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Welcoming Fall in Ohio with Open Arms!

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Summer is nearing its end and it is time for pumpkin spice and everything nice. Fall is an exciting time of year in Ohio and the perfect time to make lasting memories. The weather cools; trees become spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow; and the taste and aromas of autumn return. I’m back with another partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. This time we are bringing you all the Fall vibes. Fall in Ohio is beautiful and full of fun. I do not know about you, but Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s not to cold and it’s not to hot. It’s the perfect weather for making outdoor family memories or doing warm and cozy activities indoors. Fall fun abounds with our activities we plan to share. From events to seasonal flavors and cozy ambience, you’ll find it here!  

Fall Activities

Fall activities are so fun. I think what I enjoy most is being able to create memories with my children and husband all while enjoying the fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple, Praline, and many more. My family and I love Apple picking or Fall on the Farm. We also love getting those fall treats such as the Caramel Apple Float.

Amish Country – Have you ever wondered about Amish country, its people, and their way of life? Maybe you wonder do they still really travel by horse and buggy. If this is something you have pondered, I am here to tell you yes, they still travel by horse and buggy and experiencing their environment first-hand is so special. Most are entrepreneurs and create their own life sustainably with a craft they learn at an early age. Did you know that Amish people only go to school through the 8th grade? They make a way of living on an 8th grade education and are successful. They have big families to help with labor whether it be on their farm or running their family business. They generally stay within their sects (or area) and do not travel outside of that area often. Occasionally they will travel to fish, hunt or on vacation, but remember they do not drive. Now you are asking how they get around, well horse and buggy and bikes (both electric and pedal). No, they do not take the horse and buggy for a road trip. It would take 2 hours to go 20 miles. Bikes have become a new way of life for them. They can travel around town faster and more efficiently. What would take 2 hours on horse and buggy, takes 45 minutes on an electric bike.

TIP: Most Amish businesses do not accept credit card so bring cash. While you could explore Amish country on your own, Amish country is huge in Ohio, so where do you begin? I got to explore Amish country through an amazing tour called Troyer’s Amish Tours in Sugarcreek, OH. After you visit Amish Country, drive a short distance, and visit Breitenbach Winery. It’s a cute little winery nestled in the hills of Amish country. The wine is delicious. They are known for their Dandelion wine, make sure to try it.

Also, more information on Amish Country can be found at Amish Country Inviting Region. Click here.  

FUN FACTS:

-Chicken houses hold 25,000 chicken and chicken come in at 8 hrs old from the hatchery

-Amish do not drive, Mennonites do

-Amish can not have a cell phone with a data package or a car

-Amish do not have tvs

-Amish keep up with the news through newspaper

-3 Orders and 11 sects

-Amish do not take pictures of themselves. They do not have family portraits. It is against their religion

-Amish only go to school till 8th grade

-Amish do not vote for people that can dictate life and death on a person (i.e. president, judge, etc.)

-Amish land is expensive (for 5 acres $50,000 an acre)

-Teachers only have an 8th grade education (salary ranges from $1200-$1500 a month)

-Generally Men do not teach due to income level

-Usually single women teach. Once they court, date or get married the women will quit work and focus on their marriage

-20 miles would take you 2 hours on a buggy, and 45 minutes on an e-bike

-$8,000 for a buggy and 125 man hours

-Wheels will last 7 years

-Schrock’s Buggy is the oldest buggy shop on Holmes County

-If you’re getting married, you grow a beard

-One Amish man raises camels for a petting zoo

-They milk camels

-Camels milk is very nutritious

-Largest wood working facility in the state

-Amish are great wood workers

-Wood working is the largest industry in this community

-Most Amish do not wear shoes. They go barefoot because they say shoes are heavy.

-Old race horses are brought to Amish country to be street safe/trained

-Mom and Pop wood working shops are huge

-All Amish kids are not Rumshpringa (roam around and leave the culture for awhile)

Peifer Orchards – Want to try something different this fall? Go apple picking! As they say, it is a first for everything. My family and I went apple picking and it was a fun experience. I had never actually seen so many apples in their growing space in one location. It was a sight to see. My kids loved being able to go up and down the apple tree rows. My youngest favorite part was being able to eat the apples right off of the trees. I am not sure you are supposed to do this but kids will be kids. HAHA! Peifer Orchards is located in Yellow Springs, OH. There is plenty to do in Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs could be the perfect getaway that includes Peifer Orchards, shopping, biking, hiking, and restaurants. Also, I loved that there is an orchard located not far from where we live. What I loved about the orchard is when we arrived, it immediately gave us all the Fall and southern vibes. Pumpkins, a cute country store, gravel road, and an experience I will never forget.

Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm – I don’t know about you, but my family and I love visiting a pumpkin patch in the Fall. It is so fun! There are so many activities for the kids as well as so many fall treats to indulge in. The past two years, we have been making our way to Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm. Fall on the Farm is a family-fun event at Blooms & Berries Farm beginning September 17th through October 31st daily. There are so many fun things to do at the farm such as: hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides (only on certain weekends), corn maze, beer garden, sunflower patch (very picturesque), farm animals, play areas, a huge pumpkin balloon bounce, caramel apple float, and so much more. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we went from area to area and all around, soaking in all the crisp Fall air. This is one pumpkin patch you don’t want to miss!

Charming Towns

Have you ever thought, “I wish I could find a gem to visit that is not far from me”, but never thought to look in your own back yard? Ohio has so many charming towns. You must get out, look, and plan an adventure to a gem right next to you. Let’s talk about two charming towns I was able to experience.

Yellowsprings, OH –  Are you looking for an affordable, fun, and outdoor adventurous day in Ohio? If the answer was yes, you are in for something amazing. We recommend taking a mini day trip to Yellowsprings, OH. It is a quick and easy travel destination that is within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It’s perfect for all ages and interest, with biking and hiking trails, tons of shops on the strip, and cafes for a fabulous meal. This will still feel like a mini getaway right in your backyard. This will be a day spent exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Most activities are within walking distance from one another while others are a short drive away. There is surely something for everyone.

To learn more details about my experience in Yellowsprings, OH, click here.

TIP: Places to visit in Yellowsprings OH: Peifer Orchards, Young’s Jersey Dairy, Ye Olde Trail Tavern, The Corner Cone, Biking Trails, The Winds Wine Cellar, Devil Wind Brewing, Flat Rock Spirits/Stillwright’s, Winds Café, Bonadies Glass Studio, Clifton Mill, Caesar Creek Vineyards, and more.

Zucchini Fritters
Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich
Seared Halibut with Spanish Spices and Gazpacho Sauce

Chillicothe, OH – Have you heard of the town named Chillicothe? If not, I am here to share another gem located right here in OH. Chillicothe is exciting and packed full of history. Chillicothe is a city full of charm. Located along the Scioto River 45 miles south of Columbus. This is the perfect location for a getaway trip within 100 miles of Cincinnati. It is the perfect town to welcome fall. It is that hidden gem that no one ever told you about. It is perfect for all ages, couples, and families. There is something for everyone. Some of the activities include hiking, biking, eating, wineries, Adena Mansion and Gardens, Triple Crown Family Fun Center, Hopewell Culture Park, and Scioto Park.

TIP: The Hopewell locations are nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage recognition which is a big deal! Make sure to check out any of the Hopewell Locations, and be a part of history!

To learn more about a fun filled day in Chillicothe, OH, click here.

1st Capital Meatloaf Stack
Pineapple Paradise

Coffee Shops in the Fall

Fall is almost here! How many of you have been waiting for Fall weather, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, chill cool nights, and just anything that screams Fall? One thing that screams Fall to me is coffee shops. While you can visit a coffee shop year-round, they are most vibrant in the fall when they come out with their fall and winter flavorings. Can you agree? Plus, meeting up at a coffee shop is a corner stone of modern American life.  Business meetings, book clubs, and first dates all pair well with a cup of coffee. 

You all may know Pursuit of Delights as a food and travel blog, which it is. However, this year for Fall I wanted to do something different. I always feature different food places to stop by, but have you ever thought about coffee shops? I thought it would be fun to explore different coffee shops throughout OH and share what they have to offer as well as some of their fall flavors.

R Coffee Corner – R Coffee is located in Port Clinton, OH. While the family and I took a weekend trip up to Sandusky, this is one of the coffee shops we stopped at. We were on the go exploring Sandusky and its surrounding cities. We did not have much time for a sit-down breakfast, so stopping by coffee shops to fuel our mornings was a thing. This location also has a cute outdoor patio that has a water area right in front. It is perfect for sunny, cool Fall days to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee. R Coffee has a ton of flavors and coffee drinks to choose from. I tried the Caramel Apple Latte (hot). This was pretty good and certainly gave me Fall vibes. Think a Candy Apple but in Latte form.

Victory Coffee Company – Victory Coffee Company is located in Lakeside Marblehead, OH. Lakeside Marblehead is a small town, located not far from Sandusky. While on our way to visit Marblehead Lighthouse, we passed by Victory Coffee. It was cute and right off the road we were traveling on, so I told my husband to turn around. Sometimes the cutest, smallest places are a charm. From this location, I tried their Banana Foster Frappe and a Chocolate Chip Cookie. I’m a latte or frappe kind of girl. This flavor was fun! I had never had a Banana flavored frappe before. It gave the warm Banana Foster vibes but was cold. It was unique and I enjoyed it. It was not to banana-y. The caramel also played a part in adding sweetness to the slight tanginess of banana flavor. 

Gathering Grounds – Gathering Grounds is located in Huron, OH. This location is small and has indoor seating. The drive through line that seemed to be what most everyone did. We also did the drive through line. This day it was raining a little and we did not want to get out of the car. Plus, drive throughs are always convenient. I am a latte kind of girl, but an iced latte that is. Occasionally, I will get a latte warm, but I prefer them iced. Yes, even in the winter, but the winter is when I will have one every now and then hot. I tried the Caramel Pecan Iced Latte with oat milk and extra syrup. It was very good. It tasted exactly like caramel pecan. It had sweet and nutty flavors. It is perfect for the fall.

Roaming Goat Coffee – Roaming Goat is located in Columbus, OH. This location is cute and gives rustic vibes. I walked in and was greeted by the barista who was serving someone else but welcomed me with a hello and smile. I glanced at their menu and saw a separate menu with the flavor of the month. I was sold and knew what I was getting. I tried the Horchata Milkshake Latte iced with oat milk. I absolutely love the actual Horchata drink. The actual drink is served cold so iced was perfect. This latte was fun and would be a fun flavor to try for the fall.

Parable, Parable – Parable, Parable is located in Columbus, OH. This was one of my favorite coffee shop stops! I loved the coffee, ambience, and décor of this shop. Everything was such a vibe! The moment I opened the doors and walked in; I was in awe. The staff was also very nice and patient as I decided what I wanted. The latte art was even fancy, clean, and popped! Talk about cute. I even liked that the flavors were fun. While I did not have a “Fall” flavor at this location, I could appreciate the uniqueness of the flavors. I had the Flower Power Latte and Guava Matcha Latte. I tried both hot. The Flower Power Latte consisted of housemade orange blossom and cardamom syrup blended with their house expresso and your choice of milk. The Guava Matcha Latte consisted of their housemade guava panela caramel in a matcha latte, think strawberry-lime creamsicle. Both flavors were delicious and fun!

