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Dining in style...
NELSONVILLE - The nexttime you visit the Hocking Hillsarea, reserve one evening for anelegant dinner at the RhapsodyRestaurant located downtown onthe historic public square.
Just a couple blocks from theScenic Railway depot, theRhapsody offers a seasonal din-ner menu featuring contempo-rary American entree’s createdand selected by executive chefAutumn Wallace. A native ofNelsonville and graduate of thelocal Hocking College, Autumnhas a two-fold responsibility atthe Rhapsody. While managingher kitchen staff and preparingher dishes from scratch, Autumnis also teaching. What the publicmay not know is every staffmember at The Rhapsody is aHocking College culinary stu-dent or instructor.
“This is a hands-on experiencefor the students,” says managerDoug Webber, comparing theinternship to a real career. “Thisthe closest one can get to experi-encing exactly what they’ll bedoing out in the real world.”
The hardest part for Autumn islosing her “staff” students everyterm when they graduate.
“I’m starting all over againfrom scratch,” she said. So hersecret to her success is having apassion for her work includingthe product, the industry andcustomers.
Continued on Page 22...
Boundless opportunitiesfor those who seek them.
The holidays will be here beforeyou know it and before I’m ready.Even though I start shopping theday after Christmas, (We nowhave a grand total of 35 grandchil-dren) and hunt for festive getawaydestinations to cover beginningearly summer, it always sneeks upon us and the last few days areeasily filled with last minute to-dolists, gift wrapping, scrambling forrecipes in the kitchen and pound-ing out articles on the computer.
Reports and articles flood theinternet stating the holidays are avery stressful time for many peo-ple and suicide attempts rise dras-tically during that time of year.
How sad. It should be the happi-est time of year with loved onesand sharing memories past andcreating more memories to tuckaway for the future. New freelancecouple, Tammai and WilliamSesco share secrets on how to getaway from it all, take a little timeout for yourselves, and most of all
- relax, healthystyle. You owe itto yourselves.Be sure to readtheir featurearticle begin-ning on page15.
If it’s shopping tips that you needto get through the holidays, maybea quick shopping getaway is theanswer. Check out page 14, aboutthe brand new mall in Scottsdale,Ariz. or ideas from the shoppingcenter in Nashville article, page19.
My biggest issue is how toimpress my guests with mealsfrom the kitchen without breakingthe budget. A cook - I am NOT!
This is where I must ask you toextend your horizons a bit furtherthan Weekender Extended and tryout some of the award-winningrecipes from our local subscribersfeatured in Seasons EatingsChristmas issue online at ourWeekender Mag. site:
http://www.weekendermag.comHope this helps - See you after
the Holidays are over. . . .
Page 4 www.weekenderextended.com Fall, 2009
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Letter from the Editor
CONTENTS
Places to Go: 5 Leavenworth, IN
10 The Farm - OH21 St. Louis, MO
Things to Do3 Ride the Train / Nelsonville, OH6 Feast on the Beach, Destin, FL
9 & 19 Take a Cruise for the holidays11 Dixie Christmas / Branson, MO13 Casting Cares Away, OH14 Shopping / Phoenix, AZ16 Healthy Relaxation/ Hocking Hills, OH
People to See20 Charlie Brown / Nashville, TN
Extended
Fall, 2009 www.weekenderextended.com Page 05
T he time of year is here when weat Leavenworth Inn offer to ourguests a wonderful time to get
away at an amazing low price!Overlooking the Ohio River in scenicsouthern Indian, guests come to enjoythe quiet beauty and relax in a place thatmakes them feel as though they are beingpampered right at home. This year the Innis offering the following winter specials:
Winter Special $119Winter Special in a Suite $159Perfect Winter Getaway $185
If you are a repeat guest, we invite you to
return and bring a new guest with you. Whenpaying the regular rack rate for the first room,you will receive the guest’s room FREE!
Reservations must be on the same date(s)and not valid with any other discount or pack-age. You can use this opportunity to give awonderful gift to a friend by paying for yourroom and giving them a room free, split the ratebetween the two of you, or have your friend paythe full price and your room is free. Offer validNovember 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010. Ratesare based on double occupancy and do notinclude tax.
For details on our specials you can visit theirwebsite at www.leavenworthinn.com/packages
To reserve your Winter Special at The Leavenworth Inn, call us toll free at
888-739-2120
Page 08 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
dining and charter fishing are right atyour doorstep with a turn-of-the-cen-tury yacht club atmosphere.
The inaugural event, 4-8 p.m.,kicks off with distinctive wines andculinary delights prepared by thearea’s celebrated chefs. Indulgeand enjoy educational cookingdemonstrations. From this vantagepoint above Destin Harbor, savorone of the most beautiful areas towatch the sunset.
The next day, progress to Taste ofBay at Pier Park in Panama CityBeach, Seeing Red Wine Festival inSeaside, and Taste of THE Beach &Charity Auction at the HiltonSandestin Beach in Miramar Beach.Guests will sip exceptional winesand sample savory cuisine preparedby local restaurants while strollingoutdoors alongside the many shopsat Pier Park.
