My Holiday Wish List (Foodie Gifts)

Happy Holidays to you all! It has been a month since I posted here, so I thought I'd share with you my holiday wish list. The items I am sharing are things that I absolutely love and wouldn't mind getting as gifts this year. I am in no way affiliated with these brands, nor am I being compensated for the items I selected. If you read my blog often, some of these brands will be familiar to you because I have written about them in previous posts.  I love food!  I also love to celebrate the businesses in my city and state. All of these items represent foods, drinks and businesses from the Buckeye State.  If you are looking to buy gifts for me, yourself or the foodies in your life, all of the links are attached to the brand names.

5. Al's Delicious Popcorn

I tried Al's Delicious Popcorn over the summer while exploring the city with my nephew and fell in love with the Dill Pickle popcorn. I have been craving the flavor ever since. Pretty please someone slip a gallon bag under my tree! (mouth waters) You can find some of Al's Delicious Popcorn at Celebrate Local, but to see everything that Al's has to offer you have to go to their shop at
1500 Bethel Road.

 

photo credit

4. Tommy's Old Fashion Jerkey

I came across this brand watching a local television show a couple months ago and decided to check this place out. I have been sending people there for jerky and smokies ever since. I am not a huge jerky fan, but I love their  Sweet & Sassy Smokies. They are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. I went through an entire bag in two days the first time I bought some. You can order the jerky online or visit the Grove City location at 3461 Broadway.

 

3. Ohio Amish Country Wine

  

 I discovered two of my favorite wines in Dover, Ohio at two different wineries. The two wineries also happen to be across the street from each other. Though I love all kinds of wine, full bodied to sweet, reds and whites; these two wines are the traditional sweet Ohio wines you would expect. I am thirsty just thinking about them!

Breitenbach Winery

I have sworn by Breitenbach Winery's Dandelion Wine since I first tasted it about four years ago. It is a delicious white dessert wine made from Dandelion blossoms. It can only be purchased at the winery or online.

photo credit

Swiss Heritage Winery

I tried this wine a year ago while on a Christmas cookie tour in Amish Country. As many times as I had been to the winery directly across from Swiss Heritage, I never thought to stop in Swiss Heritage Winery until last year. I am glad I did because I discovered their Doggone Good Sweet Red wine. I am always looking for a good sweet red and this one is in my top three. It is a blend of Concord and Chamberson grapes.

photo credit

2. Marie's Candies

  

Every time I visit West Liberty, Ohio, I pay a visit to Marie's Candies. While everything I have

 tasted from there has been phenomenal,  my favorite Marie's treats

 are the dark chocolate potato chips. I have even gotten my mother hooked on them. I had them sent  to her this year for her birthday. This is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and the chips can be purchased in milk or dark chocolate. You can order the chocolate covered chips online or visit the West Liberty store at 311 Zanesfield Rd. (also US St. Rt. 68).

 

photo credit

1. Columbus Food Adventures

I feel like I write something about Columbus Food Adventures every other month. Well, it is because I love love love, this food tour company. The number one thing I would love under my tree or in my stocking is a gift certificate for a food tour with CFA. There are 11 tours to choose from and there are five that I have not done yet. My favorites tours of the six I have taken are: the Taco Truck and the Dessert tours. I would certainly love to check out the Brunch Tour or the Grandview Walking Tour in the near future.  Gift certificates can be purchased for any of the 11 tours or you can let the one you are shopping for decide by purchasing general gift certificates in increments options of one (The Wildcard), three (The Wanderer) or five (The Grand Tourist). You will find these great gift options on the website.

 

I hope this is helpful to someone out there struggling to find special gifts for people who love food and wine. Family and friends, this is really my personal wish list as well. LOL! 

Happy Holidays!

Kristin, 

Another Year, Another Chance

 

Friday I celebrated my 34th birthday. Like most people I used the day for reflection and an excuse to overeat and  party with friends. Well, really that was my weekend. I didn't do any crazy partying but I drank and ate like a queen per my girlfriend Gayima's suggestion. I smiled a lot, I counted my blessings and I took note of those who were around for my day and weekend. 

I remember the things I cared about in my twenties. I loved to go to the club and sometimes I drank until I was sick. I planned my outfits days, sometimes weeks, in advance and I went to all of the big parties. Now, in my mid-thirties I love a low key situation. Partying to me means visiting a winery, brewery or having dinner and being loud with friends. In my thirties I have started traditions like taking a food tour on or around my birthday. This was the fourth birthday that I've taken a food tour with Columbus Food Adventures. Food tours have become one of my favorite activities. I wish twenty year old me discovered food tours long ago. I wish twenty year old me discovered many things before now. I wish I discovered travel so that I would not feel like I was playing catch up now. There are many things I would do differently knowing the things I know now.

