DiscoveringOhio

Caesar Creek State Park

 

Whenever I visit to a State (or Metro) Park, I try to find a unique feature that makes it stand out from all the rest. That was not a hard task for me when I headed to Caesar Creek State Park, located in the Southwest portion of our state at the crossroads of Warren, Greene and Clinton counties. There are many highlights within Caesar Creek, including the historic Pioneer Village, an educational Nature Center, and an intricate collection of paths for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

My favorite attraction here is Pioneer Village, which contains 15 authentic buildings from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Many of these buildings are original structures where the founding pioneers of Ohio's earliest years resided. Some have been transported from various parts of the state and reconstructed on site, while others are purely models of homes from the time period. One building, the Lukens House, is, remarkably, in the very same spot it has been since it was constructed over 200 years ago!

Visitors of Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek are welcome to take self-guided tours during daylight hours by grabbing a map located at a number of the buildings. Tours are also given during special event weekends, which is the only time you are able to explore the inside of the buildings and see folks dressed up in clothing from the era. I took a self-guided tour, and, therefore, was limited to just the outside of the cabins; however, I thoroughly enjoyed my winter walk through the mock town. There was much to look at just at the exteriors of places like the blacksmith, school house, the general store and the farmhouse. I even was greeted unexpectedly by pigs, chickens and goats at a mini petting zoo.

At the conclusion of my Pioneer Village experience, I trekked across the road to find the Nature Center and a series of trail heads. I decided to hop on the Old Woods Trail, as it is a rather short trail (2 miles one way) and, judging by the map posted nearby, looked to be very scenic. And scenic it was! The path was mainly downhill as it neared the majestic Caesar Creek Gorge. As I hiked onward, I discovered that the land became an isthmus, and there was water on either side of me! One wrong step and I could have found myself making a splash (which would not have been fun, given the snowy conditions).

Thankfully, I remained upright on my hike and soon found myself on a beach along the gorge. With no other hikers in sight, this became a great place to reflect and relax before heading back. There are many beautiful spots like this throughout the 4,700 acre park, and I can't wait to make a return visit!

Consider visiting during Maple Syrup Weekend on February 25 & 26.

Front porch politics in Mentor, Ohio

Presidential politicking these days involves candidates jetting their way around the country to take their candidacy to the people. Presidential campaigning more than 100 years ago was quite different, as voters, along with the media and lobbyists, traveled across the country to visit the candidate at home.

It's no surprise to me, considering Ohio's prominence in presidential history with eight presidents elected from the state, that Ohio was home to the first front-porch presidential campaign with James A. Garfield's candidacy in fall of 1880.

Garfield's famous front porch

Previous candidates generally stayed out of sight, seemingly above the political fray, but Garfield's gifts as an orator and his compelling back story as a man rising from humble beginnings to be a Civil War hero and legislator led to a different campaign strategy.

The Garfields were very poor, but young James earned enough money to pay for college.

He became an ordained minister and, in 1859, he became an Ohio State Senator, running as a Republican because of his strong anti-slavery beliefs.

Garfield served with the Union Army during the Civil War, becoming a general and a popular military hero.

Garfield planned to run for the United States Senate in 1880, but when a raucous Republican convention remained deadlocked after 34 ballots, he emerged as a compromise candidate and won the presidential nomination.

The candidate returned to Lawnfield, his home in Mentor, Ohio. Instead of waiting for the campaign to end before emerging back into public view, Garfield literally campaigned from his front porch.

Railroad tracks running along the rear of Garfield's property made it easy for visitors to make their way to his home. About 17,000 people disembarked from the train and walked down a short lane to the home to hear Garfield speak during the fall of 1880.

Garfield's assassination mere months after his election, meant he never returned to Lawnfield after leaving for the White House.

Lawnfield still welcomes visitors today. It's fun to imagine what it was like when crowds camped out on the lawn and trains carried thousands of visitors to Garfield's front steps.

