Akron To Cincy

Photos by Tim Fitzwater

The following post was written for publication on the website "The Akronist." The Akronist is a source for compelling stories about greater Akron. It has local videos, photos, podcasts, articles, and blogs produced by the community. I wrote this piece as a recap of a recent trip taken with a group of fellow Akronites in the young leadership group known as Torchbearers. 

As a bus full of 35 Akronites rolled into the Over-the-Rhine district of Cincinnati on June 5, smart phones began taking pictures and tagging social media posts with the hashtag “#TB2Cincy.”

There was no question that the working minds of Torchbearers of Akron had arrived, and they were eager to learn about the southwest Ohio city nearly four hours away from home. Creative juices were flowing, and notepads were at the ready to catch inspiration during the group’s two-day excursion to the Queen City.

In early 2015, Torchbearers received its largest single grant ($65,000) from the John S. and James L Knight Foundation. This grant sponsored two trips, the first being to Detroit in May 2015, and the second being the most recent trip to Cincinnati on June 5 and 6 of this year.

It was the goal of Torchbearers to travel to Cincinnati in order to learn about the city’s efforts in arts and culture, neighborhood revitalization and economic development, with the hopes of bringing back these ideas for programs in Akron. In addition, the trip was an opportunity for Torchbearers to share with those in Cincinnati all the innovative things Akron is doing to revitalize and grow.

READ MORE AT THE AKRONIST

Ariel-Foundation Park

Photos by OHventures

Ariel-Foundation Park

501 S. Main Street
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 393-9577

Mount Vernon is the county seat of  Knox County, located in North Central Ohio, and is home to the brand new Ariel-Foundation Park, a 250-acre public green space built on the site of the former Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) manufacturing plant (which closed in the 1970s).

This breathtaking park includes historic ruins of once-booming industrial buildings, with certain portions of the factory purposefully left standing. Crumbling brick walls, free-standing freight elevators, and other remnants are strewn across a large grassy field, with terraced landscaping and magnificent earthworks strategically placed throughout the park.

Intriguing art pieces are also found along the pathways of Ariel-Foundation Park, most of which pay homage to the glass industry. Large electric-blue-colored blown-glass and metal scaffolding create art that is incredible and thought-provoking.

The centerpiece of the park is the Rastin Observation Tower, a smokestack from the old factory that has been transformed into a must-see landmark. With a spiral metal staircase built around the 280-foot smokestack, park visitors can climb over 220 steps to reach the halfway point for a magnificent view of Mount Vernon.

Climbing to the top was a workout and a test of my bravery. You are totally safe and secure, but those who are wary of heights (like myself) might feel a bit uneasy. Scaling the stairs was definitely worth the sweat, as it provided a great photo op, and a unique experience unlike anything else in the area.

There's a lot more to do at the park as well: you can fish and boat (non-motorized boats) in the 3 lakes, take a spin on the biking trail, hike the wooded area on site, and visit the museum to learn more about the history of PPG and the relics that are left on display.

Tuscawaras County Wineries

Photos by OHventures

To continue celebrating Ohio Wine Month this June, consider stopping in to one – or all six – of the award winning wineries in Tuscawaras County. While you embark on your wine-tasting experience, be sure to check out the Ohio Grape Industries VIP incentive program, where you can register and win rewards for visiting different Ohio wineries.

Island Palm Winery (Bolivar): Historic downtown Bolivar is the setting for this fun and laid back island-themed winery. When walking in, you immediately get a tiki bar vibe that sets the tone for a good time. Flip Flop Muscat, Seashell Chardonnay, and Shark Bite Zinfandel are some examples of the exciting and whimsical wines found at Island Palm. The best sellers are fruit wines: Pomegranate Cove and Sunset Passion Fruit. They also offer a great bologna sandwich called “The Big Kahuna,” and the tasty home brewed Crow’s Nest Hard Apple Cider.

