Mohican Weekend Part II: A Grape Excursion

Mohican Weekend Part II: A Grape Excursion

So you heard about part I of Mohican Weekend and the fun outdoor adventures we had. Part II is all about the fabulous place we stayed at, Old Vine Cottage at Ryder Family Vineyard.

JMK found this gem on the outskirts of Loudonville and Mohican. Although Mohican offers campgrounds, the Mohican Lodge and cabins, he hit it right on the money with this adorable, picturesque, & quiet getaway! Nestled on 12 acres of rolling vineyards, the backdrop and grounds were beautiful!

Although this place is called "Old Vine Cottage," it is anything but! The "cottage" is a 3 bedroom house with a full kitchen, 2 1/2 baths, giant deck, plenty of space and tons of fun stuff to do. Take a tour of the inside of Old Vine Cottage here. What I really loved though was the privacy and gorgeous vineyards just outside the window! What a view each morning!

Grape Excursion!

Each night we grilled out and had a fire, making for relaxing evenings and peace and quiet.

JMK and his primal fire building skills

On the second night, we had some super clear skies out there in the good ole country, so we built another fire, roasted s'mores and even saw THREE, yes, three shooting stars that night! (I squealed each time one passed and made a wish!)

During the days, we hiked around the 12 acre property and took on some fun activities at Mohican too.

Early morning vineyard photo :)

Strolling through the orchards on the property

The cool thing about this place is that it was bought by a family in 2010 and the adventure unfolded. They saved the property from foreclosure and revitalized the neglected vineyards into a treasure trove of grapes! They're in the process of getting the winery up and running on their property too so it was neat to watch the place evolve and support a family's awesome dream of opening a winery!

Driveway up to the property
Future winery on the left, cottage back right

The house was cozy, friendly, clean, serene and boasted beautiful views. Thanks to the Ryder Family for resurrecting this vineyard and sharing this lovely place with us! We definitely enjoyed the entire stay!

Signing the guest book

Next time you stop at Mohican, consider a stay at this fab find! Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, family fun weekend, or gal pal fun--I highly recommend it, and by then I hope they have vino in full production too! Happy stomping, grape lovers! And keep JAMmin!

Mohican Weekend Part I

These past few weekends have been AWESOME and SUPER BUSY! So a bit of a delay on these posts--I was busy soaking up the final weeks of summer! I had so much fun I have to divide it up into multiple posts.

Part uno:

Saddle up city slickers, I'm taking you to the backwoods of O-H-I-O!

Still reppin CLE even in the country

Follow me along my Mohican Weekend Adventure!

Equestrian Valley Farm

JMK had planned a (rad) weekend full of surprises at Mohican State Park for us to enjoy together, in the middle of nowhere, no distractions, just beautiful scenery, and time for us to (re)connect, relax and take on fun outdoor activities. And it was seriously such a blast!!!

Hiking in Mohican

Mohican Memorial State Forest and Park is home to nearly 5,000 acres of hiking trails, bridle trails, woods, streams, cliffs, caves, camping and cottages. Chyeah...awesome! The park is conveniently located about an hour and a half outside of CLE and an hour outside of C-Bus. It was my first time there, and I was so impressed with the surrounding scenery--who knew a place so close to CLE had such soft rolling hills!? I'd love to go back during the fall when the leaves turn--my favorite! #MidwestIsTheBest

We began our hike here, at Pleasant Hill Lake Dam, and hiked about 4.5 miles around the area.

I must admit, I may be a savvy street navigator, but when it comes to whereabouts in the woods--that's JMK's area of expertise. We took in a scenic hike along the river, through the caves, across covered bridges and up the bluff at the gorge, making it a point to stop and enjoy each view along the way. 

Yes, people, we are in Ohio! Beautiful backdrop!

Overlooking Clear Fork Gorge

 

Gorge-ous photo op :)

There is SO MUCH to discover at Mohican and so many cool places to explore. The scenery is spectacular, and it's just a short drive from the city. 

Need some time to unwind?

If you're an active person who enjoys being outdoors, this is a fun and scenic one-tank trip from Cleveland. Stay tuned for Part II of Mohican Weekend, next up--all about our stay...hint *vineyards!*

Wedding Shower Weekend!