 There are also just as many things that I am glad I did. I am glad I went off to Los Angles after high school to go to FIDM even if I only stayed a year.  I can say I lived on the West Coast. I was on the show Change of Heart, where I fell in love with Venice Beach and Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. I got my first and only tattoo on that date at a parlor on Venice Beach. I saw a lot of movies before they came out those days participating in test audiences. I shopped Rodeo Drive and Melrose Ave. I met amazing people and some that I wanted to strangle. 

I am glad I took a year off then transferred to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Everything happens for a reason because I got to spend time with my dad before his untimely death. We went to concerts together, traveled and had arguments. I feel blessed to have been able to argue with my dad just as much as the fun. I would trade so many things to have an  argument with my dad again. 

I am glad that in my late twenties and early thirties, I really started to explore Ohio. My local travels have really opened my eyes to the world. Local travel has created a thirst in me to explore the world. So my hopes are to make that happen while in my thirties. As long as I have another day, week or year, I plan to live my life exploring, learning and sharing. Each day or year is another chance to do something inspiring. Each minute, day or year I am blessed with another chance to work on being happy.

Grateful & Blessed

Kris,

Photos from my weekend

For more photos find me on instagram @krisofohio!

101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio (Part I 1-10)

If you have been following me on instagram @krisofohio, you have seen my daily posts since the first day of spring. I have posted a month's worth of cool places and things in Ohio using #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio. These posts have included Ohio attractions that have made World and National best lists, places off the beaten path and exceptional Ohio brands. I have 71 days of posts left to go. This is where I plan to slow it down. I have posted a good portion of my favorite places and things in Ohio, but now I need to do some more exploring. On this post you will find the first ten attractions from my list and I will be updating it throughout the rest of the year. I am asking that you help me with suggestions to complete the list. Feel free to leave your favorite Ohio attractions in my comments and they may just make my list. To the Ohio tourist, whether you are visiting from out of state or a resident exploring your home state,  there is so much to do in Ohio. Use my list to start your Ohio adventure. My list includes only places I have experienced. All photos on this post are my own.

Happy Exploring!

Kris, 

1. The National Museum of the U.S. Airforce
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
 937.255.3286


This is a great place to learn about aviation history! Over 300 planes! The museum includes exhibits for World War II,the Korean War and a Presidential Gallery. Free Admission! 

2. The Golden Lamb
27 S. Broadway
Lebanon, Ohio 45036
513.932.5065 

Operating since 1803, this is the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio. The Golden Lamb is a hotel and restaurant that has been a stop for many well known people including twelve United States presidents such as both Harrisons, John Quincy Adams, Grant, Garfield, Regan and George W. Bush. Other famous guests included literary greats Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. Stop in for a fabulous brunch or stay the night in a room where a president once rested. The place is pretty much a functioning museum, so take a look around. The rooms that aren't occupied are open for viewing.

3. Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, Ohio 43138

This is no doubt one of the most beautiful places to hike in the U.S. Some people believe it should be added to the Wonders of the World. The park is filled with caves, gorges and waterfalls. There is no shortage of recreational activities to try.If you want to do more than hike, you can participate in ziplining, canoeing, horse back riding and so much more. Stay the night in a cabin, lodge, B&B or camp out on the grounds in the area.

4. The Longaberger Company

Longaberger Home Office
1500 E. Main Street
Newark, Ohio 43055
740.322.5000 
&
 Longaberger Homestead
5563 Raiders Road
Frazeysburg, OH 43822
740.322.5588

Most people have no idea that The Longaberger Company is located in Central Ohio. The Corporate Office building is a giant version of their classic basket located in Newark, Ohio. They welcome visitors inside the building to look around. Less than twenty minutes away, is the Longaberger Homestead. The Homestead is a great place to find deals on merchandise. You can also create your own basket, eat at one of three restaurants and explore the beautiful grounds.

5.Piatt Castles

Mac-O-Chee
2319 State Route 287. 
West Liberty, OH 43357

Mac-O-Cheek
  10051 Township Road 47,
 West Liberty, OH 43357 

These two castles were built by brothers Donn and Abram for their families in the 1800s. The second castle built was Mac-O-Cheek; it was lived in as late as the 1980s. Both castles are beautiful and filled with cool antiques. The history of this family is interesting. You can find their story throughout the homes with descriptions and photos. See my 'West Liberty Travel Guide' for details and tips for this attraction.