One of the more interesting stories our Lawnfield tour guide told us involved Garfield's widow, Lucretia, and her dedication to preserving his legacy. She cared for his papers and other artifacts to create a collection that led to establishing one of the first presidential libraries. You can see some of the collection while touring the home at Lawnfield.

Lawnfield is a National Historic site and stands today much as it did in the late 1800s, furnished with many pieces belonging to the Garfield family.

Other buildings on the grounds include a 75-foot-tall windmill, a small building near the house that served as the 1880 campaign headquarters and telegraph office, and a carriage house that serves as a visitor center.

Carriage House/Visitor Center

Be sure to check the final resting place of the president and his wife at the Garfield Monument, which is about 20 miles from Lawnfield, at Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery.

Mariemont: Picture Perfect for Dinner and a Movie

Winding around the scenic Columbia Parkway, just east of Cincinnati, is the quaint town of Mariemont, frequently named one of the best neighborhoods in America. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2007, storybook homes edge these tree-lined streets, while the architecture of the charming town center seems reminiscent of a cozy Tudor village. Mariemont entices visitors with the perfect option for an evening out: dinner and a movie. And we're not talking about multiplexes and chain restaurants.









An anchor of the town, the Quarter Bistro, is among the premier restaurants in the Queen City, whether you're on a romantic date or meeting friends at the bar. In the summer, the Quarter has an outdoor seating area, including a fire pit for chilly evenings, from which patrons receive the perfect vantage point for people-watching in the town center.

Far from summer thoughts, Jenny and I invited our parents to join us for a cozy dinner on a brisk winter night. The Quarter's wine list is highly regarded, and we really appreciate their wide offerings of by-the-glass options, including one of our favorite Chardonnays: Rombauer. The Cuban roots of this restaurant make it essential to order their famous guacamole as a starter. For the main course, we recommend the short ribs, in any form. We tried both the 18 Hour Short Ribs featuring cipollini onion & Pecorino Romano stuffed house tortellini, spinach, wild mushroom and fingerling potato, as well as the Short Rib Tacos with pickled ramp, Asadero cheese, chili oil, guacamole and Napa cabbage. Either item is sure to please. My husband swears by the juicy Bistro Burger served with tempting truffle fries. Besides the delectable menu, this locally-owned and operated establishment prides itself on exceptional customer service, which keeps us returning time after time.









The Quarter is attached to the delightfully old-fashioned Mariemont Theatre, which often features foreign and obscure films, a welcome respite from the 25 daily showings of the latest 3D movie. Jenny and I especially enjoy British period films, and we were delighted to find the movie Albert Nobbs was showing at the proper time. Be sure to check their website for the latest releases and showtimes.
















After getting our fill of English culture from the film, we couldn't resist the best ice cream parlor in town, local chain Graeter's. Cincinnati is famous for a few food items: Cincinnati-style chili, Montgomery Inn Ribs and Graeter's Ice Cream. Their signature flavor, the Black Rasberry Chip, is our absolute favorite. Its creamy texture, subtle fruit tones and ample chunks of rich chocolate make it a must-try for anyone.

Mariemont is perfect for exploring any time of year. Other noteworthy attractions are the Bell Tower, Dogwood Park, the Dilly Cafe, National Exemplar Restaurant, the Tea Cozy Cottage, Mariemont Community Church and Dale Park Square. For the latest happenings and information, visit www.mariemont.org.

Rockmill Brewery: Something in the Water

 

I drove less than 30 miles from downtown Columbus to Rockmill Brewery but it felt  a world away.

Just outside of Lancaster and set amongst rolling hills and sprawling countryside, the brewery lies on an 11-acre former horse farm that is also home to streams, woodland and a tiny chapel. The farm sits at the source of the Hocking River, providing a water source that is not only clean, but -- the owner’s father-in-law, who just happens to be a hydrogeologist, discovered -- remarkably similar in minerality to the water of Wallonia, Belgium, a region that is known for producing some of the world’s best beers.

