Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Just for Fun’ Category

Autumn Sunday Drive in Beautiful Ohio

“Want to take a ride?” Those were familiar words growing up, as my father always enjoyed a drive through the country, at any season of the year. While mom always went along, she never enjoyed them as much as father and daughter. Since we liked to explore all the back roads, mom came to calling us “gypsies”. The passion for exploring has never left, so now you know a little background for my blog, Gypsy Road Trip.

This beautiful autumn Sunday Drive in the hills of  Southeastern Ohio began at the dam of nearby Salt Fork Lake.  With fluffy clouds in a bright blue sky, the shades of autumn leaves were reflected off the calm lake. Tranquility surrounds you here interrupted only by the distant sound of a speedboat sliding through the waters. Sit and soak in the sun and grab some fresh ideas floating through the air.

Sunday Drives are aimless ventures and who knows where the next random turn will lead. Along the side of the road the autumn colors catch your eye where a large red and white striped tent is fall home to Center Creek Farms. Here families  stop to let their children explore the scarecrows, pumpkins, and wagons that are all part of the fall scene. There is even a pick-your-own pumpkin patch so everyone can see pumpkins at their various stages from green to orange. No roadside stand at this time of year would be complete with out apple cider, preserves and honey. Bought a jar of local raw honey as it’s always good to ward off a cold when a sore throat first starts to develop.

Farther down the road, an old Studebaker pickup is loaded down with autumn treasures at the Troyer’s Country Market. There’s a cute scarecrow driving this load of beautiful mums, pumpkins and other autumn decorations. Mums were brought to the United States back in colonial times and colors range from the traditional yellow shades to oranges, purples, and pinks.  Since they are  ‘short day plants’,  chrysanthemums bloom in the autumn when the nights are longer.  A pot of beautiful mums will brighten your life, or the life of a friend, for perhaps several months.

Sometimes a single tree can catch your eye as it glows like a ray of sunshine.  Here a golden maple tree is the center of attraction in someone’s beautiful yard. Temperature and moisture are the two elements that determine the amount and intensity of autumn colors. The most beautiful colors occur when there is a series of warm autumn days with cool, but not freezing nights…following a year of a warm, wet spring with normal summer rainfall. With those determining factors, every autumn brings about a new spectacular display.

Had to top off the day with a stop in West Lafayette at a favorite ice cream stand. Noticed that keeping with the season they had pumpkin ice cream, so had to give it a lick. Wasn’t sure if the pumpkin would be something to my taste, so had them put a scoop of raspberry on the bottom so there would definitely be something deliciously satisfying. Both flavors hit the spot!

Any season of the year is a great time for a drive through the countryside wherever you happen to live.  If  for some reason you can’t take a drive, stop back and read another gypsy jaunt here on Gypsy Road Trip. Enjoy the adventure!

Category:

Back Roads, Just for Fun, Ohio

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The Ghost of Walhonding at the Goblins’ Get-Together

Want to share a Halloween story in the spirit of the season as a diversion from my regular travel blog. Hope you enjoy!

Do you believe in ghosts? Melanie felt a bit skeptical, but her husband Jim refused to even talk about the possibility. Jim said that ghosts were as likely as a flying car.

On Halloween evening, they drove to the Goblins’ Get-Together at the popular Simply A-Maizing Corn Maze near an old coal mining town. Leaves floated down as a gentle breeze drifted through the valley on this beautiful Indian summer evening. The call of a hoot owl ensured vigilance under the hazy moonlit sky.

Friends gathered around a blazing bonfire, not to keep warm, but to watch the flames as they feathered into the air. Jim refused to wear a mask, even though Melanie explained, “Masks were originally worn to scare away the bad spirits, while people put food on the doorsteps to encourage good spirits. I’m wearing my mask just for fun.”

With moonlight dancing across the fiery autumn hills of southeastern Ohio, a mist rose from the nearby valley. All at once a cool breeze came out of nowhere. Melanie’s eyes glazed over with surprise and a shiver ran down her spine.

“What’s the matter Melanie?’ asked one of her friends, “you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“M-m-maybe I just felt a ghost! The icy air rushed past like someone opened the door to the freezer.” A faint smell of coal dust lingered in the frigid breeze. “Could it be the Ghost of Walhonding that our parents used to talk about? Remember those stories about the miner that was trapped in the coal shaft collapse?”

“Don’t be foolish,” grumbled Jim, “you know there isn’t any such thing as a ghost.”