A Wine & Cheese Seminar willtake place at the SeasideAmphitheater, Seaside from 4:30 –6 p.m.This fun and interactive eventwill teach guests how to perfectlypair fine wines and cheeses. Learnwhat goes with Gouda, what meldswith Manchengo or what’s best withBrie.
From 6-8 p.m., in the picturesquetown of Seaside amid the art gal-leries of Ruskin Place, guests maytaste a range of highly allocated andreserve wines, dine on sushi andhors d’oeuvres prepared by noted
local restaurateur and chef JimShirley, and enjoy live chambermusic.
On Saturday, one of the largestevents during Taste of THE Beach isa picnic-style festival which takesover the streets of Seaside, offeringdozens of domestic and internation-al red wines to sample while livemusic entertains.
Ticket prices vary by event andproceeds benefit regional children’sadvocacy and medical foundations.For tickets and a complete list of allrelated events, call 850-267-0683 orvisit www.tasteofthebeachfla.com.
Florida’s first and oldest seafoodfestival, established in 1963, theFlorida Seafood Festival takesplace in downtown historicApalachicola at the mouth of theApalachicola River. The highlight ofthe two-day event is the OysterShucking Contest followed by theOyster Eating Contest. Some partic-ipants have been known to eat asmany as 300 oysters in the allotted15 minutes of time. Mounds ofseafood prepared by local resi-dents, arts and crafts, live music,blue crab races, a parade, theblessing of the fleet, and the crown-ing of Miss Florida SeafoodFestival, make this piece of forgot-ten Florida a don’t-miss event. Formore information, visit online atwww.floridaseafoodfestival.com orwww.anaturalescape.com
Not exactly a festival, but definitely a tasty experience is Restaurant Week atGrand Boulevard, November 9 -13. Located on U. S. Highway 98 in MiramarBeach, Grand Boulevard is home to nine themed restaurants that include TommyBahama’s Tropical Café, P. F. Chang’s China Bistro, Mitchell’s Fish Market,Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Cantina Laredo Gourmet MexicanFood. Restaurant week offers special pricing and special events at all GrandBoulevard eateries. If you can stay a little longer, here’s some food for thought;make fall at THE Beach a culinary travel experience and see how many differentselections you can taste.
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 09
STOWE, Vt—Award-winning adventure touroperator Boundless Journeys has announcedthree epic holiday adventure travel trips to creategreat memories of a lifetime.
"What better way to create great memoriesover the holidays than by exploring an amazingnew place with friends, family, fun companions,and excellent local guides?" asks BoundlessJourneys president, Matt Holmes. Whether youhave always dreamed of exploring the greatplains of Africa, or immersing yourself in thewildlife-filled jungles of Costa Rica, or delve intothe cultural riches of Peru and Machu Picchu,there is an amazing holiday adventure awaitingat Boundless Journeys:
Tanzania: Migration Safari; December 20-29, 2009; Land Cost: $5645 per personBoundless Journeys' Tanzania safari takes in
the wonders of the Great Rift Valley, theNgorongoro Crater, and of course, the Serengetiat a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time tocome to understand what has drawn travelers toEast Africa for generations. Mobile camping anddeluxe safari lodges round out this classic safariexperience.
Costa Rica: Nature's Richness Revealed; December 20-27, 2009; Land Cost: $2995 per person
Nature at its inspiring best comes alive on thisCosta Rica adventure trip. From TortugueroNational Park, to the Monteverde Cloud Forest,to impressive Arenal Volcano, it is one of themost biologically diverse places on earth.
Peru: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu;December 20-27, 2009; Land Cost: $4095 per personThe incredible beauty of Peru is evident on this
Peru hiking tour that explores the farmlands ofthe Sacred Valley and reaches the majesticheights of the Andes, the Inca Trail and the lostcitadel of Machu Picchu.
Plan well ahead as holiday trips and airlineseats tend to fill early. The first four participantson each trip will receive a $200 savings on theprices noted above. To reserve, contactBoundless Journeys at 1-800-941-8010 orreserve online at http://boundlessjourneys.
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning smallgroup adventure tour operator, selected as oneof the "Best Adventure Travel Companies onEarth" by National Geographic ADVENTURE,February 2009; and a "World's Best" tour opera-tor by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.
With a diverse collection of locally guided,small group itineraries and Private Collectiontrips around the world, Boundless Journeysoffers "The World's Great Adventures." Theadventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, rang-ing from leisurely cultural explorations andwildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remoteregions — with plenty of easy to moderate walk-ing and sea kayaking in between.
For more information, please call 1-800-941-8010 or visit http://boundlessjourneys.com
Things to Do: Plan for a Holiday Memory
Page 10 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
Gallipolis, OH – The original Bob Evans Farm andrestaurant in Rio Grande, Ohio is everythingAppalachia, especially come harvest season, when itbecomes the backdrop of the county’s fall foliage.
