Stimmel’s Market

Two of my colleagues recently told me about Stimmel’s Market in Napoleon, Ohio. We made our first, of what I’m sure will become many stops.    This market specializes in beers and wines and hosts a deli and bar as well.
The deli menu is written on chalkboards; always a good sign. We ordered a jalapeno cheese dip/chips appetizer.  Fully expecting a hot dip, we were skeptical upon it's arrival, but soon pleasantly surprised that that this dip was served cold.  The kick from the jalapenos was balanced by the cool temperature and likely would have been too spicy for me if heated.  It’s a definite recommendation. We shared the Erie and Riverview, two vegetarian sandwiches and neither disappointed. 
Be sure to become a fan of Stimmel’s on Facebook. They faithfully update their soups of the day. Rumor has it the lobster bisque is A…mazing!

Much to my surprise, this Saturday afternoon adventure proved to satisfy two of my goals for this blog: explore/appreciate what the Midwest has to offer and meet new people.   We were talking with our server, Kimberly Bischoff, only to find that she is a fellow blogger.  Kimberly is one of only five women participating in “The Happiness Project” with Woman’s Day magazine!  She will be posting on the Women’s Day Happiness blog all year long.  Check out the happiness project here and read all of Kimberly’s posts here.   Leave her a comment to show your Midwest support!

Cabin Fever

I spent the morning at Cabin Fever in Defiance working on some blog posts while Kent researched ellipticals.  Kent wanted to look into purchasing an elliptical and I’m feeling a sense of urgency to buy one before we start the financial peace university in a couple weeks  Clearly I need this course. 

Back to Cabin Fever. It is quiet and they have free wifi. Check out the menu here. There are two locations in Defiance. I enjoyed a mocha and Kent had a cup of the dark roast coffee.  We’ll definitely come back.

American Furnishings

While searching the internet for remodeling/design ideas I came across American Furnishing and put it on my list of places to visit.  The retail store is located in Columbus so we stopped by on our way home from Hocking Hills. It was worth the stop.  Their pieces are found in foundries, barns and factories and repurposed into furniture within 10 Ohio facilities.  Checkout their philosophy here.

Overall it was too pricey for our remodeling budget, but was still fun to look nonetheless. Some of the pieces inspired us to look for similar items that fit our budget.  For example, there was a really rustic set of old lockers that I could picture in our breezeway for storage.  We’ve since found a couple school auctions in our area and plan on trying to find a similar set at a fraction of the cost. 
The Hoover Cabinet, Hook Rack and French Mattress Chaise were three of my favorites.


Kent and I both really liked the component tables too.
 
These coffee bags are produced from recycled coffee bean bags and retail for $29.00.
Next time your in Columbus stop by and check them out at 2017 Polaris Parkway. Find details and store hours here.  You can also check out the American Furnishings blog called Betty The Crow.

Little Cabin in the Woods

For our 6th anniversary we went to Hocking Hills and rented an Old Man’s Cave Chalets A-frame cabin.  We did the same thing last year and couldn’t wait to go back.  It was a very relaxing long weekend.  
The hiking in Hocking Hills is really beautiful.  We only hiked one day because it was a rainy weekend. Below is a picture of Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. We didn’t mind that it was rainy because our cabin had a fireplace and hot tub. I spent a majority of the weekend in front of the fire.
We didn’t venture too far from the cabin, but did make it into Athens to visit my sister at Ohio University. It was great to be back in Athens and hit some of my favorite spots.  Bagel Street Deli is always a must when I’m in Athens.  They write the menu on chalkboards.  I like chalkboard menus. Chalkboard menus are a good sign.  A sign that you are about to eat some of the best deli sandwiches ever.  
The brick walls are covered in chalk name drawings along with tiny sculptures, made from the foil bagel wrappers, nestled in between the bricks. 
 
If you ever get the chance to go…I highly recommend the Wendy’s Way (smoked turkey, cream cheese avocado,sprouts) or a Fowl Shot (turkey, veggie cream cheese, provolone, sprouts, spicy mustard).
After you have a bagel head on down Court Street and check out the amazing organization called Passion Works.  Passion Works is a premier art studio that supports collaborations between artists with and without developmental disabilities. In one stop you can visit the art studio… 
the gallery and…

the retail shop.  I love the passion flowers.  They are made from recycled aluminum. I wanted to buy something and decided on a string band onsie for my nephew.
 
The front window is a work of art.  We starred at it for awhile on our way out.
Then we headed over to another local favorite, Casa Nueva for some guacamole and a salsa sampler.  Casa Nueva is a worker owned cooperative.  I like that concept.  Learn more about them here.

Stella Leona Artisan Chocolates

Tonight we had a visit from our friend and chocolatier, Nancy Bontrager. She delivered an amazing gift basket that included a variety of her finest creations.   Nancy is the founder of Stella Leona Artisan Chocolates, located in Pettisville, Ohio. We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nancy and her family over the past couple of years. 

Her storefront and artisan chocolates are characteristic of those you’d expect to find in a big city, but encompass the charm of both Nancy and the village where they are created.  It’s a tiny little escape; a real midwestern treasure. 

Through Nancy we’ve experienced chocolate in a brand new way and have developed an appreciation for the process and artistry from which her artisan chocolates are created.  It really is an experience. I thought I didn’t like dark chocolate, but after trying Stella Leona, one of my favorite pieces is the handpainted Raspberry Dark Chocolate.  You should stop by her shop and check things out for yourself.  She is located at 362 Main St., Pettisville, Ohio.  She is currently closed for a holiday break, but will reopen Jan. 6th.