 

 Finding such quality of water right there on the farm was a stroke of fate that follows a strangely serendipitous narrative of how Rockmill Brewery came to be.

Founder Matthew Barbee is the grandson of a vintner and left rural Ohio for work as a sommelier in Chicago and later at a Los Angeles talent agency. He returned to the area a few years ago and happened to see that Rockmill Farm, a property he had grown up admiring, was up for sale. He and his family took a chance and bought the land.

Just before leaving Los Angeles he had had his first taste of a Saison -- a pale ale brewed in Wallonia where it traditionally was used to keep farm laborers hydrated. It was by pure chance that the waters of his newly acquired land lent themselves to brewing Saison right there.

 

Inside the main house, which also functions as a store and art gallery, Matthew provided samples of each of his four brews -- a Witbier, Saison, Dubbel and Tripel -- as well as a preview of a not-yet-available whiskey barrel-aged Tripel, a collaboration with Columbus’ Middle West Spirits. Each sample was served in special long-stemmed glasses and accompanied by thoughtful pairings including cheeses from Columbus’ Katzinger’s Deli and chocolate from Pistacia Vera.

 

 

Matthew then walked me through the tiny brewing facility. Housed in a converted stable and tack room, it is illustrative of how small-scale the whole operation is -- each beer is made one batch at a time; craft beer in the truest sense.

 

You can find Rockmill’s beers at restaurants including Bodega, Rigsby’s Kitchen and Betty’s in Columbus; Dante’s and Spice Bar in Cleveland, and Teller’s and Dilly Café in Cincinnati.

 Tours of the brewery can be arranged by contacting Matthew through the Rockmill Brewery website.

 

 

 

Build Your Best Ohio Lego

At 5:30 am, bright and early on February 7, my son stood beside my bed, and said, “Mom, it's time.” For what? What could 5:30 a.m. possibly bring to a cold Ohio Tuesday morning? Before I had the chance to roll over and go back to sleep, he said, “Do you have my pictures ready for the LEGO contest?”

Right. That's what this is all about. I had forgotten. On Friday evening, we learned about the LEGO Contest, Build Your Best Ohio. That same night, he pulled out the LEGO tub, and he began an exhaustive Internet search for Ohio landmarks. After learning that the Sears Tower, the  Burj Khalifa, and the Golden Gate Bridge would disqualify him, he built three, born-and-raised-in Ohio sculptures: Apollo 11, (Neil Armstrong) The Huntington Center (in downtown Columbus), and The Wright Brother’s Airplane.

He was ready to go last Friday night. However, entries could not be uploaded into the Facebook page until February 7; apparently, at 5:30 am., according to my son. Fortunately, for him, his creations were still "intact." 

There's still time to enter your own or your little LEGO builder's creation into Ohio's best -- the contest runs until 11:59 pm. (E.T) on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. To enter, you'll need to “like” the Ohio Tourism Page via your Facebook page. (What?! You aren't a fan yet?! Now's the time.) Then, follow the link to enter the contest here to upload your Lego entry photo. Then, start spreading the word to get votes! The 10 people with the most votes will enter the final judging round to be selected and win prizes.

Kids ages 5-12 years old qualify for the "Little Kids Prize" and 13 and older qualify to win the "Big Kids Prize." However, kids under 13 must be entered by their parents because of Facebook rules. So, parents enter their birthday in the age filed, but should include the child's age in the notes section.

Entries can be your favorite Ohio Attraction, Ohio Monument, Ohio Mascot, Ohio Destination or anything Ohio themed!  Check out the official rules here.

The best part? Once you've voted – you're done. No more 5:30 a.m. nudgings from little feet telling me it's time to get out of bed to vote again! One vote and that's it. However, I did notice one other element to the voting restrictions. While you are not permitted to re-vote for the same entry, you can still vote for other participants.

The final judging criteria will be based on the creativity of the LEGO creation which best represents Ohio. In each of the two categories, one  Grand Prize Winner and three First Prize Winners will be selected in the final judging round.

