Motts Military Museum

(photo credit)

Saturday it rained just about the entire day, which made it a great day to visit a museum. Motts Military Museum is in Groveport, Ohio, an area I don't visit much. I am a super fan of Groupon and the one I bought for the museum was about to expire after Saturday. I am really bad about cashing in the deals at the last possible minute. However, I am glad I waited so long because I managed to catch the founder of the museum. Warren Motts was giving tours personally. I am not sure how rare and special this is but it felt like I was a VIP. The museum covers The American Revolution, The Civil War and both World Wars into more recent wars. They have the second largest collection of Holocaust memorabilia as well as the second largest collection of memorabilia from 9/11. The Holocaust and  9/11 items are in storage until the museum can raise enough money for  proper displays but if you ask and there is enough staff present, you can get a quick look at some of these items. Unfortunately, my photos did not come out the greatest from my phone because of lighting issues; so a portion of my images are borrowed. Photos that aren't mine have credits attached.

 Mr. Motts personally took us out to a hanger size building where he opened the doors revealing a caved in fire truck from 9/11. The truck belonged to Ladder 18 and was crushed under the second tower of the World Trade Center. He explained that he was raising money to create a 9/11 display that would also include the marble floors from the World Trade Center, so that you can stand on the floors of the World Trade Center while looking at the truck and other 9/11 memorabilia. This was the highlight of my experience. I took photos in front of the truck but couldn't allow myself to smile because of the seriousness of the display. Though no one died in the fire truck; the two firemen who were manning the truck survived after diving underneath it before the tower fell. Somehow, the tires held up and gave the men shelter from the falling building.

As someone who studied fashion, I found myself paying extra special attention to uniforms and clothing items. There is a wedding dress displayed made from a parachute from WWII. There was also a section of the personal Presidential plates used in the White House from the terms of Presidents like Grant, Monroe, Jackson and Lincoln.

Those who love the big toys and war machines, there are the normal things that you'd expect to see at a military museum. There are guns from just about all the wars represented. There are vehicles like tanks and jeeps. There are planes,  helicopters and a boat. 

Other displays of interest are the NASA Exhibit, a Medals Exhibit, POW Exhibit and a  life size replica of the childhood home of Eddie Rickenbacker. The replica home has some original items and is set up as it was during his childhood, with help from family members.

Replica of Eddie Rickenbaker's Childhood Home (photo credit)

 A rainy day doesn't have to to be a bust or a day shut inside. I love being outside but the rain gave me a reason to check out another great museum that I almost postponed visiting. The Motts Military Museum has something for everyone. If you aren't into military memorabilia or history, there are presidential items, uniforms that both men and women wore during those historic times and machines you barely ever see close up. Check it out this summer or when you get the chance!

 Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

Whistles, Popcorn & Ice Cream

During the summer, finding things to do during the week can sometimes be tricky. The weekends are much easier with festivals, fairs and interesting events. After the normal places like parks, museums and libraries have been exhausted, what is left? Well, Ohio has many amazing businesses with interesting stories and accolades. Some of these businesses offer factory tours or history tours with delicious treats or cool souvenirs at the end.

Last year my nephew and I enjoyed the Anthony Thomas Factory tour. It was quick, informative and cheap. We were given a free chocolate Buckeye at the end and the modestly priced tickets doubled as vouchers that could be applied toward goodies to take home. Of course we took full advantage.

This year my goal was to make this summer with my nephew mostly about new experiences. So the last two weeks we started our adventures touring a few Ohio businesses that we had not before. The thing is, of three businesses visited, we only got one real tour. Here is the breakdown of our experiences.

The American Whistle Corporation

I can't say that this is the most exciting tour unless you have some kind of affinity for whistles but this is an important company not just to Ohio but to the United States. The company is the ONLY company in the United States that produces metal whistles. The competition is all overseas. They create whistles for the Columbus Police department, and bigger police departments like NYPD. They are even responsible for the whistles used in the Super Bowl. 

For $4 you are walked through the process of creating a whistle. The tour guide takes you from machine to machine, explaining how the machine works and holding up the product for each part of the process. If it's hot outside, expect it to be pretty hot in the factory as well. They also have a rule of no photography in the factory. At the end of the tour you are given a company whistle. At the giftshop you can buy accessories like lanyards or the gold whistle like the ones Super Bowl officials and referees receive as gifts.

Al's Delicious Popcorn 

Founded by a man named Al who has since passed away. Family friends took over the brand and have been running the business and developing new flavors ever since. 

