If you plan to visit Guernsey County, make your first stop the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau located on Wheeling Ave. down the street from the courthouse.
The card gives the holder discounts of $1.00-2.00 for most of the local attractions including the Byesville Scenic Railroad, The John and Annie Glenn Historic Site, and the Wilds. There are also discounts at several local hotels and restaurants such as Mr. Lees, Denny's,Terra Cotta Vineyards, Comfort Inn, and Hampton Inn.
For more information about Guernsey County: http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/
For details about the discounts: http://www.visitguernseycounty.com/content/VisitorSavingsCard.aspx
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Good Place to Eat in Zanesville
If you are ever in Zanesville, Ohio, around lunch time or at breakfast time on the week days, have your meal at Ditty’s Downtown Deli. Coffee and sandwiches with the sandwiches made fresh to your order.
The deli is cozy—a counter with 3 seats, two tables for four and one table for two. It is a popular spot for locals and does a big business in delivery or pick up orders. The deli also features wi-fi, a serve-yourself coffee bar and music from the Sammy Davis-Frank Sinatra era and sometimes jazz. The walls are decorated with jazz memorabilia.
The sandwiches come with chips and a pickle or you can get a boxed lunch and add a side. Soup of the day is also offered. I can recommend the Hummus Plate which is served with pita triangles and lots of vegetables. The Small Side Salad is also good, but, be warned, this salad made a whole meal for me. My favorite is the Veggie Bagel on a whole wheat bagel with red pepper hummus, hold the mustard and mayo. Chuck likes the Turkey and Colby with lettuce, tomato and mayo on whole wheat. This sandwich features lots of thinly sliced turkey and cheese on your choice of bread.
The deli is located 1 block south of the courthouse on 61 S. 4th Street with streetside parking. For more information— www.Dittys4Lunch.com
The deli is cozy—a counter with 3 seats, two tables for four and one table for two. It is a popular spot for locals and does a big business in delivery or pick up orders. The deli also features wi-fi, a serve-yourself coffee bar and music from the Sammy Davis-Frank Sinatra era and sometimes jazz. The walls are decorated with jazz memorabilia.
The sandwiches come with chips and a pickle or you can get a boxed lunch and add a side. Soup of the day is also offered. I can recommend the Hummus Plate which is served with pita triangles and lots of vegetables. The Small Side Salad is also good, but, be warned, this salad made a whole meal for me. My favorite is the Veggie Bagel on a whole wheat bagel with red pepper hummus, hold the mustard and mayo. Chuck likes the Turkey and Colby with lettuce, tomato and mayo on whole wheat. This sandwich features lots of thinly sliced turkey and cheese on your choice of bread.
The deli is located 1 block south of the courthouse on 61 S. 4th Street with streetside parking. For more information— www.Dittys4Lunch.com
Monday, February 9, 2009
Performance at the Zanesville Community Theater
Zanesville, Ohio, has several active amateur theater groups. I have attended several productions at the Zanesville Community Theater and recommend this group. They do a great job and offer various types of performances. This is the group’s 46th season.
Recently I went to see Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?—not the typical type of play which is usually associated with an amateur group. The 4 actors in this production provided a riveting performance of a difficult play. Other productions planned for this season include HONK! and Steel Magnolias.
The members of the Zanesville Community Theater enjoy sharing their passion with others. A reading group from the local library was at the same performance as I was. By previous arrangement, they were going to meet with the actors after the performance and discuss the play which they had all read.
The performance was as enjoyable as the professional productions I have attended in Columbus.
For more information go to their web site at http://www.zct.org/. You can even order your tickets and choose your seat on-line or you can call 740-455-6487.
I would love to post some pictures of the performance but “no cameras or other recording devices” were allowed.
Recently I went to see Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?—not the typical type of play which is usually associated with an amateur group. The 4 actors in this production provided a riveting performance of a difficult play. Other productions planned for this season include HONK! and Steel Magnolias.
The members of the Zanesville Community Theater enjoy sharing their passion with others. A reading group from the local library was at the same performance as I was. By previous arrangement, they were going to meet with the actors after the performance and discuss the play which they had all read.
The performance was as enjoyable as the professional productions I have attended in Columbus.
For more information go to their web site at http://www.zct.org/. You can even order your tickets and choose your seat on-line or you can call 740-455-6487.
