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.

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?

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! 

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!

The Beautiful Fashion in Kent

It’s amazing to know that some of the world’s greatest fashion collections are just down the road from my house. Kent State University Museum is filled with some of the most grandiose garments ever made. It was easy for me to overlook this world-famous museum, which rivals Victoria & Albert Museum in London, tucked away in an Akron suburb so I decided to take a second look.

I’ve been to the Kent State University Museum once before. I was in middle school and my best friend’s dad, who is a fashion designer, took us to see one of his garments. I remember being filled with excitement and thinking, “I want to do that one day.” Even though my life has taken a different path, I still have a love and an appreciation for fashion design. Some people think that fashion design is just making clothes but it’s more of an art form. Fashion greats like Alexander McQueen have popularized the couture fashion as an art movement.

It is a mistake to think the fashion industry isn’t diverse. Although there could be more recognition for multicultural designers, there are some African-American designers making a name for themselves in the mainstream fashion industry, including Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy and Stephen Burrows.

So when I went to the museum for a second time many years later, I had a greater understanding of the passion and creativity it takes to make such fashions. Featuring five temporary exhibits and an expansive permanent collection from centuries past, this museum has just about everything. From gowns to corsets to glass sculptures and more, this museum has many pieces that tell the story of world history through art.

The museum features a donated collection of 4,000 costumes and accessories, nearly 1,000 pieces of decorative art and a 5,000 volume reference library from designers Jerry Silverman and Shannon Rodgers. The exhibit “RESIST: A World of Resist Dye Techniques” was a favorite of mine. This exhibit featured chemical, mechanical and ikat techniques of dying fabrics to create patterns. Although most of us are familiar with tie-dye from the 60s and 70s, these different dying techniques have been around for centuries. Nigeria, Japan, India and Indonesia are just some of the many countries with histories of resist dyeing. The “Fandemonium” exhibit was also a fun collection which featured an array of hand-painted fans from the eighteenth century and art deco pieces from the twentieth century.

Walking through the museum this time was a completely different experience. It was great to see how these designs and art pieces have influenced today’s African-American designers. KSU fashion and merchandising students take advantage of this museum and you can too. Definitely make this a stop on your next weekend getaway and while you're there check out other fun attractions around Kent.

Ohioana Literary Immersion - Connecting Readers with Ohio Authors

More than a century after the death of renowned Ohio poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, his words and emotion come alive again in the home and environment that inspired him.

 

Sitting in the Dunbar House in Dayton, African-American poet Herbert Woodward Martin brings to life Dunbar's famous poetry. Dunbar's work is notable for the two distinct voices in his poetry: Standard English and the sometimes controversial style written in dialect that was signature of turn-of-the-century African-American culture.

 

Check out the video from the "On the Road" Saturday Literary Adventure Series.

 

 

Standing in front of a larger than life photo of Dunbar, Woodward personifies the ebb and flow and sometimes musical words of the poet that continue to influence American literature. In between readings, the full-house audience is able to engage in a discussion about all of Dunbar's work that includes novels, short stories, plays, songs and essays. Questions ranged from meanings behind specific works to Dunbar's personal life and close relationship with the Wright Brothers. 

This day of "A Poetic Friendship: Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright Brothers" includes a tour of the Dunbar House, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park and the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center.

It is a perfect way to learn about the Ohio author who spent so much time growing up in the exact spot we are sitting, and truly understand him.

This is the first "On the Road" Saturday Literary Adventure Series presented by Ohioana Library that is presented monthly to connect readers with Ohio writers in the setting that made them or their works famous. 

Upcoming series topics include: "Cleveland: Play Ball! The Cleveland Indians, Progressive field and Dan Coughlin," "The Ohio State University: Lit Lives and Landmarks: Get Ready for OSU Football" and "Holmes County: The Mysteries of Ohio Amish Country." For more information about these programs and upcoming monthly programs, check out the full details at On the Road with Ohioana Library. Don't miss the Ohioana Book Festival: Celebrating Ohio's Authors this Saturday, May 11th at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center in Columbus.