A bit of history: In 1948, Bob Evans hada 12-stool diner and served a lot of breakfasts. Notbeing able to find decent sausage for the menu, heturned to the hogs he had on the farm and decidedto use their best parts. When truckers began order-ing 10-pound tubs to go, he knew he had createdsomething tasty. The original restaurant was calledThe Sausage Shop and by1962, a new building wasbuilt to accommodate the demand. The humblebeginnings of what were once a stagecoach stopand inn grew to epic proportions.
Today: The heritage of this great American fami-ly and their story is best told “down on the farm” thesecond full weekend in October every year duringthe annual Bob Evans Farm Festival where servingafter serving of Bob Evans Sausage is served.
Primitive and RV camping sites are availableacross the area. Favorite activities are sheep shear-ing and Border collie herding demonstrations; horse-shoe pitching and cow chip toss; apple peeling andcorn shelling. The kids enjoy an interactive barnyard,hay bale maze, horseback and wagon rides. Livemusical entertainment offers bluegrass, gospel andtraditional Appalachian music with line dancing,square dancing and clogging. The festival each year coincides with the area’s fallharvest. More than 100 artisans demonstrate andsell their wares, using tools and techniques thathaven’t been seen in more than 100 years. Artisandemonstrations include blacksmithing, quilting, pot-tery, soap making, leatherworking, weaving andstained glass works.
Bob Evans original farm is open to visitors April 1through Dec. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. eachday. The Homestead Museum is the old brick farm-house where Bob Evans lived with his wife and chil-dren for 20 years. It is now on the National Registryof Historic Places and was once a stagecoach stopand inn. Tour an authentic log cabin village datingback to the 1800’s along Raccoon Creek.
Down-Home Breakfast Special at Bob Evans®
Gallia County is a hidden Midwest delight for hik-ers, bikers, and paddlers. The former CSX railway isa rail to trails project that will span 28 miles and hasthree sections already completed that rolls throughfarmland, small towns and over bridges. There arenatural wonders that set it apart from otherSoutheast Ohio Appalachia destinations. One stop isthe 66-acre wetland that is now Elizabeth EvansWaterfowl and Bird Sanctuary. It is home to the blackduck, painted turtles and great blue heron to name afew. The Crown City Wildlife Area is 11,000 acres setaside for the fishing and outdoor enthusiast. It iswell-known for its deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, quailand waterfowl hunting.
A part of the Wayne National Forest boasts a quar-ter million untouched acres sprawled across theAppalachian foothills. Raccoon Creek County Parkoffers canoe access to Raccoon Creek. Downstreamsites include Daniel Boone’s hunting grounds, theplace that Morgan’s Raiders stormed and burned abridge spanning the creek in 1863 and the PonnHumpback Covered Bridge constructed in 1874 thatis listed on the National Historic Register.
Whether it’s historic sites, the arts, outdoor fun orthe galas in Gallia County, this Southeast Ohio Riverregion promises to be the land of plenty. Fall into anautumn to remember by calling the Gallia CountyConvention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-765-6482or begin your journey at www.visitgallia.com.
Places To Go: DDOOWWNN OONN TTHHEE FFAARRMM
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 11
Things to Do:
Photos by Angie Offenburger
A Dixie Christmas
Bring the holiday season to life witha trip to Dixie Stampede for theannual Christmas show. It willtruly warm your heart and touch
your soul. From the romance of softlyfalling snow to the breathtaking ever-popular live nativity scene, the DixieStampede is magically transformedinto a holiday fantasy with twinklinglights, evergreens, poinsettias, old-fashioned holiday costumes and familiarholiday music.
With three locations, those who arelucky enough to experience “Christmas atDixie” will enjoy the grand performanceswith extra glitter and glamour during thisspectacular extravaganza!
The Dixie Stampede Dinner Theatre inBranson, Pigeon Forge or Myrtle Beach isone of the few remaining destinationswhere the original spirit of the seasonremains a focal point. The ever popularlive nativity scene is both dramatic andspectacular. The true meaning ofChristmas comes alive as three kings riding atopcamels on their way to Bethlehem. Beautiful angelsfloat from above as traditional carols are sung.
A well-rounded show for any age, the holiday festivities get playfulwhen elves from the North Pole and South Pole compete in a friendlyrivalry while serving up a festive four-course feast! At the DixieStampede, cheering for your favorite elves is all part of the excitement.Since the audience is always part of the show, always be ready. Youmight find yourself right in the middle of the ringfor a relay race or ring toss!
Be ready to stomp your feet and get loud asyou root for your team! That’s all part of the thrill!From amazing stunt riders and the ring of fire tolive horse races, there’s something for everyoneat the Dixie Stampede!
Now, of course, no holiday celebration is evercomplete without Santa. Be assured he’ll be therein his sleigh.
Starting one hour before the main arena show,enjoy some of the best Christmas music and fam-ily entertainment in the Carriage Room. It’s anopening act you won’t want to miss…and it’s all included in the price of your ticket.
Page 12 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
Thingsto Do: A weekend getaway
including the whole fam-ily doesn’t always have
to break the bank account.Oh, the major theme parks are
definately tempting with all theirhigh-end national advertisingcampaigns. Tourist traps are alsoknown for sucking in every extradollar allotted for your weekend.