I would love to post some pictures of the performance but “no cameras or other recording devices” were allowed.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wilds Winter Tour 2009
The Wilds is a wild animal conservation and research facility in southeastern Ohio near Cumberland.The staff offers bus tours of the animals in pasture. The park also has a cafeteria and a gift shop. The staff also offers educational programs during the summer aimed at young people. Next year if all goes well they will be offering a new service—Nomad Ridge at the Wilds. This is a luxury tented camping experience located on a ridge that overlooks the animal areas. We were told the package will include breakfast and dinner. There is also a Working Wild Camp for kids--an educational experience which offers hands on experience to older teens who are interested in careers in conservation.
During the winter, the Wilds offers a select number of programs such as Raptor Day and the Wild Winter Tour. These programs are limited to about 40 people and typically give the visitor close up experience with some of the animals. Most of the winter tours cost about $15 per person.
Last year we went to the Raptor Day. In the morning, we were inside getting information about the various raptors that can be seen at the Wilds such as owls, hawks, vultures and eagles. The Columbus Zoo brings live raptors to the class so attendees can get a close look at the various raptors. In the afternoon, we took the bus out into the Wilds and looked for raptors. We even saw a golden eagle which winters as the Wilds.
This year we went to the Winter Wild Tour. We spend the morning visiting the animals that stay out in the pastures. These included the carnivores—the cheetahs, African wild dogs, and the Wilds newest carnivore, the dohle. We also saw Bactrian camels, bison wild horses, onagers , zebras, several different kinds of deer and swans as well as lots of our native white tail deer that invite themselves to the Wilds.
Best of all we got to visit the rhino and giraffe quarters and get close to these big animals. I got to pet a baby white rhino. The rhinos were more friendly than I thought they would be. They seemed to like all the attention.
The giraffes were too shy to let us touch them. We got to go up to the second floor so we could meet them eye to eye.
If you decide to participate in one of the winter programs, you will need to pack a lunch and dress warmly. The staff provides hot water for coffee and cocoa. On chilly days people like the hot drinks and the water disappears fast so I also take thermoses of coffee and cocoa. Also be sure to take a camera and binoculars if you have them. The binoculars are very useful if the animals decide to keep their distance. We didn’t have that problem. One of the wild horses came right up to the bus door and looked in the window.
Go the the Wilds web site for dates and times of their programs.
, and wild horses, Wilds animals/
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas at the Ohio Village
The Ohio Historical Society opens the Ohio Village for special events. At Christmas, the Village is open and staffed with volunteers dressed in Victorian garb. This is an evening event, and the Village is only lit with gas lights and candles.
When we walked into the Village, we felt like we had stepped back in time. Be careful; and watch where you step. To help you see where you are going, the staff lines the walks and steps with luminaries and lanterns and tries to keep them lit. The first person that greeted us was Old St. Nick himself dressed in a Victorian St. Nick costume. He was very helpful and showed us how to use our map of the village to visit all the open sites.
The staff was all friendly. Any time we showed any interest in participating in activities, they were quick to get us involved. While the activities may be designed for kids, we participated and learned a lot about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas. We made mummers masks, hand tinted a Christmas card, made cranberry and popcorn chains to hang on a tree, and played parlor games.
The Historical Society also provided some entertainments that were similar to those the Victorians might have attended. There was a mummer performance, a story teller who told ghost stories, and a performance by Charles Dickens himself. Through out the evening we met the Ohio Village Singers who strolled through the village singeing carols. They also gave two performances in the town hall. We also met Bob Marley several times during our walk around the village. You could tell he was coming when you heard the chains clanging.
We also learned how to give a Cobweb Party. This is a fun activity that involves stringing yarn around a room—one color for everyone playing. Attached to the strands of yarn are little gifts like candy. When you reach the end of your strand of yarn, you get a bigger gift. This sounds like lots of fun and I am going to try it with my family.
The American House and Hotel was serving a limited menu of light meals like sandwiches and mac and cheese. The tavern was serving selected beverages. A local Boy Scout troop sold roasted chestnuts and hot cider. We had a good time and enjoyed celebrating Christmas without electric lights and expensive presents
Hours: Two week ends in December. Watch for ads next year.
