Staycation Adventures: Ohio Fun is Child's Play

This road trip is for the young and the young at heart. It's for those who made playing with toys their job and their duty as a kid. This expedition is a time machine back to the days when toys didn't have to be plugged in and when quality was prided, not cut to satisfy shareholders and the bottom line. Time to gas up, pile in, and drive down to southern Ohio for a visit to 3 toy museums. Because it's only a day-trip, the drive is like child's play!

1st Stop: Ohio Toy and Plastic Brick Museum
Get an early start that morning and head down to Bellaire, Ohio. To get in this itinerary in just one day, you want to be sure to get to this first stop at the time they open, which is at 10:00, Wednesday through Sunday.

Because of little licensing laws, they can't exactly call it a "LEGO" museum. But, what do you call a place that wows you with complicated LEGO sculptures, mosaics worthy of holding Guinness Book of World Record records, and also owns nearly every life-sized mini-figure LEGO ever made, now retired? "Brick Museum" doesn't really do it justice. I like their alternate name: the Unofficial LEGO Museum of Bellaire, OH. Has a nicer ring to it.

How many LEGO's does it take?

 

Kiddo back in 2010.

A mosaic made entirely out of LEGOs!

Ohio Toy and Plastic Brick Museum
Summer hours 2013: Wed-Sun, 10:00 to 5:00
4597 Noble Street
Bellaire, Ohio 43906
740.671.8890
Dan Brown, Founder
Admission: $8 adults, $6 child/senior

2nd Stop: Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum
You're going to head for the border on this one. West Virginia, here you come! Even though it's another state, it's really not that far, so don't panic.

This toy and train museum brings back so many memories. They have a wonderfully amazing teddy bear collection and toys fill rooms and rooms named by theme: Transportation Room, Miniatures Room, Game Room, Doll Room, and so many more. The toys are housed in an old schoolhouse, equipped with original tin ceilings, fine woodwork from wall to floor.

On our visit, the museum had a fun game you could play while on the self-guided tour (guided tours are available per request). It was a Where's Waldo search of about 7 various characters, hidden throughout the museum. Incorporating the search game is brilliant to keep kids engaged while looking at absolutely everything there is to see in each museum room. A small prize in the gift shop awaits the ones with very keen eyes! There are several hands-on activities, too! Challenge your young companion to a slot car race, for example.

The curator of the museum was working on a brand new exhibit, KINEX, while we were there and he was nice enough to allow us a peak into his progress. WOW! Upon entering the room, you wish for an actual human shrinking machine so you could enjoy the carnival setting that is before you. So many moving constructions, so many parts, so impressive! Every detail is thought out including a series of lighting sequences that takes the room from sunset to sundown, dawn to dusk. Definitely worth the drive!

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum
Summer hours 2013: DAILY, 9:00 to 5:00
144 Kruger Street
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
1.877.242.8133
James M. Schulte, Curator
Admission: $9 adults, $7.50 seniors, $6 students (6-17), children 6 and under, FREE

3rd Stop: LUNCH at TJ's Sports Garden Restaurant
Local places are the best places to explore and eat! If you're ever in a new town, ask the locals where the best place is to eat. They know, and they're usually not shy in telling you. We asked James, the Toy and Train Museum's curator, where we should get a bite to eat and he praised TJ's left and right, up and down, side to side. Enough to convince us so we went.

What a fun place! The sports theme was really family friendly. The big screens surrounding the eating area had every imaginable sport showing. And, your table had its own TV so you could tune in to what you were interested in, including cartoons, which is where Kiddo landed on. The food is American fare and it was really delicious. Lunch hit the spot and we were off to our final destination.

TJ's Sports Garden Restaurant
808 National Road
Wheeling, West Virgina 26003
304.232.9555

Final Stop: Marx Toy Museum
You may not recognize the Marx name, but when you see the toys, get ready to be flooded by the memories. Anyone remember Rockem' Sockem' Robots? Then you know Marx, at one time, the largest manufacturer of toys in the world. Only in business from 1919 to 1980, the Marx Company left an indelible mark on the toy industry forever. What a nice collection!