However, savvy preplanningcan help save big bucks and themuch-needed getaway doesn’thave to be cancelled after all ifyou take advantage of the variousfamily-rate offers found inBranson, Missouri.
I started my search online forvarious discount rates. Here are afew highlights:
Ripley’s Believe It or NotThis museum is the home of the
most pho-tographedbuilding inthe area. Itlooks likean earth-quake cut itin half, builtin tribute toMissouri’srecord of an8.0 quake in1812. Insidethere aremore than 400 exhibits with eachtrying to outdo the next withunique, never-seen-before items.Open seven days a week, plan to
spend at least two hours to see itall. Call 417-337-5300 or visitonline at ripleysbranson.com formore information and tickets.
Hollywood Wax Museum This museum features all
celebrity figures from the classicsto modern day. They look so real,you’d almost swear you werelooking at that person in-the-flesh. Stand there long enoughand you’ll findyourself talkingto them. Thekids loved pos-ing with theirtelevision heros.
Continued on Page 22
The TOP CHOICE among Branson, Mo. HotelsLocated in the heart of Branson and surrounded by Hundreds of attractions.
800-641-5660275 Tanger Blvd. Branson, MO
• Indoor Pool / Hot Tub• Extended continental breakfast• 400 seat convention center• Deluxe king suites/Balcony rooms
www.cobblestoneinnbranson.com
By Rebecca McFarlin, Assistant Editor
Fun with the family
World’s Tallest Man
Fall, 2009 www.weekenderext.com Page 13
SANDUSKY, Ohio – A scavenger hunt,Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and carolingare just a few of the special activities that will beheld during the holiday season at Castaway Bay, CedarPoint’s year-round indoor waterpark resort.
For starters, money-saving packages for a festive fami-ly getaway are available. Castaway Bay offers reducedrates on two-night stays while the Fun Times FamilyPackage includes overnight accommodations, admissionto the waterpark, family pizza meal and family photo witha PEANUTS character all for one low price.
To put everyone in the holiday spirit, a Christmas treelighting ceremony will be held in the lobby Friday andSaturday nights, Dec. 18 & 19 and nightly Dec. 21-24.Children can also participate in a holiday coloring contestand write a letter to Santa. Other activities include carol-ing and decorating Christmas cookies and stockings.
For added excitement, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy orLinus greet guests every morning in the lobby. Everyoneis also invited to join the PEANUTS characters for a bed-time story every night Dec. 18-24 (excluding Sunday,
Dec. 20). Santa stops by everyday Friday through Wednesday, Dec. 18-23.
The fun will continue next year with special events onNew Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day including a paradewith Snoopy, a Kids’ Dance Party and a New Year’s EveBalloon Drop.
Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the indoorwaterpark is a toasty 80 degrees every day and providesan assortment of activities. Inside, the 38,000-square-foot waterpark features the 100,000-gallon Castaway BayWave Pool, the Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse, theRendezvous Run water coaster and Creature Cove, an80,000-gallon activity pool with water basketball, a cargonet climb and serpents to climb on. For young families,Toddler’s Tide Pool is the perfect place to splash andslide. Visit the huge arcade located next to the water-park with games for every player. There is also a fitnesscenter and The Spa at Castaway Bay offers a variety ofmassages, facials, waxings, manicures and pedicures.
For information visit castawaybay.com or call419.627.2106.
Cast Away Cares at Castaway BayCast Away Cares at Castaway Bay
Page 14 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
,
Scottsdale, Arizona
Southwest’s Largest Mallfinalizes expansion in time forthe Holiday shopping rushwith retailers making theirdebut in Arizona!
The highlight of ScottsdaleFashion Square’s expan-sion will culminate with thedebut of Barneys New York
on Oct. 15. The Manhattan-based spe-cialty retailer makes every fashionista'sday with a 5,000-square-foot shoesalon for footwear fiends, a shop forfine leather goods, Barneys CO-OPand Fred's restaurant, the infamousbrasserie serving Italian-American cui-sine using local ingredients. Othernew-to-market retailers includeMichael Stars , Ed Hardy and LoveCulture, the new concept from thefounders of Forever 21. In honor of theexpansion, a new art exhibit, TheMannequin is Our Muse, will be ondisplay throughout the mall featuringworks of art created by local artists andcelebrities. For media information,contact Kate Birchler at [email protected] or (480) 945-5495.
Shaking things up on the steakhousescene is Modern Steak, opening Oct.26 in the new Barney's wing.Executive Chef Andrew Ashmore, whopreviously served under culinary leg-end Michael Mina, will serve dishes
like smoked salmon tater tots withhorseradish aioli and caramelizedBrussels sprout leaves with applewoodbacon. The restaurant's selection ofmeat - the real star of the menu -includes antibiotic and growth hor-mone-free beef, free-range chicken,lamb, pork and line-caught sustainablefish. The restaurant also will boast aconcierge to assist with Scottsdale trav-el needs, a "walk-up" menu and win-dow for on-the-go shoppers and anextensive drink menu with approxi-mately 300 bottles of wine.
