo Latin Grill on Pearl Alley in downtown Columbus, and its sister restaurant Arepazo Tapas in Gahanna. The truck sells items from its restaurant menu, including Venezuelan dishes such as arepas (corn patties) and patacones (fried plantains covered with meat, vegetables, cheese and salsa), fish tacos and fresh juices.

4490 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214

Open: Wednesday - Saturday, 3:30pm - 8:30pm

twitter.com/yerbabuena2011

 

4. Ajumama

Photo via akasha111182 at Flickr

Ajumama (Korean for Ma'am) serves up Korean street food at various locations around Columbus. To make sure you don't miss them when they are nearby, stay connected via their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Ajumama's menu changes every day, but some of the best dishes I have tried here are their pajeon (savory pancakes) and the hodduk (hotcakes).

 

5. Blu Olive

Photo via Blu Olive's Facebook page

Again, you will have to check out their social media to keep track of this father-daughter team that specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Food truck locations for the upcoming week are posted to their Twitter and Facebook pages. The menu changes often at Blu Olive, but you will usually find a few pasta options, including my favorite beet and ricotta ravioli, meatballs and focaccia sandwiches. Make sure you leave room for their floats made with homemade ice cream.

 

What are your favorite food trucks around Ohio?

Celebrate Juneteenth in Ohio!

All around the country, African Americans will gather this weekend to celebrate June 19^th or Juneteenth, the day in which Texas slaves were informed they were free, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

For more than 140 years, our country has celebrated the freedom of the last slaves by having cookouts, concerts, festivals and more. For Ohioans, there are many activities recognizing the history and the significance of Juneteenth:

In Oberlin, gatherers celebrate all weekend at the Juneteenth Oberlin 2013 (June 13-15) with a picnic, memorial service and reenactment that leads up to the festival on Saturday, June 15^th at Tappan Square.

Columbus kicks off the weekend with the annual JuneteenthOhio Festival (June 14-16). This is Ohio’s longest-running and fastest growing event in Central Ohio. There is something for everyone to enjoy with weekend long events including an Underground Railroad Journey, soul food cook-off, talent and comedy shows, reggae and gospel concerts and a unity walk at Franklin Park.

Dayton’s Juneteenth Celebration (June 22) at W.S. McIntosh Memorial Park celebrates the 150th anniversary of the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation while honoring African American Union soldiers from the Dayton area.

Cincinnati recognizes the holiday with their annual Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival (June 15-16) at Daniel Drake Park. This year also includes a Father’s Day Concert featuring jazz, gospel and R&B acts.

Juneteenth is a wonderful way to discover the history of America and observe the freedom, resilience and achievement of African Americans. Ohio has a rich history with the anti-slavery movement and is home to many great Underground Railroad stops. When visiting one of the Juneteenth celebrations, make it a weekend trip and stop along the Underground Railroad. I’ll be in Columbus at the JuneteenthOhio Festival with TourismOhio’s multicultural team. Come say "hi" if you plan to attend!

How do you celebrate Juneteenth in Ohio?

Long's Retreat Family Resort: A Real Treat

Brya Long, daughter of Long's Retreat Family Resort founder Eric Long, laughingly told to me upon our arrival earlier this month that it feels like the retreat is in the middle of nowhere. And that may be true, haha - But there are so many family fun activities within the resort that you won't even miss your cell phone reception!

When we arrived at Long’s on a misty Friday evening, we were greeted at the camp’s main office (which also serves as a store and souvenir shop) by friendly staff.

We stayed in one of the deluxe cabins, which are climate-controlled and include a fully equipped kitchen (yes, even a coffee maker--I made sure to check before we left), living room area with a television and fireplace, two downstairs bedrooms with double beds and also a loft with two double beds. We were very impressed with our cabin, which was clean and in great shape.

In addition to the deluxe cabins, the facility also has camping cabins and campsites for tents and RVs--plus a three-bedroom condo. 