Reza – Reza is located in Downtown Dayton, OH. Reza looks small from the outside but when you enter its like WOWWWW! It is cute and the décor is fun! I love how they have an area in the back stacked up with coffee beans in their bags. It was picturesque so I took a few photos :p I had the Pumpkin Spice Latte iced with oat milk. I also tried their Spinach and Feta Croissant and Yogurt Parfait. Of course, you can never go wrong with PSL. It’s the King of all Fall flavors. LOL! The food items were good. Parfaits are one of my go-to breakfast items when on the go.

Pettibone Coffee – Pettibone is located in Riverside, OH. Pettibone is a coffee shop that sits right off the main road. It is pretty big from the outside compared to most coffee shops. This was another one of favorite coffee shops while on my coffee stop journey. I loved the inside of this coffee shop. I loved how spacious but cozy it was. I loved the light it let in. I also really enjoyed my drink, The Botanist. They offer your normal coffee drinks, but they also offer unique ones as well. Being the foodie I am, I went for one of the more unique drinks. It was so pretty! It even came with a smoke bubble on top. I grabbed a coffee cake to go with it and it was the perfect start to my morning. The Botanist was made up of Ground Control Espresso, Jasmine Tea – Concentrate, Oat Milk, Vanilla, Mint Leaves Jasmine Mist, Citrus Smoke Bubble and served cold. I enjoyed this drink way more than I thought I would. I drank it fast. LOL! Again, they have unique flavors, so I couldn’t leave without trying the Whiskey Caramel Latte iced. I got this to-go. It was fun and certainly perfect for the fall. It had light notes of whiskey and caramel flavor. A little nutty.

Red Tree Gallery & Coffee Shop – Red Tree is located in Cincinnati, OH. Located in the neighborhood of Oakley, Red Tree is in walking distance of many of shops and restaurants. I stopped by with my daughter one morning and we had a mom-daughter coffee date. Yes, my 6-year-old loves iced lattes just as much as I do. Haha! A latte for her and a latte for me. This was fun! I tried their Matcha Pistachio Latte hot. This latte was very good! I loved the flavor combination it had. It was slightly nutty, had a hint of spice, but still gave a well balanced matcha flavor. They aced this flavor! I had it with a Parmesan Mushroom Quiche. The hot latte and quiche went perfectly together!

Mom n’ ‘Em Coffee – Mom n’ ‘Em is located in Cincinnati, OH. Mom n’ ‘Em just opened their second location, and I had the pleasure to stop by. It’s a cute building with inside and outdoor patio seating. The outdoor patio is vibrant and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to have a morning cup of coffee over a meeting or just for a meet up. I sat at this cute window seat bar right off of the kitchen. I had the Honey Latte hot with a French Onion Danish. I was feeling warm and savory this morning! LOL! The latte was very simple. I loved the French Onion Danish as it was a sweet onion jam baked into a Danish topped with Parmesan Cheese. Talk about a win for breakfast!

Daylily – Daylily is located in Cincinnati, OH. Daylily is one of Cincy’s newest coffee shops, deli, and bodega. Brought to us by Chef Jose Salazar and Deeper Roots Coffee. This is a fun, cutesy coffee shop that serves coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I just had to stop by because Chef Jose is a beast in the culinary world, and Deeper Roots has coffee on lock! ;P I assumed this was a match made in foodie heaven, and I was totally right about that! This was another one of my favorite coffee shops. I had the Honey Bear Latte, Ham, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bagel, and a Cardamom Pastry. Everything was AMAZIING! Ill be honest, this was probably the best hot latte I have had. The flavor was so simple and consisted of local honey and cinnamon but was soooo good and well executed! I loved it! What I appreciated about the breakfast bagel was it was a true, homemade breakfast bagel. Talk about cheesy in addition to scrambled eggs made fresh on a freshly baked bagel with ham. MMM MMM, GOOD! I thoroughly enjoyed this breakfast sandwich! The latte and sandwich were both delicious! I will be coming back here for sure!

I truly hope you enjoyed this coffee journey as much as I did! I truly love Fall and all it has to offer!

While summer is coming to an end, that does not mean the fun or indulging must stop. Welcome Fall with open arms and embrace another season and what all of Fall has to offer. Experience Fall in many of Ohio’s different cities. There are a ton of memories waiting to be created and a lot of Fall treats waiting to be eaten. Enjoy this season and get out and explore!

Summer Memories in Ohio

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Hello everyone and HELLLOO Summer! Summer has officially begun, and it is a hot one! Summer means getting out and exploring all that Ohio has to offer. What better way to explore Ohio than with another partnership with Ohio. Find It Here. If you were following the blog for the past two years, you likely saw my partnership with them which took me on foodie tours, outdoor adventures, to charming towns, and provided a time well spent creating memories with my family. Together, with Ohio. Find It Here, I have some fun things lined up for the remainder of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. Our first topic for exploring Ohio is Summer Memories. Summers in Ohio are warm and perfect to get out and spend time with loved ones and friends. There is so much to do and explore, and so many great inviting regions to visit. Ohio is great for exploring wineries, parks, outdoor adventures, sports games, amusement parks, rooftop bars, museums, food, or simply enjoying a staycation in your own city. There’s something for everyone! Experiences to take in with your friends, your family, or flying solo.   

Wineries

WINNNNEEE! Let’s start off with talking about wine! I mean who doesn’t love wine?! Wineries are amazing and provide a way to try different types of wines and the makers styles on classic versions of wine. I am a girl who loves her wine, ANNNDD June is Ohio Wine Month so a trip to Wine Country is right up your alley! There are so many wineries in the state of Ohio that you can explore. Each winery specializes in something different or unique to them. Whether it’s the perfect glass of red or white, or a crisp blend, you will surely find something no matter what winery you visit.

Vinoklet Winery – Vinoklet Winery is the only working winery in Hamilton County Ohio. It is located in Colerain Township in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is home to 12 award-winning wines and is proud to represent the Greater Cincinnati area in local and regional wine competitions. Ohhh, did I mention the size is quite huge. You enter through the restaurant and the vineyards and winery are out back. It is gorgeous! It also overlooks a huge pond. Its location and scenery is perfect for weddings or other celebratory events. They also offer good wine and food.  They have a nice selection of dry and sweet wines to choose from. If you are unsure of what to get, I recommend starting with a tasting. That is what I did. The tasting I did consisted of 12 different wines each 1-oz, white and red wines, starting with dry and progressing to sweet. Don’t fill up on wine with an empty stomach. They also have a full menu that you can choose from various appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and dessert. This was a super cute winery that is great for a good date night or catching up with friends. I was happy to visit!

Buckeye Lake Winery – This little winery is for sure a hidden gem in Thornville, OH. It’s located on a lakefront. How cool is that? I would have never known this winery was here, but that’s what happens when you get out and explore. ; ) The views, food, and wine are amazing! This winery does make and bottle their own wine. I tried about 5-6 different wines. One of my favorite wines I tried was the Sweet Lake Views. They also have delicious food. You can never go wrong with a cheese plate. I also tried their Fried Green Beans and their Fig & Gorgonzola Flatbread. Want some good wine with views of a lake, this is the winery for you!

Henke Winery – Henke Winery is a cool, small winery located in Cincinnati’s Westwood neighborhood. Henke is an Urban Winery with many accolades around the world. If you are not familiar with an Urban Winery, it is a winery that does not grow their own grapes. However, they do every other part of the wine making process at their facility. They have their grapes shipped in from different parts of the world, depending on their preference of grape growers and the wine they want to make. I am a sweet wine drinker, so I tried their Cellar Blush. They also have small plates to pair with your wine. Try a charcuterie plate or their famous Air-Fried Cheese. Their Air-Fried Cheese tasted like the perfect homemade cheese stick. It is a sharp Vermont White Cheddar in a crunchy herb jacket. The crust was seasoned and fried perfectly! It also came with some berry compote to sweeten things up a bite. Grab a friend or two and don’t be cheesy and miss out on this Urban Winery!

Breitenbach Winery – Breitenbach Winery is a cute winery nestled among the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish countryside. Breitenbach produces an array of extensive award-winning grape, fresh fruit, and berry wines, and what they are most known for, Dandelion wine. They produce 40 varieties of grape and fruit wines resulting in about 150,000 gallons. WOOOOW! That’s a lot of wine, but hey someone must make it for us wine lovers. They have plenty of flavors to choose from and man did I indulge. They also have a great tasting offer. You can sample 4 wines for $1.00. Yes, you read that correct! I ended up sampling 12 wines. I also bought a small cheese plate to enjoy with my wine. Also, make sure to try the Dandelion wine. It is unique! By the time wine tasting ended, I left with 5 bottles of wine and 2 candles. What can I say, I am a girl who loves her wine and candles! I highly encourage experiencing Amish country and then relaxing at Breitenbach Winery! The is the perfect day trip.

Na zdravie – Located about 25minutes outside of Chillicothe, Na zdravie is located on 10 acres of land with vineyards rolling across hills. This winery had a very homely, comfort feel. I decided to try their wine flight. It was perfect! A flight includes 6 1-ounce wine samplings for the price of $5.72. You cannot bet that. I had the sweet wine flight.

I was pleasantly pleased with all these different wineries located within my region and how beautiful their properties were. Although there are only a few days left in June, I hope that you will visit one of the 300 wineries to celebrate Ohio Wine month. I highly recommend the four I have shared above, but also encourage you to try others. I am excited about getting to visit new wineries this summer. I plan to stop by one of these wineries in the Ohio region – Kosicek Vineyards, Ferrante Winery, Cask 307, Laurentina Vineyard, Old Firehouse Winery or even South River Winery. The breezes off Lake Erie and the rich soil left behind by the glaciers that carved out the Great Lakes make Ohio’s Wine Country prime for grape growing. Pull up a chair and enjoy tastings, see the sights and explore what makes this distinct region so special.

Parks

Parks are so fun, especially in the summer. Parks can offer different experiences whether it’s walking around outside and exploring nature or grabbing a blanket and sitting in the park. My family and I love to get out and explore different parks, enjoy the interactions of nature and its beauty, or simple sit in the park and enjoy ice cream and people watch.

Washington Park – This park is huge and spacious and one of the best parks in Cincinnati for events, festivals, flea markets, or just relaxing. This park is perfect for various reasons. It’s a great way to just sit and relax in the grass, it has regular festivals taking place, it has live music, it’s a great place to have a good drink and food, and it even has a playground and water area for the kids or ADULT kids! LOL, have fun and enjoy summer!

Ziegler Park – If you are looking for a kid friendly park, this is it! Ziegler Park is awesome for the kiddos and families. It has a huge playground, nearby basketball courts, and a pool! A pool is the best way to beat the heat other than ice cream! LOL! There is a small fee that comes with the pool, but it is a fun summer activity for kids. They also offer swim lessons and adult swim times.