Whacky weather lately, huh? On Saturday, despite the unpredictable weather, the day was made extra bright when we celebrated Julie and Ryan's Wedding Shower with friends, family and fun bridesmaids!

I am so honored to be a part of Julie and Ryan's special day, and this weekend we kicked off the festivities!

Bridal Party!



The Happy Couple!

Her pink and black color theme carried throughout, from table cloths to pink lemonade!





JP looking like the beautiful bride-to-be
Me being a creeper winking at someone in the background

Adorbs and Delish!

The wedding shower included sweet treats, beautiful flower surprises from the groom, and fun "how well do you know each other" couples' quiz. They looked happy and relaxed and it gave the bridesmaids a chance to catch up and get to know new faces too.

 

Later that evening, we headed down to W. 25th to have some girls-only fun at the bachelorette party! It started with dinner and drinks in the private room at Bar Cento.  *Shout out to Moira for taking care of us!* :)

OMG! JP is getting Married!

Best Bachelorette Party Gift!

After dinner, we had a whirlwind of a time at Market Garden Brewery, awkward encounters at

ABC Tavern and finished the night with an unexpected rain storm on the patio at Nano Brew. It was laughing, fun, not-THAT-obnoxious-party, time. I must say, I'm thankful that Julie is such a laid-back, witty,  sweet, and go-with-the-flow gal. Call her anti-Bridezilla! Yes, I am one grateful bridesmaid (and taking notes for future reference!)

And big thanks to the co-maids of honor Gina and Emily for throwing a rocking wedding shower/bachelorette weekend! Pyaw!

Color me bad!

What was your best/most memorable bachelorette party? Have any fun/cool bridal party tips or traditions I should note for the big day?  Share your positive thoughts!

Wordless Wednesday: DC Trip in Pics

Let's face it, I'm still reeling from a whirlwind weekend trip to DC from my gal pal, Steph's, bachelorette party. So here's a less wordy highlight recapped in photos... enjoy :)

 

Sweet Treats!


Uniporn Rainho Cupcake.. yeaaah, awesome!

Banana, walnut, cream cheese, strawberry stuffed French Toast

Cucumber vodka mint + pistachio gelato =
winning combo  



Beautiful Blowouts!


Blowout Bar!

T.A., Steph *the honorary bachelorette*, Marie, me with our fab blow outs!

 



Styling and sassy!



 



Sightseeing!

 

Benny!

'Merica loves George!

 

Oh Barry!

 

WWII and Lincoln Memorial

 

Washington Mall & Monument with Marie!

 

 A Sight to See!

Feelin sunny, honey!

Say whaa?

 

We want you!

Epic patio of kickball teams playing flip cup after their game!

 

Wall of Cupcake Napkin Notes

 Definitely lived up every moment in DC with my girls and much needed reunion. Here's to JAMmin!

Orchid Mania at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

This past weekend, I went to the Cleveland Botanical Garden for their 10th annual Orchid Mania exhibit. It was stunningly magnificent! I've always loved orchids, but was totally unaware of the countless varieties and hybrids that were out there!!! The handiwork of these spectacular orchids is show-stopping and awe-inducing with their natural beauty!

Bring on the color!

 

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a gem in our city, and this brightly colored and sweet smelling exhibit is a guarantee pick me up on a gray wintry day! The Orchid Mania exhibit is on now through March 10, and with adult tickets for only $9.50, this exotic orchid show is easy on the eyes, and on the pocketbook!

These lovely markings are real life, all natural artwork!

 

 

 

Loved the suspended orchid wall display!

 

Chocolate smelling orchids...I was in heaven!




 

 

 

"Queen of the Orchids"
This gigantic beauty reminded me a bit of an Iris with its shape



Orchid Mania!
Another successful Cleveland adventure!

So if you're looking for a fun Cleveland adventure that will surely brighten your mood and spirit, take in this captivating orchid exhibit and "escape to a world of tropical delights at the Cleveland Botanical Garden!" Hurry, the exhibit runs for just a few more weeks, just the boost you need to get you through the home stretch of a Cleveland winter!