We immediately settled in and felt at home. In the morning, we made ourselves breakfast (you can bring your own food, unless you plan to buy it all at the camp store) we set out to explore the grounds. We immediately picked up on the friendly atmosphere--people waving as they went past on golf carts and families outside riding bikes and playing games.

During our exploration, we went past a neat old barn and moved on to the waterfront, where the colorful, kid-friendly Splash Pad and impressive water slides greeted us. Since it was early in the season, staff were still working to set up an intimidating but very neat-looking “Wave Rider,” whose picture can only do it justice (see below).

Across the street, we spent a good chunk of time on the carousel and kiddie go-carts, which were perfect activities for our three-year-old (even if she did need a bit of help steering). She later spent some quality time in the bounce house, though none of us were quite ambitious enough for the rock wall. We also stopped into The Oasis, a two-story arcade with rainy-day (or any day) entertainment for a wide range of ages, plus a bonus snack bar.

The afternoon turned out to be hot and muggy--a perfect day for a swim. Our 3-year-old enjoyed running through the splash park and taking a dip in the lake. Water recreation opportunities include water slides, a diving board, canoeing and paddle boating, among others.

That evening we enjoyed making pizza and eating it on the cabin's back porch. Had it not rained, we would have toasted marshmallows over the fire pit, which is just one more reason for us to come back!!

Long's Retreat Family Resort has something for every member of the family, even the ones too small to go down the water slides, and has a true family atmosphere. It was a perfect mini vacation--even if it was "in the middle of nowhere."

Rocking with the Rolling Stones at the Rock Hall

When the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, no one questioned it, because they deserved to be there. Their concerts were legendary, Mick Jagger commanded the stage and they changed the landscape of rock and roll. So when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland opened their new exhibit, The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction last week, I made sure I was there to see it.

 

 

As I walked through the red lipped doorway, an image that is synonymous with the Rolling Stones, it was clear to see why they are considered “The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” On display was a career that spans 50 years and they are still rocking!  With hits like “(I Can’t Get) No Satisfaction” and “Ruby Tuesday,” the Rolling Stones have become musical icons and this interactive exhibit takes you through how their music has stood the test of time over the decades.

 

 

 

The exhibit spans two and a half floors that are filled with Rolling Stones' history including photos, handwritten letters, set lists, instruments and clothing worn by the band in their concerts, like Mick Jagger’s hand-stitched British and American flag cape that he wore during their 1981-82 tour. There is also rare footage of the band including interviews and concerts where fans can get an intimate look at their 50 year career.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And while some people may want to have “moves like Jagger,” I found it interesting to learn who their early musical influences were. For example, the Rolling Stones were heavily inspired by legendary soul and blues musicians like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. It was their music that took members, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards out of the London pubs and spawned an international career.

 

 

 

One cool new feature allows fans to contribute to the exhibit by uploading their own original images to share on Twitter and Instagram. By using the hashtag, #rockhallsatisfaction, fans can tag their personal photos of Rolling Stones memorabilia, artwork or Rolling Stones concert pictures that will then be displayed in the Rock Hall’s multimedia display.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum also began allowing photos to be taken in the museum and there’s plenty to see so make sure you have enough space on your camera to capture all the great musical artifacts. The Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction exhibit will be on display until March 2014, but if I were you, I wouldn’t wait to experience it. You will definitely be satisfied! 

Up, Up and Away at the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival

Few sights are more spectacular than an army of hot air balloons gracefully floating across the evening sky lit only by the burners that propel them far into the distance.

For 32 years, the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival has wowed crowds with incredible, colorful displays of magnificence. The upcoming festival runs June 7–9, 2013, at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. The weekend features musical entertainment, karaoke, carnival rides, great food, arts and crafts booths, an antiques flea market and fireworks. Throughout the weekend there are several opportunities to see 25 impressive balloons take to the skies.