Marx Toy Museum
915 Second Street
Moundsville, West Virginia 26041
304.845.6022 

I hope you take the time to take a little trip down memory lane, introduce your kids to the toys you grew up with, and even some their grandparents grew up with. It's such a fun trip, all located in the same general area. The trip is so easy, only takes a day, and is super fun for all.

 

Winners! of a LOVD {Giveaway}

Winner, winner, chicken dinner - for real, I recommend the broasted!!! We have our winners from our Ohio's Amish Country giveaway.

The winner of the dinner for two at the Der Dutchman Restaurant AND $25 gift card to Carlisle Gifts is...

LEFTY, comment #18 who said, "I love the changing colors of the trees...nature does not lie. Wish I was able to decorate my house with these warms tones...it's so nurturing like a warm blanket!"

The winner of the $25 gift card to Carlisle Gifts (online store available) is...
NOTORIOUS NICK, comment #13 who said, "I also love the football and basketball games on TV!"

And, the winner of the last $25 gift card to Carlisle Gifts (online store available) is...
MANDY, comment #16 who said, "PUMPKIN PIE! Who doesn't love when you start to see it in stores, you know fall is just around the corner, if not already knocking on the door!"

Congratulations to our winners! To claim your prize you must e-mail me within 48 hours of this post and send me your mailing address. You'll find my e-mail address when you click on "I am LOVD" or "View My Complete Profile" over there in the left-hand column. That's it! If you don't claim your prize in time, the computer will pick again randomly.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway and for sharing your favorite things about fall. It got us all in the autumnal mood! If planning your Ohio Amish Country Staycation, be sure to check out my suggested itinerary, Part One and Part Two.

Thank you to Dutchman Hospitality for their generous giveaway offerings.

The comments were chosen using www.random.org. No human manipulation occurred in the drawing of winners. 

A LOVD {Giveaway}: Ohio's Amish Country

There is no place else in Ohio that encapsulates the essence of Autumn as does Ohio's Amish Country. The glistening sun spotlights the crimson and golden leaves amid the panoramic, rolling countryside, all for your viewing enjoyment. This showcase of color is one of the best you'll find in the Buckeye State.

During the summer month's I posted our Staycation Adventures through Amish Country; read Part One and Part Two. These posts will help you plan the best trip possible if you're not familiar with the Walnut Creek and Sugar Creek areas. And, it will introduce you to the Der Dutchman Restaurant and Carlisle Gifts, today's giveaway sponsor.

NOW for the Giveaway: The generous folks at the Der Dutchman Restaurant are offering dinner for two at their fantastic, yummy establishment along with a $25 gift certificate to Carlisle Gifts (there is seriously not another gift shop around as beautiful as this place). And because the fine people at Dutchman Hospitality love to spread the wealth, they are offering 2 additional $25 gift certificates to Carlisle Gifts, as well. Not from Ohio and not planning to visit any time soon? No problem! Carlisle Gifts has a great online store carrying beautiful hardwood cutting boards, adorable wooden biscuit cutters, oh, I can go on and on. So be sure to enter no matter where you are from!

It's SO EASY to enter - rules are simple this time around. All you have to do is leave a comment AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WOULD LIKE indicating what you like best about the fall season. Each comment will be considered as an entry. You have until Sunday, October 16 to leave your comments for entry. 

Not sure how to leave a comment if you don't blog? No prob.

a. Click "Comment" at the end of this post

b. Type your comment in the "Leave your comment" box

c. Enter the word verification

d. Choose "Name/URL" as your identity if you don't know what the other choices are

e. Just put your name (or what you want to go by) in the Name Field

f. Don't have to put anything in the URL field - when the winner is picked, they'll have to claim the prize by e-mailing me next Tuesday

g. Then click "Publish your comment"

3 winners will be chosen by computer - 1st prize will receive dinner for two at the Der Dutchman and a $25 gift certificate to Carlisle Gifts, and second and third prize winners will each receive a $25 gift certificate to the gift shop. You must check back on Tuesday, October 18 for the list of winners. Winners must privately e-mail me their home addresses within a 48-hour period from time of announcement to claim their prize.

