How about some wine? The Firelands and its surrounding area have quite a number of wineries. Not that it is surprising as the area is conducive to the growth of the type of grapes used by the wine industry. There is something about the lake effect on the weather that makes the season right for wine grapes. While the area may not be ready to compete with the Ashtabula area wine making in this area is on the upsurge. Off the top of my head I can think of 9 wineries in our area. Let me know if I miss any. There is Firelands Winery on Bardshar Rd. just outside of Castalia, Mon Ami on Catawba Island, Heineman's Winery on Put in Bay, Kelly’s Island Wine Company on Kelly’s Island, Quarry Hill Winery and orchard on Milan Rd. just north of Berlin Heights, Hermes Winery on SR 4 south of Sandusky, Matus Winery on Gore Orphanage Rd. in Wakeman, Paper Moon Vineyards in Vermillion on SR60 just north of Route 2, and the New D&D Smith Winery in Norwalk just off of SR61 south across from the armory.
Now I am sure that I have missed some or many as some wineries seem to enjoy being hidden but I believe this rounds out a nice sampling of what the area has to offer. Now I am not a big wine connoisseur, I’m more of a taste and spit kind of guy, but these wineries have more going for them than just the fruit of the vine. Most offer entertainment and it’s been my experience that the entertainment is usually not as loud as one might find in the local watering hole. Over this fall and winter I’ve enjoyed many single guitar acoustic acts at the area wineries and every one of the wineries has been pleased to serve my soda when asked for. This has been pleasant but I believe the real fun starts when the weather breaks. There is nothing quite like sitting outside at a local winery and hearing local talent sing under the stars. I know that Matus and Paper Moon will light a small bonfire on cold nights. There is something about a cracking outdoor fire with acoustic music that just makes a summer night come alive. You would not believe the wealth of talent that is out there for these establishments to choose from. There are single player acts, duos, trios, and groups. They are all usually very entertaining and yes I have my favorites but that will be another blog in the future.
Don’t wait for the weather to break. Even if you aren’t into wine, my wife isn’t, you can have a great time visiting the wineries. During the day many of them have tours and they are always glad to provide you with tastings. Most of them have websites that can be found by a simple web-search and their websites will usually provide maps and directions along with updated hours of operation and entertainment schedules.
Let me know the wineries I missed and which ones you like. I may go in more in depth to some of the more historic in the future. Cheers, enjoy!

Best Keep Secret in the Firelanpt

I have just been exposed to what is probably the best kept secret in the Firelands' area. Did you know that there was a museum at the Ohio Veteran's Home? Yes there is. It is a war museum with displays from all wars back to the civil war. The displays of the WWII, Vietnam, and Korea bring back memories of the past for those old enough to remember the days that the US were involved in in each. Much of what is there is uniforms and equipment. But there are also letters and personal accounts from soldiers in the field. Right now there is a two room display dedicated to Johnson's Island, the former Civil War POW camp. It is complete with models of the camp and buildings as well as numerous photos from the Island. Several stories of the time are related on the walls and in individual displays.
I was with a large group and didn't have time to really dig into as much as I would have liked but one thing that truly is a gem is the library. Built with donations of material, from ever since the OVH was begun in 1888, there are many documents that are of incredible historical significance. A friend of mine who has spent time at the museum showed a bookcase full of bound volumes that are full of letters, official and personal, collected and organized, from the Civil War Era. They are locked up behind glass to protect them but I'm sure access can be arranged for the true Civil War buff. The library takes up two of the large rooms on the second floor and would take a life time to get tired of. This is an amazing asset to the Firelands' area.
Of course, as with many historical sites, the museum is in danger of being closed. Not immediately but it's future is endangered as the administration of the OVH lacks the foresight to see the value of having a museum on site. After all, their business is providing a home for veterans, not running a museum. There will also always be a threat of the property becoming too valuable to keep protected as a historical site. Mainly because it does have a long frontage on US 250 right across from one of the growth areas of Erie County.
I recommend that you visit the site soon and support it. This will guarantee that you get to see it and your attendance may help to preserve the museum as it will show community interest.
The museum can be accessed from US 250 and there is parking right in front of it. The hours are 10-4 daily. It is closed on Thursday and Friday.