101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio (Part II 11-20)

Thank you to those who have returned to check out the second part of my very long list of Ohio attractions, you can skip the next paragraph! For those who missed the first part 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 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 second group of ten attractions from my list and I will be adding to my list throughout the rest of the year. 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, 

11. Room Escape Adventures/Trapped in a Room with a Zombie

 Columbus Idea Foundry
421 W. State Street
Columbus, OH 43215

 The company is based here in Ohio but have managed to provide escape adventures to many cities in the U.S and even a few cities abroad. This tells me, that people are excited about alternative options for entertainment. Something creative! If you want a different kind of date, special occasion activity or team building exercise; allow yourself to be locked in a room with a zombie that is chained to a wall with an hour to escape. Every five minutes the zombie's chain is released a foot until he or she is able to reach you in the last moments of that hour. That is, only if you aren't able to escape before then. Are you smarter than a zombie? Check out this show to see!

 

photo from room escape adventures site

  
12. Merry Go Round Museum 

301 Jackson Street

Sandusky,Ohio 44870

419.626.6111 

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, this is one of the most beautiful museums in Ohio! Inside a former post office, built in the 1920s, you will find a collection of carousel animals including pieces from Cedar Point's past. The museum also has a collection of items that belonged to renowned carousel artist, Gustav Dentzel.The museum featured four carousal deer in the White House during the holidays, last year. A carousel ride is included with your ticket.

13. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni's ice cream isn't just a treat, it is just a part of the daily lives of Columbus folk. Her stores are everywhere and when you think about ice cream, that is the place you go. Lines are around the corner all year long because she provides a culinary experience. The flavor combinations are interesting and unique and the Food Network's show 'The Best Thing I Ever Ate' agrees. This is not only one of the best ice cream spots in Ohio, it is possibly one of the best in the United States. She has stores in seven cities in six states.

14. The Warren G. Harding Home & Memorial

The Harding Home
380 Mt. Vernon Ave
Marion, Ohio 43302
740.387.9630
800.600.6894

The Harding Memorial
Delaware Ave 

The home and memorial of the 29th President of the United States is in Marion, Ohio. The home contains 5,000 original items used by the Harding family, including 300 items from the White House. The memorial is a Greek Ionic colonnade made of marble. It is the largest memorial to a president outside of Washington DC. At night it glows.

  
15. Slate Run Historical Farm
1375 State Route 674 N.
Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110

The park is part of the Metro Parks system of Central Ohio. When you visit the park, you are stepping back into the 1880s. The staff dresses in period clothing and farm chores are done as they were during that period of life. The farm includes many of the normal farm animals such as horses, cows, hogs and turkeys. There is a Gothic Revival farmhouse from 1856 that was restored to fit the era. Sign up to participate in weekly programs on the farm to get the best experience. The programs offer a hands on experience as a farmer for a day: feeding the animals, herding the sheep and whatever else needs to be done on a particular day.
 

16. Glacial Grooves State Memorial
Kelley's Island

Located on the north side of Kelley's Island, is the largest accessible example of glacial grooves left in the world. It measures 400ft long by 35ft wide. The native limestone contains marine fossils, some of which are 400 million years old. If you visit Kelley's Island, take a golf cart or bicycle to check out the natural wonder.

17. Put In Bay
 South Bass Island

This tourist spot has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. In the 1800s it served as a base for Oliver Hazzard Perry. Besides it's ties to the War of 1812, it is also a cool place because of what it has to offer to all types of tourists. During the day, families can partake in activities like miniature golfing, butterfly watching or spelunking. At night PIB comes to life and the partying begins. People can bar hop at least a dozen bar including the Beer Barrel Saloon (the longest bar in the world). Take a short ferry ride and you are there!

18. Young's Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
937.325.0629 

This is one of my personal favorite ice cream destinations because the ice cream is made from a 15% butterfat mix. This is higher butterfat mixture than most use, so the product is richer in taste. It is made at the dairy farm in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The place offers two food option. The Dairy Store serves burgers and fried cheese curds or you can get country style dishes like buttermilk chicken and beef and noodles at The Golden Jersey Inn. This is a great place to spend the day with the family because there is plenty to do. You can utilize the batting cages, driving range and play miniature golf. There are also kiddie rides and a petting zoo where you can feed farm animals.

19. Wyandot Popcorn Museum
 169 E. Church St.
Marion, OH 43302 
740.387.4255

This museum is very unique because it is all about popcorn history.  At this museum you will find the largest collection of popcorn poppers and peanut roasters, specifically the largest collection of restored popcorn antiques. The museum is one of two popcorn museums in the world. It is located under a circus tent inside Marion's Heritage Hall. A free box of popcorn come with admission.
 

20. AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame
13515 Yarmouth Dr.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
614.856.2222

If you love motorcycles, this museum is all about motorcycle history. The exhibits include: bikes from the oldest U.S motorcycle brand (Indian Motorcycles), a section on Evil Knievel including a replica of his Harley Davidson and a police motorcycle from the movie Terminator 2. You can view the very first motorcycles built to recent electric models. There is a biker inspired art exhibit that ends early May. 

I have covered twenty places from my list. I will post the next ten tomorrow. If you are interested in checking out the rest of my list before then, follow me or visit my instagram page @krisofohio. You can also look up #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio in the instagram hashtag search.

Be blessed! Be free! Be Adventurous!
Kris,

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,

An Ohio Day Trip! West Liberty Travel Guide

When people say "there is nothing to do in Ohio," I am immediately annoyed. That translates to "I have not attempted to explore Ohio."  With it being officially spring, I started posting some of my favorite places in Ohio on instagram using '#101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio'. Follow me @krisofohio for those posts. I have been seeing a lot of Ohio tourism posts on my social media feeds lately. It is exciting that people are interested in traveling in their own back yards. Ohio is beautiful and if you live here, it is a good thing to know what it has to offer. A post about Ohio Castles that I saw last week gave me the idea for this post. It is a 2012 'Flash Back Road Trip' for me but it will be a great place for those who want to explore lesser known Ohio.

A DAY IN WEST LIBERTY

If you are wanting to explore Ohio, West Liberty is a great place to start. It is rich with interesting historical places. I have been a couple times in the last three years and I think I have created a great itinerary that would satisfy the history buffs, castle lovers, foodies and avid road trippers. There is really something everyone can appreciate.  It can all be done in a day depending on your starting point, how early you start and how committed you are to doing it. It is kind of a long day, but so worth it.

Tips before you start: Pack breakfast for the road or pick something up on the way.

 Stop 1: Ohio Caverns

2210 East State Route 245 West Liberty, Ohio 43357 

937.465.4017

Ohio Caverns taken by Kristin R 2012

9:30am-10:45am

 The Ohio Caverns open to the public at 9AM. So if you get there sometime within that first hour, you will have a great start on your day. You will need time to figure out what kind of tour you want to take. I really enjoyed the 'Natural Wonder Tour'. It is a guided 1 mile tour 100 feet underground, so sneakers are very necessary. I would also suggest a hoodie or some kind of rain jacket to protect yourself from dripping water. It is 54 degrees inside and with the moisture in the air it seems a little cooler. The caves house crystals as old as 250,000 years, so no touching is permitted. Touching the crystals leaves them discolored from the natural oils that we carry on our skin. The tour will take about an hour.

April 1 - October 31 (Summer Hours): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 1 - March 31 (Winter Hours): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

2015 Rates range from $12-$29 for adults 
 $9-$15 for children ages 5-12 

The Ohio Cavern's Entrance taken by Kristin R

Stop 2: Piatt Castles 
Mac-O-Chee
2319 State Route 287. West Liberty, OH 43357
937-465-2821 

Tips before you start: If you plan to see both castles; buy the combination castle ticket which allows you to visit both castles at a bundled discounted price.

Piatt Castles/ Mac-O-Chee Castle taken by Kristin R 2012

11:15-12:45

I suggest seeing Mac-O-Chee first because it is the oldest castle of the two. Seeing the castles in order gives you the Piatt's story in chronological order. The tour is self guided, so you have to read the information that is present and look at the photos. There are a couple of rooms where there are interactive activities. This takes some time depending on how fast or how much you chose to read.

Mac-O-Chee Piatt Castles Library taken by Kristin R 2012

Stop 3:Piatt Castles
Mac-O-Cheek 
   10051 Township Road 47, West Liberty, OH 43357

Piatt Castles Mac-O-Cheek Castle photo courtesy of yurko.net/blog

 1:00-1:45

 Mac-O-Cheek takes less time to walk through. The castle is smaller and less of the property is open to the public for touring. The inside seems more modern in comparison to Mac-O-Chee. The family lived in the castle as late as the 80's. The library is absolutely beautiful. It is my favorite area of the home. Don't forget to check out the small gift shop at the entrance. 