Lilana Slater from www.goggle.com via Pinterest

I encourage everyone to visit Ohio's Amish Country this season. The views are spectacular and breathtaking. This is truly a great prize to win and I thank Dutchman Hospitality from the bottom of my heart for their generous hearts and sharing ways. Thank you, Vicki!

So, get your entries in and comment: What do you like best about Autumn?

Going Local: Holden Arboretum

Gnome Improvement

Are you looking for a way to squeeze one more drop out of summer before hibernating under bed covers wrapped in a wool sweater sipping cocoa so warm you can feel the smooth chocolate flowing down your throat? Not ready for that yet, huh? Then gather up a picnic basket, pile the family into the people transporter, and head towards the lake (that's North). Holden Arboretum is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility to me. It is my ultimate most favorite place in the world. When you go, you'll know what I mean (the Rhododendron Garden is my favorite area). While there, plan to tour their current exhibit: Gnome and Garden. Gnomes as high as five feet tall were given to regional artists who used these statues as blank canvases of whimsy to create their own unique take on these magical protectors of our gardens. Holden Arboretum has great activities for the kids relating to the featured gnomes if you're interested, as well.

Gerome, the Recycled Gnome

Candy Gnome - son attempting to lick

Krazy Kubist Knome

Down the Rabbit Hole - a favorite

Favorite Spot in All of Holden

We grabbed some cream sodas, slapped together some turkey sandwiches, made a yummy Roasted Tomato and Olive Salad and hightailed it to search out the gnomes, all 20 of them scattered along the one-mile trail. I want to show you photos of all the gnomes but I don't want to ruin it for you. It's so much fun to be walking along the path, then suddenly, in the distance, you see this huge gnome. My heart went a-flutter after each glimpse of a new gnome discovery!

We practically had the park all to ourselves because we we're allowed to be there after-hours since we're members (I highly recommend this investment).

The Gnome and Garden exhibit runs only through September 25th. I hope you capture some of the whimsy and magic these gnomes have to offer and carry it with you through winter and into spring, when you can enjoy the gardens once again.

There is a fee to enter the park unless you are a member. At only $50 per year we are Maple members of Holden Arboretum so we get free admission and admittance to the park after-hours. The place is open year-round with seasonal activities to enjoy (love the snow-shoeing program). Imagine, the beauty of this preserved land for you to enjoy practically all to yourself! For more information about entrance fees, hours, directions, or membership, click here.


Do you have a gnome in your garden?

Staycation Adventures: Ohio's Amish Country, Part Two

My family and I are old hats at traveling around Ohio's Amish Country so I wanted to share some of our destinations with you. I hope you take the opportunity and short drive to discover Ohio's beautiful Amish community and countryside. This post continues our recent one-day trip with my family, my son's cousin, and Gramma and Grandpa from New York. For Part One, click here.

Stop #7
The Secret Garden Shop
108 West Main Street
Sugarcreek, OH 44681 (330.852.0716)

 Only one word describes the Secret Garden shop found on Sugarcreek's main street: whimsical. I think this shop must be the world's caretaker of dragon's, fairies, and all things enchanting. The decor takes you into another dimension and you get lost in all the amazing findings from another place, hidden from the world. Get lost in the magic and mystery the Secret Garden offers.

Chug, chug, chugging up the Swiss Mountain

While still in Sugarcreek, walk a little ways up through the town and you'll see a bank at the very end of town. Not a bank as in a geographical physicality, but rather a bank as in savings and loan. If you look up above the bank's entrance you'll notice a hand-painted scene of a Swiss mountain side (did you not notice the Swiss music broadcasting through the streets of town?) and if you wait for it, you'll soon see a little train emerge from the mountain and travel up, chug, chug, chugging, out of site, back into the wall. Not so much a tourist destination, just an interesting site knowing that train does that same route 24/7.