At this old coal mining town, one friend suggested having a contest to see who could find the biggest lump of coal. They divided up in pairs and headed off in different directions.

Melanie suggested to Jim, “Maybe we should try over there by that old slate pile.” As they approached, they spotted a dirty young man walking by the pile where the silvery handiwork of nature’s lace maker glistened in the moonlight.

“We’re looking for a large lump of coal,” explained Melanie. “Do you live around these parts?”

“Been here all my life,” muttered the dusty man.

“Could you help?”

“Why sure. You wait here as I know a secret spot.”

In a few minutes, the young man returned with a beautiful large lump of coal. Melanie and Jim glanced at each other in surprise.

When they looked back, the dusty man had vanished, and a chill surrounded them; however, the coal remained at their feet.

Picking it up with quivering hands, they headed back to the bonfire. Everyone else decided the only coal left here was underground where the mine shaft caved in years ago, so Jim and Melanie’s find surprised everyone. Maybe later they would tell them of their encounter with the miner.

Could they have seen the Ghost of Walhonding and received his assistance? Who knows, maybe Jim will soon have a car that flies!

Read more about the Ghost of Walhonding in SOLD, a just released book of short stories by the Rainy Day Writers of Cambridge, Ohio. Gypsy Bev has two short stories included and my story, “What’s in the Jar?”,  also contains an encounter with  the Ghost of Walhonding.

Category:

Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Want to Actually Touch a Shark? Visit Newport Aquarium

Touch a shark! Play with the penguins! Experiences such as these happen every day at Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio.  Here over 7,000 aquatic creatures from around the world have been gathered in a million gallons of fun.

Following the map on this  World Aquatic Tour, visits are made to every continent, every ocean and lots of waterways in between. Excitement begins as many walkways actually are tunnels through the ocean scene.  There are fish swimming above, below, and on both sides…surrounding visitors with the feeling of actually walking on the ocean floor. Two hundred feet of tunnels, somehow constructed of acrylic without seams, amaze the eye.  Many aquatic creatures soar overhead or pass under everyone’s feet…even a legendary giant sea turtle!

Jellyfish Gallery displays over one hundred jellyfish that possess that magical ability to illuminate under water, making for quite an attractive display. Located in clear tubes, the mesmerizing jellyfish float with ease while performing their elegant dance. Recent research indicates that the protein extracted from jellyfish may help keep human brain cells alive longer. Just another great reason to enjoy watching them.  Youngsters also have fun playing tag with the moon jellies on the Jelly Wall, or hop their way to excitement on Frogger, a video game part of the Frog Bog exhibit.  Here’s the perfect place to take a break from walking, sit down on the benches and watch the jellyfish and the children at play.  You might be tempted to join in the games!

The Shark Tank draws children and the young at heart like bears to honey. After instruction on the proper method for petting a shark, supervised touching is allowed. The official “two-finger” technique gently rubs the shark from front to back. Actually the sharks really enjoy this experience as it produces a satisfying electrical connection for them…reiki for sharks! Young boys especially, return again and again to pet these dangerous creatures. And yes, this writer experienced the thrill of it personally.

Penguin Palooza features cold-water penguins in temperatures similar to those in their natural Antarctic home. The viewing area has seating so you can give your feet a break, while watching the antics of these cute little guys in their tuxedos.  If you want to play with the penguins an additional fee is charged and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Newport on the Levee combines a fantastic entertainment area with an outstanding shopping complex. Besides Newport Aquarium, guests will find  movie theaters, live concerts, Fun Zone, Ride the Ducks, exclusive places to shop, and of course, fine dining establishments.  There is something here for the entire family so you might as well stay for a day or two at the hotels located in Newport.

Close by is the Purple People Bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge connecting two states, Ohio and Kentucky. Formerly tracks for the L&N Railroad built in 1872, it now provides a pleasant half mile walk across the Ohio River. What a great place to relax on the frequent benches, and watch the busy boat traffic down below.

While Newport Aquarium was probably originally designed for youngsters, adults also can have an interesting day learning about aquatic creatures from all over the world. Lose yourself in an underwater experience of unusual and interesting sea creatures. If you need to call the aquarium, use a “shell” phone!

Newport Aquarium is easily reached from I-471 at Exit #5 in Kentucky.  Follow Route 8 and signs will lead you easily into the parking garage for Newport on the Levee.  Admission is $23 for adults and $15 for children (ages 2-12). For additional information please visit their website at  www.newportaquarium.com . 

Category:

Just for Fun, Kentucky, Uncategorized

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