The prizes involve tickets (and VIP treatment) to the LEGO KidsFest, “special events” in Cincinnati, and a night at the Hyatt Regency, which my son has already figured out occur during our spring break. “We'll already be out of school anyway... so it looks like I won't get an extra day off from school.” There's a big "if" with that dream, kiddo!

Enter, and good luck to all you Ohio LEGO Builders out there!

Valentine's Day: Quick Planning Guide

The pressure is on to plan something special for Valentine’s Day. It does not quite measure the gift caliber of Christmas or a birthday, but to avoid it completely would make it a date you will remember for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, Ohio boasts some simple, and some quirky Valentine’s options that will provide the best gift you can give….an experience! 

If you are ready to unleash your wild side, I recommend the Animals Do It Too event at the Akron Zoo on February 11. This adults-only evening includes dinner followed by games and activities that provide an educational and humorous look into animal mating rituals. There is also a sleepover option for the evening. The event is limited to 100 guests. After this Valentine’s Day, a visit to a zoo will never be the same!   

If something sultry is your style, the Hot & Steamy Valentine’s Day promotion at White Castle is hard to beat. This Ohio gem offers a  relaxed and fun way to celebrate. There is nothing like getting the famous ‘slider’ served up with fine linens and table-side service. Oh yes, they go all out to give your loved one the attention they deserve including a complimentary photo of the moment. Call your local White Castle for Valentine’s Day reservations.

If you are going for shock value, the Edgar Allen Poe Valentine’s Day in Canal Fulton is one of the most unique experiences I have ever discovered. The February 11^th dinner is set in the shadows of the Edgar Allen Poe Live Performance Theater. To honor the dark nature of Poe’s writings, women are greeted at the door with a black rose and a finger or other body part as a token of love. The warehouse setting is the perfect ambience while a Poe interpreter recites his famous words throughout this memorable evening.

For a more intimate Valentine's Day, the romance of sitting outdoors in the Hocking Hills in a hot tub with your sweetheart, sipping champagne in the middle of winter ought to fit the bill. The winter here offers something special. I love the feeling of curling up next to my sweetie and finding warmth by the fire as we watch the snow fall outside. It is a retreat for the senses and the quiet time needed to reconnect. The Hocking Hills  offers cabins large and small and endless activities from hiking to horseback riding.

If you are single this year, do not fret. Snow Trails in Mansfield has you covered with their February 14 Singles Tubing Night. Tubing is one of the best experiences in the snow. You sit in a tube; they fling you down a huge snow-covered hill, and your inner six year-old screams and laughs all the way to the bottom. Snow Trails singles night offers half-price unlimited tubing tickets. When you retreat to the lodge, warm up with food specials and entertainment. You never know, you just might find romance while you are fending off the lover’s holiday!

 

Winter Fun when it’s Not-So-Winter!

Wow, seems like old man winter hit the snooze button more than a few times this year! But whether it’s 48 degrees or 25, Ohio’s winter destinations offer tons of fun in the sun or snow. Here’s my best bets for enjoying a winter that has you reaching for sunglasses instead of the shovel.  

Skiing / Snowboarding / Snow Tubing
I know what you’re thinking – snow is a pretty important factor in SNOW skiing, SNOWboarding and SNOW tubing. But, luckily, Ohio has tons of resorts that make their own snow. It’s not uncommon to see a skier going down the slopes in little more than a long-sleeve T-shirt. Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield offers 23 trails ranging in difficulty for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Check out the Avalanche Tubing Park comprised of 10 chutes measuring 900 feet each in length. Snow Trails Winter Resort hosts a very popular annual winter carnival, Feb. 25 and 26.  Other ski resorts to check out are Boston Mills/Brandywine resorts and the newly re-opened Clear Fork Ski Resort.

