Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Discover Medina County Wineries



Sipping on wine is more than just an experience for your tastebuds – it’s an all-around adventure that allows you to spend quality time with friends and family, all while soaking in the sights and sounds of Ohio's beautiful scenery.

As National Wine Month winds down, consider taking a trip to three great wineries found within Medina County: High & Low Winery, Filia Cellars, and It’s Your Winery. All offer a fantastic selection of wines in comfortable Ohio countryside settings.


High & Low Winery is located in the City of Medina, and boasts that it is a place to meet all of your moods – whether you are looking for something casual or classy, laid back or upbeat, High & Low Winery has you covered.

The winery looks like a French chalet on the outside, and has a warm and modern feel on the inside. There's a fantastic menu to pair with the large selection of wines, including delicious paninis (try the Good Golly Miss Molly) and meat & cheese plates.

On a recent visit to High & Low Winery, me and some friends sat on the back porch, listening to local live acoustic music, and taking advantage of the great deals associated with their weekday happy hour! I tasted several wines, and would highly recommend the King Of The Heavies (a dry cabernet franc) or the Misunderstood (a rich merlot). If you're like me, you'll also appreciate the artwork found on the wine bottles, and you'll love the friendly staff!



Located just a few minutes down the street from High & Low (also in the City of Medina) is one of my new favorite spots, It's Your Winery. It has a small tasting room and retail area, and an enormous area for wine production!

It's Your Winery is named as such because it specializes specifically in offering patrons the unique experience of using state-of-the-art equipment to produce their own wine to take home with them in small batch form (30 bottles for a full case, or 15 bottles for a half case).

The winemaking process at It's Your Winery takes up to 10 weeks. You first come in to choose the wine you want to make, then begin the process with step-by-step instructions from knowledgeable staff. You come back in several weeks when the fermentation process has completed. This is when you bottle, cork, cap, and label the wine (with your own personalized labels)!

It's Your Winery has a HUGE selection of fruit wines. Everything from a cherry/peach sangria to a cranberry wine to a raspberry wine. Even if you don’t want to make your own wine, you can still come in and have a glass or some tastings!


Last on our tour of Medina County wineries is Filia Cellars, a new winery located in the City of Wadsworth. On a recent visit, the owners greeted me warmly, and I was told much about the history of the family’s wine business.

Wines here are made with grapes grown both here in Ohio (the white wines), and on the owner’s property in California (the red wines). The name, Filia, means “daughter” in Latin, and some of the wines are named after strong females in the family (Isabella, Hannah, Lillian).

Filia Cellars has a relaxing backyard atmosphere, complete with a duck pond, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables with umbrellas. There is a small stage for live music, yoga sessions, paint parties, and even visits from local food trucks (Get Stuffed was there on my recent visit).

What I like best is that the outdoor section of the winery is dog friendly, so I was able to bring my little pup Slider with me, and my friends brought their French bulldog Beau! We sipped on the delicious dry reds and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Discover The Best Ohio Bars To Catch Up With Friends!

The Federal in Youngstown - Photos by OHventures

Nothing brings people together more than the holiday season. Each year, we look forward to catching up with friends who have come from near and far back to their hometowns. Some of the best places to go to spread the warmth and cheer of the holidays is at your local watering holes.

While bars and pubs can be a dime a dozen in some areas, there are some that stand out above the rest with a certain charm and cool factor. Below are some of those bars that are worth a visit when you're meeting up with old friends and family.

Thirsty Dog

Akron
In Akron, the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company has been concocting tasty beers since 1997. But only recently have they opened their very own Tasting Room, located right on site in the room next to where the stuff is brewed! Found near the University of Akron, this nondescript building lures you in with the aroma of freshly brewed hops. Try the canine-themed beers, such as Whippet Wheat, Irish Setter Red, and of course the 12 Dogs of Christmas!

If beer is not your style, consider heading to Jilly's Music Room on the North Side, where you can get cocktails in a modern and sleek setting while enjoying local live music!


Athens
My pal Jake always shows me some great places when I visit Athens in Southeast Ohio, and one that I will never forget is Tony's Tavern. This is a dive bar where everybody knows your name, and where the house specialty is a shot called the hot nut - made with hot coffee and hazelnut liquor. They are delicious, cheap, and a lot of fun!

Another go-to spot for OU alum and other folks who come back into town is The Pub. Here, they are known for their aquariums of beer and for having the best cheeseburgers in town (according to Jake)!