Smale Park – I love fresh flowers and the pops of color they give! Smale Park is gorgeous and perfect for beautiful views and pops of color from the blooming flowers. The flowers start to bloom in the Spring and last throughout most of fall. This is also an activity park that you will always see people out and about. You can ride bikes, play on the playground, or hop on a boat for a nice afternoon voyage. The Ohio River and bridges are right in view which makes for such an awesome site.

Wegerzyn Gardens – The Wegerzyn Garden is a metropark in Dayton. You will be wowed by its beauty. A hidden gem?! Very much so! The next time you find yourself in the area, certainly get out and explore this gem of a garden. This garden is perfect for a summer afternoon stroll. The flowers are in full bloom and the garden turns into what we will call a magical place. It certainly offers the most picturesque backdrop. The garden is surrounded by the Stillwater River Trail. Wegerzyn Garden also has a cool, exploration park for kids called the Children’s Discovery Garden. Wegerzyn Gardens is beautiful and packed with fun and offers the perfect family time. 

Cox Arboretum Metro Park – Cox Arboretum is another metropark in Dayton. Like its counterpart, Wegerzyn Gardens, Cox too provides the beauty of nature. Here is a place for you to come and connect with nature. Discover the peacefulness nature, its trees and shrubs thoughtfully placed to capture your imagination and take you to a place of serenity. My family and I enjoyed a nice stroll admiring all that Cox Park has to offer. We spent a lot of time at the pond at the entrance. It had all the “fishys” and turtles. Go get out and explore Cox Park and enjoy a relaxing family adventure.

Topiary Park – Topiary Park is a beautiful, public park and garden located in downtown Columbus and is officially known as the Topiary Garden at Old Deaf School Park. It is such a cool place! When I visited, I originally thought there were just cool figures cut into the trees, but what they actually depict are figures from Georges Seurat‘s 1884 painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. It is the only park based entirely on a painting. They are life-sized shapes which makes it really fun to take pictures with. I really enjoyed pulling up the actual image and picking out which topiary matched to each part of the picture.

Hopewell Culture Park – I enjoyed the fresh air, while walking around learning about the broad network of beliefs and practices among different Native American groups over a large portion of eastern North America. The culture is characterized by the construction of enclosures made of earthen walls, often built-in geometric patterns, and mounds. Below you can see me standing next to the Mica Splendor sign with the mounds behind me. It was a cool experience and a good way to learn about Native American culture. 

These parks all lend something different to Ohio, but there are tons more to see. Also, visit Hocking Hills State Park, Sulphur Springs, Buckeye Lake State Park, Lakewood Park and many more.

Outdoor Adventures

The great outdoors! There is so much to see when it comes to exploring outdoors. How do you do the outdoors? Is it a good patio with fancy drinks, an outdoor mural, or maybe a good ole breath of fresh air outside hiking or a walk in the park! Let’s explore some different outdoor activities.

Findlay Market – Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market that has more than 50 full-time merchants. The market is open year-round Tuesday-Sunday and attracts over a MILLION visitors a year! There is such a community feel every time I visit. It can be a very cool, chill place and also be very crazy, busy on other days, so you get the best of both worlds. There is typically live music being played, people drinking and eating, and lots of shopping! From fresh produce, to restaurants, to customizable cuts of meat, to spices, to plants, to jewelry…Findlay is ready to meet your needs.

Pedal Wagon Cincinnati – Experience Cincinnati’s colorful side through the beautiful mural masterpieces! Whether you’re a local looking for a unique way to explore the art that Cincy has to offer, or a out-of-towner visiting for the first time, Pedal Wagon Cincinnati’s Mural Tour makes for a fun and creative day! This is the perfect insider to Over-the-Rhine’s (OTR) most known murals. What is also really cool is that Pedal Wagon Cincinnati gives back. Ten percent of all proceeds of this our go to ArtWorks, an award-winning non-profit arts organization that empowers and inspires the creative community. I took this tour and loved exploring the city through its creative art. Each mural told a story and gave a piece of the city in its own unique way. Grab your friends and pedal your way through Cincinnati’s OTR neighborhood and tap into your creative side. 

East Town Center – Shopping is an activity, right? Hmmmm Of course it is!! And it just happens to be one of our favorite ones! If you also enjoy shopping, Easton in Columbus is absolutely the place to be. It is one of the largest outdoor shopping centers in all of Ohio. If you’re looking for something specific, they probably have it. That can range from items for kids, items for the home, shoes and so so much more! But the thing is, they are not just for shopping. There are quite a few delicious restaurants there, ranging from grab and go to high-end sit-down options.

Cincinnati Zoo – Cincinnati’s Zoo is one of the nation’s top-rated zoos. They have tons of animals to see and watch roam around their habitats. My kids love coming to the zoo and pointing out the animals they are learning about in school. It is also very fun to see when the animals welcome their babies. While speaking of animals we cannot forgot the zoo’s most beloved and famous hippo, Fiona. She is a site to see and is no longer a baby! She has grown, and guess what?! She is getting a little sibling coming in the near future. How exciting! Her mother is expecting another BIG bundle of joy! LOL! There are also other activities to do at the zoo like encounters, train rides, carousels, and much more. You certainly don’t want to miss out on the zoo experience. This is a great family experience. 

Young’s Jersey Dairy – Take a visit to Young’s Jersey Dairy located in Yellow Springs, OH. It is also about 10 minutes away from the main strip in Yellow Springs filled with shopping, outdoor activities (bike riding, hiking, and more), and restaurants. I know taking the kids to a dairy may sound strange, but I am here to tell you there is a lot more fun than the name suggest. I took my 5-year-old daughter for a mommy and me day. We both had a lot of fun! The farm offers their Dairy Store, Two Miniature Golf Courses, Batting Cages, Covered and natural grass driving range, Moovers & Shakers (a fun barrel ride around the farm), and so much more. Additionally, aside from their milk and cheese, Young’s Dairy is known for their fresh ice cream made on their site.

50 West Brewery – Need a brew or want to have some outdoor fun? Either way, 50 West has you covered. Located on US 50 heading west into the city of Cincinnati. This brewery is huge with lots to do, eat and drink! It is the perfect summer activity for outdoors adventures as well as outdoors sports. They have a cycling trail, volleyball, and so much more. Not only do they have outdoor activities, but they also even have food and drinks to keep you fueled. They are known for their burgers and fries. After you’ve burned some carbs indulging in the outdoor activities, make sure to grab a burger and fries. 50 West is giving all the vibes with food, drinks, and outdoor fun!

While these are some pretty, cool outdoor adventures, there is always something taking place in Ohio. I am looking forward to experiencing so many more outdoor adventures with my family. A few additional stops are Mahoning River Water Trail, Ohio State Fair, Ohio’s Nature Trails, and more.

Another great outdoor place to visit is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is also nationally ranked and accredited. There are tons to see and do and I heard the Aquarium is amazing.

Sporting Events

One thing you must know about Ohioans is, we love our sports! I mean when you live in a state with four major teams (Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Red, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers) how could you not be a sports fan?!

Red’s Game – Take me out to the ball game… Who doesn’t love a good ole Cincinnati Reds Game? Baseball games can be a lot of fun although they are long. It is fun to watch the players, listen to the crowd, eat baseball food and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re waiting to catch a ball in the stands or fellowshipping with friends and family, a baseball game is certainly one for the books! It’s always fun to hear and watch the fireworks at the end of the game.

Bengals Game – Everyone loves a good football game! It’s something about being in a packed stadium, yelling with tons of other fans cheering on the home team, and watching the players create a win! Football games are fun, exciting, and intense. Whether you are in the stands or in a box, you can’t deny the fun exhilarating atmosphere.

Whether you’re a Cincinnati fan or a Cleveland fan, sports games are always an amazing and fun time!

Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are such a fun time! Whether you like thrill seeking rides or cool, calm and collective rides, they always have something for everyone. Ohio has two major theme parks which are Cedar Point and King’s Island.

Cedar Point – Have you been to an amusement park this year? If not, you must visit Ohio’s Cedar Point. Cedar Point is located in Sandusky, OH, right outside of Cleveland. If an adrenaline rush and need for speed is your thing, you will certainly find it here. They are known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, with jaw dropping drops on certain rides. Talk about a fun time and an amazing experience. They have your traditional rides like the Ferris Wheel, Loopty Loop Rides, Water Rides, and Kid’s Rides. Then there are the rides that they are most known for like Top Thrill Dragster, GateKeeper, Millennium Force, and more. This park is full of rides with adventure, twist, and turns. My husband and I went for a weekend on a couple’s date, and it was fun.

King’s Island – King’s Island is located in Cincinnati and has become a family go-to yearly. My husband and I have been a few times before we had kids. Now that we have two little ones, we take them there to have fun during the summer. There is always a new ride or encounter being added every some many years. It keeps things interesting. If rides are not your thing, they have other things to do like eat park food, play games or walk around and explore. They also have a water park section that can be fun and help cool your summer down.

Rooftop Bars

Drinks plus views, yes please! Most people love a good rooftop bar. It’s something so satisfying about having drinks with friends or family with perfect views overlooking a city.

Rhinegeist – The view of Cincinnati is amazing from the rooftop of Rhinegeist. Rhinegeist is such a cool and chill vibe. It certainly makes a great fun night out. If you catch a sunset on the comfy couches, you’ll be in for a treat. Grab some friends, grab a beer and enjoy an awesome experience.

Lytle Park – Lytle Park has been around for about 2 years now and offers some amazing views of the city. You get to see the Ohio River, bridges, and stadiums. It is a really nice view at night. I went with my husband and our friend at night and it was awesome. They offer light bites and fun cocktails. The vibe is very cool and chill.

21C Hotel – While the 21C Hotel is known for their amazing hotel and museum, did you know they also have a rooftop bar? It is smaller but cozy and fun. It’s a nice experience with friends and family. They have a variety of fun cocktails to choose from. This is certainly a good spot for a summer evening. A great way to relax and unwind.

The Views at Shire Garden – Let me start by saying brunch is life! My family and I love a good brunch especially one with a good view. Whether you are enjoying brunch or the bar, The Views at Shire Garden overlooking the city of Cincinnati are amazing. The rooftop is open year-round. However, from November-March (only) they offer rooftop igloo and terrace greenhouse seating. Each igloo or terrace is enclosed and has a heater. It was a lot of fun and made for a personal, cozy family experience.  

BrewDog Cincinnati – BrewDog Cincy is a fun bar! It is HUGE on the inside and offers a cool rooftop bar. They offer beer, ciders and cocktails with plenty of small bites to go with your drink. I went with my husband for a fun night out. We enjoyed some time inside in the bar and moved upstairs to the rooftop for a few minutes to experience some views outside. You get a view of the casino and other downtown areas. It’s certainly a good time.

VASO – Vaso is located in Dublin, OH on top of the Marriott Hotel. Its views of Dublin and the shopping area it is located in are nice. Their rooftop bar is a fun night out. They offer fun cocktails and wine. I went with my husband and kids, and we enjoyed an afternoon out. They also serve food if you are feeling hungry.

Museums

Where are the history lovers at?! Museums are such a cool way to learn about history and the times that came before us. If you want to spark your inner nerd, I have some museums just for you. Let’s take a look!