• Desert Botanical Garden - Onceagain hosting its unique Southwest hol-iday tradition, Las noches de las lumi-narias, Dec. 3 - 30. The Garden's dis-tinctive and world-renowned plant col-lection is the ideal setting to enjoymore than 7,000 hand-lit luminariasthat line its trails, buildings and court-yards. The new Berlin Agave YuccaForest , opening Nov. 21, will be lit forthe first time. Follow the sounds ofValley musicians throughout theGarden trails and enjoy intimate gath-ering areas to sit and enjoy a musicalperformance, warming fire, cup ofcider or glass of wine.
• Phoenix Zoo - For the annualZoolights tradition Nov. 27 throughJan. 11, 2010. As the sun goes down,the Zoo transforms into a brilliant dis-play of more than 2.5 million lights and
this year its all about orangutans as theZoo builds an all-new exhibit. A larger-than-life lighted orangutan greets youat the entrance while other primatelight displays swing through the treesright above your head. The Zoo contin-ues its tradition of eco-friendly prac-tices with LED lights that consume lessenergy than standard light bulbs andthe event also is powered by SRPEarthWise Energy.
• Holidays at the Heard - Returnsto the Heard Museum Dec. 26 – Jan. 3,2010 with exciting performances andartist demonstrations that introducevisitors to traditional and contempo-rary American Indian music, dance andart. And be sure to try some fry bread,a crowd favorite!
• Take a Hike Arizona - Trying tofind a way to work off those holidaypounds? Experience the EarlyChristmas Present for You on Dec. 23from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional hikeswill be available throughout the holi-day season where you can traverse theSonoran Desert landscape with profes-sional guides.
Before You Go...
Contact the following for details:• Scottsdal Fashion Square
602-953-6786• Desert Botanical Garden• Heard Museum 602-251-0283 • Take A Hike 480-634-8488• Phoenix Zoo 602-914-4357
Places to Go Avoid Winter’s chill with
hot holiday festivities
Scottsdale’s newest luxury resortLocated at the foot of Camelback Mountain
4949 E. Lincoln DriveScottsdale, AZ 85253
PHONE: 480 627 3141www.lcmontelucia.com
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 15
HH ave you heard ofthe “stay-cation?”Well I have foundone even better.
For anyone looking for the per-fect retreat, away from work andstress, there is a place you can goto indulge in total relax-ation with people whotake such good care ofyou, you will not wantto return home. Theexperience is “The Innand Spa at Cedar Falls”in Logan, Ohio. Thiswonderful Inn is nestledin the Hocking Hillsarea and offers you aretreat, cooking classes,New Years Eve party,Cookie day for girls during theholidays and so much more.
Having been several yearssince I had visited HockingHills for the first time, Iwas not sure what we would be infor this time. I knew we had beentotally stressed out from owningand operating our own businessesand with life in general during
these economically-stressed times. So I wasdefinately geared up foran adventure.
What I experienced wasa wonderfully-rustic, yetelegant, retreat atmos-phere with the kind ofservice I have only expe-rienced in Cozumel,Mexico.
When we traveled toHocking Hills we were in the mid-dle of the color tour that only Ohiocan give you. A beautiful Fall day
with lushscenerygreeted
us from the beautiful hills of theHocking area.
When we arrived, we were trulyin the hills. We were just a halfmile from Cedar Falls and onemile from Old Man’s Cave. Thefirst log cabin we entered was alsothe reception area and well stockedgift shop. We were greeted by Pat,a woman with a warm friendlysmile.
The experience begins with herrelaxed, accommodating attitude.We were checking in a little late,but not to worry, she had called thekitchen and made arrangements forour reservation to be set back ahalf hour so we could check intoour cottage and get relaxed.
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Experience The Inn and Spa atCedar Falls
By Tammaie SescoExperience The Inn and Spa atCedar Falls
Page 16 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
Wow! How nice! The stress was starting tocome off already!
We were directed the dining area in the nextcabin. At first glance I couldn’t see what wasbehind the first cabin, so I was thinking; Ok itis a small restaurant. Than I realized the origi-nal cabin had been added onto in the mostexquisite way to compliment the land and yourexperience of relaxation.
It was a series of connected cabins. Uponentering, you come into a small pub, con-nected to the gourmet kitchen area behindit. You will be greeted by all working andcan observe the chef and his assistant inthe compact, well planned, gourmet kitchenarea.
There are two dining rooms. The tables andchairs are local antiques and give the dining asense of rustic elegance. At the end of the din-ing area is a large study or gathering room. Alarge stone fireplace gives it a cozy feeling.This wonderful gathering room has a largerelaxed deck on one side of it equipped withrocking chairs and flowers. The other sideleads to a spectacular outside dining and sit-ting area with herb gardens, a fire pit, and ahammock haven to complete your relaxationexperience. This whole area, along with theother 70 some acres is open to all the guestsfor their enjoyment
The innkeepers have created this wonderfulplace and atmosphere which accommodatesyoung lovers, long-time friends, small businessretreats and meetings or folks like us who justneeded a place to relax and recharge.