School House Winery (Dover): One of my favorite wineries in all of Ohio is School House Winery, which was established in an actual schoolhouse from the late 1800s! This bright red structure stands out in the rolling countryside and beckons you to come in the doors and have some wine. All wines have been given elementary school-related monikers, my top picks being Bully Red (dry, smoky, oaky), and Teacher’s Pet (the best seller).

Breitenbach Wine Cellars (Dover): When I visited Breitenbach, it was swarming with visitors, with check-out and wine-tasting lines stretching throughout the winery. Known for over 40 vinifera and hybrid American varieties, Breitenbach produces 135,000 gallons of wine each year. A must-try is the extremely unique (and extremely sweet) Dandelion wine, which has become a mainstay and crowd favorite. It is so popular, that there is even an annual Breitenbach Dandelion Festival each May.

Swiss Heritage Winery (Dover): Located at the Broad Run Cheesehouse, you’ll find yourself amongst an array of cheeses (all made on site), lace, curtains, and other specialty items. Making your way to the rear of the gift shop, you’ll find a counter selling a selection of 17 different wines made on site. The folks at Swiss Heritage will do a great job letting you know which cheeses and wines pair best together. My recommendation is the light and grapey Victorian Lace paired with blue ribbon Swiss cheese!

YOLO Winery (Dover): A winery with the name “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) can only mean good things. The interior has a modern and upscale décor reminiscent of a California-style boutique. Order delicious flatbreads and salads delivered to you fresh from local restaurant Sammy Sue’s. Be sure to sample my personal favorite wine called Party On Garth.

Silver Moon Winery (Dover): A great place to sit back and relax after a long day of traveling and wine sampling. There is a large, open seating area with loads of comfortable couches and chairs that pair nicely with the wines at Silver Moon. Try Blood of Zeus and Luna Bianca. If you’re daring, check out Eve’s Delight or Kiwi Melon Splash!

Coshocton Three Rivers Wine Trail

Photos by OHventures 

If you need one word to convince you to explore Coshocton County, that word would be: alpacas. I bet you didn't see that one coming!

There are a lot of hidden hotspots - including alpacas - tucked away in the rolling Appalachian foothills of Southeast-Central Ohio. One of the best ways in which you can experience this area is by taking a day-trip on the Three Rivers Wine Trail. Make sure you have a designated driver in tow, because there is a lot of wine to be had on the trail! There are 4 major wineries that can be found within a 15-minute drive of one another: Raven's Glenn Winery, Rainbow Hills Winery, the Yellow Butterfly Winery (home of the alpacas, which we will get to later), and Heritage Vineyards.

It being my birth-month (when you turn 30, you're allowed to celebrate all month), I wanted to whet my whistle with some new Ohio wines. The Three Rivers Wine Trail is located just over an hour south of where I live (straight down 77S from Canton). It was a clear blue Saturday afternoon, and we were set to cram in all of the wineries in just a few hours. You can easily spend a couple of days on the winery tour in Coshocton County, especially with great lodging.

Our first stop was Raven's Glenn, a Tuscan-style winery and Italian restaurant where every meal can be paired with the perfect wine. In fact, a great wine-buddy of mine, Rick, told me we needed to stop here for food (which is why we made it our first stop, to make sure we had a good base of good food in our bellies). There are usually private wine tours available (you must call ahead for reservations), but since that was not offered on the day we went, we went straight to the tasting room to order some flights!

When I am at an Ohio winery, I tend to try the wines that are made with Ohio grapes, if possible. An entire flight - "Vintner's Reserve" - was available with exactly that! I tried the White October (honey-citrus taste), Autumn Interlude (pineapple/grapefruit undertones), Vino Della Casa (an off dry red that can be served chilled or warm), R2 (a dry red with licorice tones), Moon Dreams (a very jammy finish with high alcohol content and fantastic bottle art), Sonata Evening (wine port), Scarlet Raven (red port), and Vidal Blanc (ice wine). I took home a bottle of Moon Dreams!