Loveland Castle Museum – Plan a visit to Loveland Castle Museum located in Loveland, OH. The castle is filled with history about Sir Harry and the KOGT (Knights of the Golden Trail). I found it very interesting to learn we had a castle right here in the Cincinnati, OH area. When I hear the word castle, I offer times think of large castles such as Buckingham Palace. I do not think of smaller castles with a great foundation behind them. I was so happy to hear of a castle here in Ohio and it made me rethink of my appreciation of what is in my own back yard. I had to go check it out.

Duke Energy Children’s Museum – A cool place for kids and adults right here in the Queen City. What I found unique about the atmosphere and look of the museum, was that is resembles the New York Train Station. This is a great way for kids and families to get out and explore together. The vision of the Cincinnati Museum Center is to bring understanding of their past, present, and future by providing world-class learning experiences enjoyable for children and adults, and they do just that! My family and I visited the Children’s Museum and had a blast. You will learn about dinosaurs, the evolution of technology, Cincinnati’s history, and so much more. They also have a cool OMNIMAX Theater.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum – Located in Columbus, OH, this museum is sure to give you another level of respect for the men and women that serve(d) our country. It is well put together, organized, and teaches you a lot about what a veteran may experience during his or her time in the military. It is so unique! I enjoyed my time learning about the process a veteran takes from enlisting to retirement or sadly even a lot of times death, listening to stories given by veterans, and learning history through a cool timeline wall. This museum is truly a wonderful experience as well as an awesome way to pay homage to the men and women that took an oath to protect and serve the United States of America.

Adena Mansion and Gardens – Did you know that Chillicothe is Ohio’s First Capital? This is pretty cool! Also, Thomas Worthington served as the sixth Governor of Ohio. Adena was the house that Governor Worthington and his wife, Eleanor built just outside of Chillicothe. I visited Adena and the Gardens. I walked the grounds of the mansion and garden. The property is huge. I entered through the visitor center where there is a mini museum loaded with tons of history about Adena. It was interesting to learn and visit such a historical site. This is certainly a history lover’s dream. The garden is still in use and veggies are harvested from the garden every day. In the visitor center they had a cart of fresh veggies that could be taken in exchange for a donation. If you are a history bug, this is the place for you.

While I have shared a few museums that I have visited, there is so much history in Ohio to be learned. I am so excited to get out and tap into my history bug side. Grab some friends and family and experience Ohio’s history. Some additional stops can include Children’s Museum of Findlay, Akron Children’s Museum, COSI in Columbus, The Works in Newark, Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Lake Erie Science & Nature Museum, Armstrong Air & Space Museum, The Ohio State Reformatory, Marblehead Lighthouse and many others.

Staycation

Sometimes we are so busy in our life’s everyday hustle and bustle that we often forgot to just look around us. While there are plenty of places to have a staycation, one of my favs is the 21 C Hotel. As you may recall, I mentioned it had a nice rooftop bar in the rooftop bar section of this blog. However, now we are going to talk a little about what a 21 c experience is like.

If you’re unfamiliar with 21c Museum Hotel, they are a contemporary art museum and boutique hotel chain that originated in Louisville. Since opening in 2006, they have expanded to 7 additional locations in different states- with more coming soon! They have won many awards as the top hotel in America and named in the top 10 in the world by some! Their rooms are nice and spacious. A fun thing to look out for: In the shower, there are body parts carved into the tile. As mentioned, the hotel is artsy! Another fun trend you’ll notice is the iconic penguin. Every location has them throughout the establishment, but each in a different color. I have visited the art museum that’s located on the first floor of the hotel.  Each location has their own museum that is open 24 hours a day and is free of charge. Remember I told you they had a rooftop terrace, make sure you check it out during your next stay. It is great for happy hour. They offer these cool slushie drinks with a variety of flavors. This is perfect and refreshing for the summer. They also have an amazing spa with tons of different treatments. After you’ve explored the rooms, museum and rooftop terrace, they have an amazing restaurant downstairs called Metropole. Metropole is a modern spin on French and Italian cooking done by the Executive Chef, Vanessa Miller, and her team. Metropole’s food is amazing and the menu changes seasonally to always provide the freshest ingredients. While this is a very amazing experience in a nutshell, you can experience the full bells and whistles 21 c has to offer by booking your next weekend staycation right in the heart of Cincinnati. Relax and stay awhile! 

Food

Now this is a food and travel blog, we can’t talk about all the activities and not share any food recommendations. I’m sure by now after all this reading, you have worked up an appetite. Like activities to do, Ohio has so many food places to choose from. I will share a few of my faves here.

Metropole – a modern spin on classic French and Italian cooking.  Focused on local and seasonal offerings, the menu at Metropole is constantly changing to provide the best and freshest ingredients to each meal. I have dined at Metropole a few times and it is always delicious. It is good for date nights as well as family dinner outings.

Boomtown Biscuits – A contemporary take on classic American frontier food. Boomtown biscuits, hence the name, is known for their delicious homemade biscuits. They offer an array of comfort food dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Meatloaf, and many of dishes to include their homemade biscuits. I have dined here for their brunch and dinner, and both are good. You will leave full and happy!

Lucius Q – You can’t have summer without some banging BBQ! Lucius Q is serving up some delicious BBQ right here in Cincinnati’s Pendleton neighborhood. Their BBQ joint is welcoming and inviting. It is pretty big and seats plenty of people. They offer live music on different nights. They also have a spacious outdoor patio for when you want the real summer experience, BBQ + summer heat! I have tried many of items from Lucius Q’s such as their pork, chicken, wings, sandwiches, smoked turkey, greens, red beans & rice, mac & cheese, baked beans, and more. Everything is flavorful and delicious. Oh, did I mention they smoke all of their meat on site. YUMMM! This is a good one and you don’t want to miss out.

Graeter’s – You cannot live or visit Cincinnati, and not have the hometown ice cream, Graeters. Graeter’s was started by Louis C. Graeter back in 1870, and they have been making amazing ice cream ever since. Their ice cream is creamy but smooth and comes in a variety of flavors. My family’s favorite is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies n’ Cream, Chocolate, and Strawberry. Their ice cream tastes like it’s made with love in every bite. We come here very often in the spring and summer, and it has become a family favorite.

Jeni’s Ice Cream – This is hands down my favorite ice cream ever! Jeni’s has worked to perfect her ice cream for years and she has done just that. It is delicious, creamy, smooth, and her flavors are unique and fun. While I am a Cincy girl, I love this Columbus based ice cream shop. While it was started in Columbus, Jeni’s has since branched out to states all over the US. I have some exciting news!!!!! If you live in Cincy, Jeni’s is coming to Cincy soon!! WHOOOO HOOOOO! I saw this information last week and it absolutely made my night! I can’t wait! My favorite flavors of hers is Ooeey Gooey Butter Cake and Strawberry.

Roost – Modern Italian, it’s as simple as that! Located in Dayton, OH, Roost is serving up their modern twist on classic Italian dishes. I loved Roost and the food is amazing. While they have indoor seating, they also have an awesome outdoor courtyard right in front of the restaurant. We choose to eat outside and enjoy the weather. We had Bolognese, watermelon salad, side salads, and lamb chops. Very tasty!

Sueno – Sueno is serving up some yummy Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. I tried Sueno for Valentine’s Day and the food and atmosphere was good. It is a good spot for a date night or night out with friends. The dimly lite restaurant has a nice size bar and restaurant. Sueno is a tapa style restaurant. This means small plates to share with the table. I went with my husband and kids. We ordered different menu items and shared them all. They also have some good cocktails.

Hot Chicken Takeover – Started in Columbus, Hot Chicken Takeover is bringing the Nashville classic, Hot Chicken, to the Midwest. I love Hot Chicken Takeover and sometimes my family and I drive 2-hours just to come and eat here and drive back home. Yes, its that good. They season their chicken well, fry it to the perfect golden brown, and then drudge it in hot chicken spices. You can pick your heat and the type of meat you want (i.e. thighs, drumsticks, wings, boneless, and more). The chicken meals come with their homemade ranch sauce which is amazing, and two sides. They also have sweet tea and banana pudding. This is certainly Midwest meets the South. If you want a taste of Hot Chicken, then this is certainly the place to come.

Fox in the Snow – Fox in the Snow is a one bomb bakery! Every time I come to Columbus; I always make it a point to stop by. Their pastries are so delicious, flakey, and buttery. My faves are the Strawberry Diamonds and the Blueberry Galette. They are known for their Buttermilk Biscuits, which are also amazing! If you are a pastry/sweets lover like me, Fox in the Snow is calling your name.

While these are some of my favorites in our region get out and be a foodie while you explore some of Ohio’s cool locations. Whether you are visiting a winery, museum, park, outdoor activities, sporting event, amusement park, or a staycation, there is a great restaurant within miles of your destination.

Summer is just beginning, there is so much to see and do. Ohio has so much to offer, and I love being able to explore such a fun midwestern state. If you have never been to Ohio, put it on your bucket list to come and visit. This guide along with many other locations can provide such a fun and amazing summer. There are tons of little gems waiting to be discovered. Make those summer bucket list a reality. Whatever you have been meaning to do this summer, now is the time! Grab those friends or family and seize the day! I hope you have an amazing summer soaking up every minute of fun!

Exploring the Charming Town of ATHENS, OHIO!

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Helloooooo everyone!!!! I am so excited to say that we are BACK with yet another partnership
with Ohio. Find It Here. We have loved working with them to explore all things Ohio! This month, we
took it to the road to focus on the charming town of ATHENS! Although the area was new to me, it
might not be to you all since it is home of the one and only Ohio University, amongst other things! If you
are looking for a place to do a last-minute fall trip by yourself, with friends or with family, Athens is a
great option for you. It was about a 2 hour and 45-minute drive from Cincinnati which wasn’t bad at
all!  I personally went by myself and enjoyed my music and podcasts on the way! 
 

A little detail on Athens 

Fun Fact: Back in the day, Athens was home to two Native American groups- the Adena culture and Ohio
Hopewell tradition. Athens County was then formed much later in 1805 where there were no longer any
native settlements.  


Historical Fact: Athens has now been known as a coal and fruit producing region and a state center of
higher education and psychiatric care.


Location Fact: Athens is located 30-45 minutes away from two other charming towns- Chillicothe and
Marietta. There are lots and lots of hills and water around the area. That translates to lots of hiking and
boating! 
 
The more you know! :)
 

Now, let’s dive into how I spent my day in the area 

First…. FOOD! – Let me first say I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of good food there was to
choose from! I could have easily spent majority of my time roaming around the area, eating.
(Actually, that sounds like a fantastic day to me, but I had other things to do!) It was still pretty early in
the morning when I arrived, so breakfast was calling my name! That’s where Fluff Bakery came in. 
Fluff Bakery was opened in 2010 and brings you all the tasty pastries, cookies, coffee, sandwiches and
more! They pride themselves on bringing comfort food from their shop to your belly! I ordered one of
their seasonal drinks- the pumpkin spiced caramel latte- and the biscuit sandwich with bacon, egg and
cheese. All I can say is WOW!!! This was one of the best biscuit sandwiches I’ve had in a while. The
flavor, the buttery taste, and the flakiness made it perfect. It was exactly what I needed to gear up for a
busy day. 


