Adventures In Northeast Ohio - Member Nautica Queen

There are many states in this great nation of ours that can only dream of having such a wonderful resource as we have. Yet, many Ohioans have never stepped foot on its banks to truly experience its wonderful grandeur. Why not I ask? What keeps you from coming? We have parks to enjoy all along the lake front. We have some wonderful piers to stroll on, sit and enjoy the view or fish from. And located in downtown Cleveland we have the Nautica Queen to experience it from the water.

This July I had the pleasure of taking my son for a boat ride on Lake Erie. Not just any boat ride, we enjoyed the lakefront and river dinner cruise on the Nautica Queen. And, we could of not have asked for a more beautiful calm night for a lake cruise than we had that evening.

We arrived at the dock at around 6:30pm. Our crew for the evening greeted us with smiles and leis. After being seated at our table our server informed us to feel free to roam the ship before we set sail. So, we headed up to the top deck for a view of Cleveland from the Flats. My son, a picture fanatic, was photographing the many architectural designs seen from the river.

As our departing time of 7pm arrived we made our way down to our table as the Captain started the engines and began to turn the boat away from the pier to begin our 3-hour cruise. ("two passengers set sail that day, for a 3 hour tour, a 3 hour tour"...sorry couldn't help myself.)

The buffet was served promptly at 7pm. Our evening dining consisted of various salad selections, potatoes and rice, vegetables, prime rib, pork, chicken and of course mine and my sons favorite, the breaded perch. Our dinner meal was finished with a slice of cheesecake topped with mango sauce. I can say we were a bit full. (Coffee, tea and ice tea are included in your meals. Alcohol and sodas are an additional fee.)

After our dinner we made our way up to the 2nd level to the front of the boat or "bow" for us sea experienced boating individuals. This area did not offer seating outside as the upper 3rd level, but we so enjoyed the view from this angle that we choose to stay there for the entire cruise. (For those who want to enjoy a more festive mood as they cruise, the Nautica Queen offers musical entertainment on the 2nd level and 3rd level by the on-board disc jockey.)

Our boat ride followed the Lake Erie coast line west from the flats. We enjoyed looking at the homes along the shore as well as the many jet skis, tankers, sail and fishing boats that went by. From this point of view you begin to realize just how vast and special our lake is. How very alive it is.

As we began to make our turn at the half way point the City of Cleveland came into sight. What a beautiful photo from our boat. The evening lights reflecting on the water with beauty of the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, the Browns Stadium and Terminal Tower in the background all lit up. For those aboard with cameras it was a picture frenzy. As we passed the light house and made our turn into the Cuyahoga River to the Flats, all the historic bridges just seemed to come alive. All beautifully lighted up to show their unique designs, you could not help but be in impressed.

And just when you think your trip has come to a conclusion, you are given an encore as the railroad bridge is lifted up so you can make your way under.

So, if you have not taken a boat cruise on Lake Erie then you really need to add it to your must do Ohio list. What a fun thing to do with your family, friends or that special someone. And what a great way to get a new perspective on how very wonderful our lake is.

Some items to remember. There are three (3) levels to the Nautica Queen, two of those levels are used for dining and are heated and air conditioned. We were seated on the lower level for dinner. I think had I known I would have requested the 2nd level to sit up a little higher.

The lunch cruise is a bit cheaper, but if you really want the extra thrill of the evening lights on the city and coastline then book a dinner cruise. The Nautica Queen holds special themed cruises throughout its season, such as the Tropical Dinner Cruise that we enjoyed.

Take a sweater even if it is hot outside. We had a beautiful night with not much temperature drop, but as night fell the breeze became a little cool if you were outside.

I suggest you make reservations as some cruises may already be filled. There is a slight parking fee when you arrive. And make sure you take your camera!

For any additional information, pricing and directions call 1-800-837-0604 or visit their website at www.nauticaqueen.com

I would like to say a special thank you to Captain Scott Baker for doing such a great job navigating our cruise. I would also like to thank the crew for being so helpful and answering all my 1000's of questions and finally I would like to thank Ms. Colleen Grey for supplying such a wonderful media kit for the Nautica Queen that I could just not pass up the opportunity to go on the adventure.

Adventures in Northeast Ohio | Member - The Winery at Wolf Creek

I was kind of excited to find a winery in my media kit. Not having been brought up with wine as a family dinner beverage and having many friends who seemed to enjoy having wine, I felt this excursion would give me another opportunity to maybe find an additional local wine that I may enjoy drinking and serving as my house wine.