Stop #8
Walnut Creek Cheese
2641 State Route 39

Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (877.852.2888)

Through our travels over the years we've experienced many different "grocery stores" around Amish Country and this one is at the very top of our list. Our various experiences with other stores in the area single out Walnut Creek Cheese as having the best pricing on bulk foods overall. The breads are freshly baked and the cheese is spectacular. Like I said in Part One, bring a cooler! Our favorite cheese there is the Smoked Cheese sampler. Smoked swiss, smoked provolone, smoked cheddar, etc. all packaged for your sampling enjoyment across from the ice cream line. The beef sticks are also recommended. And, if you're in love with maple syrup as my family is, you know the cost of nature's gold is more than a barrel of oil. Walnut Creek Cheese has been the best buy we've found for maple syrup.


Stop #9
Lehman Hardware & Appliance
4779 Kidron Road
Dalton, OH 44636 (330.828.8828)

If you're following the schedule in the order I'm suggesting, you'll notice it's beginning to be about 5:00 pm. The shops around Amish Country tend to close around this time on a Saturday (and a majority are NOT open on Sunday) so we'll be heading outside Amish Country and into the countryside for more simple adventures. Lehmans is the cat's-meow of hardware stores. If you're not careful, you could spend the rest of the day there, meandering through the various departments and offerings. But you'd miss the next several stops and have to make another trip down on another day and that wouldn't be too bad, now would it? But if you're determined to make it a day trip, then FOCUS people!

My boy has turned Amish due to excessive visits to Amish Country

The Amish patron Lehmans for many of their non-electric appliances like wood stoves, propane-driven refrigerators, hand-cranked washing tubs, it goes on and on. It's fascinating to see these types of appliances and allows you a glimpse into the lives of the Amish's daily chores. It also really makes you appreciate your own appliances back home did I just say that? but strangely also makes the simplicity of a daily chore without electricity somewhat beautiful.


There are too many departments to mention so I urge you to further explore your interests and make your own discoveries once there. I do recommend a little sit-down at the cafe, in the jail, for a refreshing taste of Lehmans-own bottled soda. Delicious!

Get us outta here! I heard there's a toy department!

Stop #10
J M Smucker Company Store & Cafe
333 Wadsworth Road
Orville, OH 44667 (330.684.1500)

With a name like Smuckers...get ready to have some more fun! Although not an outlet store, this Smucker's Company Store offers many lines not found at your local grocery store. When I shop here I stock-up on their Orchard's Finest brand. It's the only brand I can find where it only has 3 simple ingredients: fruit, sugar, and fruit pectin. This store is absolutely charming. You may be surprised at the numerous brands that fall under the J M Smucker name. If you're interested in the company's history, there's a great self-guided tour in the back of the store highlighting the company's growth. Don't forget the samples in the middle of the store. They always give great recipes to accompany the sample. Enjoy!


Stop #11, #12, #13, and #14
Toyrifix, The OakCupboard, Buchanan Place, The Barn Restaurant
4642 Akron Road
Smithville, OH 44677 (330.669.3737)

Think of it as a countryside shopping mall, but so much prettier. All of the places on Stop #11 are in the same vicinity. Now, you're going to have to make some decisions. Are you going to eat dinner at The Barn? They offer several different dining experiences including a buffet or something off their menu that includes their famous ham, pulled pork sandwiches, and their own Farm-raised Tilapia. If you decide dinner is the route you want to take, go put your name in and if there is a wait, go shopping!

On our trip, we were too full from the der Dutchman so we skipped The Barn and just got a pizza back home. But, if you want the full experience and have enough time to shop the stores and have dinner, then go for it!

In walking distance is Toyrifix, a great little toy store the kids can experience and feel they got something out of the day, as well.