Important Note: They have seating on the inside, but it’s currently not open due to Covid. You can use
their walk-up window to place your order and sit at one of their seats outside, but seating is limited.  
 

 

Let’s Get Educated! 

Now that I was fueled, I was ready to do a bit of exploring. Since I was right by campus, I was ready
to visit Ohio University! It is the first to be chartered in Ohio, in 1787, and open for students in
1809. When I reached campus, the first word that came to mind was “plush”. The greenery was so
vibrant and soft. There were also large, old trees surrounding the area. It was apparent that the grounds
are always well taken care of.  


As far as academics, they offer over 250 areas of study at all levels. There are 12 academic colleges
with the College of Arts and Sciences being the largest academic division in Ohio. For sports, if you are
from Ohio or familiar with Ohio University, you know they are known as the Bobcats and have several
local sports teams. They also seem to have a robust fraternity and sorority population with signs about
activities spread throughout campus. I bet there is never a dull day! 
 

Alright…time to have a little snack! 

I’d heard a lot about Whit’s Frozen Custard, which is right by campus, and was sooooo excited to try
them! They make all their custard fresh every day. One of the reasons why they’re such a hit is because
they churn their vanilla and chocolate flavors throughout the day- keeping it nice and smooth! What I
loved is you can get as creative as you’d like with small (and I do mean small) price upgrades per
ingredient. I ended up going with the famous “Whitser” with a vanilla base, snickers, caramel, and
M&Ms. INCREDIBLE!!! I highly recommend!  


 
Sidenote: This is not a place I was able to visit as there were no showtimes during my time, but if you
have a chance, grab tickets for Athena Cinema. It’s right across from Whit’s and looks really unique.
They are a nonprofit cultural institution with a mission to Educate, Entertain, and Engage. As they say it,
there is something for everyone- including controversial, discussion items. In addition to their showings,
they also have student screenings, festivals, and panels. Fingers crossed that you get a chance to check
them out!  

Ok…. Now it was time to explore the outdoors! 

As mentioned, if you have an interest in being outdoors, you will likely find something for you that is a
short distance away. Athens is known for hiking, biking, boating, camping, swimming and more. The first
place I visited was Strouds Run State Park, named after the family that settled in the area in the
1800s.   


I first stopped at the boat house where you can rent a boat for specific amounts of time. Although I was
focused more on hiking this day instead of boating, it was great to walk out on the dock and see how
beautifully serene it was. There was not a large amount of people on the water, which makes for a safer
experience if you go this route. You also can just sit out and enjoy the scenery like I did! 

 


I spent majority of my time hiking a portion of Lakeview trail. It is a long, quiet trail (3.3 miles). Being
alone, you must be careful as there are lots of critters all around you. Although I didn’t experience the
full trail, what I saw was amazing! It could’ve been how much the sunshine was beaming down
or all the trees around, but whatever it was, it was worth it! So put on your hiking boots, grab your
hiking sticks, and get moving!  


Know before you go: There are several different entrances that are spread out miles apart. Be sure to
look at the website to narrow down exactly where you want to go. Also, plug the address into your GPS
ahead of time because you likely will loose service.  
 

Time to explore the eating and drinking scene! 

Well, I certainly worked up the desire to sit down and have a nice glass of wine! Athens only has one
wine bar in the area, and I was certainly going to visit it! Athens Uncorked is SUPER CUTE! I could not
believe how awesome it looked when I walked inside. It has a calm feel to it mixed with vibrant colors
throughout. As soon as I walked in, the staff was so friendly. They allowed me to walk around to view
the space while also explaining the different wines they have. They offer a variety of domestic and
imported wines, featured Ohio wines, seasonal cocktails, a small selection of fine European beers and
ales and Ohio craft beers. If you’re with people who don’t drink (or are underage), they have mocktails
as well! 


What I like is they have something for everyone’s palette- sweet, dry, white, red…there’s a flight for
you! I went with the white wine flight, which came with 3 pours. I can’t say there was one that I didn’t
like, which always makes me happy! When thinking about the venue, the ambiance, the staff, and the
wine, I would easily go back, especially for dinner to try their food as well. I’m so happy this wine
bar was added to the area! Major win! 
 

Although Athens Uncorked had food as well, I was ready for something hearty and for another style of
drink. In comes another recommended stop: Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery. Jackie O’s is great for those of
you who love a good beer and love a pub with tasty food. I did not order a beer, but their cocktails were
fantastic! They have a taproom and brewery next door too if you want to see how they brew their craft
beer.  


Since it was a pub, I absolutely had to have the beer battered fish and chips (battered in their beer of
course). OMG!!! The crispy yet soft texture of the batter was so good! The fish was also well
flavored. This was the perfect place to end the foodie part of my adventure. So satisfied!  
 

One more for the road! 

By this part of the trip, my time began to be extremely limited, but I didn’t want to leave without at least
quickly stopping at Hocking Hills which is a HUGE state park about 25-30 minutes away from
Athens. The park spans across 25 miles and also partially connects to the forest. There is sooooo much
to do here. You’ll find your typical hiking, camping, and boating, but there’s also rock climbing, zip
lining, ATVing, canoeing, fishing, waterfalls, rappelling, and literally so much more.  
Pro tip: Research the park before you go. It can be a bit overwhelming considering how many options
they have. They have a trip planner option online that will help you coordinate your time. I would
recommend dedicating a full day for this because you might be a bit exhausted after (in a great way!) 

Final Suggestions: 
Before I go, I want to offer up a few additional tips!  

  1. Give yourself time! Although this is a small town, I would encourage you to take at
    least a day and a half to explore the area. There are super cute gems and shops surrounding
    the campus and plenty of nature to stop at if you’re an outdoorsy type of person!  
     
  2. Try different food locations – It’s a college town so you’ll see lots of college style places,
    but they also have top rated restaurants such as Thai Paradise, Sol, and Salaam 
     
     
  3. Bring a portable hotspot if you have it! – I lost service at both Strouds Run Boat House
    and Hocking Hills. Luckily my GPS continued to work but if I needed to plug in a new
    address, I would not have been able to. A portable hotspot is definitely the best option just
    in case! 
     
  4. Wear your mask– Masks are still heavily required around the city and while moving
    about indoors.  

 
Well that is all folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed my review of this charming town and hope it encourages you
to visit one day soon! Bye for now!

Fall in Ohio

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Fall is Here! How many of you have been waiting for Fall weather, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, chill cool nights, and a fall inspired weekend getaway? If you answered yes, we have some cool and fun activities for you! Also, if you have been following Pursuit of Delights in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here.; you know we have been on a journey exploring Ohio and all the goodness it has to offer. While it is time to say goodbye to summer, we welcome Fall with open arms! Ohio is beautiful in the Fall and is such a special time. The weather begins to chill, and you can feel the brisk breeze. Hues of orange, red and yellow take over the trees, and our favorite fall flavors return. It is the perfect time to take a fall-inspired getaway. There is so much to do, explore, and see. We had the opportunity to travel to different areas in Ohio to experience Amish country, taste delicious wine at Breitenbach Winery, go apple picking at Peifer Orchard, and experience fall foliage while exploring Blooms & Berries Fall on the Farm. Let us hop right into Fall in Ohio!

A Visit to Amish Country

Have you ever wondered about Amish country, its people, and their way of life? Maybe you wonder do they still really travel by horse and buggy. If this is something you have pondered, I am here to tell you yes, they still travel by horse and buggy and watching them in their environment is so unique. Remember, Amish people are people like you and I, but their day-to-day life is different as well as what they believe in. One thing I can attest to is that Amish People work very hard! You may think, ok so do I! Most are entrepreneurs and create their own life sustainability with a craft they learn at an early age. Did you know that Amish people only go to school through the 8th grade? They make a way of living on an 8th grade education and are successful. They have big families to help with labor whether it be on their farm or running their family business. They are close knit people. They also live and have their businesses at the same location. Most Amish with businesses live on acres of land to be able to house the family in a house, and the business right next to it. How cool is that? You and I may think wow, I would never live where I work. However, they live in an environment with low crime and having people come to where they live is a second thought. They generally stay within their sects (or area) and do not travel outside of that area often. Occasionally they will travel to fish, hunt or on vacation, but remember they do not drive. Now you are asking how they get around, well horse and buggy and bikes (both electric and pedal). No, they do not take the horse and buggy for a road trip. It would take 2 hours to go 20 miles. Bikes have become a new way of life for them. They can travel around town faster and more efficiently. What would take 2 hours on horse and buggy, takes 45 minutes on an electric bike. What is the moral of the story here? Do not take small things such as bikes for granted. What we may see as an everyday item, is a commodity to other groups of people and their cultures. Depending on how you get around has to be approved by the Bishop, head of the church. There is so much to learn and see about the Amish that a day trip is perfect, and you will find yourself in awe.  

While you could explore Amish country on your own, Amish country is huge in Ohio, so where do you begin?  I got to explore Amish country through an amazing tour called Troyer’s Amish Tours in Sugarcreek, OH. They have quite a few different tours to choose from. I choose to go on the Down the Road 3-hour tour. It was an amazing and informative experience and I learned so much. The amazing tour guide, Rich, took us through the backroads of Amish country. No two tours are alike! You learn about the history of Amish people and where they originated. You get to see how they live as well as make some stops to a few of the local thriving businesses. We met a few family members of those businesses while stopping by their shops. The entire tour is narrated. It is a unique experience and keeps you engaged the entire time. Trust me, I know. Myself and the small group I was in asked plenty of questions. The more Rich spoke, the more we became intrigued and wanted to know LOL! Amish country is certainly one for the books. Grab a buddy and hit the road to explore Amish Country and what it has to offer.

TIP: Most Amish businesses do not accept credit card so bring cash.

FUN FACTS:

-Chicken houses hold 25,000 chicken and chicken come in at 8 hrs old from the hatchery

-Amish do not drive, Mennonites do

-Amish can not have a cell phone with a data package or a car

-Amish do not have tvs

-Amish keep up with the news through newspaper

-3 Orders and 11 sects

-Amish do not take pictures of themselves. They do not have family portraits. It is against their religion

-Amish only go to school till 8th grade

-Amish do not vote for people that can dictate life and death on a person (i.e. president, judge, etc.)

-Amish land is expensive (for 5 acres $50,000 an acre)

-Teachers only have an 8th grade education (salary ranges from $1200-$1500 a month)

-Generally Men do not teach due to income level

-Usually single women teach. Once they court, date or get married the women will quit work and focus on their marriage

-20 miles would take you 2 hours on a buggy, and 45 minutes on an e-bike

-$8,000 for a buggy and 125 man hours

-Wheels will last 7 years

-Schrock’s Buggy is the oldest buggy shop on Holmes County

-If you’re getting married, you grow a beard

-One Amish man raises camels for a petting zoo

-They milk camels

-Camels milk is very nutritious

-Largest wood working facility in the state

-Amish are great wood workers

-Wood working is the largest industry in this community

-Most Amish do not wear shoes. They go barefoot because they say shoes are heavy.