The dining experience was just as tasty as the wine. In fact, there was red zinfandel marinara sauce on my lasagna order. The red zin marinara also accompanied the yummy fried oysters appetizers I scarfed down (pictured above). 

The restaurant had large open windows facing the Tuscawaras River. It was pretty darn gorgeous, I must say. We spent a LOT of time at Raven's Glenn, which shows how much of a fan we are.

Before heading to the next winery, we stopped at the Unusual Junction located right across the street. It caught our eye because of the old train cars outside. The best way to describe this place is that it is, for lack of better terms, an "unusual junction"! It's a gift shop that you just have to see for yourself!

Moving on, we headed to Rainbow Hills, which is way off the beaten path in a gorgeous wooded area. Here, you can stay overnight at the Inn at Rainbow Hills Bed & Breakfast. Or, you can just stop in for a few samples of wine accompanied by cheese plates while sitting on spacious wooden decks. In summer, they have barbecue nights where you can grill your own steak and chicken! American grape and French hybrid varieties are grown and used for producing high quality wine. I took home a bottle of Drumming Grouse, my favorite of the bunch we tried.

Time was flying by and our stay at Rainbow Hills had to be cut short so we could make it to The Yellow Butterfly Winery. There was no mistaking the big bright yellow barn plastered against the lush green countryside. It was cheerful, inviting, and enchanting. The barn is almost 100 years old, with a deck overlooking the Blue Ridge foothills. Adjacent to the barn is the Yellow Butterfly BNB, which was also another lodging option if we were to have chosen to stay the night. 

We were rather "wined out" by this time, but I couldn't pass up sampling at least a few of their top sellers. They have a lot of fruity varieties, such as Apple Delight, Blackberry Butterfly, Golden Apricot, and Passionate Peach. After all of that sweetness, I needed to taste a dry red - so I ordered their Grande Red to enjoy on the patio.

In the back is where you can normally find their alpacas grazing on the hillsides. It was too early in the season for us to see them for ourselves, but my fascination with these weird looking creatures will surely bring me back soon. In lieu of seeing alpacas firsthand, I bought a rug made out of 100% Ohio alpaca fur! It was too hard to pass up!

Unfortunately, it became too late in the evening to head to the Heritage Vineyards, however, this just gives us one more excuse to come back in the summer for another round of the Three Rivers Wine Trail in Coshocton County!

Ride The Miller Boat Line Ferry

Photos by OHventures

Miller Boat Line

5174 East Water Street

Port Clinton, OH 43452

(800) 500-2421

Anytime I head out to any of the Lake Erie Islands, be it South Bass Island (home to none other than Put-In-Bay), or Middle Bass Island, I always look forward to the ferry ride!! While you can take a private boat to the islands, riding the ferry is part of the entire experience. Your best bet is to hit up the Miller Boat Line, located on the mainland in Port Clinton, Ottawa County. 

Once you arrive in town, it is advised that you leave your car behind in one of the nearby parking lots (some are free, and some charge a small fee). While the option exists to take your car onboard, it is not advised unless absolutely necessary. There is a much larger fee to take your car on the ferry ($30 round trip), and there is limited space on the ferry for vehicles. This means you could be waiting to get your car on the Miller Ferry for up to 4 hours. 

My friend Anna and I on the upper deck of the Miller Ferry ready to go to South Bass Island!

If you are concerned about transportation once you make it to South Bass or Middle Bass, do not fret! These are small islands, and each have golf carts for rent (try Erie Island Carts on Put-In-Bay and Middle Bass Rentals on Middle Bass), which are the primary means of transportation (believe it or not, you are permitted to take golf carts on roadways!). Taxis and rented bicycles are also great ways to get around without a car. And, many places are also accessible by foot!

Whether or not you leave your car in Port Clinton, you can then make your way to the ticket booth located on the coastline. A one-way ticket for an adult is just $7! This is very affordable. It is recommended to purchase your ticket for the way back as well so that you can save a step later on when you decide to come back (just don't lose it!).