This fantastic series is truly a sensory immersion! In just a few short hours at this Saturday series, I learned so much about Paul Laurence Dunbar and experienced his surroundings in a way that alters how I will forever read his poetry. What a fun and engaging way to discover our Ohio authors! 

Let the Fiesta Begin!

They say somewhere that if you read five books on the same subject, you can become an expert on that topic.  Apply that same theory to margaritas and I am a Margarita Guru!

As Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) approaches, the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s defeat over the French during the Franco American War and a day of Mexican heritage and pride, Mexican restaurants open their doors for a day of celebration.

As a self-proclaimed Margarita Expert, I want to lend you my expertise on where you could find some great Mexican restaurants in Ohio that will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo so you too could join in the festivities.

 

 

 

 

La Fiesta (Richmond Heights) - As far as margaritas go – they serve the best around.  The bartender will not reveal his secret recipe (trust me I’ve asked – begged even).  As the oldest authentic and family owned restaurant in Cleveland, they have the best experience throwing a Cinco de Mayo blowout bash.  

 

 

Nada (Cincinnati) – A more upscale Mexican dining experience, Nada’s menu has a lot of great selections and some excellent guacamole to boot!  As far as margaritas go – Delicious! It’s a popular night spot and reservations are strongly recommended.

 

 

Barrio (Tremont) – Their build your own tacos was definitely intriguing since I’m such a picky eater and their choices are plentiful. The cost of $3 a taco make it well worth it to try different combinations.  When I tried their margarita I was pleasantly excited. Not too sour and just the right amount of tequila! 

 

Señor Antonio's (Columbus) – I always enjoy going to this restaurant when I am in Columbus. The service is always fantastic and the pitcher of margaritas that we drank hit the spot. When you go, I recommend you order the queso dip, a white cheese dip that goes great with your salsa and chips.

 

Lopez (Cleveland Heights) – During happy hour, they offer half-off tequila which is a perfect way for me to try out different types of tequilas. The different kinds truly alter the flavor of my drink. Their Mexican inspired menu is also a nice culmination of Mexican cuisine with a contemporary fusion style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just SOME of my favorite Mexican restaurants.  There are too many to list here, but plenty to choose from in Ohio. However you fiesta, enjoy responsibly.  Where are your favorite Cinco de Mayo destinations?

Earth Day In Ohio

Earth Day is April 22, 2013 but events abound the weekend prior (April 20 & 21) throughout the state. From cleaning up neighborhoods and hiking trails to hands-on educational programs, pick your favorite way to celebrate and protect our precious Earth.  

Earth Day Columbus 

Thousands of people are taking an active role in sustainable living this year in Earth Day Columbus. The weekend of April 20 & 21, you can volunteer to plant trees, clean up neighborhoods and prepare community gardens. A free community celebration touting this year’s theme Stand Together takes place at Columbus Commons on April 27 featuring a day of bands, local food trucks, green businesses and environmental groups.

 

EarthFest 2013 – Cuyahoga County

Billed as the longest running Earth Day celebration in the country for 24 years, EarthFest 2013 kicks off Sunday, April 21^st  (10am - 5pm) at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. New exhibits this year include: a renewable energy exhibit area with a wind turbine and energy education center, healthy local foods demonstrations, composting demonstrations, rides and inflatable obstacle courses for kids and a flea market. There’s even a bike valet for those who arrive on two wheels. RTA buses are running a free EarthFest shuttle to the fairgrounds.

Earth Day at Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

On April 20^th (Noon – 5pm) enjoy a free family Earth Day at Sawyer Point. This year’s theme “One Earth…One Chance” is demonstrated throughout the grounds with hands-on exhibits on environmental awareness, animals from a local farm and Earth Day storytelling. Highlights this year include a children’s fashion show with items made from recycled materials and a parade featuring Earth Day flags made by children.