-Old race horses are brought to Amish country to be street safe/trained

-Mom and Pop wood working shops are huge

-All Amish kids are not Rumshpringa (roam around and leave the culture for awhile)

Breitenbach Winery

Did someone say WINEry? LOL! I love a good glass of wine and a cute winery! Located a short distance from Troyer’s Amish Tours, nestled among the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish countryside, Der Marktplaz, is home of Breitenbach Wine Cellars. “Breitenbach” is German, meaning “bright or broad stream”, and is the name of the stream that runs through the winery grounds. Breitenbach produces an array of extensive award-winning grape, fresh fruit, and berry wines, and what they are most known for, Dandelion wine. They produce 40 varieties of grape and fruit wines resulting in about 150,000 gallons. WOOOOW! That’s a lot of wine, but hey someone must make it for us wine lovers.

When I drove down the road to get to Breitenbach and was greeted by the purple and red accent colors popping off the building and wine barrels lined along the base, I knew I was in for a real treat. I got out of the car and immediately started taking pictures. What I love is that they grow their own grapes and make their wine on site. What really caught my attention was the purple “Winemakers Barn”. It was so cute! While I did not go inside, the outside was enough to make me say how cool. I am not sure about you but I love a good snack like cheese or a charcuterie board while drinking wine. When you walk in, there is a cheese section along with all the wine to purchase. After this is the sampling area! I stopped to talk to the lady behind the sampling bar, and then walks up Anita. Anita, is one of the daughters of the founder. We chat for a few minutes then she invited me over to sample some wine. They have plenty of flavors to choose from and man did I indulge. They also have a great tasting offer. You can sample 4 wines for $1.00. Yes, you read that correct! I ended up sampling 12 wines. I am a sweet wine drinker so I did not try any of the dry wines. I also like fruit wines and they have 15 flavors to choose from. I grabbed a cheese and cracker plate and enjoyed my wine tasting. I enjoyed the hospitality Breitenbach shared and enjoyed the wine they offer. They are doing some amazing wine making! Also, make sure to try the Dandelion wine. It is unique! By the time wine tasting ended, I left with 5 bottles of wine and 2 candles. What can I say, I am a girl who loves her wine and candles! I highly encourage experiencing Amish country and then relaxing at Breitenbach Winery! The is the perfect day trip.

TIP: Aside from the wine tasting, Café, and gift shop, you’ll also find many events occurring throughout the year at Breitenbach. Festivals, outdoor concerts, special tasting and cooking events, live music and barbecue, and other events happen year-round.

The most popular event is the Dandelion Festival, which typically happens the first weekend in May every year.

Peifer Orchards

Have you ever been apple picking? As a girl from the south, I am familiar with canning veggies and shucking corn, but I have never been to an orchard until now. As they say, it is a first for everything. This Fall I wanted to experience something with my family that was different but that we could all enjoy. Apple Picking it is! When I was looking for Fall activities for us to do, I came across Peifer Orchards and knew this was being added to the to-do list. I grabbed my husband and our girls, dressed them in cute gingham dresses and on our way, we went to the orchard. Peifer Orchards is located in Yellow Springs, OH. There is plenty to do in Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs could be the perfect getaway that includes Peifer Orchards, shopping, biking, hiking, and restaurants. Also, I loved that there is an orchard located not far from where we live.

What I loved about the orchard is when we arrived, it immediately gave us all the Fall and southern vibes. Pumpkins, a cute country store, gravel road, and an experience I will never forget. There is a long walk to the orchard but it was great family time walking and talking. It was hilarious to listen to our little ones talk about apples and what they thought the orchard would look like. We finally got to the end of two-lane gravel path, and there stands acres of apple trees. WOW! The girls and I were in awe. None of us had ever seen an orchard in real life and boy were we amazed. It was a field of green trees with the cutest apples hanging off of them. Some of them even looked like Christmas trees. This was such a picturesque backdrop! They have a few different apple varieties as well as apple colors. My kids enjoyed apple picking to the core! They immediately ran down the rows and started picking apples off the trees. We had our buckets and were ready to fill them with delicious, crisp apples. We all picked a few apples and tossed them in the buckets. The kids did more than their fair share of picking, but they enjoyed themselves and that’s all that matters! I’m not sure that we were supposed to be eating the apples while picking, but my youngest, sweet Robyn, did not waste any time indulging. Let’s just say she snagged the best apples for her afternoon snack. LOL! Once our buckets were full, which did not take long we headed back down the gravel road to head back. We could not leave without heading inside of the country store. They have food, plants, and all things Fall. We even tried their Apple Cider Slush which was amazing and bought some Amish baked goods! Needless to say, our time at Peifer Orchards was nothing short of amazing. Grab your family or friends and set out to enjoy some apple picking! If you want to make it a getaway or a day trip, explore all of Yellow Springs. It is an amazing city.

Blooms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm

It is Fall, and that means pumpkin patch, pumpkin spice and everything nice and Fall on the Farm! I do not know about you, but I grew up going to pumpkin patches and now made it a tradition with my husband and girls. Every year at Fall, we visit a pumpkin patch and fully indulge in this special time of the year. The past two years, we have been making our way to Booms & Berries’ Fall on the Farm. Fall on the Farm is a family-fun event at Blooms & Berries Farm beginning September 18th through October 31st daily. There are so many fun things to do at the farm such as: hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides (only on certain weekends), corn maze, beer garden, sunflower patch (very picturesque), farm animals, play areas, a huge pumpkin balloon bounce, caramel apple float, and so much more. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we went from area to area and all around. They really enjoyed the big slide that they have as well as just roaming around and soaking in all the crisp Fall air. We really enjoy Fall on the Farm as a family and there is so much for the kids to do. I love that there is something at every corner. My kids never got bored. It is a time we experience as a family full of excitement and joy! As you can tell, my family and I really enjoy Fall. If you are looking for an amazing pumpkin patch with tons of things for the family to do, Fall on the Farm is for you!

While summer has ended, that does not mean the fun has to stop! Grab family or friends and explore Ohio’s beauty in the Fall. Experience the best fall foliage in many of Ohio’s different cities. Enjoy the cool crisp air while watching the leaves on the trees change. Enjoy all the Pumpkin Spice you can bare and create the best memories in such a wonderful season!

A Day in Cincinnati’s own, Westwood Neighborhood

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It is springtime, the flowers have bloomed, and the warm weather has started to show its face! COVID is starting to slow, and that means it’s time to get out and explore one of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods on the west side. The neighborhood on the west side called Westwood may seem small but it makes for a relaxed fun day! It is filled with people walking around, fresh air blowing, burgers, an Urban Winery, a brewery, and nice restaurants. My husband and I spent an afternoon in Westwood and had a ball! The kids went out of town (thank goodness for grandparents and breaks, LOL), and we spent an afternoon out laughing, eating, and sharing a few brews. If you know me, you know I love to get out and explore. Often times, exploring means leaving the city aka traveling. However, you would be amazed at what you can find when you look in your own back yard. Westwood was a fun experience! I would highly encourage stopping through to spend some time, so get your Cincy on, on the west side!

Westwood is located about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati. If you want a chill day this is the place for you. Life is short and the time to have fun is NOW! Plus, the entertainment/restaurant industry took a major hit due to COVID, what better way than to get out and support local businesses! Let me guide you through Cincinnati’s back yard!

Wine & Cheese Me, Please!

My husband and I are a couple who loves our wine, and you know I am one half of the foodies that make up Tiff Squared! LOL! You know we love to eat. Our first stop in Westwood after taking pictures in front of the cool Westwood mural, was Henke Winery. Wineries are amazing and provide a way to try different types of wines and the makers styles on classic versions of wine. Henke is an Urban Winery with many accolades around the world. If you are not familiar with an Urban Winery, it is a winery that does not grow their own grapes. However, they do every other part of the wine making process at their facility. They have their grapes shipped in from different parts of the world, depending on their preference of grape growers and the wine they want to make. We were greeted at the door by the owner, Joe. He started wine making back in 1996 after being inspired during a visit to his sister’s Pennsylvania home. That small spark ignited into the flame that has turned into Henke Winery. Henke is serving some delicious wines and yummy food pairings.

My husband’s go-to is Pinot Noir and I always order a sweet wine. I had the Cellar Blush. This is considered a Sweet Blush Wine. It was delicious! We paired our wines with a small plates to share. We had the Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Cheese & Charcuterie Plate, and their famous Air-Fried Cheese. This was the perfect afternoon lunch/snack. We laughed, toasted, and enjoyed our delicious bites. Their Air-Fried Cheese tasted like the perfect homemade cheese stick. It is a sharp Vermont White Cheddar in a crunchy herb jacket. These dishes were delicious! The crust was seasoned and fried perfectly! It also came with some berry compote to sweeten things up a bite. Grab a friend or two and don’t be cheesy and miss out on this Urban Winery!

  • Rob (owner of Henke Winery) & I
  • Cheese & Charcuterie Plate
  • Air-Fried Cheese
  • Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage

Soft Serve & Sprinkles!

Yes, as two grown adults without our kids for a weekend, we still enjoy ice cream cones or shakes! Just a short 3-minute drive away is Putz’s Creamy Whip. Who doesn’t love an ice cream shack with a line and soft serve ice cream? Putz’s was started in 1938 and has been passed down the family for generations. Putz’s truly believes in family, the time that family spends together and the memories that are made with family. Their entire operation was started with family and their passion is not so much about ice cream but families enjoying their favorite treats at the picnic tables on those hot summer days! I can say I honestly believe this as when we arrived there was a line. It felt like the old neighborhood store that had been around for years. The one that your grandparents go to and now you go there with your kids. I love a good ole neighborhood staple. We knew we were in for a treat! This was my first time visiting so I had to try the neighborhood staple, classic soft serve. Plus, I am no basic betty and I like a pop of color. I added some sprinkles. HAHA! I can honestly say, I was not disappointed. My husband is a classic milkshake guy, so he ordered a Strawberry Milkshake. I must admit it was pretty dang good! It was thick and full of strawberries, just the way we like it! Both are perfect on a spring or hot summer day!

  • Vanilla Soft Serve with Sprinkles

Let’s Take A Long Walk, Around The Park!

I am not sure about you but a nice spring or summer walk, in the open crisp cool air is the best! The weather is nice, the sun is just right, and after being locked up by COVID, it is so nice to see people out again. The restaurants, brewery, winery, and mini park are all within walking distance of one another. It was also neat to see parks filled with kids playing again. I remember walking past a park, and it looked like a desert. Haha! It is just so nice to see everyone getting out exploring again. Have reservations or waiting to be seated, get out and take a walk around the park!

Westside Brewery!

I mean c’mon, how fitting is that name? ;p Westside Brewery is located in the heart of Westwood. My husband and I decided to stop here just to sit and talk over beer and cider. This brewery has some good beer. While I am not a beer girl, I enjoy a good cider. Beer and cider not your thing, that’s ok because they also have wine and cocktail selections. They offer something for everyone. The taproom is huge and offers enough space for everyone. They do not offer food, but they always have different food trucks parked outside. My husband grabbed some delicious wings from Buffalo’s Best. Westside Brewery is a good hang out place. Want some beer and a good time? Stop by Westside Brewery.