At Al's, the tour is more like watching a video, then tasting a bunch of their 60+
popcorn flavors. You don't get to go behind the scenes; they show you the process and go over some of the company history through the video. We stopped being terribly disappointed after we started tasting popcorn. The guide selected several flavors for the group to taste and then allowed us to pick extra flavors to try. There didn't seem to be a cut off. We probably could have tasted everything if we wanted to. Flavors we tasted included, Bubble Gum, Root beer, Jellybean, Pizza, Mango and Columbus Mix (a mix of vanilla butternut and white cheddar). They offer small $1.25 and $1.50 bags if you want to continue your tasting at home. Which we did. Our favorites were kosher dill and butter pecan.

Graeter's Ice Cream 

The Graeter's have been making ice cream
 since 1868. The fourth generation is still very much involved in the business. They pride themselves with producing the ice cream as they did in the beginning, in a French pot. This process produces a denser ice cream whereas newer ways to produce ice cream allows more air in the cream.

If you have the 15 person minimum that gets you a personal tour guide, this guided tour is probably worth checking out. Otherwise, going to this location when you have a Graeter's up the street from you is kind of a waste in my opinion. The production has been shipped off to Cincinnati so the tour doesn't include getting to see anything being produced. It is just a hallway where a video can be viewed, you can read historical facts, view production photos and get a close up of old equipment. It's kind of cool if you are in the area but I can't say it's destination worthy. My nephew and I stopped in after our tour at Al's Delicious Popcorn. I would recommend visiting them both while in the area. Who can't appreciate popcorn and ice cream in the same day?

If you are interested in these tours and need more information, clink on the business name links.

Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris, 

Short North For Kids (Kiddie Crawl)

The Short North is my favorite place in Columbus. It has been since I was a young adult. Now it is one of my nephew's favorite places.  I love it because it is full of art and note worthy restaurants. Art is found in the galleries, on the walls of buildings, the way the retail stores dress the windows and the food. The food is art in it's presentation and in the efforts to create the flavors. My nephew could care less about most of these things. Yes, he has been trained to appreciate a little art and he loves food almost as much as I do but what drives him to want to visit is so much simpler. It's all about the treats that the area has to offer and they aren't all sugary, just most of them.

I have created a list of kid worthy stops for the kids or the kid in you. To my surprise as I walked through the neighborhood Saturday, after my Friday outing with my nephew; I ran into an old friend who follows me on social media. She was with her family retracing some of our steps. It confirmed I was on to something.  Check out my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl'.

Stop 1: The North Market
(Taste your way around the market!)
59 Spruce Street

Starting at the North Market is great because this is where you can have a hearty meal and there are so many options that you can't go wrong. Plus, you can taste your way through the market. Most places offer samples, some are readily available and some you may have to ask for but just about everyone offers them. Kids can taste as much as they'd like and after all the ethnic options, if they still want a hotdog or a slice of pizza; they can get that at a reasonable price. No wasting to worry about! Last Friday, we had Hot Chicken Takeover for our meal. It was quite a wait but worth it because it was a hit with both me and my nephew.




Stop 2: A Gal Named Cinda Lou
 (Say hello to Henry!)
647 N. High Street 

photo credit

You are probably wondering why I am sending kids to a vintage store. Well, you can find some vintage toys and collectables like Garbage Pail Kids, Chinese Finger Traps and Ball Puzzle Games from the 60s. The real reason we like to visit though, is Henry the Boston Terrier. Henry is a  friendly and patient dog. He is great around kids. My nephew is always excited to see him. While the kids visit with Henry, adults can have a look around and talk to Julia, the shop owner.


Stop 3: Big Fun
(Play with toys!)
672 N. High Street

Big Fun offers toys most of us played with as children. A lot of toys once deemed vintage are being reproduced today and Big Fun has both the old and some of the new. Bonding over toys of the past can be really exciting to the little munchkins in our lives. While we are reminiscing, they are seeing something new and shiny.  My nephew particularly loves the comic book section and together we stand staring at the trick toy wall, gathering up whoppie cushions, fake cigarettes and things likes shock pens. There is also a great selection of candy but save your candy cravings for the last stop!

Stop 4: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
(Grab a Cone!)
724 N. High Street 

I know you left Jeni's at the North Market but if you are like us,  you may need some time to digest your meal and tastings. Now after spending time playing with the dog and toys; ice cream sounds really good. Jeni's isn't just ice cream, it's a culinary experience that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone, you just have to do your research. By research I mean taste every flavor if you haven't before! Then select your favorite two to indulge in. My new favorite is Sun-Popped Corn but Salty Caramel is an oldie but goodie. If it's not too crowded, sit inside and enjoy or start slowly toward your next and final destination.