Balloon launches take place Friday and Saturday evenings around 6 p.m. On both Saturday and Sunday mornings (around 6 a.m.), early risers are treated to the arrival of balloons with fun names like Ugliest Duckling, Road Trip and Hot Flash. The highlight of the festival is the Saturday evening “night glow” as balloons fill the skies after dark (9:15 p.m.) and spectators are treated to a sea of burner glow.

There are so many photo opportunities at the festival. You can watch as workers spread out the balloons getting them ready to fill and enjoy your front row seat to the enormous effort it takes to get them off the ground. The vibrant colors of the balloons, the sight of their sheer size lifting into the air and the thunderous sound of propane burners—are all sensory wonders that will go home with you.         

The admission, parking and musical entertainment are FREE for the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. The annual event is presented by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Frontier Power. This festival is just one of many fun, affordable family events held in Coshocton throughout the year. Check out Visit Coshocton to plan future visits to the area.     

Whether this is your first year to see the hot air balloons, or it is a yearly tradition for your family, chances are you will come back again.

Plenty to See and Do at Lakeside

On June 22, the gates will open at Lakeside, the Chautauqua community on Lake Erie, as its summer season of events begin.

After that and until Labor Day, admission is charged to get into the community – originally founded by Methodists in 1873 as a camping site where tent revivals were held.

The Chautauqua movement - started in 1874 initially to train Sunday school teachers - has become a venue for adult education and growth. The calendar of events reflects this mission, offering fun activities designed to encourage spiritual, mental and physical growth. There are popular activities, like a parade, a fireworks show and a performance by the Central Ohio Brass Band on the Fourth of July.

There are tons of entertainment opportunities throughout the summer. The concert series this year will include performances by Amy Grant, the Grass Roots and a return engagement by the Spinners. The community also has its own movie theater, which shows movies all summer. There’s an arts festival and a wooden boat show in July, a gladiolus exhibit in August, and the season winds down with an antiques show spread out across the village.

There’s also a lecture series, featuring talks on a variety of topics from the 1960s to William Shakespeare to the U.S. criminal justice system to astronomy and space exploration. This year also marks the 140^th anniversary of the founding of Lakeside, and there’s an exhibit in Hoover Auditorium, the main venue for concerts and performances at Lakeside.

One of the buildings that date back almost to the founding of the community is the Hotel Lakeside. This complex was built in 1875 and has no electricity or running water. From there, additions were made as it became a center for out-of-town guests. The hotel appeared to be doomed in the 1970s, as it slipped into disrepair, and there was talk about tearing it down. But that didn’t come to pass and the hotel was restored to its previous grandeur.

There’s plenty to do at Lakeside during the season, but there are also reasons to stop there year-round as there are celebrations on Memorial Day and Christmas. Sloopy’s Sports Café is a homey café decorated with sports memorabilia from area high schools as well as Ohio State and Cleveland sports. It also happens to have an award-winning pizza sauce – Perfetto, which is Italian for perfect.

Also, just outside the gate to Lakeside, across from Danbury High School, is Netty’s. The regional chain (there are four other locations, all in the Toledo area) offers hot dogs, root beer and ice cream – the perfect summer fare.

A Walk Through Ohio History at Sauder Village

Erie Sauder's role as founder of the country's largest ready-to-assemble furniture company created a memorable legacy, but Sauder used his "retirement" from the company that still operates under a third generation of his family to preserve an important part of Ohio's legacy for future generations at Sauder Village in Archbold.

The living history site follows the development of northwestern Ohio and the work of its craftspeople through the years.

Broom-making at Sauder Village

The Great Black Swamp covered about 1,500 square miles of northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana in the early 1800s. Leaves falling from trees in the forest settled into the damp ground, decomposing into a black muck that made developing the area into farms and villages difficult.

Native people lived along the edges of the big swamp and hunted in the area, while European settlers generally avoided the swamp.

A party of Mennonite immigrants finally arrived in the area in 1834. They worked hard to drain the swamp and managed to turn the area into some of Ohio's best farmland within a decade.

Sauder worried that increasing modernization in businesses like his would cause future generations to forget the hard work and craftsmanship of their ancestors.