Time To Eat!

Now after a beer or two, you probably have worked up an appetite. While west side is smaller than other parts of Cincinnati, you can still find some good eats. While there are different places to eat we enjoy two eateries in Westwood, Ivory House and Nation. One is a little more upscale and the other is down right roll your sleeves up and get messy!

Ivory House – Looking for flavorful, small plate, American food? This is the place for you! When I walked in, I was immediately wowed by the décor. The gold and navy-blue décor was amazing! They even had gold utensils. I loved that! I would recommend coming on an empty stomach! Ok, lets jump right in to their Kale Caesar Salad and their House Salad. Both are amazing and fresh! The flavors are bomb and you won’t be disappointed! Also, try their Salmon on Cheese Grits. I really enjoy seafood, especially with grits. I grew up on fried fish and grits. My mom would make it once a week. Now as an adult I love any seafood and grit combination. You also can’t leave without dessert! We had their Seasonal Crème Brulee. They have something for everyone!

  • Death Valley Farm Old Fashioned & Get Lucky
  • Green Goddess Salad
  • Smash Sliders
  • Caesar Salad
  • Crème Brulee
  • Chicken Cavatelli Carbonara
  • Salmon

Nation – Simply a good ole’ burger joint! If you like a good burger and fries, Nation is calling your name! This is my mine and my husband’s favorite place to come and get burger and tots. I am an ABSOLUTE tater tot lover! What I love about Nation is they offer tater tots as they are or dressed up. I love this! I always get my tater tots LOADED style. Imagine a baked potato but remove the baked potato and add tots and all the baked potato fixings! Wahla! SOOOOO GOOD! While they offer different burgers, my favorite is the Temperance burger. It’s a traditional burger. What can I say, somethings I like plain jane! HAHA! This is the perfect place for a more relaxed meal. Certainly, a cheat meal or a Friday Night burger and fry night with friends! No matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. Come hungry, leave happy!

  • Temperance
  • Nation

While the world is slowly opening back up, fun can still be had in a safe manner! It can also be had right here in Cincinnati. Now that you have an entertainment guide of Westwood, get out and go have fun!

BTS with Esoteric- Cincy’s First Black & Asian Owned Brewery

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Are you looking for something different in the city? Or perhaps looking for a place to listen to live music (yes, safely during covid)? Or maybe looking for a location for weeknight trivia? We have just the spot for you! And it’s minority owned too! Introducing ESOTERIC! For anyone who hasn’t heard the name, it is the first Black owned and Asian owned brewery in Cincinnati. But it isn’t your typical brewery that feels like you’re in a well made over warehouse. You get much more of a lounge experience here.

Let’s talk about their name and space first:

The name means “it’s understood by a select few”. And in this case, that means craft beer. Less than 15% of the industry craft their beer. The thought is still growing (and somewhat fast right now!) But once you know craft beer, you love it. In the space, you’ll notice many locust flowers throughout. This is their metaphor for fighting through adversity. It represents a rising out of the Phoenix (ashes) and helping make Walnut Hills a thriving neighborhood again. What’s super cool is they employ a lot of people from the neighborhood and people of color to broaden equality.

You will also see lots of art all around you. The decor is an ode to Art Deco and the design of the precious city. All of the characters are all from  period pieces from the 40s and 50s. The brand is to bring back the golden age. And guess who made all of the art? One of the owner’s (Brian) uncles!

Speaking of the owners…

When we did our behind the scenes, we met  with one of the owners, Marvin Abrinica, CFO and CMO. Marvin co-owns the brewery with Brian Jackson, CEO Head brewer and developer  and Patrick klesmith, COO.

It seems like their partnership was truly meant to be. Brian was working at Chipotle, but had a passion for beer. While working at Mad Tree, he started exploring the brewing process at home. This eventually led to him being in the first class of Mortar, which is a well known entrepreneurship hub in Cincinnati that focuses on diverse dreamers. Marvin happened to be a mentor with Mortar, which is how they met. After many chats, with Patrick included, they decided to pursue the business and raise the capital. 4 years later, in August of 2020, Esoteric was opened to the public!

Now 2020= Covid. But these business owners still managed to launch and sustain successfully. They are operating at 50% capacity which has of course been a challenge and forced them to pivot. To help with their sustainability, they also focus on digital sales, purchasing online, and pulled forward their canning distribution line which launches next month.

What I really love about them is they have a social mission as a company. Out of the 8k breweries across the nation, only 250 are owned from people of color. And out of over 8k. And less than 50 are black owned. I love that this statistic did not stop them from going after their dreams and also talking about this important fact! 

Now what about food and entertainment?


For all of you Taste of Belgium lovers out there, there’s a food truck right in the back! And if that’s not your thing, you can pick up or have food delivered from any of the surrounding restaurants- like Gomez Salsa. Yum!

For entertainment, they have live music on Fridays and Saturdays. A few ladies and I came back for this and it was awesome!! It was also very safely done with lots of space between us and the performer.  They also do an 80s/90s open mic night on Wednesdays with various artists and trivia on Thursday.

Kudos to Esoteric for bringing such an experience to Cincinnati. I will be supporting and spreading the word about them as much as possible. I really could go on and on about how great this place is, but I think YOU should check it out. We’d love to hear if you enjoyed your experience as much as we did. Leave us a note when you do!

Bye for now!

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Revolving Rotisserie Around A New Way of Life

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Cincinnati’s food scene has always been on the rise. It seemed there for awhile, there was something new opening every month. This was certainly music to our ears, especially with our love for food and being foodies. In recent months COVID-19 has taken over and has put a slight delay to restaurants opening. However, there is one restaurant that is not letting COVID rain on their parade. Revolution Rotisserie is open for business, doing well, and thriving in spite of the pandemic. When we heard Nick Pesola, owner of Revolution Rotisserie, was continuing to sell his well-known Rotisserie Chicken not letting COVID bring him down, we had to support! We sat down with Nick to talk all things Rotisserie Chicken and more.

You may wonder where the concept of rotisserie chicken came from and why. Well, wonder no more! In the summer of 2014, at the age of 25, Nick, opened a gourmet rotisserie chicken tent at Findlay Market. This was Nick’s Dream and he was determined to prove he and his rotisserie chicken were here to stay. That summer he sold so many of his signature “Chitas” and rotisserie chickens. He could not keep the rotisserie stocked fast enough with his delicious chickens. After so much positive feedback, Nick knew it was time to expand his concept and open a brick-and-mortar location in Cincinnati. It was at his OTR location that Nick added full-service hospitality and a bar program for Revolution to become a “Rotisserie & Bar.” This location did well enough that he opened a 2nd location in Pleasant Ridge. Nick has always been self-motivated and driven. His mission for Revolution Rotisserie is to make a positive impact on the world around him. Revolution initially came from the chicken rotisserie revolving. Over the years, the meaning of “Revolution” has evolved and become so much more. On their menu, they pay homage to revolutionaries who changed the world. Even their walls are decorated with hip, revolutionary-inspired artwork you will not find anywhere else but within their restaurants.

  • Nelson Mandela Chita (Front), Tater Tots (center) & George Washington Chita (back)
  • Nick Pesola, Owner of Revolution Rotisserie

Both locations serve amazing food, but Rotisserie Chicken is always the focal point. Nick loved the concept of rotisserie chicken because it was different. It also has many applications (i.e. sandwiches, salad, by itself, and more). We can vouch that his chicken is DEEEELIICIOUS! Tender and full of flavor, and served with some amazing sauces. At Revolution Rotisserie, they brine, rub and then cook their chicken on an actual revolving rotisserie. Yes, you are getting the real deal! They support local Ohio businesses and source their chicken from Ohio Amish farms. We sat down with Nick at his Pleasant Ridge location. There is enough space for everyone to safely eat 6 ft. apart during this pandemic. They also have a nice outdoor patio with the cutest little picnic tables and umbrellas.

  • Rotisserie Chicken
  • Pollo A La Brasa

Their menu is diverse and has an option for everyone while still allowing rotisserie chicken to be the forefront. Anyone can add rotisserie chicken as a menu item, but what about alternative options? Their chicken is the bomb, but Nick wanted to meet the tasting needs of everyone. Nick and his GM, Scott, collaborate on different food items to be placed on the menu. Menu planning always sparks a fire for Nick. Making food this good is a labor of love! In addition to rotisserie chicken, you can order Fancy Fries, Joan of Arc, Gracie’s Coney, Nelson Mandela Chita, Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich, Tater Tots, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and many more items. The Joan of Arc is their most popular seasonal salad and their Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich is the most popular sandwich. The Joan of Arc is full of berries and is light. It adds the perfect pop to summer. The fried chicken sandwich is so good and comes with the Fiery Lightning Sauce. This will be sure to add a punch to your taste buds. Would you believe this sandwich just started as something to offer during the Western Southern Open? It did so well during the tennis tournament, that it became a regular menu staple. Also, Gracie’s Coney is named after the neighbor’s dog who Nick drilled holes into the neighbor’s building to hang patio lights. Man, that is one lucky dog! This hotdog is something serious. This hot dog is an all-beef hot dog, loaded with Vegetarian Chili, Cheddar Cheese and topped with Mustard & Red Onion. Served on a local Poppy Seed Bun. This dog might make you want to slap your mama. However, we would not advise that. HAHA! If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you. Revolution Rotisserie serves some amazing desserts. I had their Blueberry Pie with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream from Milkman Ice Cream and Donuts. This was the best Blueberry Pie I have ever had. The other Tiff had one scoop each of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Sorbet on a cone. Speaking of Milkman, check out Nick’s new concept Milkman Ice Cream & Donuts. My oh my, was that ice cream perfect on a hot summer day and we heard the donuts sell out in 40 minutes of being released. You better hurry if you do not want to miss out!

  • Tiff B. eating the Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Shirley Temple Cocktail
  • Apple Pie
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Moscow Mule
  • Peach Pie
  • Fancy Fries
  • Rose Sangria
  • Joan of Arc
  • Lightning Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Spicy Margarita
  • Gracie’s Coney
  • Blueberry Pie & A Scoop of Milkman’s Ice Cream
  • Tiff D. and her Milkman Ice Cream Cone

They also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2 pm. They have a brunch menu, but the regular dining menu is offered as well. Some of the brunch items are Chicken and Waffles and Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Biscuit. They also have drink specials like $5 mimosas.

Chicken & Waffles

We can say Nick truly believes in warm hospitality, serving great food and drinks, and bringing people together for a good time even if it means wearing a mask and staying 6 ft apart. He is very big on impacting the world and being the change he wants to see. He finds a cause and dream that he believes in and sees it to the finish line. So come hungry, bring some friends (not to many, remember social distancing, LOL), grab a drink or two and have an unforgettable time and meal at a revolutionary place.

A Labor Of Love!!

Cincinnati’s Bread King – Sixteen Bricks

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Cincinnati is known as the Queen City, and every queen needs her king!

What do you do when you are well into adulthood, have a six-figure job, hate your six-figure job, but your family needs your help to run their bread bakery? For some this could be a hard truth to deal with. Well for, Ryan Morgan, owner of Sixteen Bricks bakery, that question was a no brainer. You put your big boy pants on, quit your six-figure job, step out on faith and go help your family. We truly enjoyed ourselves behind the scenes with Sixteen Bricks. Ryan’s hard work, determination, drive, and hustle is what landed him to successfully continue to run his family’s bakery for 8 years now.