Buzzbin Art & Music Shop

Canton
If downtown Canton is where you are heading for the holidays, then Buzzbin Art & Music Shop is the destination for you. The atmosphere is eclectic and one-of-a-kind, with a counter made entirely of bottle caps, and an adjacent arcade full of vintage pinball machines. The crowd is great for people watching, and you never know what genre of music will be blaring from the stage that night.

Rhinegeist Brewery


Cincinnati
Rhinegeist Brewery is a brewery situated in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Over The Rhine in Cincinnati. The wide open interior is available to reserve for private events, or you can come anytime to play cornhole, ping pong, foosball, or watch a ball game - all while relaxing with some locally brewed booze. Take a tour to learn about the history, or enjoy the awesome rooftop bar for a 360-degree view of Cincinnati.

Cleveland
We all know that Cleveland rocks, which you can experience for yourself by going to popular music bars such as Euclid Tavern, an old staple of University Circle, which was recently featured on an episode of "Drunk History."

For something new and different, try Punch Bowl Social, located in the Flats neighborhood. It's a bar that focuses on entertainment and games, including bowling, ping pong, karaoke, board games, foosball, video games, shuffleboard, and more! You can't go wrong competing with friends over drinks and games!

Bodega

Kingmaker's


Columbus
It was extremely difficult to choose just one, but my favorite bar in the Short North is Bodega, which is a "hipster" hangout perfect for a small group of close friends. Bodega has been recently renovated and is known for its endless array of draught beers, to-die-for grilled cheese, and a charming crowd of cool kids.

For something really different, you should head down the street from Bodega to Kingmaker's Board Game Parlour. offers over 500 unique board games paired alongside a nice selection of cocktails and beers on draft. Visitors are required to pay a $5 "library fee" that lasts the entire night, and allows them to play any and all of the board games of their choosing.


Blind Bob's

Dayton
The Oregon District is the place to be for nightlife in Dayton. My personal pick is Blind Bob's, a great  mom & pop spot for people in search of a few drinks, good ol' fashioned bar food, some rockin' karaoke, and even "Battle of the Bands" events. Not to mention, the fried pickles are the tastiest I have ever had!

Another fine choice, as told to me by my pal Dan, is The Century Bar, a bourbon and whiskey house. Even if you don't like bourbon, the folks at The Century claim that they can make anyone a bourbon drinker, even those with the most discriminating palate.


Toledo
One of the newest additions to the downtown Toledo scene is also one of the must-visit places. M'Osteria & Bar is situated right between both stadiums, and is a perfect mix of old and new. There's a wraparound bar and open kitchen format downstairs, and a classy lounge area with live entertainment upstairs.

You can never go wrong with heading to the famous Tony Packo's to chow down on chili, and to check out the hot dog bun collection.


Youngstown
For those of you who watch the TV show "Bar Rescue," you might be familiar with The Federal. This recently transformed bar in downtown Youngstown was jam-packed with patrons when I went back home for Thanksgiving - and for good reason! The bar is complete with a dance floor, pool tables, and great drink specials - try the Youngstown Mule, and the Burger Bomb (if you dare).

Right down the block from The Federal is V2 Wine Bar Trattoria, which is definitely worth a visit!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Cook Like A Pro At The Gervasi Cucina


 

If you've ever wanted to become chef for a day, creating culinary cuisines and learning tricks of the trade that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Gervasi Vineyard in Canton. You can make that cooking dream a reality by booking a class at The Cucina, a fully-equpped professional kitchen located on site at the Villa Grande.Classes are completely hands on, letting you be in control of the preparation and cooking process, while being guided step-by-step by one of the restaurant's experienced chef instructors. Not only that, you get to sit down with your classmates and enjoy the meal you created, paired perfectly with one of the many fine wines from Gervasi's vineyard. In addition, you get to take home the coveted black and red apron!

Most all classes have slots available for up to 16 students, and are typically about 3 hours in length. Most take place primarily in the spring, fall and winter months. This is because the kitchen you use as the classroom is also a fully functioning kitchen used to cater weddings and special events that take place at Gervasi. It's exciting to be in the middle of the action, as real chefs and cooks are creating magic just a few feet away from you!



