More Treats for Butler County Finish

Teddy and I, along with my friend Heather, were finishing our long weekend in Butler County, Ohio. We had discovered plenty of wheelchair accessible activities while more than satisfying my sweet tooth.

We checked out of the Marriott Cincinnati North. It had been an ideal base for all the places we went around the county.

 The Donut Trail is a popular part of Butler County. We had managed to stop at about a half dozen of the shops. On our last morning, it was Jupiter Coffee & Donuts in Fairfield. This place has been mentioned in USAToday10Best. They are known for their Red Storm donut. It is raspberry-filled and has cream cheese frosting, with a swirl of red raspberry on top.

As much as I am a Buckeye donut fan, this one had me on the first bite. It was delicious. We had some coffee and they insisted we leave with a box of donuts.

 
Our next stop was a place I had been curious about for years. Jungle Jim’s International Market turned out to be nothing like I expected it to be. I thought it would be something similar to Sam’s Club or Costco, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I didn’t see big box items at Jungle Jim’s, but they had just about everything else you could think of.

The first thing to surprise me at Jungle Jim’s was the number of departments and businesses they have. They have a Graeter’s Ice Cream Shop and a Starbucks, and their own radio station, WJJI. They also have their own cooking school.

 While many superstores tend to appeal to families, this one had lots to bring in adults. The liquor store could only be described as tremendous. It includes a bar with frozen cocktails and wine tastings—they have the biggest selection of wine I have ever seen in one place.

When we were there, they were sampling THC drinks. This was across from something else I didn’t expect a cigar shop.

 

Before we left, we checked out the most unusual bathroom entrance anywhere. It looks like a port a potty. Once you open the door, you’ll see it is huge and very wheelchair accessible. We then stopped at the deli department. It was filled with sandwiches and fresh salads, the latter of which we purchased as we needed something healthy after our previous stop and before our next one.

We left Jungle Jim’s and started the drive home but first made a stop back in West Chester to The Cone. This ice cream shop is small on the inside, with enough offerings to make it extremely hard to decide what to get. They also had seating outside and rides for young kids.

 

Heather and I went with the state’s popular combo, Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sundaes. Teddy enjoyed his vanilla pup cup with a small bone on top. It was a perfect Sunday ending for our accessible Butler County adventure.

I was hosted on this trip by Butler County, but opinions are my own.

A Fun & Delicious Day in Butler County-Part Two

After Jolly’s Drive Inn, Heather, Teddy, and I drove back to West Chester, Ohio, to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. It was quite an impressive place, and we had a private tour with Bob.

This non-profit is a museum constructed in the original Voice of America Bethany Relay Station. It was opened during World War II and operated from 1944-1994. In addition to the memorabilia and historic information provided on VOA, the rooms go on to explain how local Powel Crosley Jr.’s broadcasts led to his interest in investing in radio and television design.

The stories within the walls as well as materials in the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting are fascinating. I strongly recommend finding time to visit this place. It is also wheelchair accessible. I had no problem wheeling through all of it.

Our schedule had us back at the hotel for a two-hour rest, but as often happens on these media trips, we were running late all day. We just had enough time for me to put my feet up for a short while and do a quick change of clothing before heading back to Hamilton to Cozy’s Café & Pub.

 

Our entire drive to Hamilton was filled with a magnificent sunset. It was beautiful and really reached a colorful peak downtown. The retaurant’s name sounded like it was going to be a small and cozy place, but it was extremely big, with seating inside and out.

They also had live music while we were there. Although it was outside, we could still hear and enjoy listening to the musicians from the inside. It was clearly a popular spot among locals.

Cozy’s Café & Pub was packed with people waiting for tables. We still had excellent food and service. We lingered for a bit with cocktails as it didn’t seem so long since our big lunch. We were also having a tough time choosing from the menu. Everything looked incredible!

Heather decided on the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with spicy maple syrup and a loaded baked potato. She also had a large side salad beforehand with lots of fresh vegetables.

 
I went for the Pasta Parmigiano with Eggplant (aka eggplant parmesan). It was excellent and, as it’s my favorite dish to make and eat, that is a big endorsement for me . We had no room left for dessert. It’s a rarity for me, but I was already taking half my meal back to the hotel refrigerator.

We were finished at the restaurant in time to make it to Holiday Auto Theatre for the movies, Bad Guys Two and Train Your Dragons. It had been a long time since I’d been to a drive-in and it was Teddy’s first. It was a relaxing break, but we were still too tired to make it through both movies.

 

Heather drove us back to the Marriott Cincinnati North hotel and we fell asleep very quickly. The next day would be our last in Butler County. We still had several things left to do before we headed home.

