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Preble County Sunshine & Sites Lift Your Spirit

This Saturday was a great day for more adventures in Preble County, Ohio. Nothing but blue skies and time to explore…..

After I dropped off our 3 dogs at ‘GROOMING WITH SUNSHINE’ in Camden for their appointments, I was free to wander!
***Special Note – If you own a dog, please be sure to check out Lindsey’s ‘GROOMING WITH SUNSHINE’ Facebook page for more about her services. She has always groomed our Scotties and we think she is the best!!! We highly recommend her. If you book an appt., please let her know that I (Cathy) referred you.

I had no specific plans or an agenda to follow for the day, other than finding more covered bridges in Preble County! During these crazy days of Covid19, I have been on a sort of historical/cultural mission to visit all 8 of the Covered Bridges in Preble County listed by the Preble County Convention & Visitors Bureau. For a map and more details visit their website at /https://preblecountypassport.com/

Previously on 2 separate other day trips, I viewed 4 of the 8 bridges. My hope was to visit at least 2 more of the Covered Bridges today along with anything else that might catch my interest along the way.

As my day of wandering ensued, my daily activities grew to include the following list of sites visited:

1. LAVENDEL HILLS – the very first Lavender Fields created and grown in Preble County. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information about their fields, harvests, products, events, and activities. This particlar Saturday night was their last sunset yoga session of the season in their lavender fields – since their growing season has ended. My guess is that this sensorial experience is not only very relaxing but also naturally beautiful and super-fragrant. Definitely a TO-DO LIST action item for my 2021 calendar! For now, I settled with talking to the owner, Kajsa, and buying a bouquet of dried ‘phenomenal’ (the species name) lavender. It smells amazing or should I say phenomenal!

2. THE CONCORD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST – the 180-year Church was founded and based on the revival movement called the “Great Awakening”. Ministers from Paris, KY at Canes Ridge were transformed by an evangelical gospel and were moved to travel to the new frontier (that later became known as Ohio) under the banner of the Christian Church. Unfortunately, the Concord United Church of Christ was closed today, but the outside of the building, the old water pump and Cemetary across the Road were very interesting to view.

3. THE HARSHMAN COVERED BRIDGE – is fully operational and is 4 miles north of Fairhaven. It was built in 1894 by Everett S Sherman, who built a lot of bridges in the area reviving the technology of the once patented ‘Childs truss bridges’. This design allowed for the variation of the size of the wooden beams according to the loads carried by them rather than using uniform-sized beams. I was able to walk and even drive-thru this Covered Bridge. Truly fascinating.

4. STRIKE’S FAMILY ORCHARD – An Amish produce wholesaler with a pop-up, covered stand in downtown Eaton, Ohio. Usually, on Saturdays, it is located at the corner of South Barron Street and East St Clair Street in the parking lot of the Marathon Gas Station. All the fruits and vegetables looked super fresh and great. I couldn’t refrain from buying some fresh green beans and blackberries to take home for the week.

5. DIXON’S BRANCH COVERED BRIDGE – is now located in the Lewisburg Community Park. The original bridge was built in 1887 and located in Dixon Township on Concord Road. However, in 1963 destructive storms took the roof off the bridge. It was then decided, for a variety of reasons, to replace the covered wooden bridge with a new concrete and steel structure. The old bridge was moved to its current location in 1964 and rededicated as part of the Lewisburg Community Park. Obviously it is no longer in operation for transportation, but it is still a unique, beautiful, and historic bridge. You will find it situated in the front, grassy area of the park by the children’s play equipment. It’s in a well-shaded spot, perfectly suited to hold several picnic tables inside for ‘bring your own’ outdoor lunches or dinners. This lovely park also has several baseball fields, a gazebo, and a 2-year old dedicated Footbridge.

Hope you enjoy my photos and information from the day. I encourage you to get out and explore your neighboring counties. It is something fun and inexpensive to do during these days of Covid19. Sunshine and travel always lift my spirits.

MY HAUL OF GOODIES;
DRIED LAVENDER, FRESH BLACKBERRIES & GREEN BEANS
FROM PREBLE COUNTY

Eat Well…Travel Often!

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Blog Articles / Market & Restaurant Recommendations

10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Chicago

I am sharing my treasured “go-to” list of my top 10 favorite restaurants in Chicago! Each trip I try to visit as many of them as possible. They never disappoint!

#1 SUNDA – 110 W Illinois St, The Hip spot for creative, Award-winning, New-Asian cuisine fusing ingredients that celebrate the Sunda Shelf landmass countries and cultures of Southeastern Asia including; Japan, the Philipines, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, and China. $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – Sophisticated, modern and fun. They serve deliciously inventive main entrees, sushi, dim sum, salads, noodles, rice, and vegan options. I strongly suggest reservations. We loved the Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Tiger Shrimp Tempura, and Braised Long Rib Ssam. https://www.sundanewasian.com

#2 MELI CAFE – 540 N Wells Ave, Award-winning breakfast and quick lunch spot, $$, Food & Ambiance – Casual, neighborhood Cafe and Juice Bar where the locals meet. They are known for their generous portions, vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free menu options, imported Greek Honey, eggs, biscuits, omelets, breakfast bowls, french toast, waffles, pancakes, crepes, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. One of my favorite things to order at the Meli Cafe is their Nutella French Toast with a side of applewood smoked bacon. Good Morning World! https://www.melicafe.com/menus