Earth Day at Garden Station – Dayton

On Saturday, April 20^th at Garden Station in Dayton, take part in dozens of workshops on gardening, beekeeping, composting, solar panels and ways to make your home more energy efficient. Learn how to make homemade paper and get kids craft ideas from recycled materials. You can try yoga, eat organic produce and enjoy lunch from local food trucks. Admission is free!!

Many events happening around Earth Day are settled in locations that your family can return to later in the year and celebrate Earth Day everyday.

Wilmont Wilderness Center - (near Canton)

The Wilmont Wilderness Center has Earth Day education all year long, but on April 20^th instead of just walking the trails, you can help clean them. Programs include learning about native birds and the role that nature plays in sustainable living.

Blue Rock Station

Home to Ohio’s first Earthship, Blue Rock Station is a sustainable homestead farm made entirely from recycled tires, barn wood, straw bales, cans and mud. This 40 acre farmstead runs group tours and programs throughout the year. It will be open to the public for an Earth Day tour on April 20 (1 -3pm). Then, you can plan your next visit to experience one of the many workshops offered throughout the year.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Who can resist a visit to the zoo? Earth Day celebrations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo begin April 17^th with more than 175 “green” exhibitors on the grounds. Enjoy organic food, eco-friendly activities and even a six-mile educational walk throughout the zoo grounds. Don't miss "Party For the Planet" on Sunday, April 21 from 10am-4pm and receive $2 off regular admission rate.

 

King of the Nation's 19th-Century Bridge Builders

I love old bridges, and my last name is King, so it's a bit of a hobby for me to spot old King Bridge Company spans as we travel.

Zenas King was once king of the nation's bridge builders, owning a Cleveland company responsible for building thousands of bridges across the nation during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

There were a few scattered craft businesses building iron bridges in the mid-1800s, but King envisioned bridge building becoming a national manufacturing industry as the nation's westward expansion demanded a rapidly growing transportation network.

King moved to Cleveland from Cincinnati in 1861 because of Cleveland's lakeside location and proximity to established transportation routes like the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Detroit-Superior Bridge, top, and Center Street Bridge, bottom

King formed partnerships with Cleveland foundries, rolling mills and other related businesses. His company built all types of bridges, as well as manufacturing things like iron roof trusses, fencing and jail cells.

King Bridge Company built more than 5,000 spans throughout the United States by 1882, becoming the largest highway bridge works in the nation at the time.

The King family continued running the company after Zenas died in 1892, building many of its largest bridges and steel frames for structures such as shopping arcades, grandstands, office buildings, and factories during the early 1900s.

The King Bridge Company folded in 1923 after financial and legal problems related to cooperative arrangements among big bridge builders to control and share highway bridge projects.

Iron bridges deteriorate as they age, so many  spans built during the King Bridge Company's heyday no longer exist, but some of the company's spans still stand throughout the country (including a couple of reworked bridges on Detroit's Belle Isle).

Here are a few King bridges I've found in and around Cleveland:

The Detroit-Superior Bridge - This span is one of downtown Cleveland's most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1917 and 1918, the double-deck bridge originally carried streetcars on one level (now closed) and still carries automotive and pedestrian traffic on the other level and linking the east and west sides of the city. Its central steel arch is 93 feet above the Cuyahoga River, allowing boats to travel underneath the bridge without having to raise it.

The Center Street Bridge sits in the shadow of the larger Detroit-Superior span. Built in 1901, the bridge is one of the city's oldest spans. It is a rare bobtail swing-style bridge, pivoting, rather than lifting, to allow river traffic to pass through.

The 1907-built Baltimore and Ohio Bridge #464 is a Scherzer Rolling Lift, or bascule-style bridge. It is one of several unused railroad bridges that stand in a permanently upraised position in Cleveland's Flats area.

The 203-foot-long Hillside Road Bridge spans the Cuyahoga River near the Canal Visitor Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The riveted nine-panel truss-style highway bridge built in 1923 is likely one of the last bridges built by the King Bridge Company. Cuyahoga County rehabilitated the bridge and built a pedestrian bridge beside the highway bridge in 2003.

To find more information about the King Bridge Company visit their website.