A view of an uninhabited Lake Erie island while riding the Miller Ferry

When you get on the vessel, take a pro tip from OHventures and head immediately to the upper deck!! This way, you get the best view possible and get the best seats! You will love your view from atop the Miller Ferry, with the Lake Erie winds blowing in your face, and awesome sights that look nothing like the rest of Ohio!

Recently, I took a trip to Put-In-Bay with tons of college friends. We all rode the Miller Boat Line's ferry both ways! The wait was not very long, and the ride was smooth and quick. This week, OHventures gave away a FREE ticket to ride the ferry in a sweepstakes on Twitter! We hope the winner enjoys their ride!

Covered Bridges of Ashtabula County

 

Harpersfield Bridge - Photos by OHventures

Ashtabula County, located in the northeastern-most corner of Ohio, is the epicenter of covered bridges in the state. With a total of 18 of these historic structures, Ashtabula has more than any other county in Ohio, helping it to fittingly earning the title of the Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio. Another claim to fame is that one can find both the longest and the shortest functioning covered bridges in the entire United States right here!

Covered bridges seem to have an alluring element to them - they are built with exquisite architecture that is not often found in modern times. Driving through the "tunnels" spices up any road trip, and gawking at the rustic wooden masterpieces creates awe and excitement for you and your fellow travelers.

You can hop in the car and take along with you an official map of all of the covered bridges in Ashtabula County, planning your path through the countryside that will get you to see the most covered bridges possible. Or, if you happen to be partaking in the wine shuttle tour provided by the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you can ask your driver to take you to a few of the bridges on your way to and from the local wineries. 

Another great way to see a large amount of covered bridges is to take a self-guided tour by following the special bridge tour signs that are posted throughout the county. Only one is a non-drivable bridge - The Graham Road bridge. This one sits on the side of the road and is able to be walked through

Two bridges we suggest you include on your trip are the Harpersfield Bridge and the West Liberty Street Bridge.

The Harpersfield Bridge was built in 1868 and, until 2008, was the longest covered bridge in Ohio at 228 feet long. The Howe Truss design bridge is still the second largest in Ohio, but takes a backseat to the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, which is the longest covered bridge in the nation and the fourth longest covered bridge in the world with an impressive 613 feet. Even through it is no longer the longest, the Harpersfield Bridge is still a great point of interest, and is an ideal spot for fishing or picnicking. 

The other bridge of note that we suggest to visit is the West Liberty Street Bridge, which is the shortest functioning covered bridge in the country! With just a span of 18 feet in length, it is honestly a bit comical when you see it! But it is also impressive to know that it was built by the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School carpentry and construction students, and to know that the timber was grown locally. Not only is it the shortest bridge, but also the newest in the county, having been built in 2011.

West Liberty Street Bridge

If you can't get enough covered bridges, try marking your calendar for the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival, which takes place every October!

Discover Mohican Treehouse Cabins

Photos by OHventures

Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: The Mohican Treehouse Cabins. If you ever had a desire to live Swiss Family Robinson style for a day, or if you wanted to bring back childhood memories of the treehouse you had in your backyard, now you can! The Mohicans, located in Glenmont, Ohio in Knox County, have these exciting accommodations available for anyone to stay!

Two treehouse cabins are located on site all year 'round, with many more in the works, according to The Mohicans owner, Kevin Mooney. For those who are more comfortable staying closer to the ground, four luxury cabins can also be rented. No matter which option you choose, you will be treated with suprising features, such as granite countertops, expensive linens, and flat screen TVs with DVD players. All cabins (including the treehouse cabins) have indoor plumbing with restrooms and fully functional kitchens, complete with coffee pots, mini refrigerators, and microwaves.

