Ohio Wanderlust

   September 26 and 27th marked the 25th annual Mum Festival in Barberton. This year's festival had over 20,000 mum plants arranged in artful designs, amounting to over one million mum blossoms. There are vendors throughout Lake Anna park selling various wares as well as food vendors. Events are held throughout the day on Lake Anna including a show from the Chippewa Lake Water Ski Team. We arrived just as the Mum Festival was starting, so we missed out on the events, but based on pictures I've seen from the Mum Festival Facebook page, we will be timing our visit around the Water Ski Team's event next year. Although there was a free shuttle from Barberton Middle School to and from the event, we parked at Barberton Middle School and walked the half mile to the festival. It was a beautiful day last Sunday and Dave insisted that a walk would be more enjoyable. The event is held yearly at Lake Anna Park.  The mums were gorgeous. Immediately upon entering th...

Last week Dave and I visited Lager and Vine with some friends of ours for dinner. We've passed this restaurant in Hudson many times and thought it would be nice to try something different for a change. Since there were four of us, I was able to get twice the amount of pictures and twice the opinions about the food. We went on a busy Saturday night, but were seated immediately due to the fact that we made reservations. I cannot stress the need for reservations enough!  The martini I ordered was called the Good Life, amaretto, Sprite and cranberry juice. Dave and I split the Lager & Vine House chips, described as "hand-cut potato chips with creamy garlic gorgonzola sauce, spiced bacon, and gorgonzola crumbs. Garnished with scallions and white truffle oil." We don't eat meat, so we omitted the bacon from the chips and left everything else. I liked this as an appetizer, it was a nice amount for two people. The sauce was nicely flavored and the ...

Today from noon to 10 p.m. is Kent's Oktoberfest. Dave and I got there a little after noon today to experience the beginning of the event and get a commemorative mug, and as of publishing, there's a chance to check out the review and then head over yourself. The weather is supposed to be wonderful all day, so you still have plenty of time. Franklin Avenue (where Pufferbelly and Ray's Place are located) is cordoned off for the event. There is a variety of vendors serving food and beers, plus the main stage is at the end of the street. These are the Oktoberfest beers which are available for purchase. Stop by one of the drink tents to purchase your beer tickets and to receive your wristband.  The first 1,000 people to stop by the beer tents received an Oktoberfest mug. For $10 you got the mug plus one beer ticket. Additional tickets are $5 each.  There were several tables so that you could enjoy your German eats while sitting down. Which is good, bec...