Location: Ohio Village next to the Ohio Historical Society Museum
Fees (if applicable): $10/adult OHS member, $7/child OHS member, $12/adult nonmember, $9/child nonmember, $4/parking fee for nonmembers.
Additional information: Ohio Historical Society: Dickens Christmas
When we walked into the Village, we felt like we had stepped back in time. Be careful; and watch where you step. To help you see where you are going, the staff lines the walks and steps with luminaries and lanterns and tries to keep them lit. The first person that greeted us was Old St. Nick himself dressed in a Victorian St. Nick costume. He was very helpful and showed us how to use our map of the village to visit all the open sites.
The staff was all friendly. Any time we showed any interest in participating in activities, they were quick to get us involved. While the activities may be designed for kids, we participated and learned a lot about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas. We made mummers masks, hand tinted a Christmas card, made cranberry and popcorn chains to hang on a tree, and played parlor games.
The Historical Society also provided some entertainments that were similar to those the Victorians might have attended. There was a mummer performance, a story teller who told ghost stories, and a performance by Charles Dickens himself. Through out the evening we met the Ohio Village Singers who strolled through the village singeing carols. They also gave two performances in the town hall. We also met Bob Marley several times during our walk around the village. You could tell he was coming when you heard the chains clanging.
We also learned how to give a Cobweb Party. This is a fun activity that involves stringing yarn around a room—one color for everyone playing. Attached to the strands of yarn are little gifts like candy. When you reach the end of your strand of yarn, you get a bigger gift. This sounds like lots of fun and I am going to try it with my family.
The American House and Hotel was serving a limited menu of light meals like sandwiches and mac and cheese. The tavern was serving selected beverages. A local Boy Scout troop sold roasted chestnuts and hot cider. We had a good time and enjoyed celebrating Christmas without electric lights and expensive presents
Hours: Two week ends in December. Watch for ads next year.
Location: Ohio Village next to the Ohio Historical Society Museum
Fees (if applicable): $10/adult OHS member, $7/child OHS member, $12/adult nonmember, $9/child nonmember, $4/parking fee for nonmembers.
Additional information: Ohio Historical Society: Dickens Christmas
Monday, December 15, 2008
Byesville Scenic Railway
The Byesville Scenic Railway is a work of love by a dedicated group of volunteers who are descendents of the coal miners who used to dig coal in the southeastern Ohio area. The 1 hour rail trip uses the train and cars that the miners used to get to and from the mines.
Guides ,dressed as coal miners including coal dust, will point out traces of the old mines and tell stories about the history of the area and how the miners and their families lived. Listen carefully and you will learn what the miners used for toilet paper in the mines.
The Christmas trip is really nice. The guides explain how the miners and their families celebrated Christmas. Decorations were very different because they didn’t have electricity and artificial Christmas trees. Since they didn’t have much money, Christmas was more about the religious reason for the season and not so much about presents. People tended to make gifts for each other out of materials they had at home. The trip was a nice antidote to the hustle and bustle of today's Christmases.
Guides ,dressed as coal miners including coal dust, will point out traces of the old mines and tell stories about the history of the area and how the miners and their families lived. Listen carefully and you will learn what the miners used for toilet paper in the mines.
The Christmas trip is really nice. The guides explain how the miners and their families celebrated Christmas. Decorations were very different because they didn’t have electricity and artificial Christmas trees. Since they didn’t have much money, Christmas was more about the religious reason for the season and not so much about presents. People tended to make gifts for each other out of materials they had at home. The trip was a nice antidote to the hustle and bustle of today's Christmases.
- April-May: school charters accepted
- May through December--Saturday and Sunday 1:00 and 3:00
- Check their web site for special trips and times such as: Wine Tasting Excursions, Fathers Day Special, Fall Steam Weekend and Coal Miners Festival, Halloween Excursions, and Christmas Specials.
Location:
- Byesville, Ohio
- Map and directions
- Adults $10.00
- Children 3-12: $7.00
- Children under 3: Free
Dickens Village--Cambridge, Ohio
During the month of December and the first week of January, Cambridge, Ohio, hosts the “Dickens Village." One of the highlights is over 40 life-sized sculptures of Victorian and Dickens characters that line the main street. Cambridge has a lot of buildings on main street in the Victorian style. The figures fit right in and make great photos especially when there is a little snow in the air. We started our visit in the Dickens Welcome Center which offers Dickens Village souvenirs and an opportunity to have your picture taken while you are dressed in Dickens era clothing. Watch for costumed street vendors selling local goodies as you tour the street.