Outside of Toyrifix

 
The Oakcupboard is another bulk foods store and their pricing is comparable to Walnut Creek Cheese. This is the place where we feed our passions for popcorn. We get pounds of it here and have been very happy with the various selections. The best item in this store for me is the wide variety of sprinkles. Yes, sprinkles! You know, for cupcakes. You can find little black and white cow sprinkles, little football helmets, dolphins, you name it. And not to mention, beautiful colored sugar sprinkles that seem to glisten in the container if the light catches it just right. Love it, love it, love it.

Buchanan Place is a store similar to Carlisle Gifts from Part One - a treat for the eyes: so many beautiful items to look at for your home.

Afterwards, take a walk to the pond and say hello to the ducks. Say goodbye to the spectacular, fun-filled day you enjoyed with your loved ones. The simplicity Amish Country offers is a welcomed gift to us as we dodge the busyness of our lives most of the time. In one day you can experience the fresh country air, the simple life, and uninterrupted time with family and friends while on an adventure you won't soon forget.

Staycation Adventures: Ohio's Amish Country, Part One

Recently we had Grandpa and Gramma from New York come for a visit and we were thrilled they brought another guest, my son's cousin. The boys are very close in age and had a blast the entire weekend while visiting the LEGO store, camping out in the basement, and, believe it or not, visiting Amish Country! The trip can be a fun experience for young lads if you plan it right and know where to go. My family is very familiar with the trip because we go often to get more popcorn kernels. Not familiar with our popcorn addiction? Click here.

The key to touring Amish Country is getting an early start and seeing everything in the right sequence, as many Amish stores close at 5:00 pm. The trip that follows will take you into the heart of Amish Country around Walnut Creek, and Sugar Creek, Ohio, then slowly ween you away from the Amish and into regular farm country, like Kidron, Orrville, and Smithville, where venues are open later. And, if you live in Northeast Ohio, it's a way to break-up the trip while heading back home.

Warning: The trip itinerary you are about to experience is fun, but with purpose. We purchase our popcorn, dry goods, and cheeses (bring a cooler) while we visit so, although we are getting errands accomplished, we go to really interesting and fun places to accomplish them. And, if you're in the market for Amish furniture, well, that's a whole 'nother trip. We do avoid tourist traps, though. We don't do the Yoder's Amish House tour, although you are more than welcome to visit if you're in it for the tourist aspect. Finally, authentic Amish buggy rides are available to tourists. Personally, you couldn't get me in one of those things for anything because I'd like to live to see my son's future. I can't imagine sharing the rode with cars the English (that's you) drive at 55 mph on rolling hills in the unfamiliar countryside. No thanks, I don't trust you English (again, that's you) drivers!
 
Stop #1
Shearer's Foods Inc.
692 Wabash Avenue, North
Brewster, OH 44613 (330.767.3426)

Shearer's is Ohio's #1 potato chip factory. Unfortunately, Shearer's no longer gives factory tours, but the outlet store is open right next to it; great deals on potato chip "seconds". When you're crunching, who can tell the difference? It's all good! In addition to potato chips, Shearer's makes cheese puffs and a whole bunch of other stuff. If you like caramel, check out the Caramel Dittos.

The giant bag of cheese puff balls - no one said it was a healthy excursion.

Stop #2
Wendell August Forge
7007 County Road 672
Berlin, OH 44610 (330.893.3713)

Since 1923 Wendell August Forge has been producing beautiful pieces of tableware and gift items out of aluminum, pewter, copper, etc., making it the world's largest and oldest forge company. As you enter the store you are greeted by a smiling grandmotherly type offering you a fresh baked batch of cookies. Mind your manners, take only one!

For $2 the kiddos can try their hand at forging.