Borrowing technology from the zipline industry, the treehouses are constructed upon platforms with heavy-duty bolts and hardware fastened to the trees to ensure safety, and to provide flexibility for when the trees inevitably grow in size over the years. These cabins are nestled in the treetops starting at around 20 feet in the air, allowing for beautiful picturesque views of the Mohican Forest, and providing a peaceful refuge for birdwatching or reading with a mug of coffee.

The first of the treehouse cabins to be built at The Mohicans is the White Oak Treehouse, which was erected in 2012 and sleeps four campers comfortably. The rails of the White Oak Treehouse (both inside and out) are taken from vines that were removed from trees in the area, and add a beautiful and rustic feel.

The Grand Barn

The scene stealer, however, is the Brew Haus Treehouse, a two guest cabin built in 2013 and featured on the Animal Planet television program "Tree House Masters." Originally intended as the beer brewing site for the Mooney family, it was soon transformed into a place to sleep due to the growing demand of those wishing to stay in the White Oak Treehouse. The beer-brewing equipment was relocated to The Grand Barn at the entrance to The Mohicans, which serves as a spot for corporate retreats, weddings, and other events. 

The Brew Haus Treehouse stands out amongst the canopies due to its striking red exterior (an ode to the red barns dotting the Amish countryside) and its enormous head-turning stained glass window. The gothic-inspired structure is accessed via a 30-foot long extension bridge with a staircase ascending from a nearby tree. The inside is equally impressive, with a vaulted ceiling and cozy feel!

When staying at The Mohican cabins, there is certainly not a shortage of fun activities to keep you occupied! Try ziplining at Tree Frog Canopy Tours, canoeing with the Loudonville Canoe Livery, hiking the Mohican State Park, or attending a pow wow at the Mohican Reservation.

READ MORE AT DISCOVERING OHIO

Mohican Treehouse Cabins Photo Blog

Who: Alone, with your significant other (in the Brew Haus Treehouse), or with a group (in the White Oak Treehouse)
What: Lodging at the Mohican Treehouse Cabins
When: Any season of the year, depending on how many leaves you want to see out your window.
Where: The Mohicans located in Glenmont, OH in Knox County.
Why: To relive memories of your childhood treehouse and to have some prety cool stories to tell.
How: Book a stay by visiting www.themohicancabins.com and prepare yourself for fun!

Photos by OHventures

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse

Brew Haus Treehouse - Kitchen

Day Trip To Cincinnati

Photo by OHventures

Cincinnati is located in Hamilton County, in the far Southwestern portion of the state, with Indiana and Kentucky just minutes away. The Ohio River serves as the southern border of both the city and the state of Ohio. It is the 3rd largest city in population (just behind Columbus and Cleveland) with approximately 297,000 citizens, yet boasts the largest population in Ohio when including the metropolitan area. Being that it was the first major inland city established in the country, it is considered the first "purely American" city. Known as everything from "The Queen City" (because of its amazing beauty and architecture), to "The Nasty 'Nati" (as some of my college friends would affectionately refer to it), Cincy is booming with tons to do!

Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati always felt worlds away, and I unfortunately did not get the chance to visit often. However, I was fortunate to do work in the area from 2009-2011, and had some pretty wild times visiting friends at University of Cincinnati. Recently, my good friend Sam took me on a tour of the town to spur my memory of why this town is so cool, and all of the great things there are to see. 

If you are planning a day trip to Cincinnati, here is a list of things 10 things you can do to maximize your visit while getting a variety of culture, food, outdoor adventure, and active lifestyle! Be on the lookout for more posts dedicated to Cincinnati and focused on how to plan the perfect trip to The Queen City!

Sam & Me on top of Carew Tower

1. Carew Tower (441 Vine Street): Carew Tower is 49 stories and 574 feet tall, making it the second tallest building in all of Cincinnati. For a small $2 fee, you can head up a series of elevators to the observation deck on the roof! Here, you will get the most spectacular view of the Queen City possible! On a clear day (like the beautiful November day I visited) you can see miles and miles in every direction. You can even see across the Brent Spence Bridge over the Ohio River into Covington, Kentucky. You get spectacular glimpses at everything from the University of Cincinnati to Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals) to every other skyscraper in the city. You can also see into Indiana!