There's an incredible amount of classes offered, all with an equally enticing theme. You can sign up to learn how to make "kneadlessly" simple breads, artisan pastas, or wood-fired pizzas. You can get a bit more adventurous with a sushi-making class, or a course dedicated to chilis and stews. You might want to consider sampling specific worldly cuisines, like Mexican, Italian or French! Cool new classes are always popping up, and there is something for everybody! Classes fill up very quickly, so if you see something you like, don't hesitate to book your spot immediatey!


Being a frequent flyer at all three of Gervasi's amazing restaurants (The Crush House, The Piazza, and The Bistro), and being a budding chef in my own home kitchen, I had been wanting to attend a culinary class at The Cucina for quite some time. I had the chance to be a student this October in the "Great Fall Grilling" class with Chef Meg Feller as my instructor. The high quality and elegance you'd expect from any of Gervasi's establishments is found throughout your cooking experience at The Cucina.



On the menu for our grilling extravaganza was: brown suger and bourbon flank steak, citrus and basil cedar plank salmon, grilled sweet potato salad with honey mustard vinaigrette, lemon parmesan grilled brussels sprouts, and grilled pear and almond packets with vanilla ice cream! This lengthy list allowed for us to cook side dishes, main courses, and a dessert - all using our newly acquired skills on the grill. 



Chef Feller taught us many things, including how to skin a salmon fillet, how to check the temperature of your meat (and what the appropriate temperatures should be), how to properly slice and dice our various ingredients, and more. We were also taught how to use cedar planks while grilling our salmon in order to get a bold flavor, and she introduced us to some cool utensils, like ceramic knives!




After our cooking was complete, we plated our meals and chowed down. It was a great feeling to know that we were responsible for cooking these gourmet restaurant-quality dishes ourselves! I'm looking forward to attending even more classes to build upon my chef skills!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Old Mill Winery

Photos by OHventures

403 S. Broadway St.
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-5560

The Old Mill Winery, as you might have guessed, is a winery that was built in what was once a working mill. It joins the ranks of other old-things-turned-into-wineries, such as the nearby Old Firehouse Winery (an old firehouse turned into a winery, located down the street in Geneva-On-The-Lake), South River Vineyard (an old church turned into a winery, located about 10 minutes away in Harpersfield), and the School House Winery (you guessed it - an old school house turned into a winery, located in Dover).

Located in the City of Geneva (just a few minutes south of the Lake Erie coast), Old Mill Winery is spacious on the inside, and has a large, outdoor deck perfect for summertime drinking (I particularly enjoy the directional signs right outside the patio, which point to various nearby local wineries - pictured below). The interior is dark, with an old fashioned feel to it. Old street signs and other antiques cover the walls, and large exposed wooden planks run across the low ceiling (like an old mill, naturally).


The bartenders explained that they are known for their sangria, as well as their Grindstone White and Grindstone Red wines. I decided to do a tasting of a variety of wines, including both of these. The Grindstone Red tasted much like grape juice and was very sweet and jammy. I decided to take home a bottle, however, to offset some of the usual dry reds that I have on the wine rack, so I have a variety for my guests. They also have a Grindstone Pink (a blush wine that is typically used in their sangria coolers), and a surprisingly oaky and peppery Cabernet.

There are some food options that pair perfectly with their wine, and is reason alone to visit the establishment. For an appetizer, I tried the Old Mill Dip (a roasted red pepper, cheese,  and sausage dip), which was out of this world. Other house favorites include the St. Louis Style Ribs, the Original and Loaded Wine Burger, and the Niagara Pasta Alfredo with your choice of meat.


Visiting Old Mill Winery for some wine or food is, to me, is one of the must-do things when visiting Geneva. It brings out the charm and character of the lakeside city and will be a regular stop for me whenever I am in town.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Explore Geneva-On-The-Lake


Photos by OHventures (unless otherwise noted)

A tourist attraction for decades, the village of Geneva-On-The-Lake in Ashtabula County has long been known for its 1950s style "Strip" of arcade games and carnival foods along the coastline, and its impressive collection of more than 20 wineries spanning the countryside. I am a HUGE fan of heading up to Geneva-On-The-Lake to take a trip in what feels like a far-off land. The Lake Erie shores add a perfect backdrop of seemingly endless blue waters, and you can find an array of things to do on a weekend or week-long visit. 

There's enough to please any type of adventurer: the wino, the active outdoorsman, the historian, and even the laid-back relaxer in your group! Here's a collection of some of the best things to do when you explore Geneva-On-The-Lake.