World's largest Amish buggy

Stop #3 (lunchtime)
Der Dutchman Restaurant
4967 Walnut Street
Walnut Creek, OH 44687 (330.893.2981)
 
Lunchtime is the right time to head on over to the Der Dutchman in Walnut Creek. It sits way up high on a hill overlooking the farmland valley. If you're lucky to get a seat by the window, then you're lucky to have the best view so enjoy it. This place gets mega busy around both lunch and dinner time so I'd head that way for an early lunch, about 11:30, to avoid the long line waiting to get seated. The food is authentic Amish fare but I highly recommend the vegetarian-fed, steroid-free chicken. Be sure to ask for it broasted and you'll be thanking me. I love the salad bar because it's hard to find one these days, let alone a good one. Grandpa ordered a cinnamon roll for dessert and it was as big as a baby's head, ooey and gooey with icing all over it - YUM!


Stop #4
P. Graham Dunn
across the street from the Der Dutchman Restaurant

When you're done feeding your physical side, walk across the street to P. Graham Dunn and feed your spiritual side. This store has beautiful scripture and verse laser carved into natural wood pieces to decorate your home. Just walking through the place is very uplifting for the soul.

Stop #5
Carlisle Gifts
next to P. Graham Dunn and across from the Der Dutchman Restaurant

As soon as you walk in, a wafting of sweet perfumed air greets you at the door and your peepers go into eye-candy overload. There is just so much to see here at Carlisle Gifts. It's like a little treasure hunt on 3 huge floors of stuff, stuff, and more stuff. Personally, my favorite thing in the store isn't for sale: the beautifully curved staircase leading to the downstairs floor. As you leave this store to get to the next stop, which is walking distance, take the brick-lined garden path up the hill. Then, take in the view because it is truly breathtaking. When you've reached the top of the hill, cross the street at the Carlisle Inn to get to the next stop.

Stop #6
Coblentz Chocolates
on the same side as the Der Dutchman, just a little ways up the hill but walking distance

We actually skipped this place on our recent trip but if you've never been, Coblentz Chocolates is worth checking out since you're right there. After getting your chocolate fix, visit the cemetery right next to it. Looking at all those ancient tombstones is really remarkable.

Now it's time to get back in the car and travel to Sugar Creek. This Staycation Adventure only took one day, but writing about it will take me two days so look for Part 2 next week! 
Stay tuned...



Disclaimer: I was not paid to advertise any of these venues but if you're reading this and want to talk money I'm all ears and the fun factor is based on my own gauge. As I am unfamiliar with your own definition of fun, I am not responsible for any un-fun that you may experience during your trip.

Staycation Adventures: Seneca Caverns

We rule the staycation scene, basically out of necessity. My husband doesn't get "paid vacations" or time-off due to running his own business so we desperately rely on quick jaunts or weekend getaways in and around the area where we live. During a staycation last summer we went on our first cave tour at the Ohio Caverns. It.was.Amazing; stalactites as tall as my son hung down from the rock ceiling and stalagmites burst from the Earth's core showing off its beauty right before our eyes. We were hooked and couldn't wait to begin our new hobby of spelunking.

The stuffed animal otter has become our spelunking mascot.

Recently we visited Seneca Caverns in Ohio expecting the same visual art and beauty that the Ohio Caverns provided us from our first experience. Although it was amazing in its own right, it was not Ohio Caverns. The stalactites were only as long as my fingernail and we were unable to take the entire tour. Typically, the tour takes you down into the Earth 7 levels but we were only able to go down 4 levels because the water table was too high. With all the rain we've had this spring, half the cave was flooded. Now, one would think they would discount the ticket price but not a chance. I thought the total ticket cost of $36 for the three of us was a bit high for only half the tour, but it did give us something to do and it was neat to see.

Hawaiian Lava Moss - the cave picked up the spore off someone's clothes visiting from Hawaii!

I'd recommend Seneca Caverns as a first stop of cave touring if you've never experienced it. Then be sure to take the time to tour the Ohio Caverns because you will truly be amazed. One piece of advice: take a jacket or sweatshirt because when you go down into the Earth the temperature is a constant 54 degrees F (or 12.2C for my International readers).

Have you had any recent staycation adventures you'd like to share?