Our dinner that evening was spectacular.The locals had boasted to us that we were infor a treat. They were not kidding. Our dinnerconsisted of a five-course meal. The first washome-made breads, a wonderful white cheesespread with onion, garlic and olive Tapenade.Than they arrive at the table with a soup to diefor. You no more than get that in and theybring a wonderful bed of greens to temp yourpalate.
I ordered the pork medalion resting on anest of whipped herb potatoes, with a side ofmarvelous steamed fresh asparagus. Just
when you are sure you can’t put one more morsel offood in you mouth, they tempt you with pumpkincheesecake or a slice of chocolate mouse cake yousimply cannot resist. This type of service and food isusually only seen in the high end restraunts in the city.
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 17
All of this and we havenot even begun to tell youabout the Spa or wonder-ful accommodations of ourcottage, or the cabinsand lodge housed on theland. They truly havethought of and offer itall. You just have tomake up your mindwhat’s best for you.
You can get in a mini hikegoing to the Spa that is partof the Inn. Wonderingthrough the woods, one ofthe trails leads to a clusterof log cabins. The one atthe end of the trails is awonderful mini Spa that ismanaged by LicensedMassage Therapists RandalWeller. He gave us a won-
derful tour and explainedsome of the treat-ments that you cantake part of and makeit a totally relaxationvacation. They havetwo rooms that canaccommodate couplesmassage and a staff offive massage therapiststo professionally work outthe stress or sore musclesafter a 4-10 mile hike thru
the Hocking Hills area.We were celebrating our
fourth wedding anniversaryand could not wait to seeour accommodations. Aswe left the reception anddining area we drove a fewhundred yards up the roadand turned into a woodedarea that housed severalcottages. Each had its ownname, a front porch and acovered deck off the backthat opened up into the
landscape of the area, each withtotal privacy. The back deck areawas complete with a porchswing, chairs and a table. Wefound this a wonderful place forour complimentary cup of gour-met coffee and cookies in themorning. Even better was thebottle of wine and plate ofcheese that can be provided bythe kitchen in a superb picnicbasket with sandwiches anddesserts.
The name of our cottage was“Ironweed”. As you enter yourcottage you are reminded of therelaxed comfort you are about toexperience. Each cottage isequipped with a large king bedmade up of fine, soft, cottonsheets and a fluffy bed comforter.We enjoyed the small table andchairs, large comfortable overstuffed rockers and raised gaslog fire place. There was a two-seated jetted tub, complete withits own self sanitizing equipment.(No need to bring bleach ladies.)
This Inn and Spa is a totallygreen environment and theyhave seen to your every need ina green way that only compli-ments the lovely wooded landand hills you are enjoying. Thebathroom has a refrigerator, thegourmet coffee bar and a won-derful raindrop shower that isscald proof. They provide all nat-ural soaps, shampoo, body andbody butters to add to your in -room spa experience. When youexit your shower or hot tub thereis a towel warmer for fluffy warmtowels and large oversized terrycloth robes and slippers to slipinto. Innkeepers Ellen and Terryhave thought of everything, fromboard games to books and mag-azines in your room.
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Page 18 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
Breakfast is included with your stay at the Inn atHocking Hills. On Sunday morning we were servedfresh yogurt with a choice of fruit or home made gra-nola as our breakfast appetizer. The main course waspumpkin pancakes with warm maple syrup and butterflorets. If that was not enough, you could also ordereggs and sausage.
On Monday, breakfast was another whole experi-ence. We were offered the fruit, granola and yogurtalong with over stuffed French toast, warm syrup, eggsand bacon. No way were you leaving this area for ahike or a day of fun with out a full tummy. Between thewonderful foods, the relaxing setting, and the friendlypeople there is just not way you could come awayfrom this place disappointed.
Our second day there Ellen gave us a tour of thefacilities and explained how the Inn came to be. Checktheir website at www.innatcedarfalls.com for the histo-ry and story of a “dream coming true for Ellen’s moth-er” plus events that tempt you to make this yourescape the year round.
The best part of the whole weekend for us was thatEllen, her husband, and everyone on their team werethere to accommodate and serve our needs whilestaying with them. They were never too busy to stopand see to each person’s comfort and needs, whetherit was a crying little guy who was not feeling well orhelping to create a romantic evening with a gourmetpicnic basket filled with loads of treats She and herhusband made this experience memorable.
The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is the perfect placeto go if you are looking for a place to relax andunwind, read, back pack, hike, horseback ride, have aspa experience, take your family for a get away, takeyour wife or husband to get reconnected, have a girls’weekend away, shop, or take your staff away for aseminar. Their schedule of upcoming events is on theirweb site. For us, the New Years Eve package is whatwe would like to experience next.
If you have never been to Hocking Hills, go now. It isgorgeous in the Fall. Ellen and most of her staff boastof the beauty of winter in the hills, too. If you havebeen there before, you really haven’t - until your expe-rience the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls.
Editor’s note: When not on a freelance travel writing assignment,Tammy and “Doc” William Sesco partner together with their busi-nesses Sesco Chiropractic, Inc. and Massotherapy Associates inMansfield, Ohio. Check out their websites at: www.sescochiroprac-tic.net and www.massotherapyassociates.com
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 19
Relaxing Dinner River Cruise
NASHVILLE - Ifyou’re seeking a combi-nation of dining outwith live entertainmentfor a weekend getaway,the General JacksonShowboat in Nashvillewins my vote for deli-cious food and world-class talent.