6.Ohio Caverns
2210 East State Route 245 
West Liberty, Ohio 43357 
937.465.4017

Under a thirty-five acre park is the largest stretch of caverns in Ohio. There are two miles of passageways. The oldest crystal is 250,000 years old. The caverns also house one of the largest stalactites in any cave. For more details and tips about this attraction, check out my previous post 'West Liberty Travel Guide'.

7. Ohio Amish Country
Holmes,Tuscarawas & Wayne Counties 

Of all fifty states, Ohio has the largest community of Amish residents. When you visit the area, you are stepping into a different way of living. Experience the culture through their food at their restaurants, cheese houses and bakeries. For couples their are plenty of B&Bs and wineries in the area. For families there are petting zoos, horse and buggy rides and Amish farms where you can spend the entire day learning about the culture with Amish families. For a few of my favorite places check out 'Home of the Original Green Lifestyle'.

8. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45203
800.733.2077 

The Art Deco train station houses three museums: The Cincinnati History Museum, The Ohio Museum of Natural History and The Duke Energy Children's Museum. There is an Omnimax theater that has three movie options playing daily. There are also free guided tours of the Union Terminal.

9. Early Television Museum 
 5396 Franklin Street
 Hilliard, OH 43026  
614.771.0510

The museum was founded by Steve McVoy, whose interest in televisions started when he worked at a television repair shop as a teen. Later in his life he began collecting early television receivers. As a result of a lack of storage for his collection, the museum was founded. The museum covers television from the 1920s through the first color television of the 1950s. 

10. Columbus Food Adventures

There are food tours all over the United States but I have yet to come across a company that offers as many options as Columbus Food Adventures(CFA). Part of it has to do with the culinary diversity of Columbus and part of it is the creative thinking of Bethia Woolf.  They offer eleven different tours and a sister company that offers brew tours. Take your pick of  tours in trendy areas like: Short North, Grandview and German Village. There are also specialty tours for people who love dessert, coffee, breakfast, brunch or meat.

Thank you for checking out my first 10 places of my list! To see more of my list and get daily updates, follow me on instagram @krisofohio . You can also stay tuned for part two of my list here on the blog.

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

Count Down to BDay 2014

Every year I get to see a Birthday is a blessing,I embrace getting older. I believe it is a gift and a privilege. We don't all get the same amount of time and the next day is never promised. With that said, I choose to treat each Birthday as a holiday. The main day is the most important but I plan small celebrations or activities throughout the month. My birthday is October 30th and I will be thirty-three this year. This Thursday I am not certain what I will be doing but if I wake up that morning I will be grateful. If I am blessed to see the weekend, I will continue the celebration. For now, I want to share with you some of the things I have been up to this month as part of my celebration.


Hakuna Matata

I have wanted to see The Lion King on Broadway for as long as it has existed. People who'd seen it before me told me about the beautiful costumes and how I would really love and appreciate it because I am an artist and designer. When I heard it was coming to Columbus, I knew I had to go see it. I told my mom that I wanted tickets for my birthday and the rest is history. I saw the show two weeks ago with my nephew. I was overwhelmed by the presentation. It was so intense and visually stunning. It was far more than I anticipated even after the feedback I got from those who attended previously. I was overwhelmed by the colorful cast and the positive homage to the continent in which the story takes place, Africa. I also really appreciated how the production managed to use so much of the beautiful and historic Ohio Theatre. There were characters in the balconies and walking down the aisles. I am a fan!! I will see it again in the future.The production leaves Columbus November 9th. There are still tickets left for the Columbus presentations. If you can't make it before then, they return to Ohio next year on March 31, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. For the rest of the tour stops visit The Lion King website.

Breakfast With Nick

Saturday morning I spent 3.5 hours with Dr.Breakfast. Nick Dekker is a Columbus, Ohio blogger and author of both the blog and book titled 'Breakfast with Nick'. I have been following his blog for some time now and recently purchased his book after first checking it out at the library. So when I learned that Dr. Breakfast and Columbus Food Adventures were teaming up for a Breakfast Tour, I was elated. The first tour was October 18th and filled up faster than I could get signed up. CFA has a passport program that rewards loyal customers with a free tour after collecting four stamps from purchased tours.I got my passports mailed out in time to be the last participant on the second tour. By then, the kinks had been worked out and I am sure the pressure was greatly reduced for Nick. He was very informative and by far the friendliest guide I have had during a CFA tour. Obviously, they are all friendly, after all, this was my fifth tour.