A Fun & Delicious Day in Butler County-Part One

I almost always use this blog for a story representing each day of a trip. The idea is to be able to talk about all the little things I don’t have a chance to put in published stories. Sometimes I need to break with tradition, and this trip was one of those exceptions. We had so many things to do, and I have so many photos, on day two that it deserves two blogs!

One of the things I was told about Butler County before I arrived was that they have a Donut Trail. I’ve never been one to shy away from baked goods so this sounded like a scrumptious addition to the weekend.

Heather, Teddy, and I got started with the trail first thing Saturday morning at Holtman’s Donuts in West Chester, just a few miles from the Marriott we were staying at. It became instantly apparent that this was going to be a challenge and I wasn’t backing down. The crew at Holtman’s was waiting for us with a box of donuts.

I asked them, as I did on all the following stops, what their most unusual and popular donuts were. The unusual ones were Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops, and the popular ones are Maple Bacon and Buckeye.

For those who aren’t familiar with Ohio’s Buckeyes, in addition to being the name of Ohio State’s athletic teams, Buckeyes are chocolates filled with peanut butter. These are two of my favorites, so I was looking forward to trying it at a few separate places. As for Heather, she declared the Maple Bacon here the winner as it wasn’t just specks of bacon but included actual slices.

We then headed to Hamilton. We had most of the day planned for there with another donut stop first. It was about 11:00 am when we got to Kelly’s Donuts and they were almost sold out. Fortunately, they had put some donuts aside for us. They were all good, but I declared the Buckeye there the best I’ve had and that record still stands.

 

The next stop in Hamilton was at Pyramid Hills Sculpture Park. It is a must see when you are in the area. We only had an hour, and it wasn’t enough to see the extensive sculpture collection throughout the 470 acres of woodlands.

We got a golf cart to go in around in and see as much as possible before going inside the Ancient Sculpture Museum, funded by Attorney Howard T. Wilks. It was a contrast to the modern sculptures throughout the park. The collection was full of one-of-a-kind options.

 

Pyramid Hill was wheelchair accessible throughout, with exception of two steps to get into the Visitor’s Center. Someone came out while I waited by the steps and apologized, saying they were working on getting a ramp.

From the park we went to downtown Hamilton to visit Inside Out Studio. Not unlike the park, the area was a mixture of history and modern murals. We were also heading to another spot about art.

 

The mission of Inside Out Studio is to “provide an opportunity for artists with disabilities to produce, market, and receive an income from their art, while gaining confidence in their abilities.” The back of the building contains a large area with tons of supplies for the creation.

The front is the store where you can purchase these items. You’ll find all types of things for sale, from jewelry to home goods. The quality was all good and you could tell a lot of creativity went into making them.

It was time for lunch after Inside Out Studio. I would like to say we had something healthy after our donut breakfast, but Jolly’s Drive In was a staple in the area on our schedule. The menu is not very big, but everything on it was. The options were hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, fries, and onion rings.

We pretty much ordered one of everything at Jolly’s. We also had to have their famous root beer. I am generally not a soda drinker, but I do like a good root beer. I would definitely put theirs in this category.

 

The next activity on our schedule was back in West Chester, so we hit the road for the second half of the day.

Meeting Butler County, Ohio

 

I was invited to spend a long weekend in Butler County, Ohio, just after they became Wheel The World certified for accessibility. The tourism board wanted me to write about how wheelchair accessible the region is.

I hadn’t been there before, and it sounded like an interesting area, so I made plans to go. My trip to Butler County turned out to be one of my most unusual adventures, with new experiences, and a lot of donuts!

 

I brought Teddy and my friend, Heather, along for the ride, about three and a half hours from home. We had a nice welcome basket waiting for us at the hotel. Our home base was the Marriott Cincinnati North in Westerville. I was happy at the start with a flat entrance and automatic doors. They didn’t have any accessible rooms, so we had two connecting rooms.

Teddy loved going back and forth between the two rooms. Mine had plenty of space for me to wheel around, a well-equipped desk area I could reach, and a large bathroom with a shower chair. The handheld was easy to reach from it. My only complaint about the bathroom was that it needed bars to the side of the toilet, not just behind it. The closet had a low rod I could reach from my seat.

 

Once we settled in, we were back on the road. We headed a few miles to Liberty Center, an outdoor pedestrian mall, with many stores and restaurants, including some unique places. It was more than that as there were groups of people gathering for everything from music to soccer and bags games. They also have plenty of places for kids to play.

As I rolled around, I also saw a few of the many murals spread throughout the mall area. Murals have become more popular in a lot of the places I have gone to, and I would see many during this trip.

 

Dinner was at the North Star Café, and it was far from your typical mall restaurant. It is an interesting place, with everything made from local ingredients. The food has a Latin twist, with a modern flare.