Library at Mac-O-Cheek Piatt Castles taken by Kristin R 2012

 

April 18 - May 24:  Weekends, 11am - 4pm

May 25 - September 7:  Daily, 11am - 5pm

September 12 - October 25:  Weekends, 11am - 4pm

Single Castle:

    Adult:  $15

    Youth (age 5-15):  $9

    Senior (age 65+) / AAA:  $13

Both Castles (Combination Ticket):

    Adult:  $25

    Youth (age 5-15):  $15

    Senior (age 65+) / AAA:  $20

 Stop 4:Liberty Gathering Place
111 N. Detroit St., West Liberty, OH

photo courtesy of Liberty Gathering Place Facebook page

 2:00-3:00

Enjoy a late lunch at Liberty Gathering Place. It is a country style restaurant with a menu covered with comfort foods like smoked pork chops, a pork tenderloin sandwich, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and cream pies. You know it's good when the locals are regulars. Those who love prime rib are in for a real treat. I have had a lot of prime rib and this place is in my top three in taste. I also fell in love with the beets at their salad bar. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious.  There is something on the menu for everyone. 

Prime Rib at Liberty Gathering Place taken by Kristin R 2014

Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 am to 7:30pm
Saturday 6:00am to 7:30pm
Sunday 8:00am to 2:30pm 


Stop 5: Marie's Candies, The Depot
 311 Zanesfield Rd. (also US St. Rt. 68)
West Liberty, Ohio 43357

 

photo courtesy of flicker.com

3:15-3:45

The last stop is a sweet one, literally. If you saved room for dessert, make sure to sample some of Marie's chocolates. Every time I have been there, they have had someone circulating samples through the store. You can also request samples of candy that you are interested in before you make a purchase. For most items there is a selection of dark, milk or white chocolate if you have a particular preference. My favorite treat from Marie's is the dark chocolate covered potato chips. Once you start tasting, you will not leave empty handed.


Hours: 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday

West Liberty is absolutely one of my favorite places in Ohio. Though you can see most of it in a day, the gems of this city make quite the impression. If you are traveling Ohio, make sure you add West Liberty to your to do list.

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

The Cure To Boredom Spring/Summer 2015

Adventure To Do List Spring/Summer 2015

It is the first day of  spring! It's time for a new adventure list for Spring/Summer. I must admit, I didn't do so well  on my fall/winter list. Of ten items on my list I only managed to check off two things. I was disappointed in myself but I realized it was much harder to get out in the cold weather. I will do better on this list and I will return to update my last two lists. I have every intention of crossing each of those items off. For those new to my blog; I decided to do a seasonal adventure list for every six months. The list is my cure to boredom. The list is compiled of things I want to experience this season and as I cross something off  I will share it with you. I will share information about the experience, my photos and my revelations as I did last Spring/Summer season. Unfortunately, I decided to skip doing an update for the last list since I did so poorly. However, I highlighted the things I did not complete in red and updated the items I was able to complete on the original post. I am feeling very positive about this new list though.  Here is my adventure list for Spring/Summer 2015. 

I took this photo during my visit to Longaberger Homestead last Summer.  The restaurants at the location are in 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio'.

My 'Adventure To Do List' is in no particular order. 

1.  Visit Canton, Ohio (completed 7/20/16)

2.  Go Camping

3.  Visit a new winery or brewery each month 

4.  Take a food tour out of town (completed 9/26/15)

5.  Learn to make sushi

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

( left over from last spring/summer list)

7.  Taste Durian ( left over from last spring/summer list)

8.  Check out five new restaurants from 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio'

9.  Take a short creative class.

10. Take a scenic train ride (left over from my fall/winter list)

I can not wait to dive into this list. Last year I completed  seven of the ten items from my Spring/Summer list. Two of the three items I failed to complete have been added to this new list. I have some making up to do after my fall/winter season's two of ten. I hope you will join me in this. It isn't just a check list, it is an opportunity to learn things about yourself. Doing these lists have helped me expand my horizons, face my fears and improve my patience. Most of all I am really enjoying my life.  Stay tuned for my updates. I hope you will also share your lists with me. We can cheer each other on. Think about it, what do you want to accomplish this season? What are things you have always wanted to do, big or small? Start your list!

Until next time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!

Kris, 

Collage Wall Project

These days everyone is a photographer. With a camera attached to most phones and everyone competing for the non-existent best instagram account contest, so many of us take many photos daily. I hate to admit it but I am kind of one of those amateur photographers who thinks I am really doing something. I am proud of some of my photos, so proud that before I even had a good camera phone, using an average little red camera I decided I wanted to do a collage wall in my home of photos I have taken over the last few years. The idea began after I met my beau, who exposed me to so much in Ohio including two of my favorite places: the Lake Erie area and Ohio Amish Country. I'd lived in Ohio for many years and I hate to admit that I was so unfamiliar with my home state.  That was a little over three years ago and I realized I have not collected the amount of photos I want for my display. I am consciously thinking about it now, so I thought I would share the few photos that started my concept. This will be an on going post until I finish my wall. I must also shout out my beau, whose birthday is today. He has inspired me so much and I share these photos with him because he was there when I captured each one. Happy Birthday Leo!