I have done a tour at the end of October for the last three years. Last year I did two. I have done the German Village and Short North walking tours, the Dessert Tour and the Taco Truck tour but this was by far my favorite tour. There is something very special about getting a tour of great breakfast spots by Dr. Breakfast himself. I admit, I am a fan. The tour gives his readers the opportunity to actually break bread with the man himself. He is easy going and makes it very comfortable to ask questions. He comes across believable and trustworthy. His choices in stops were brilliant, offering variety and food selections that were rare and special. For the brunch lovers, we got to indulge in two small plates; a chicken and waffle along with a mini pancake with maple pulled pork. At the same spot we also got a small Bloody Mary that we whipped up ourselves from the Bloody Mary bar. Ethyl and Tank, the brunch spot was the only place I had not been. Some of the other stops included Buckeye Donuts where we got to sample various donuts and listened to owner Jimmy's stories of famous patrons such as music legend, The Ol'So Fabulous Prince. Other offerings from the five tour stops were a 'Buckeye Pancake', a pancake with chocolate and peanut butter, a gravy covered piece of work called a 'Gut Buster', a Latin dish with chorizo and tortillas and a  'Doughssant'. The Doughssant, also known to some as the Cronut has been offered through the Auddino family in Columbus/Hillard for twenty years. You can find the 'Doughssant' at Auddino's Bakery & Cafe. I left the tour feeling full but not uncomfortable. I had to follow the tour with a long walk through the Short North.

The Zombie Escape

Occasionally I come across an activity in the city that blows my mind. I was browsing Experience Columbus when I found Room Escape Adventures and the 'Trapped in a Room with a Zombie' show. Lately all we have heard from doctors is how we need to pay more attention to our brain. It has been suggested to maintain a healthy brain and memory that our brain needs exercise.  This show is definitely a good way to do that. You are locked in a room for an hour with a zombie chained to a piece of furniture. You are forced to think through riddles and look for clues all while the zombie is trying to get you. The chain is released a foot every five minutes, so the zombie is getting closer and closer to you as time goes on. Teamwork is very necessary whether you know the people you are working with or not. Of all the cities where this company operates the show which includes big cities like: Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, only 32% of the groups participating have won. Luckily we were among that percentile, escaping with just under two minutes left of the hour. 

I found the show to be amusing and challenging. I was able to offer some assistance during the game but found myself stuck many times. At the end the host will answer any questions you have and give you a run down of the highlights of your game. He announces a MVP and the people who helped the game along. I was happy to hear my name in the credits even though I knew what I'd done. Everyone loves a pat on the back.  This was something unique and interesting to do. They have been doing this show since February of this year but if you are looking for something fun to do for Halloween, there are still tickets left. However, there is no rush, you can also schedule for a show up until December. Should you go, look for my group photo. If you beat the game, you are added to the 'Wall of Fame'.

image courtesy of savvycities.com

The older I get, the less I want things. I have come to value experiences more. This year I have made sure to do things that I have always wanted to do and expose myself to a plethora of new experiences. That is what this blog is supposed to be about. I hope that you have enjoyed my entries so far this year. I have been inspired by so many people in my life, I hope that I have projected that same inspiration onto you as well. 

I would love to know!
What do you do special for your birthday? 
Or
What are your birthday plans for your next birthday?

Until Next Time,
Be Blessed! Be Free!BE Adventurous!
Kris, 

My Cure To Boredom List From the Rearview (Spring/Summer 2014)

Spring/Summer 2014

In The Rearview

In the beginning of the season I created an 'adventure to do list'. It is a way to get me to focus and plan things that will keep me from ever feeling like I am bored. It also holds me accountable for my own personal growth and happiness by planning intentional activities. It was something that I learned a while ago without realizing what it was exactly. I just recently read something about this in a blog my partner Christina did. Then I saw a documentary called 'Happy' that talked about intentional activities on WOSU TV. It made me proud to know I have been on the right track for some time now. The last thing I knew I would be doing was posting an update of what I actually got accomplished on my list. Again, accountability! So here goes a recap of  what I got to experience. I left the ones I did not accomplish in red and will update them in this post in the future. Seven out of ten is still pretty good.

1.  Go Canoeing (In spite of me not knowing how to swim.)

This was the first thing I knew I needed to do. For two years I have been saying I would go canoeing and before I knew it, it was winter and I'd missed my opportunity. So I made sure to include the activity on my list. It was also something that was a little scary to me and I believe in doing the things that scare you. I was a little nervous the Sunday I decided to go canoeing. I strapped on my life jacket and once I got in the canoe, I had a blast. I am not great at it, I ran into a few logs but at the end, I understood how to correct my mistakes and was steering the canoe. Check!