At the rear of the welcome center is a tea shop which is open on Saturdays from 1-6:00pm. The shop serves a Victorian tea. On the day we were there, the tea included a choice of three types of tea, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream or raspberry jam, strawberry soup (yumm) hot chicken salad, onion brioche, cucumber sandwich, zebra cake, coconut cream bites, thumbprint cookies, and finally a large slice of delicious cheesecake with lemon sauce. The staff will teach you how to eat scones in the proper Victorian way. The tea gave us a chance to rest our feet.
There were 5 bus tours in town the day we visited which made for a nice holiday bustle. Stores were busy but not crowded. There is lots to do when you visit—wander through several of the older buildings which have been converted into small shops selling lots of different items. Several specialize in antiques and collectables—Cambridge glass is especially popular and there is often a good selection of Roseville or Weller pottery. On the court house lawn are a group of Dickens shops. Local vendors—different every week-end—offer a variety of items with special Dickens Village prices.
At 5:30-9:00pm, the courthouse light and music show will begin. This is new this year and is fantastic. There are three different 12 minutes shows and Cambridge’s old-fashioned, wedding cake courthouse is the perfect setting. Check out a sample of the show at this You Tube site .
Good places to eat include Theos—right across from the Welcome Center. Try their famous coney dog or chili fries—served with chili and cheese. I recommend their spicy chili soup and their pork chops. On the side street to the left of the courthouse, the Courtside Deli offers sandwiches and soups and daily specials. Or drive east down Wheeling toward Interstate 71 and pull in to Mr. Lees for a meal. They make great chimichangas and offer a big selection of home cooked items. Head away from the courthouse to Rt. 209 and you will find the usual franchises and another local restaurant—The Forum. Their Greek sampler is great and so are the fajitas and pizzas.
If this is not enough action for one day, you can take the Byesville Scenic Railway trip which is offered on Saturdays at 1:00 and 3:00pm in Byesville.
Related sites: Dickens Victorian Village
At the rear of the welcome center is a tea shop which is open on Saturdays from 1-6:00pm. The shop serves a Victorian tea. On the day we were there, the tea included a choice of three types of tea, scones with lemon curd and clotted cream or raspberry jam, strawberry soup (yumm) hot chicken salad, onion brioche, cucumber sandwich, zebra cake, coconut cream bites, thumbprint cookies, and finally a large slice of delicious cheesecake with lemon sauce. The staff will teach you how to eat scones in the proper Victorian way. The tea gave us a chance to rest our feet.
There were 5 bus tours in town the day we visited which made for a nice holiday bustle. Stores were busy but not crowded. There is lots to do when you visit—wander through several of the older buildings which have been converted into small shops selling lots of different items. Several specialize in antiques and collectables—Cambridge glass is especially popular and there is often a good selection of Roseville or Weller pottery. On the court house lawn are a group of Dickens shops. Local vendors—different every week-end—offer a variety of items with special Dickens Village prices.
At 5:30-9:00pm, the courthouse light and music show will begin. This is new this year and is fantastic. There are three different 12 minutes shows and Cambridge’s old-fashioned, wedding cake courthouse is the perfect setting. Check out a sample of the show at this You Tube site .
Good places to eat include Theos—right across from the Welcome Center. Try their famous coney dog or chili fries—served with chili and cheese. I recommend their spicy chili soup and their pork chops. On the side street to the left of the courthouse, the Courtside Deli offers sandwiches and soups and daily specials. Or drive east down Wheeling toward Interstate 71 and pull in to Mr. Lees for a meal. They make great chimichangas and offer a big selection of home cooked items. Head away from the courthouse to Rt. 209 and you will find the usual franchises and another local restaurant—The Forum. Their Greek sampler is great and so are the fajitas and pizzas.
If this is not enough action for one day, you can take the Byesville Scenic Railway trip which is offered on Saturdays at 1:00 and 3:00pm in Byesville.
Related sites: Dickens Victorian Village
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