Stop 5 & Final Stop: Rocket Fizz
(Get some sugar to go!)
944 N. High Street 

The last stop may be the best stop! Who doesn't love candy and soda. At Rocket Fizz you will find just about any candy you may be craving and sodas come in very interesting flavors. Some soda flavors are even a little scary but for the dare devil, Ranch flavored soda may be a welcomed challenge. There are regular sodas as well, some that have been around a while like Frosty's. During our visit we were feeling a little courageous. We took home a few interesting flavors like Buffalo Wing Soda, Martian Poop Soda, Chocolate Peanut Butter Soda and Red Velvet Cupcake Cookie Dough Bites Soda for a soda tasting. The candies offered are also quite the variety, they offer some items created for other countries such as green tea Kit Kats. You can also find favorites like Now & Laters, chocolate bars and all the normal stuff.

Make a budget for the day or you can splurge if you want.  We spent the most money at lunch at the North Market at $10 each and at Rocket Fizz buying candy and soda at around $20. After toys and ice cream, our day was around $50 but it could certainly be done for less. You can try my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl' or you can also create your own crawl, catering to your child's personality. This is just one suggestion to help you get through a long summer season . Have fun! Be creative!

Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

Yay! Ohio Wine Month 2015

Monday marked the first day of Ohio Wine Month and I am super ecstatic about it! I am a a die hard oenophile (lover of wine or wine connoisseur), so I thought the first post of the month should be all about wine. This is only the third official celebration of Ohio Wines since the month of June was declared Ohio Wine month in 2012.  Every year the celebrations grow larger. Wineries all over Ohio plan special activities and events in celebration of Ohio Wines. I have done some research and wanted to share with you a few ways you can celebrate.

Wines in my collection from some of my favorite Ohio wineries.

THE AMAZING RACES

(For the Dedicated Oenophile!!!)

Photo Credit

For those of you like me, there are two 'Winery Races' going on in Ohio. There could be more but these are the two I know about. This will take a few days or weekends, lots of dedicated winery hopping and definitely some wine tasting,(wink,wink).  Central Ohio Wine Region has 'The Amazing Winery Race' which started the first of May and ends June 30th. Get your Official 2015 Race Card and when you visit 12 wineries listed on the card and follow the instructions, you can turn in your card to receive a wine glass etched with their logo. In Northwest Ohio there is 'The Amazing Grape Race'. Once you get your card signed by all the participating wineries, you will receive a complimentary gift and a chance to win additional prizes. The cards are available at the participating wineries. Even if the prizes aren't very exciting to you, you will enjoy just drinking the wine.

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

WINE FESTIVALS

(For the Weekend Wino!!!)

 

Valley Vineyard's Wine & Beer Festival

This weekend! Friday June 5th- Saturday June 6th

Get a taste of Warren County when you join the Valley Vineyard's family for their 45th Anniversary. Enjoy cookout food and beer and wine from local producers.

Wine, Jazz & Art Fest

Saturday June 20th

Sample wine from over a half dozen wineries at once. Grab a blanket and listen to some live jazz and enjoy festival food and work by regional artists. The festival will be on the land across from the Old Firehouse Winery.

Fayette County's Toast to Summer Wine & Arts Fest

Saturday June 27th

Enjoy a day of art and wine at the Toast to Summer in Washington Court House, Ohio. Taste wines from eight Ohio wineries and indulge in food from four local restaurants. Art will be displayed for purchase. There will be live entertainment all day and after 7, take a hot air balloon ride or watch the glow of the balloons from below.

One Last Thing!!!

If you have gotten this far, you must really love wine. I wanted to share one of my favorite phone apps with you, if you haven't discovered it already. I love to have ways to keep track of my wine accomplishments and the wines that I enjoy after tastings, so that I can reference them later. The Winery Passport App is free. It allows you to find wineries all over the U.S and Canada. You can stamp your passport, rate the wines and record details. Check it out at the website or app store.

The Winery Passport App menu on my phone.

I plan to celebrate Ohio Wine Month all month long! Feel free to celebrate with me! Check out the many winery events offered this month at the Ohio Wine Association site, or buy some Ohio wine and create your own event. Have a dinner party or cookout and encourage everyone to bring their favorite Ohio wine for tasting.  Either way you will be supporting local producers and businesses. That is just as important as the wine itself. 

Cheers!!!

Until next time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!

Kris,