Road Trip: West Liberty, OH

One of my girls gave me this Day Trips book at my bachelorette party. And I feel horrible because I can’t remember who! I think it was Rachel…maybe Sarah. Oh Lord – girls remind me! haha

They know that Larry and I go on these drives nearly every weekend and thought it would give us some targets!

WARNING: This is a long entry – so many pictures – but it’s mostly pictures – it’s like you were on the road with us!

The book is broken out into areas around Cincinnati. It talks about the general area then breaks down shopping, sleeping, dining and event options for that area. It’s really great!

I was so geeked to find WEST LIBERTY, OHIO! As some of  you may know – originally I’m from West Liberty, Iowa. Last year I made it to West Liberty, Kentucky. So it seemed appropriate that I get to West Liberty, Ohio as well!

This stuff is a must-have for the road trips – I’ve only found it at Speedway. It’s G Pure Energy water – I like the lime flavor. It’s like Sprite with a kick. Yum!

On our way to WL – we used the GPS and put the “avoid highways” in so we’d take all backroads – our favorite way! On the way we were on Tylersville Rd and saw the former Johnny Carino’s is now called Geisha. Polly Campbell has a bit about the opening on her site.

Of course along the way I spotted something awesome – a shop called The Donut Man. But we weren’t in a donut mood and I forgot where it was. Can anybody help me out?

As I mentioned, I’m also taken aback by pretty building. Pretty sure this is in Springfield, OH. Love the cross on top.

And if you like classic cars – head up to Mershons in Springfield, OH as well – they have a great lot full of them!

Then the old farmhouses – seriously – next time you’re driving somewhere – stop and enjoy the scenery!

We stopped through Urbana, OH on the way because of some houses by a famous architect. Very pretty!  There are a few of them all on Scioto Street.

The book also mentioned Freshwater Farms of Ohio and I was hell bent on going! It’s past Urbana and they have ponds and lots of fish and you can look around. I have a feeling it’s more “happening” in the summer – but what the hey!

Outside they have lawn ornament type of stuff – you can’t tell so much but the chairs on the right are shaped like fish!

They smoke their own trout too – we got a sample – pretty tasty. Different than smoked salmon – more cooked. We ended up buying some but then I haven’t eaten it because I’m not sure what to eat it with! I guess crackers & cream cheese?

LOOK AT THAT FACE! He was adorable – he literally followed me back and forth and kept sticking his head way up out of the water to get my attention. I obliged and petted and chatted away with him. Larry thought I was nuts and said “No, we cannot bring him home!”

But here we were – finally at our destination. I don’t even like my hometown that much – I rarely go back – although I am having my 20th Reunion this year and will be back for that. But for some reason – I still have love for the WL! Here we go Comets – here we go!

There was a general store mentioned in the book – but that’s closed. The Liberty Gathering Place was still open however so we decided that would be our lunch stop. (RoadFood.com is a fantastic site – great if you know where you’re heading and want some good places!)

They serve Buffalo! I’ve recently heard more and more about Buffalo meat – I wasn’t in the mood and tried to get Larry to go for it but he said no. I think I’ll pick up some at Meijer soon – I want to go to the Big Shaggy Buffalo Ranch! I know they have tours and such – this will definitely be happening on a future road trip. Anybody tried Buffalo – good?

I got coleslaw to start – it was fine. We quickly realized it is the “gathering place” – nothing too special – it’s a diner in a small town – but much better than a McDonalds!

I was giddy to find a pork tenderloin on the menu – and it was served the way it should be! The tenderloin should be at least double the size of the bun! It was pretty good – definitely hand-breaded! Good stuff!

After lunch, we decided to cruise around WL and found the fire department. Yes I get excited just seeing that – feels like I’m home again.

The book also mentioned the Piatt Castles – so we took a drive to find them as well. They were closed for the season but still pretty cool to see in the middle of farm land! In the 1800’s a judge moved his family out to the country from Cincinnati. Later his sons built the two castles Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee, the latter is pictured above.

And now – my favorite photo of the trip. Please click on the photo. Yes – this wonderful property is FOR SALE! It could all be yours!

And last one, we saw this big round house – I would love to look inside. If anybody knows how to find that out – let me know!

There you have it – a road trip to West Liberty, OH! It’s a 2-hour drive if you went straight there but we never do. This was a whole day adventure for us and those are the best kind. I’m just bummed I missed the giant (and I mean GIANT) cow on the lawn of a dairy farm. I gotta be quicker with the camera!