2011 My first sight before my first visit to Put in Bay

2011 Fog over swamp land my first time in Amish Country

2013 My sister's 30th birthday trip Lake Erie area. The view from the house we rented in Port Clinton.

Until Next Time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be Adventurous!

Kris,

Frostine The Snow Woman

 It has already been a long winter and I have yet to come close to completing my 'Winter To do List'. Completing the list has been harder than I expected but I managed to check one thing off over the weekend. I built my first snow woman. I have been trying all winter but Sunday I was determined. I got bundled up, went outside and stayed outside until the job was done. It is a funny thing being an adult that has never built a snowman. I felt like a kid playing in the snow but the artist and fashionista in me wanted to create something beautiful and stylish. Since I knew I would be making a snow woman I put away items I wanted to use to style her. In a bag I had several hats I was no long able to wear due to my natural hair, a pair of broken sunglasses from this past summer, a few other odds and ends and some wax lips. I grabbed a baby carrot from my snack pack and cut some buttons off of an old ruined leather jacket. This is what I came up with.  Meet Frostine the snow woman!

 

 

I am not a fan of winter but I had a great time playing in the snow. Sometimes we have to make an effort to make things we would not normally appreciate into something worth experiencing. I am really proud of my first snow woman. She is stopping traffic on my street and she has been a hit on social media. It was fun creating her. I look forward to creating more snow figures in the future.

Until next time,

Be blessed, Be free, Be adventurous!

Kris, 

Curing The Winter Blues

Every year, no fail, I have a hard time fighting the 'winter blues'.  The days are shorter. It is too cold to spend a lot of time outside. The opportunity for the necessary sunlight it takes to get the daily recommended vitamin D, is just about non existent.  Unless you are into winter recreational activities, you find yourself hibernating for four months. You binge watch all of  your favorite shows, maybe even a few shows you thought you weren't even interested in and you eat lots of unnecessary food which turns into lots of unnecessary weight.  This is my situation every winter. Though I attempt to schedule things to do on the weekends and some weekdays during the winter, sometimes those hibernation habits still take over. It is hard not to give in when everyone around you is so comfortable with not doing anything because ''it's cold''. There is a reason why people are happier in places with warmer climates and recreational richness. Since I don't plan to move in the immediate future and winter's end isn't close enough, I decided to address the 'winter blues'. There are a lot of us who feel so terrible during the winter that life literally seems like a slow moving, terribly written, depressing film. So what can be done about it? How can we deal with this?

In front of the Motor Cycle Hall of Fame Museum on Saturday

I write often about what I refer to as the 'Cure to Boredom'. Usually I refer to creating lists of things that I want to experience so that I am consistently exposing myself to new things and creating memorable experiences. The 'Cure to Boredom' happens to also be part of the cure to the winter blues. Most of us don't have the luxury of staying someplace warm to return once the season ends, that is something I strive for in my future. With that said, what we can do is make a conscious effort to make plans that will keep us busy. The body needs stimulation and so does the mind. Before the season began, I vowed to hike this winter, which still has not happened. There is still time. January activities were a little slow after the holidays but I  have managed to make plans the last three consecutive weekends. I took a road-trip to Troy, Ohio to see the rock band Tesla February 7th. I spent Valentine's Day jamming to live music by Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Tyga at their 'In Between the Sheets' concert tour,  and this past weekend I went into my Groupon storage to redeem brunch at one of my favorite places, (Superchef's) and finally checked out the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Helpful Ways to Beat the Blues

Make a ' To do List'! If you find yourself struggling this winter, intentional activities are important. Make a list of things you love to do or new things you want to try that are season friendly. I love to go to museums, so this winter I planned to check out some museums I have never visited and visit new exhibits in museums I frequent. New things I want to try happen to be winter activities like building a snowman, sledding and snow tubing. Some of those items I mentioned I included in my seasonal 'To Do List'.

Take care of your body! Exercise always helps improve the mood, the endorphins alone will make you feel better. If you create the list I previously mentioned  to include physical activities you will kill two birds with one stone.You can also add some items in your diet that help boost metabolism and boost energy. Dr. Oz suggests ginger tea and chilli peppers. Try to get your vitamin D when you can help it. It isn't something we can get easily through foods, our bodies produce it when we are exposed to sunlight. Spend time outside when it isn't as cold. Try a Vitamin D supplement with approval from your physician or a portable florescent light that mimics the same results as sunlight. 

Inhale! Several sites and sources have suggested treating 'the winter blues' with scents. If you Google aromatherapy, lots of sites including blogs and magazine, will give you lists of scents that help with energy and depression. They also provide oil blend recipes that will help with what ever combination of things you are dealing with. I use peppermint oil to boost my energy as well as for numerous other issues like; migraines and body aches.

I hope this has been helpful to you!

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