After living in Cincinnati for 2.5 years, seeing Sixteen Bricks on plenty of menus, tasting some of their bread at different locations, and seeing Ryan doing different collaborations; I thought hmmm this would be an awesome behind the scenes. Mannnnn, was I right! Ryan is such a dope soul! Him and his crew are some amazing people. Tiff Squared had the chance to make bread with the Sixteen Bricks crew for a day. Yes, a day to learn about all things bread (i.e. types of flours, shape, bread types, baking temperatures and times, etc.).

 

 

 

Let’s take a walk down memory lane to see how Sixteen Bricks was formed:

If you have had Sixteen Bricks bread, you know it is the bomb. com. It is what we like to hashtag #iyktyk (if you know, then you know). Lol! However, would you believe that Ryan use to be a medical equipment mechanic before he was what I like to call, Cincinnati’s Bread King? You would think by the taste of his amazing bread, he has been in the business for 10+ years. Nope, he has only been in the bread making business for 8 years. WOWZERS, is what we said! Don’t feel bad, we were shocked as well. The bakery first started with Ryan’s mother and father. Their concept was a little sit-down restaurant with food made from the heart. They grew their own veggies that they cooked and served to guests. The menu was seasonal so they could provide the best dishes with the freshest ingredients. Although his mom owned the restaurant, she bought her bread from another company. Her and this owner became great friends over the years. Suddenly, the bread company owner became ill, so Ryan’s mother bought his bread bakery. After years of running the bakery, it was time to pass down the reins. Ryan’s mother was also growing in age, and it was now time to retire and pass the bread bakery along. This is where Ryan had to step out on faith. He decided to quit his six-figure job as a mechanic and take over his mother’s bakery. Oh, not to mention he did not know a thing about bread. Like most men, he was not going to let his mother down. He learned what he needed to know and hired the help he needed. As many know, the food industry can be brutal. However, Ryan beat the odds, grinded through the storm and became what we know today, Sixteen Bricks Artisan Bakehouse a.k.a Cincinnati’s Bread King. A total bad *shut your mouth* 😊

Fast forward to November 2019:

Sixteen Bricks is booming and doing better than ever. Sixteen Bricks has its own bread factory where they produce thousands of lbs of bread a year. They produce bread for multiple restaurants and a few store locations (i.e Kroger).

Tiff Squared’s Bread Making Experience

Out of all the bread Sixteen Bricks can make, by now I am sure you are wondering what type Tiff Squared made. Wonder no more, Tiff Squared loves Focaccia Bread, so that is what we asked Ryan to teach us. Making Focaccia Bread is fun and easy.

First, you make the dough and let it sit for about 1-2 hours to rise.

Second, you get your baking dish. We used what looked to be 6-in cake pans. We then oiled each pan with olive oil. You must get the right amount of oil on the bottom and not add to much. Adding too much oil can fry your bread on the bottom. We then weighed out about 8-9 oz. of dough to fill each pan.

Third, we let the dough set for another 1-2 hours to rise again.

During this time, Ryan took us on a bakery tour. We went to all the different bread making stations (in no particular order) and learned the process on how to make bread. We got to see how the bread was loaded onto the conveyer belt to go into the oven. We watched a batch be loaded and off into the oven it went. Some of the bread had to be scored before it went into the oven. I, Tiff B., had the opportunity to score a few pieces. After the oven section, Ryan showed us what the finished product looks like. We then went into the walk-in refrigerator and learned about the different types of flour. After, we were able to go watch a batch of bread dough being made in the mixer. We even watched a bread machine pre-cut bread dough to make hoagies.

Now it was time to go back and check on our rising dough. We came back and it looked good.

Fourth, it was time for toppings! Oh yeah! We kept it simple and did salt, black pepper, and rosemary. MMM MMM MMM! Just the smell of all of the seasonings had us very excited about the finished product. Tiff D. topped the bread dough with the selected seasonings.

Fifth, now it was time for the bread to go into the oven. Our bread baked for about 30-40 min.

Sixth, take the bread out the oven and let it cool. Then enjoy! The taste of simple ingredients like salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary add great flavor. The three ingredients were robust in flavor yet worked well together on the palate. The notes of rosemary add an earthy taste while the pepper added that light kick of spice. The salt was the cherry on top adding that tangy element that we all know goes so well with bread. The texture of the Focaccia Bread was light and airy. It had the perfect chew as well.

While we waited for the bread to bake and cool, we spent the last 30-40 min in the pastry section talking to Sixteen Brick’s pastry chef, Bec. She was super cool and taught us simple terms and looks of pastry making. We learned the lamination of bread and what it is supposed to look like. The lamination when talking about pastries is the honeycomb look you should see. If you cut a croissant in half, it should have a uniform honeycomb look on both pieces. After all that learning, we worked up an appetite. The best part of it all besides meeting incredible people, tasting time! We got to sample our delicious Focaccia Bread we made! YYAAAYY! We also got to sample some amazing pastries. We tried different croissant flavors like plan, lemon custard filled, jam filled, chocolate filled, and cream cheese filled. All were very tasty. The croissant layers themselves were light and flaky. They are working on their new line of pastries that are offered to a few local restaurants.

Kudos and much respect to Ryan and his team! Our day in the bakery was time well spent and everyone made us feel at home. You can’t go wrong with any type of bread from Sixteen Bricks. If you haven’t tried them, be sure you do. You are totally missing out! If you have, well keep continuing to eat their bread. No one is counting your calories, plus who doesn’t love carbs? We sure do! Give them a try, you will be just as impressed as we are!

 

Cheers to 20 Years!!

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Happy 20th Anniversary Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – Cincinnati!! WOW, can you believe it has been 20 years since Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – Cincinnati opened its doors?! Considering most restaurants do not survive their first year in business, this is an amazing accomplishment! Hats off to the Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment group for 20 years of awesome food and dining. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is upscale dining at its finest. Located in Downtown Cincinnati directly across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts and in the heart of the city’s Backstage Entertainment District, Ruby’s is the place to go for an elegant night out on the town. The restaurant is modeled after the 1940’s-era French Art Deco Steakhouses of New York City. The artwork, lighting and rich textures create a vibrancy that will make sure you feel as though you’ve been treated to not just dinner, but a show. Tiff Squared could not agree more. Mr. Ruby loves huge chandeliers, so you will see quite a few in the dining area. They are so vibrant and dramatic and lend a nice touch to the restaurant’s décor. We had an amazing experience! From the truffle butter and bread to the dessert and everything in between, we enjoyed one of the best dining experiences the city has to offer. This location is the first of five Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse concepts. The other locations are Louisville, Nashville, Columbus, and Lexington.

The concept of Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouses came many years ago during an era of entrepreneurs opening steakhouses. The thing about everyone else was they named their steakhouses after athletes or other famous people. Mr. Ruby liked the idea of opening a steakhouse but wanted to name it after himself. This is when Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse was born. Mr. Ruby opened the doors to a new restaurant, but he did not want just a plain jane steakhouse. He wanted one that delivers award-winning steaks, seafood and service. He also wanted to combine those three staples with live nightly entertainment with great attention to detail. With his dream and determination being the driving force and his team’s hard work delivering on execution, he did just that. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse has become a favorite of celebrities, athletes, politicians, and Cincinnatians looking for a good time and a good meal. Also, we cannot forget to mention that Mr. Ruby is a big cigar guy. The outdoor area is called the “Cigar Patio” and he even has cigars made just for the restaurant with his name printed on them. Yes, if you are a cigar person you can purchase these cigars.

From then to now (1999-2019), Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse has been delivering phenomenal food, service and a great night out on the town. They live up to their mission and Tiff Squared could not have been more excited and prouder to be a part of this great accomplishment. When we were asked to come in and do a behind the scenes, we were super elated. Trust us, they did not have to ask twice! Haha 😊 From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by friendly, smiling staff. We were then given a glass of champagne to toast. We received a tour of the restaurant and even got to say hello to the executive chef and his staff. We ended with the best part – dinner and dessert. We can truly say, our dining experience was one for the books!

Tiff Squared

Their menu certainly helps as well! Anyone can open a steakhouse, but they must deliver on the food and most importantly the steak. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse has an amazing culinary team. Even the pastry chef is the bomb.com! Although this is a steakhouse, they have something for everyone. What makes them unique compared to other steakhouses is they offer sushi, bar bites and fresh seafood.

Now, let’s dive into the menu!

We started with some yummy bread and butter. I mean who doesn’t love carbs?! The kicker here is half of the butter was truffle butter. This butter was so good and was the perfect touch to the sourdough bread. Next, we had the Wagyu Meatball served with creamy polenta and tomato gravy. Talk about one big ball of beefy goodness! It was flavorful and tender. The polenta was the cherry on top. Truthfully, at this point Tiff Squared was tipping the scale of being stuffed. Hehe! However, we had not even laid our eyes on dinner. It was waaayyy to early for our little bellies to be halfway happy. C’mon, I mean it’s a steakhouse and of course we had to order steak. We could not come to a steakhouse and not order what they are known for. MY OH MY, dinner is now served! The waiter comes to our table with two plates of 12 oz. steak with Mac & Cheese and Creamed Spinach for sides. Tiff Squared now has the **eyes bucked** emoji face! We look at each other and wonder who is going to eat all this food. With our happy half full bellies and a smile, we dig in. I ordered the Steak Collinsworth and Tiff D. ordered the Barrel-Cut Filet. Both steaks were amazing, cooked well, seasoned well, and tender. The sides were amazing and the best I, Tiff B, have had from a steakhouse. That Mac & Cheese was DEEEELIICIOUS! The Creamed Spinach was creamy and flavorful. The chefs certainly deserve a hand clap for this meal! Needless to say we are now beyond stuffed, but guess what??? We now have dessert!

DESSERT?!

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore; it was now time for dessert. Not one but THREE! I, Tiff B, was super excited because I am the sweets eater between myself and Tiff D. Tiff D. was super thankful for the desserts but looked at me like what have you done. Three wasn’t planned but I could not decide on one, so our awesome waiter, Patrick, brought us three. Yep, you read that correctly, UNO (1), DOS (2), TRES (3)! Sorry Tiff D., however, I’m sure her belly appreciated it 😊 We had the Banana Pudding Ice Cream Torte, the Warm Brown Butter Spice Cake, and the Chocolate Torte. All three were truly amazing and lent a different taste profile. Having a crazy sweet tooth, I truly appreciated this dessert tray! Also, if you get to the end of the meal and are hesitant on ordering dessert, do not be! The pastry chef is one heck of a chef and puts out amazing desserts!

Banana Pudding Ice Cream Torte, Chocolate Pie, Warm Brown Butter Spice Cake

WHEW!! I got full just typing all of this! Lol! All jokes aside, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse truly offered us an amazing dining experience with delicious food. We are so thankful and appreciative to have been apart of them celebrating 20 years! Again, thank you Jeff Ruby’s and Cheers to 20 Years!