melenda

This hotel has been on Chautauqua Lake for nearly 130 years. There’s no air conditioning. There isn’t a phone in your room. That’s right. It’s peaceful. It’s got character. It’s nostalgic. You can sit in a rocking chair facing the lake on the large wrap around veranda and sip iced tea and look at the sunset.

It was a tough climb for someone as out of shape as I am, but it was a really beautiful experience and I’d love to do it again.

This is a great place to spend a rainy (or not so rainy) afternoon with a child. There is a beautiful restored carousel, a game room and a great multi-level place to play inside that has foam balls that shoot from cannons!

Located near the Stillwater River, Brukner Nature Center was founded by Clayton Brukner. It is the home of many wild animals that have been injured or in some way are unable to care for themselves in the wild. I’ve spent many an afternoon strolling the grounds. It is located on 165 acres and it’s beautiful land. Growing up in Troy this was my favorite place to go hiking.

If it’s out of print or you’re just looking for a good used book to read, check ‘em out. I haven’t been there in years, but a good friend of mine runs it.

It’s worth visiting if you are a Moore. My father’s family started generations ago in Canal Winchester. There is a lot of history linked to my family tree there.

Don’t want to ever go back. Bleah.

I got to see her back when they still allowed tours up into the crown. Even back then, it took 2+ hours to complete the climb because it was so packed. Luckily, I have it on video so that my son can see what it was like. It was a little scary because you could feel her sway in the wind while you were climbing. The view was amazing!

It’s a magical place! You walk through a large mesh enclosure and get to experience butterflies flying free all around you, from all over the world. If you arrive early in the day you can watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis. There are guides to answer your questions. We enjoyed it so much the week we were in St. Maarten that we went back a second time.

I can understand why so many artists live there. I was so inspired by the air, the view, the vibe. I’d love to go back someday.