Me at Hocking Hills Adventures Canoe Livery

2.  Use my Picnic Basket 

I used my picnic basket once this season when I spent the day with my nephew at Slate Run Farm. I did not take any photos. I hope that I can use the basket at least once more before it gets cold and plenty more next summer.
 

3.  Go on the Short North Columbus Food Adventures Tour

My sister came on the dessert tour with me last year for my birthday and expressed interest in the Short North Tour. I decided to treat her to the Short North food tour in August for her birthday. The tour, which is generally on Saturdays was also offered Fridays this summer. We spent the Friday after her birthday restaurant hopping with the tour guide through the Short North which started at The North Market and ended at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. I love these tours because it gives you an opportunity to check out restaurants without investing a lot of money on a meal you may not enjoy; though I have never had that problem with the Short North or Columbus Food Adventures. Now that I have crossed this tour off my to do list, they just added two more tours I have to checkout, the Grandview Tour and the Breakfast Tour.

Columbus Food Adventures Short North Tour

4.  Take a ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta

I will add it to my list next year.

5.  Visit downtown Yellow Springs
  
I'd visited Yellow Springs a few times to go to Young's Jersey Dairy and that was the only place I'd seen in the city. I decided I would make an effort to visit the downtown area after hearing so many good things about it. I enjoyed all of the public art and the little shops. There trees are decorated and you will see a few barefoot people if the weather is nice. The smell of frankincense and marijuana is also very prevalent through the streets. Well, at least it was the day I was there.

Colorful Yellow Springs

6.  See Beyoncé & Jay Z on their On the Run Tour  Cincinatti 6/28

Like many other people, I was at the baseball stadium in Cincinnati rocking to Bey and Jay on June 28th. My long time friend and I drove to Cincy for an overnight to have an epic experience. This was one of the best concerts I have seen and I would have gone to another city to see it again if I had the time. Loved it! Check!

Me at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati

7.  Take a nature walk at least once a month in Ohio's many parks

I wanted to make this a goal so that I would be more active. While I did not complete the goal, I did try very hard. I started strong in May with two nature walks. I did a nature walk in June, July and August. September I did nothing. I could have checked it off but I won't lie to myself. While I was on my best behavior, I took some photos I love. I will share them even if I did not satisfy the goal.

8.  Taste Durian (a fruit from Thailand)

9.  Check five restaurants off my 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio' book

I was really excited about this book when I got it. I love to travel and I love to eat. The book is a great way to do both. When I got the book, I'd already visited 7  restaurants featured. I checked out two restaurants over the winter. As spring started to approach, I made it my mission to check out five more before fall.  I did complete the goal and that brought me to two cities I'd never been to. The goal also brought me back to check out a few restaurants in cities I have frequented but not had the chance to dine until recently.  My favorite meals were at the Old Canal Smoke House and Dock's Beach House, so you will find them among the three food photos I posted.  Don't be surprised  to see this in my next couple lists in the future.

1. The Golden Jersey Inn (Yellow Springs)

2. The Warehouse Steak n' Stein (Coshocton) 

3. Old Canal Smoke House (Chillicothe)

4. Dock's Beach House (Port Clinton)

5. The Longaberger Homestead Restaurant (Frazeysburg)

Dock's Beach House

Old Canal Smoke House BBQ Meal, The Golden Jersey Inn & Mahi Mahi at the Dock's Beach House

The Warehouse Steak n' Stein

10. Go to a Columbus Clippers Game

Huntington Park has been opened a while now and every year since, I have been saying I will go to a game. Finally I made it there. It almost did not happen.  That day it seemed as if the clouds would open and drench us. My hair was frizzing up from the moisture in the air. It was date night , so we said what the heck. While standing in line we were given free tickets from two women who got them free from work. It was meant to be. I had a great time, great hotdog and the weather held up.  I look forward to going to more games next season.

Huntington Park Baseball Stadium

It is a new season so I am creating my list for Fall/Winter 2014-2015. The lists make a big difference in helping me do the things I really want to do. I doubt I would have done what I did this summer without my spring/summer list.  If there are things that you have been wanting to do for a while now, you should create your own list. It can be a seasonal list, monthly list or a list for the year.  Let me know what you think I should add to my winter list. I would also love to hear what you have on your list.

Until Next Time!

Be Blessed! Be Free! Be Adventurous!
Kris,