2. Skyline Chili (643 Vine Street & Various Locations): I used to believe that Skyline Chili was not really chili. Where I come from, chili is a tomato-based soup with peppers, onions, beef and beans. But here in Cincinnati, they have their very own chili, aptly referred to as Cincinnati Style Chili. And while it might not look like the chili you are used to from back home, it definitely tastes AWESOME! Cincinnati Style Chili has sweet undertones of chocolate and cinnamon, and is a thick meat sauce served over spaghetti. The most quintessential Cincinnati chili can be found at Skyline Chili, where you can order it with onions, cheese, beans, and hot sauce (known as two-way, three-way, four-way). While you can get Skyline in cities other than Cincy, there is nothing better than having it right downtown! So, do it!

3. Mount Airy Forest (5083 Colerain Avenue): Mount Airy Forest is the spot with the highest elevation in the city and looks over the Ohio River. Burn off all of the calories consumed at your Cincinnati chili lunch with a hike on the many miles of trails at this Cincinnati Park. Consider even taking a packed lunch on your hike in the park and have a picnic overlooking the lake, in the gazebo, or in the public tree house!

4. Caldwell Preserve (430 West North Bend Road): I have yet to go to this southwest Ohio locale, but I have heard tons about it from readers of the blog. Cincinnati Parks web site says it: "features a Nature Center, an amphitheater, and 3.5 miles of nature trails, including a level-paved trail that makes it possible for wheelchair users to go into the woods, see the flowers, and hear the birds"

5. Fountain Square (Center of 5th Street): Restaurants, bars, shopping, concerts, entertainment, festivals (like Oktoberfest), movies, ice skating, tailgates, and dancing can be found at Fountain Square of downtown Cincinnati. The city square is centered around the Tyler Davidson Fountain, an elaborate bronze and granite statue which is an ode to the Ohio River and its contributions to Cincinnati.

Elephant and Giraffe Encounters at the Cincinnati Zoo

6. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (3400 Vine Street): Zoos can sound not-so-exciting for an adult, especially for one without kids. However...Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is not your typical zoo! This 85-acre establishment is home to over 500 animals, and is one of the most beautiful zoos in the country. It has also been named as the "greenest" zoo in America, which I learned about on a recent exclusive visit - this is due to the solar power, geothermal energy, and other alternative energy sources utilized on site. They also offer exclusive "animal encounters" that will give you up close and personal experiences with exotic animals. I had the chance to feed giraffes and elephants firsthand at the Cincinnati Zoo!! It is an experience I will never forget.

7. RockQuest Climbing Center (3475 East Kemper Rd): If you think you're up for the challenge that is indoor rock climbing, the Cincinnati suburb of Sharonville has you covered. And if you haven't yet, read about what it takes to go rock climbing, check out the pics, then head to RockQuest to ROCK OUT! ;-)
8. The Righteous Room (641 Walnut Street): After a day of exploring the city, you deserve a drink. My buddy Sam took me to The Righteous Room, which is part of downtown Cincinnati's revitalized bar scene. It  has a killer selection of beer, great whiskey specials, and a modern, young professional scene.

9. Montgomery Inn Boat House (925 Riverside Drive): With its striking view of the Ohio River and its world famous menu specializing in barbecue ribs and steaks, The Montgomery Inn Boat House is a MUST. This spot is perfect for dates, business dinners, bachelor parties, and the list goes on.

10. Paul Brown Stadium & The Great American Ballpark: I would be remissed if I did not include the exciting sporting venues which serve as a prominent part of Cincinnati's cultural landscape. The town has long been known as a huge football and baseball town, and its teams are powerhouses in the national scene. Catch a Cincinnati Reds baseball game at The Great American Ballpark or a Cincinnati Bengals football game at Paul Brown Stadium.