Showing posts with label explore Ohio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label explore Ohio. Show all posts

Thursday, March 10, 2016

101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio (Part IV 31-40)

Thank you to those who have returned to check out the fourth part of my very long list of Ohio attractions, you can skip the next paragraph! For those who missed the first few parts of my list,you should read the next paragraph. It explains what this list is all about. Thank you, to you as well!

If you have been following me on instagram @krisofohio, you have seen my posts from the first day of spring last year. I posted over 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 two months of posts left to go. I have posted a good portion of my favorite places and things in Ohio and I will continue my list as I explore throughout the next few seasons. On this post you will find the fourth group of ten attractions from my list. Feel free to help me with suggestions to complete the list. 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. I have posted only places I have experienced and all photos are mine unless otherwise specified.

Happy Exploring!

Kris, 

31. The Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery

Below Heineman Winery,you will find a cave that houses the worlds largest geode. The Heineman family used the under ground discovery to stay a float when they could not sell wine during Prohibition. For a very reasonable fee, you can get a tour of both the cave and the winery. The fee also includes a cup of either wine or grape juice after the tours.





On June 10, the outdoor drama about the life of Tecumseh begins and shows continue until September 3. The drama is performed outside using the natural surrounding with real elements including a stream and live horses. Since the show is outside expect to see squirrels and birds in the scenes as well. You may also need to plan for some very real mosquitoes, unfortunately. Tours are given before the show and after the show you can meet the cast. If you get hungry, you can dine at the Terrace Buffet before the show or have snacks at the Snack Shack before the show and during intermission.



The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes is found in Marblehead, Ohio. It's been lighting the way since 1821. The light house is the most photographed landmark on Lake Erie. You can tour the lighthouse from the day after Memorial Day until the September 2. You can view South Bass island, Kelley's Island and Cedar Point from from the tower and the viewing scopes around the park. Take part in activities like fishing, picnicking or just walking the park. You can also explore the Marblehead Historical Society Museum on site.
  


The largest railroad museum in Ohio is found in Bellevue, Ohio.It opened in 1976 as a community bicentennial project in honor of Bellevue's  history in the railroad industry. Climb aboard and walk through the railcars and engines starting from from the 1800s. Displays include a former troop sleeper car from WWII, a dining car and a refrigeration storage car. The museum is open daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day.



Did you know that the oldest peanut butter company in the world is in Ohio? They have been whipping up nut butter since 1898. You can stop in for lunch any day of the week but Sunday, for a gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwich off their menu or create your own. They also serve milkshakes and sundaes. You can choose from several kinds of nut butters including cashew and almond. The butters are all natural with no additives or preservatives. Tours are offered to adult groups with a reservation.



We call Dayton, Ohio the Birthplace of Aviation, so it makes sense that it would be the host of one of the best air shows in the world. You can walk through aircraft, take helicopter rides and enjoy scheduled air performances like the Blue Angels. The show will take place in 2016 on June 18th through 19th.



Columbus has a huge art scene and in the past was voted in the 25 big cities for art by American Style Magazine. The Short North is the best places to experience Columbus art culture. The area is lined with galleries and on the first Saturday of each month, you will find performance artists on the streets performing. Visual and performing arts aren't all the area is known for though. Culinary is also a big deal in the Short North. The area is blessed with an abundance of restaurants with different cuisine and price points. They share one commonality, delicious beautiful food.



 You can find Warren Mott's collection of American War History in Groveport, Ohio. The museum covers all of the wars of America's past with artifacts and antiques from the time periods. They have one of the largest collections of Holocaust history and incredible items from 9/11 including a fire engine that was crushed by the second World Trade Center twin tower that belonged to Ladder 18 of the New York Fire Department. You can also walk through a replica of Eddie Rickenbacker's childhood home.



Dublin, Ohio hosts the largest Irish Festival in the United States. It brings people from all over the U.S and other parts of the world. Musicians come from Dublin, Ireland to perform at the festival. The festival includes Irish fare and vendors selling Celtic art, leather goods and clothing. There is plenty of beer drinking happening as well. This year's festival takes place August 5-7th.
 


The Loveland Castle aka Castle Laroche, was the home of Harry Andrews, who built the castle with his own hands stone by stone. He worked on the castle with a group of young men called the Knights Of The Golden Trail. They are the same men who Andrews left the castle to after he died. The castle is located in Loveland, Ohio, not far from the Cincinnati.




Look for my next ten cool Ohio features, coming soon. Thank you again for checking out my list! Follow me on instagram to get daily Ohio posts about restaurants, wineries and breweries. You can also get the next features from my list before I post them to the blog. Look for me @krisofohio  or search the hashtag #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio.

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous! 
Kris,

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Hello 2016


 
It is still January, so I hope it doesn't sound too funny telling you, Happy New Year! Last month and part of this month, I struggled a little with illness but I am much better now. My energy has finally returned and I feel so blessed to feel normal again. I appreciate every day that I wake up feeling well and comfortable. 

Since it is a new year, I am making new plans for the blog. A friend of mine suggested that I make my blog strictly about food since I love food so much. I don't have any plans to do that since I started  this blog to talk about all the things I love like: Ohio travel, art and exploring unique experiences. However, I do want to start highlighting more of my food adventures. This year I am introducing a new series called Tasty Travels. It will feature restaurants and other types of food establishments all over Ohio that are worth a road trip. At the end of the year I introduced a series called Made In Ohio. It is a series that features things that are produced in the Buckeye State. I plan to incorporate more of that series this year as well. I will continue my list of 101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio. I will continue to share the castles, wineries and natural wonders in my home state. Ohio will not be the only place I discuss this year, I am currently working on some travel plans. I will share as my plans progress.

If you have any suggestions, I will happily address what ever topics you have in mind.  I get messages on social media all the time asking me about events, where to eat or places to visit. I want to continue to be that person that has at least some of those answers for you. I will try my best to give you something cool, new or exciting weekly. I will try not to let you down. Again, Happy New Year! I hope the first month of this year has already brought you joy!

Kris,


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

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!!!)
 
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.


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.


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,