Before the paddlewheel sets sail, guestsload onto the deck toenjoy a live band andpre-dinner cash bar.Once inside the twostory dining room andshow area, a round-tableseating arrangementcompliments the fami-ly-style meal. Thisallowed us to get acquaint-ed with other guests at ourtable and make newfriends. The atmospherewas upscale, completewith linen tablecloths andnapkins.
While this sometimesoverlooked attractionseems to take a back-ground seat to the GrandOle’ Opry, downtownNashville and other forms entertain-ment, the ticket booth and dock is actu-ally conveniently located right acrossthe street from the Opry Mills Mallparking lot. The General JacksonShowboat is the largest of its kind inthe world and owned by GaylordEntertainment (NYSE: GET), a lead-ing hospitality and entertainment com-pany based in Nashville, Tenn.
So spend a weekend at the GaylordOpryland Hotel, get an early start onholiday shopping at the mall, then sitback and relax on the evening cruisedown the Cumberland River. A loop
through down-town Nashvilleallows a viewseen fromonly theGeneral Jackson.Visitors have a chance to see down-town Nashville and hear about some ofthe history without having to worryabout all the crowds and traffic on land.Depending on the selected cruise,entertainment ranges from country per-formers to party nights with live bandsand radio DJs.
A holiday-themed cruise runsthrough November and December with
a themed meal andChristmas performers.Many cruises, espe-cially the specialevents, sell out, so besure to book inadvance. The foodserved on the GeneralJackson Showboat iscomparable to whatyou would find in anyhigh-end restaurantthroughout Nashville.Guests may selectfrom one or two mainmeat courses, vegetari-an entreé or specialdietary needs.
If you are travelingto Nashville during theChristmas season, The
General JacksonCruise websiteoffers a variety ofpackages, includ-ing some that offera combinationoption with theGrand Ole Opryand the OprylandHotel, so checkthose out as well.
The all-new holi-day show is also per-fect for the entirefamily and runsthrough Dec. 23, Aone-of-a-kind holidayexperience awaits youon the GeneralJackson. The cast of tal-ented Nashville singerswill perform a heart-
warming show filled with holiday clas-sics and contemporary songs of theseason. This unique Christmas eventcould easily become a tradition youwill want to continue for years tocome. Two shows are featured dailydue to popularity, one departing at 4p.m. and the other at 8:15 p.m.
Continued on next page
Thingsto Do:
Before you go:
www.generaljackson.com2812 Opryland Drive615-458-3900
www.gaylordhotels.com2800 Opryland DrivePhone: 888-777-6779
Page 20 www.WeekenderExtended.com Fall, 2009
Nashville Weekend,Continued...
The holiday dinner features SleighBell Salad, the General’s hand-selected, slow-roasted prime rib ofbeef embellished with fresh herbs,cracked pepper and sea salt, candiedyams, Au gratin potatoes, freshgreen beans, and freshly baked rollsfit for royalty.
There will be time to stroll outsideto view the skyline of downtownNashville while the servers clean offthe tables. Upon returning a deli-cious serving of “Christmas EggnogCheesecake” served with a sweetBing cherry sauce to enjoy will bewaiting for you to enjoy during theshow.
Upon returning to your hotelroom, you’ll experience more thantwo million lights twinklingthroughout the grounds.
Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 26thannual “Country Christmas” includesother events for an all-inclusive
extended weekend. Be sure to see ICE!featuring A Charlie Brown Christmasby Charles Schulz; Louise Mandrell’s‘Joy to the World’ Christmas Dinner &
Show; the Radio City ChristmasSpectacular starring the world-famousRockettes; and Treasures for theHolidays craft show.
One of America’s most beloved TV Christmasclassics is presented by Gaylord Opryland Resortfor the world’s first and only ICE! featuring ACharlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. Thecolorful, interactive ice sculpture world will tell thestory of Charlie Brown and his friends as he asks,“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas isall about?” and they discover the answer together.
From the first scene on the ice-skating pond tothe transformation of Charlie Brown’s tree, theuplifting story will be brought to life in 2 mil-lion pounds of ice, creating new treasuredmemories from Charles Schulz’s quintessen-tial 1965 animated production.
“The response from our guests whoattended ICE! last year and voted for ACharlie Brown Christmas to win as the newtheme for ICE! in 2009 was overwhelming,”reports Pete Weien, senior vice president
and general manager, Gaylord Opryland Resortand Convention Center.
The Peanuts characters’ sculptures, slides, androoms literally constructed of ice, will be hand-carved by artisans brought to the resort fromHarbin, China, which is home to the internationallyfamous Harbin Ice Festival. It takes them nearly anentire month of twelve-hour shifts to transform thetheater where the exhibit is held into a remarkableicy wonderland.
The fun begins Nov. 20, and runs throughJan. 2, 2010. It will be open seven days aweek with times ranging from 10 a.m. to 10p.m., depending on the day of the week.Ticket prices range from $13 (child) to $24(adult), depending on the day. Children ages3 years and under are free.