In the 1970s, as responsibility for the daily operation of his business shifted to his children, Sauder established the Village.

The village immediately became a popular attraction with more than 40 homes, shops, barns and other structures depicting early village life.

Friendly and knowledgeable guides bring the village to life, and we found talking to the farmers, craftspeople and shopkeepers at Sauder Village among the most memorable things about our recent visit to the village.

Visitors enter the village through a courtyard surrounded by two concentric circles of workshops where craftspeople make items using traditional methods and tools.

Woodworking at Sauder Village

The rest of the village fans out behind the workshops, allowing visitors to move through different eras in history.

The Natives and Newcomers area depicts life in northwestern Ohio during the early 1800s, while the Pioneer Settlement depicts development of the farming community from 1834 through 1890. Future plans include extending the visual timeline into the twentieth century with depictions of village life into the 1940s.

The Little Pioneers Homestead allows the village's youngest visitors to experience living history in their own pint-sized environment.

Sauder collected many of the village buildings, moving them from nearby areas and restoring them, and he collected furnishings, farm equipment and tools for the village.

There are even more of Sauder's eclectic collections in the village's Museum Building, where you can browse rows and rows of vintage washing machines, televisions, farm equipment, vintage clothing and just about anything else you can imagine.

The village complex includes the 98-room Sauder Heritage Inn, the 350-seat Barn Restaurant, the Doughbox Bakery (their cinnamon bread makes great cinnamon toast!), a Sauder furniture store, and campground--all just a short walk from the historic village.

Historic Sauder Village is open from April through October. The inn, restaurant, furniture showroom and bakery are open year round.

Thanks to Sauder Village for providing village admission, lodging and meals during my recent visit for my review, with no further compensation. I was free to express my own opinions about the stay and experiences, and the opinions expressed here are mine.

Discover the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center & Cincinnati Museum Center

Discover Ohio To Go cups have been popping up all over Ohio, so I decided to redeem my large McDonald’s cup to see what the fun is all about. 

I took my cup to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati located on the Ohio River. I presented the cup at the front desk and like magic was discounted $2 off my admission ticket price. 

If that wasn’t amazing enough, the Freedom Center has many great exhibits and artifacts that represent the journey of slaves to freedom. What’s even more fantastic is they have a mobile app that gives a unique, interactive experience of the museum. You can hear the stories of people who were enslaved and from others who were part of their fight for freedom.  There are additional photographs and narrative stories on the app as well.

Their newest exhibit, Stephen Marc: Passage on the Underground Railroad, depicts photos of various Underground Railroad sites from more than 20 states as well as Canada.  The photographer, Stephen Marc toured these places and documented his travels through pictures.

The Freedom Center is not only educational, it’s inspiring!  To learn about the obstacles people had to overcome in their quest for freedom was truly unbelievable.  The Discover Ohio To Go discount at the Freedom Center is available until October 31st - but cups are only being sold at participating McDonald's through June 9. 

I felt so motivated by the experience at the Freedom Center, I took another large Discover Ohio To Go cup over to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see what power it yielded there.  $2 off again on my admission and a ticket to their Omnimax™ theater.  What a fantastic promotion!

I was enthralled by their exhibit Colorful Beijing: Modern Photographs of an Ancient City and found myself wishing I could use my Discover Ohio To Go cup to get a ticket to China. No luck there, but fortunately the exhibit did a great job capturing the images of modern Beijing.

I was even more captivated to see the latest attraction, Flight of the Butterflies in their Omnimax™ theater and hear the stories of one man’s quest to find the secret location of the Monarch Butterflies’ hideaway.

Matter of fact there were so many things that peaked my interest that I didn’t get a chance to see it all.  I will have to go back.  Luckily, I have until October 31st before these two offers end. Just be sure to purchase your cup at McDonald’s before June 10th.

For a complete list of all participating attractions visit ww.DiscoverOhioToGo.com. Now get your cup and save on your next getaway!