Ohio on Ice
Usually in February the colder weather is outside, not inside; but no matter what the thermometer says, you can go ice skating at the 100-acre Mentor Civic Center Park, which offers several indoor ice skating surfaces. From Learn-To-Skate lessons to hockey leagues, the arena offers a wide range of programs to fit everyone’s ability level. One of my personal favorites is going for a ride on the Chalet Toboggan Chutes in Mill Stream Run Reservation (Strongsville, Ohio). Warmer than normal temperatures are no problem for the park’s two 1,000-foot long refrigerated ice chutes. Afterward, take a break and chill or thaw out in the Chalet’s indoor facility featuring a snack bar, two fireplaces, a large-screen television and a gathering place.

Wild Winter Animals
Winter may signal hibernation for some of nature’s wild creatures, but others revel in cooler temperatures. See some of these magnificent creatures at The Wilds in Cumberland. Special winter safari tours are offered on a reservation basis. Traverse some of the 10,000-acres in a heated Safari Transport for a guided tour experience through the winter landscape. Experience the natural habitat of Sichuan takin, Pere David’s deer, Przewalski’s wild horses, American bison and more roaming free over the hills of southeastern Ohio. Reservations and pre-payment are required. Don’t miss an opportunity to see polar animals chow down during the Toledo Zoo’s Frozentoesen. Through Feb. 27, see polar bears, seals and penguins eat delicious treats during the zoo’s Cabin Fever Feeds. And talk about cool, with half-price admission, you won’t want to miss this celebration of wild, winter fun! Watch a penguin parade every day at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Penguin Days through Feb. 29. Enjoy half-price admission and special animal encounters every Saturday and Sunday. Watch penguins, polar bears, snow monkeys and even elephants enjoy the winter season!

Winter Hiking
Little Miami State Park in southwest Ohio recently introduced a trail corridor that offers numerous recreational pursuits, including cross-country skiing along the entire 50-mile-long length of the park. During a trek through this winter wonderland, skiers can enjoy the beautiful vistas of Fort Ancient, the largest Native American earthworks in the state. During winter, Hueston Woods State Park transforms into a wonderland of activity, just northwest of Cincinnati.

 

 

Wine and chocolate pair for a weekend of romance in Ohio's wine country

Wine and chocolate are a perfect pairing, so surprise your sweetheart with a weekend celebrating chocolate, wine and romance in northeast Ohio's Grand River Valley wine country this winter.

The Ohio Wine Producers' Chocolate is for Lovers wine trail is a great way to experience a cluster of wineries nestled within 10 miles of each other in one of the country's premiere wine producing regions just 50 miles east of Cleveland.

The Old Firehouse Winery on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake is in a vintage firehouse decorated with firehouse-related memorabilia. Catch a quick snack and some wine here in a fun atmosphere.

A third generation of the Debevc family offer wines that include Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay at Debonne Vineyards in Madison. You can also check out a selection of seasonal and year-round beers at Debonne's Cellar Rats Brewery.

Debonne Winery

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante in Geneva is another third-generation family winery. Sample Ferrante wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer in the winery's tasting room, or check out the restaurant overlooking the vineyards for lunch or dinner. I enjoyed the pasta here, but the pizza menu looks pretty tempting to me as well.

Other wineries on the Chocolate is for Lovers wine trail include; Bene Vino Urban Winery; Biscotti's Family Winery; Buccia Vineyards; Emerine Estates; Grand River Cellars; Maple Ridge Vineyards; Old Mill Winery; The Winery at Spring Hill; and Virant Family Winery.

The Ohio State Park Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is a popular wedding venue, and its proximity to the Grand River Valley makes it a perfect home to base your romantic Ohio wine country getaway.

Drive the wine trail yourself, or leave the driving to someone else and hop on the lodge's wine shuttle.

A couple of the wineries are so close to the lodge that when snow makes driving miserable, it's no problem.

Photo courtesy of Brook Hall, The Old Firehouse Winery

"We got hit with a snowstorm and had to shut down our wine shuttle [one recent] Saturday.  But that didn't stop our guests who rented snowshoes and hiked their way over to Old Firehouse Winery to enjoy the local wine," said Daisy Hall, the lodge's marketing and website coordinator.