#3 PORTILLO’S – 100 W Ontario St, The famous, Chicago-born, street food chain, $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Popular with both tourists and locals. Be prepared for long lines at peak meal times. Fast-casual restaurant serving hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & much, much more. Retro/fun decor with lots of autographed celebrity photo-endorsements on the walls. My recommendation is the Italian Beef sandwich, which is slow-roasted and thinly sliced with gravy on freshly baked french bread. Choose to add the roasted green, sweet peppers, and melted provolone cheese. Be prepared, it is messy…but sooo worth it! https://www.portillos.com

#4 FARMHOUSE CHICAGO – 228 W Chicago Ave, A funky Midwestern farm-themed hangout with salvaged decor serving American comfort food, over 30 regional beers and wines, $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – Menu ingredients are seasonally sourced directly from local farming friends, the Green City Market, and their own rooftop garden in spring to fall. Be sure to make reservations. I highly recommend the Braised Short Ribs & Smashed Peas, Catalpa Bone-in House Smoked Pork Chop, and for dessert – Apple Bread Pudding. You are welcome! https://www.FarmhouseChicago.com/

#5 PRINCI BAKERY – 1000 W Randolph St, Renown Rocco Princi’s rustic Italian inspired bakery/restaurant/espresso bar chain. Every detail of the building, food, and beverages are carefully designed to create a rich sensorial experience. Princi has bakeries all over the world. $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Casual, classic European breads, pastries, sweet desserts, lunch selections, pizza, cocktails, and small plates. I stopped in for a coffee break for a delicious hazelnut latte and chocolate-filled croissant. Yummmmm! https://princi.com/

#6 RPM ITALIAN – 52 west Illinois St, Celebrity couple, Giuliana & Bill Rancic’s high energy, contemporary Italian restaurant features a menu with dishes meant to be shared. $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – The restaurant has a modern vibe and a core selection of over a dozen different artisan/hand-made pastas made fresh daily, along with delicious antipasti, wood-fired pizzettes, crudo, steaks, chops, and simply grilled fish. Gluten-free menu options are also available. Be sure to make reservations in advance. It is one of those places “to see and be seen”. Dishes I highly recommend are Mama DePandi’s Bucatini, Short Rib Bolognese, Potato Gnocchi, Prime Beef Meatballs, and their Eggplant Parmesan. The Hazelnut Tartufo dessert is so good, that if you close your eyes, you will think it is summer and you are dining al fresco in Rome, Italy. Deliciosa! https://www.rpmretsaurants.com/rpm-italian-chicago/

#7 EPIC BURGER – 517 S State St, Chicago’s original home-grown, fast- food, burger restaurant chain. Epic burgers use only fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and have an inspired mission to serve “a More Mindful Burger” $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Awesome burgers, fries, and shakes with vegetarian, halal-friendly, and plant-based options. I highly recommend the Nutella Shake complete with crushed hazelnuts, pirouette cookie, and chocolate drizzle. https://www.epicburger.com/

#8 PROTEIN BAR AND KITCHEN – 33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago’s “fast fuel” restaurant chain that serves nutritious and protein-packed food. $, Food & Ambiance – Craveable and satisfying high-protein salads, soups, wraps, and bowls customizable for all diets. Great for quick, nutritious breakfasts or lunches on the go or picnic fare. Love their Classic Buffalo Bar-rito with natural chicken, blue cheese, celery, carrot, and traditional buffalo sauce in a grilled low-carb tortilla. https://www.theproteinbar.com/

#9 LYFE KITCHEN – 831 N State St, LYFE stands for – Love Your Life Everyday, $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Chicago’s fast-casual restaurant chain that promotes a balanced life through unique, fun, fufilling and popular trending food and drinks including; a Kombucha Bar on tap, vegan snacks, bottled CBD teas, collagen waters, charcoal lemonade, and delicious flatbreads, salads, grilled fresh vegetables, and other tasty menu options. They rely on locally sourced products and proudly list the “makers” they buy ingredients from. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I recommend their turkey and havarti grilled cheese sandwich with a shaved brussel sprouts and parmesan salad. https://www.lyfekitchen.com/

#10 CAFE BA-BA REEBA – 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago’s original Spanish tapas restaurant, serving authentic Spanish cuisine with lively music. $$, Food & Ambiance – They are known for their delicious Paellas, seasonal-fruit Sangrias, and bite-size small dishes/tapas. Grab 3-4 friends and make a reservation to experience this fun, hip restaurant. On average, plan to order 2 dishes/tapas per person to be shared at the table with your friends. Be sure to make reservations well in advance for this popular restaurant. I recommend the roasted bacon-wrapped dates with apple vinaigrette, marcona almonds, roasted chicken empanadas, and their delicious mixed paella – with pork, sausage, and chicken. Don’t forget to order at least 2 pitchers of Sangria to share at the table as well. https://www.cafebabareeba.com/

BON APETIT!

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