A prime example is the Cast Iron Steak & Enchilada. The steak was marinated in chipotle and lime, and the enchilada was with smoked gouda and covered in Salsa Verde. Heather gave a little bit to Teddy, and he agreed it was terrific.

 

We walked around Liberty Center for some time after, working up an appetite for dessert. We landed at Strato Artisanal Delights, where all the sweets had a European touch. There were so many choices that looked delicious.

I was trying to decide between the gelato and the cookies when I spotted the ice cream sandwich and my decision was made. Mint gelato inside two double chocolate cookies was the perfect choice. Teddy had a little vanilla gelato too.

 

We made one more stop before heading back to the hotel. Cooper’s Hawk is a favorite of mine and this made the third state I visited a location. I picked up a bottle of Cooper’s Hawk White.

 

When we returned to the Marriott it wasn’t long before we were all asleep. It had been a long day, and we had a busier one in Butler County to follow. The next morning we would be starting on the Donut Trail. 

I was hosted on this trip by Visit Butler County, but opinions are my own.

10 Exciting Destination Wedding Locations in the U.S.

 

(This story was originally published in Cocktails and Joints)

 

Destination weddings can take away a lot of the hassle – and cost – from the bride and groom, but it’s difficult to plan when your guests don’t want to leave the U.S.  You can still find some exciting places to head out of town for your nuptials without anyone needing to make a trip to the passport office. In fact, you may find some of these places offer unique scenery you won’t get on an island.

Geyserville, California

Geyserville, California

Between the Mayacamas Mountains and the vineyards, the backdrop for your ceremony will be amazing at the Geyserville Inn. This Sonoma accommodation is laid back and attentive at the same time. It’s family owned and there’s only one wedding at a time. Guests can stay right at the Inn in one of the well-appointed 41 rooms or suites.

You should also consider the rehearsal dinner or next day brunch at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. It may be in the heart of Sonoma, but it’s part Europe with a bit of Hollywood. The property includes a castle the Academy Award-winning director had designed to look like the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery

Denver, Colorado

Forget everything you know about wineries and consider Infinite Monkey Theorem for a destination wedding venue everyone will be talking about. This urban winery doesn’t have a vineyard. Instead, they have a warehouse for their canned wine (which happens to be delicious).

Their tasting room and lounges are located in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood and Infinite Monkey has become a popular location for untraditional weddings.  Just a short drive away, the Springhill Suites Downtown Denver offers oversized rooms and a great location to put your guests up in. 

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Longboat Key, Florida

If you still want that tropical beach wedding, but you don’t want to leave the country, The Resort at Longboat Key is your answer. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds with a marina, golf club, beach, pools, and multiple restaurants, all a short drive from Sarasota.

Longboat Key offers a selection of venues for your ceremony, from the beach to the banquet rooms. You’ll also find plenty of suite and apartment accommodations to satisfy everyone coming to your wedding.

Deer Path Inn

Lake Forest, Illinois

How about a classic and historic inn for your destination wedding? Deer Path Inn is modeled after an English manor and has the pedigree to match, having housed Chicago’s elite and Hollywood stars since the 1860s. Every touch to details will be available to your guests at this luxury property, where limousines and butlers are readily available.

Consider the English Garden for your ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour in Windsor Hall. With only 55 rooms in this boutique hotel, you can take over the place with a wedding no one will ever forget.

Newfields

Indianapolis, Indiana

Whether you are looking for classic scenery or old time beauty, the Newfields property can provide it. IMA is located on the 26-acre estate known as Oldfields that also includes the Lilly House & Gardens. The photo possibilities for the wedding ceremony are endless and will not disappoint.

 

For your reception, chose from venues such as the Garden Terrace built by J. K. Lilly Jr., or the Deer Zink Pavilion. Plan to take a gondola through White River State Park before the event, and have the family stay downtown at JW Marriott, which stands above Indianapolis, but is convenient to all.

Mackinac Island

Michigan

Time will stop for your destination wedding on Mackinac Island. You won’t have a problem finding a horse and buggy here as it is the top mode of transportation – cars are not allowed. As for the ceremony, it’s easy to find a spot. Fort Holmes is the highest point on the island and the latest popular wedding location, but you can’t go wrong at the Grand Hotel, which has the longest front porch in the world.

The Grand Hotel is the obvious place to stay on Mackinac, but quite a few bed and breakfasts line the shore if any of your guests want a bit of privacy of their own.

Rafael Winery

Peconic, New York

Napa may have started the destination wedding winery scene, but the North Fork of Long Island has mastered it. Enjoy the beauty of the Rafael Winery vineyards for your ceremony and their Renaissance Room for your reception. Or, make it a quiet ceremony on the porch. Whether you rent out the whole winery or just bring the family, this spot is so beautiful you’ll never forget it.