At the end of the day, return to the Lodge's indoor pool or hot tub, book a massage, relax in the four-story-high lobby with its massive fireplace or, if you're more ambitious, rent cross-country skis or snowshoes for a lakeside hike.

The resort's Horizons restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Erie. Enjoy Ohio wine with dinner in the small lounge next to the restaurant where there is often live entertainment, or have a bottle of local wine delivered to your room.

Chocolate is for Lovers wine weekends are February 3 & 4 and 10 & 11. Tickets at $50 per couple ($40 per single) include wine samples and light appetizers at participating wineries, as well as a special candy dish to hold candies collected from the wineries.

Thanks to The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, which provided one night's lodging, dinner, breakfast and the in-room wine package for my review, with no further compensation. I was free to express my own opinion about our stay, and the opinions expressed here are mine.

The Road to Freedom

If you haven’t been to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, you are missing out. The Freedom Center is a great place to explore and learn about the history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. Even the location of the Freedom Center is symbolic, located in downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River, where slaves crossed to escape to freedom.

The museum is animated and inspiring with several exhibits that penetrate through you and open your eyes to new experiences. I admit it, though, it is tough facing the faces of my ancestors, and acknowledging the awful experiences African-Americans endured. Yet, the Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a place for people of all races to understand the good and the bad… the triumphs and the hardships.

For example, the exhibits, The Slave Pen and Escape! both offer glimpses into the life and times of slavery. The Slave Pen is an actual holding pen used to imprison slaves before moving them for auction. Escape! is an interactive exhibit that uses storytelling, role-playing and hands-on activities to portray the journey of the Underground Railroad.

The Brothers of the Borderland is an experiential theater exhibit where guests enjoy a 25-minute film with fog rising in the background, and outside noises--chirping crickets--that provide the realistic experience of the historical figure, John Parker, and his daring flight to freedom.

The National Underground Freedom Center will catch you off guard. You enter expecting an educational experience, but in the amazement of the stories you hear, the artifacts you encounter and the exhibits you experience, you leave encouraged by the perseverance of our ancestors, and with a renewed hope for the future. After all, if you don’t know where you came from, where will you go?

The center is located at 50 E. Freedom Way in downtown Cincinnati. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.) Visit http://www.freedomcenter.org/.

Fun times in any weather at the Richland Carrousel Park in downtown Mansfield!

Growing up, I have spent many days, going around and around the lovely carousel in downtown Mansfield and didn't really "re-discover" it until I had a child of my own. My wife, daughter and I visit the Richland Carrousel Park every month. It's a nice little inexpensive trip that our little girl absolutely loves.

Having an art background, I enjoy and appreciate the artwork that goes into the hand-carved animals. The 53 figurines are a "throwback" to carousels from the early 1900s (in the style of G.A. Dentzel). They have many horses, safari animals, and a couple mythical figurines as well. My personal favorite would be the half white horse/half mermaid. The creativity as well as the paint job is something that MUST be seen in person to appreciate. There also are carriages to ride in as well, so its perfect for a nice day out with the grandparents that doesn't include much walking.

With any fun day out, we also like to stop at one of the many classic restaurants in the area. Athens Greek Restaurant is one of our favorite stops. The prices are  reasonable, and the gyros are delicious. Other choices include  Coney Island, with its soda fountain and homemade pies, as well as Buckeye Tony's diner with its juicy burgers and subs. Each of these places offer a better selection (and potentially better for you) than your typical fast food stop. All in a weekend of fun with your family.

A photo from when my little Zoe was only 10 Months old!

In closing, if you're going to take a trip to see the beautiful artwork and (depending on the season) landscaping out at the Richland Carrousel Park, be sure to bring a camera and some extra money for the souvenir shops. They offer many shirts, toy and trinkets to commemorate your trip. Enjoy!

 

Save Room 4 Love,

Brad (The Chatterbox)