1. The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake (4888 N Broadway, Geneva): The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Immaculate views of the state's northernmost shore and an array of activities and attractions for folks of any age are at your fingertips when staying at the Lodge. Dine at the Horizons



2. Lakehouse Inn & Winery (5653 Lake Road East, Geneva-On-The-Lake): While there are many wineries along the coast, I am rather fond of the Lakehouse Inn & Winery mainly due to the picturesque and breathtaking view! The wine was of course very good as well and a very affordable wine-tasting sampler is available. Sitting on the patio on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the lake makes you feel like you are in wine country in Italy or France. Truly one of the most relaxing experiences you can take!


3. Wine Shuttle Tour (board at 4888 N Broadway, Geneva): The wine shuttle pulls right up to the front entrance of The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake and takes thirsty tourists to 4-5 wineries in the area, and returns to the Lodge approximately 5 hours later. Anyone is welcome on the shuttle (even those who are not staying at the Lodge), but reservations are required at $20 a person. You can request to visit certain wineries, and we suggest: Kosicek Vineyards; one of the most widely known wineries in the area, Ferrante Winery; an old church which was converted into a winery, South River Vineyards; Old Mill Winery, Grand River Cellars, and the aforementioned Lakehouse Inn.


4. The Ferris Wheel at Old Firehouse Winery (5499 Lake Rd. E. Geneva-on-the-Lake): Nothing brings back memories of childhood like a ride on an old-fashioned Ferris wheel! The Ferris wheel in Geneva-On-The-Lake can be found next to the Old Firehouse Winery (which, as the name suggests, is a winery built in an old firehouse) with rides costing just $2.75! It's a classic throwback to festivals and amusement parks of yesteryear, and the last standing relic of the now defunct Erieview Park. 


5. Geneva State Park (4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva): This 698-acre state-run park is situated along the Lake Erie coastline, and has thick forestry and marshy inlands. You're sure to find a number of enticing activities at Geneva State Park,: hiking six-miles of multi-use trails, biking (see below), fishing, hunting, boating, archery, swimming, picnicking at the Crabapple Picnic Area, staying in one of the deluxe cedar cabins, or camping on one of the many campsites.


6. Lake Erie Shoreline (multiple addresses): The "On-The-Lake" portion of the city's name of course refers to the fact that it is located directly on the shoreline of Lake Erie - and it would be a sin to not spend at least some of your time in Geneva-On-The-Lake actually ON the lake. You could visit the shoreline in the aforementioned Geneva State Park, or find another public portion of the beach to visit. Use this time to swim, fish, suntan, picnic, skimboard, or just soak in the sights!

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor


7. The Pickled Pepper (4949 Golf Ave., Geneva): There's a slew of great spots to grab food while at Geneva-On-The-Lake, but the Pickled Pepper stood out to me on a recent visit! Located on "The Strip," this neon green and yellow restaurant looks straight out of a Jimmy Buffet song, as if it belongs in a beach town like Key West. It has amazing bar food like wings, coconut battered shrimp, burgers, and jalapeno poppers, all paired nicely with a cold (non wine) alcoholic beverage and some live music!


8. Covered Bridge Tour (various locations, self-guided): Ashtabula County 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! 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.


9. Eddie's Grill (5377 Lake Rd., Geneva): Another worthwhile dining locale on The Strip of Geneva-On-The-Lake is Eddie's Grill! This iconic restaurant is straight from the 1950s era, complete with a working jukebox, a walk-up outdoor ice cream counter, a next door video game arcade, and all of the famous classics unchanged since its inception in 1950. Get the footlong chili dog with fries and a root beer float, and you won't be disappointed!

10. Water Works Water Slides (5485 Lake Rd., Geneva): This is the only item on the list I haven't experienced firsthand, but it's something on the bucket list (although I am still trying to figure out if there is an age limit...). These are 2 giant twisty-turny waterslides right on the shore, next to the Old Firehouse Winery on The Strip. A great way to cool off (again, if they allow adults, that is...).




11. GOTL Bike Trail: You can bring your own bike or even rent bikes from the front desk of the Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake so you can take a cycling adventure on a tame lakeside trail. The trail can be seen on the map above (outlined in blue), but you can also take the bike on the streets of GOTL, to the arcade or "The Strip." Just don't wine & bike! 

Saturday, June 27, 2015

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!

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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!