For the best enjoyment of the east end, try the spring or fall when things are quieter and you’ll have a selection of reasonably priced rooms to choose from, even if your guests want to stay in the Hamptons.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland, Ohio

The ultimate destination wedding venue for a music lover is the home of rock and roll, Cleveland, where you can have your nuptials at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They can accommodate weddings for as few as 20 and as many as 2,000.

If you’d like to have the ceremony in a spot that’s a bit quieter, try the waterfront, overlooking Lake Erie. Your guests will be more than comfortable staying at the Westin Downtown Cleveland, which is walking distance away. The Urban Farmer at the hotel is a great spot for your rehearsal dinner.

Big Cypress Lodge and Bass Pro Shop

Memphis, Tennessee

For outdoors lovers, a visit to a Bass Pro Shop is always a treat, but what about getting married in one? The Pyramid is one of the most unique locals you will ever see. Inside is the largest Bass Pro Shop in the country, as well as Big Cypress Lodge, a hotel within the store. The 103 rustic rooms in this hotel look out at the store in a site like you’ve never seen before.

In the center of the pyramid is the tallest free standing elevator in the U.S. This elevator will take you to the top of the pyramid, where you’ll find a circular bar and surrounding deck that offers a 360-degree view of Memphis, with a bit of Arkansas and Mississippi.

The Edgewater

Madison, Wisconsin

Let your wedding have one destination at The Edgewater on Lake Mendoza. Regardless of the season you’ll be guaranteed some amazing views for your ceremony and reception whether you are up at the Sky Bar or down by the beach. The Edgewater accommodates small and large events, with everything taken care of from your rehearsal dinner to the post-wedding brunch.

Be sure to set up your appointments at the Edgewater Spa for your bridal party, where the specialize in wedding services. You can also take a yoga class to make sure you are fully pampered and relaxed for the big day.

Quick Trip to Columbus, Ohio

I go to New York every few months to visit family and friends. I almost always fly, but my friend Lynn suggest she drive back with me and spend some time in Illinois.

I had recently received an invite to check out the new Hotel LeVeque in Columbus, Ohio, and decided it was a perfect place to stop.

Hotel LeVeque, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, was opened in the Leveque Lincoln Tower in downtown Columbus.

The history of the 100-year-old building has been preserved, and even improved since the opening added additional artwork to the marbled historic building.

We arrived late in the evening. The hotel does not have a full restaurant open yet, but we decided to check out The Keep Liquor Bar.

It’s a very welcoming area, with leather couches and soft lighting. It has delicate touches with go perfectly with the hotel’s décor.

They don’t have a full menu, but the bar menu was inviting. 

We decided to share the Watermelon Goat Cheese Arugula Salad, a cheese charcuterie plate, and burrata with tomatoes.

The dishes were all fresh and delicious, and went perfectly with a glass of Sauvion Vouvray from Loire, a very light white wine with just a hint of sweetness.

We were pretty tired and headed up to our room at Hotel LeVeque right after we ate. It was quite luxurious, but also equipped with modern touches, such as the outlets by the bed and the television ready to sync with our cell phones for live streaming.

The beds were also extremely comfortable and we slept quite well, with a “starry night display” on the ceiling.

In the morning, we enjoyed the hotel’s European style breakfast buffet, which included eggs, pastries, bagels, oatmeal, and fresh fruit.

We took some time to look around before heading over to Bicentennial Park and lunch at Milestone 229.

The park has an open, modern feel, with plenty of fountains for kids to cool off on hot days. It was especially hot when we were there and a few grownups were also enjoying the chance to cool off.

The drink menus at Milestone 229 was very interesting and included a lot of local spirits, wine, and beer.

It seemed like a relaxing day to enjoy one before lunch and two caught my eye:

Royal Peach, with Crown Royal Vanilla , peach syrup, and Peach Schnapps, and 229 Cosmo, a blend of Pineapple Infused Finlandia Vodka, Cointreau (Use code DRIZLYFIVE to save $5 with these links at Drizly liquor delivery) , cranberry juice, and lime.

The warm pretzel bread with house made whole grain butter was a perfect starter with the cocktails.

For an entrée, I had Try the Baked Vegetable Croquette with Baba Ghanoush.

It sounded unique and wonderful, and it was.

Lynn had the roasted chicken with side of macaroni and cheese, which she really enjoyed.

After lunch, we hit the road and headed to one of my favorite stores, the Eddie Bauer Warehouse. 

I happen to come across this place about 10 years ago and I always stop when I am in Columbus.

The bargains are unbelievable, with specials every day, in addition to the 30-50% off on everything, every day.

On this day, the deal was $12.99 for all dresses, which originally cost up to $100.

Lynn bought me a couple of birthday presents, as well as a few things for herself, and we hit the road. 

We had a bought six hours to go before we were in Champaign.