So, I gathered my camera and set out for my drive south to Norton, Ohio. In order to get to my winery destination I had to pass, should I say by antique shops and a cheese house! Somehow one could make a day of this already. But with previous destination in hand I followed my course and arrived at The Winery at Wolf Creek.

The winery sits atop a hill overlooking the countryside and a lake. There is indoor seating, a deck area with picnic tables and a private room for special events. What is nice about the Winery at Wolf Creek is that you can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds with your family or friends while you are sipping your wine purchases.

During my inspection of the grounds, I ran into a few local characters, goats and chickens, which just added to the relaxed atmosphere of the winery. There is just something adorable about those small goats, I think it is that guilty grin they always have.

Now, lets talk about the wine. I already know that I do not favor dry wines, but am more the sweet wine drinker. So I gravitated towards the sweeter wines on the list. I was told that two of their most popular wines were White Lies, a sweet grapey wine, and Redemption, a light sweet red wine. Of course I had my .25 sample in the tasting room and I have to say I enjoyed both wines. If you are looking for me to give you info on clarity, body and such you will need to ask a true wine drinker I go strictly on taste. Wolf Creek offers various white wines, red and rose’ wines, as well as fruit wines to sample and purchase as well as gift baskets. Wouldn’t a nice picnic basket with a gift certificate to the winery make a nice wedding or shower gift?

Besides the various wines, I was impressed with all the events that are held at the winery throughout the year. Like Yappy Hours, which during this event you can bring your well-behaved man’s best friend with you while you enjoy your wine and they enjoy their treats. This event is offered on various dates throughout the summer and benefits GivePetsAChance.

Another event that is offered and sounds like fun is the Cooking with Wine class taught by Jim Reynolds, the Winery's epicurean. The winery also has scheduled a Vineyard Barbeque as well as a Wine and Cheese Cruise event. For all of their events please visit their website listed below.

So in closing, if you are a wine lover, a stop at The Winery of Wolf Creek should be in your summertime plans. What a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening. And if love antiques you may want to stop on the square in Copley along the way to the winery, better leave early. And remember, there is just something about seeing grapevines in the distance and the idea of sampling local wines that make living in Ohio such a wonderful place.

For further information about the Winery at Wolf Creek, go to www.wineryatwolfcreek.com. The winery is located at 2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, OH 44203. There phone number is 330.666.9285.

One Adventure At A Time as presented by my Adventures In Northeast Ohio Goodie Bag

Earlier this week I was invited to attend the Adventures In Northeast Ohio’s Media Showcase event held at the Wyndham Hotel downtown Cleveland. This event was for the purpose of giving all local media a quick overview of all upcoming events and to suggest possible travel destinations located in northeast Ohio.

My invitation to this event came from Ms.Geauga herself, Lynda Nemeth, Director of Geauga County Tourism Council. I had originally met Lynda on Twitter, of course her code name being @MsGeauga and over the last 5 to 6 months began to twitter back and forth about events being held in Geauga County and about my need for a Geauga County Amish pie. I so looked forward to finally meeting her in person.

Armed with a her smile and an Apple pie from the Amish Home Bakery in Middlefield, Lynda could not of given me a more warmer welcome. I was seated with a charming group who also represented Geauga County, and who made me feel a bit underdressed. Robin and Donna from Settler’s Village arrived in Renaissance attire and came excited to talk about their village and large recycled cow. (We will talk about that later as well as the live animal at the end of the event. Taller than me, a baby and so adorable!)

Anyway, after our enjoyable lunch, each member representing a different venue gave a 3 minute overview about their respective business or attraction. It was about half way through that a sudden cold sweat came across me. I suddenly realized I had wronged my readers. There was so much more I needed to add to NorthernOhioTourism.com, so much more to blog about northeast Ohio and so many places I had not yet visited. I needed to set things right. But how? How could I do justice to these wonderful presenters? Then it hit me.

Armed with my 3-inch presentation binder and my big bag of goodies which I had received, I am setting off to correct my mistake. I will attempt to travel Northeast Ohio one adventure at a time. One brochure and goodie at a time. Of course this will require me to eat the goodies in the bag as I come to each attraction, play with the toys I have received and do additional reading and follow-up, but I am ready. Armed with my delicious Apple Amish pie I will perceiver.

As I start my Blog adventure through Northeast Ohio I want to say a special thank you to all the members of the Adventures In Northeast Ohio organization and say without your passion and enthusiasm about your Ohio venue, we would not be "Rock'in Ohio One Adventure At A Time®" . You prove to me that there are a lot of very passionate people about Ohio and who care about all the wonderful adventures we have to offer. And I thank you, our unsung heroes.

For more information about Adventures In Northeast Ohio click here.