For reservations, call 1-888-999-OPRY orvisit www.ChristmasatGaylordOpryland.com.
Charlie Brown goes to Nashville
Fall, 2009 www.WeekenderExtended.com Page 21
Placesto Go:
SStt..LLoouuiiss
Otherwise known as the “Gateway to theWest, the famous 630 ft. high arch restsat the edge of the Mississippi River onthe site of the original city courthouse.
This icon of the Jefferson National ExpansionMemorial is filled with wonderful history. Sobefore you visit, check out the trivia facts atgatewayarch.com. for a quick review. Thenplan your adventure around the calendar ofmany events listed on the same site.
The Museum of Westward Expansion fol-lows the journey of Lewis and Clark and other people whocreated the American West. Exhibits are always fresh and changing of thecourthouse archives. Go on a shopping spree at the Museum Store and then enjoy a casuallunch at the Arch View Cafe.
A movie on a giant four-story screen will bring the “Lewis &Clark: Great Jouney West” to life before your very eyes.Another documentary on the actual building of the arch pro-vides an up-close look at how it all began.
The grand finale is the journey to the top via a tram to geta scenic view of the river on it’s east side and the city ofSt. Louis on the west side.
Now it’s time to play Tom Sawyer and take a delightfulsightseeing cruise on the river on a 19th century replicasteamboat.There are
several voyagesavailable from one hour to complete
evening dinner cruises where you can view the St. Louis sky-line at night. Call toll-free at 877-982-1410 to verify departuretimes and to make reservations.
Depending on where you stay, Metro operates a public trans-portation system-a multi-modal system that includes Metro-Link, MetroBus, and Call-A-Ride paratransit services. Metro-Link, the region’s light rail system, offers fast, safe, convenientand affordable transportation. With 37 stations, it is manytimes easier to leave the navigating to those who know thearea best. One ride, two-hour and all-day passes are availablefor a very nominal fee. Check www.metrostlouis.org for currentfees, schedules and routes.
Other destinations to check out during your weekend in St.Louis are: zoo. It’s open all yeare with FREE admission. Call800-966-8877 for hours and special events.
Brewery Tours are offered at the Budweiser WorldHeadquarters.Call 314-577-2626 for more information.
Photos by Mike Barnett Sr.
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Branson Weekend,Continued...
The newly renovated showroomfeatures interactive displays that allowmore realistic views with guests. Agigantic King Kong is designedaround a stairway landing so you canstand “in his hand” for a unique photoopportunity. Climb inside Jeannie’sbottle or board the Titanic. Sit on thebus bench with Forrest Gump or singfor the American Idol judges.
Take the star quiz feataured on thecompany website at hollywoodwax-museum.com/branson before visiting.Then you can look for the answersduring your tour.
Open seven days a week, (until mid-night on weekends) call 417-337-8277for more information and to ordertickets.
Dining in style,Continued...
Upon entering the dining area, youare greeted with a friendly smile andcomfortably seated at your table toview your menu. An extensive winelist is presented. On weekends youhave the added pleasure of live musicand entertainment.
For starters there is a choice ofseafood salad, salmon cakes or athree-cheese and chives macc ‘n’cheese dish second to none. The firstthing Autumn remembers ever prepar-ing as a child are the salmon cakes.The recipe was handed down from hergreat grandmoth and was a favorite atfamily get together, she said.
The second course is a choice of sig-nature, Caesar, or “Knife and Fork”iceburg salad. Entrees are listed byseason, so it is best to call ahead orcheck out the website at www2.hock-ing.edu/rhapsody
Each one in our party tried some-thing different. I had lamb for the firsttime in my life. Very tender, very tasty.Others tried grilled chicken breast andsteaks. There is something for every-one’s taste.
For the more adventurous, a Chef’sChoice is available. This is a five-course meal customized to yourparty’s tastes, with or without winepairings. Reservations must be madein advance, however.
Unless informed beforehand, you’dnever guess these professionals cater-ing to your every dining desire areactually students. And I’m informingyou to somehow save a little bit ofroom for the final course of the meal -dessert! Another favorite from ChefAutumn is a plate piled high with NewOrleans-style doughnuts calledBeignets. Deep fried and then rolled inpowdered sugar, they are served freshfrom the deep frier - still warm.
Open Thursday through Saturayfrom 5-9 p.m. with reservations sug-ested this makes a perfect ending to aperfect Nelsonville visit. Call 740-753-5741 or 753-5740. Bon Appetit!
Fall, 2009 www.weekenderextended.com Page 23
BUY TICKETS ONLINE - gatewayarch.com
UNION STATION -A Wyndham Historic HotelAn inspired choice when visiting Music City, USA.
Showcasing exquisite architec-ture, historic Southern charm,and first-class service.
Book your reservations foralluring downtown Nashvilleaccommodations online for theGuaranteed Best AvailableWEBRATES:
1001 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203-1001
615-726-1001
Connect with the elegance of the past . . .while enjoying the luxury of the present.
www.unionstationhotelnashville.com
