Rod's Western Palace

One of the best stores in the area for western wear...wait, let me start over. The best store in the area for western wear and anybody who loves horses that I have come across so far is Rod's Western Palace. They meet all my cowgirl needs whether I am dressing myself or my horse. They have every color of boot imaginable. I have several pair of boots but my favorites are the ones I always wanted. It took me years to get them but I have them now! I am definitely styling in my red Ariats. I could spend forever trying on their boots.

Let's talk about what else they have though. There are hats, jewelry, boots, bed and bath items, gifts, things for your home, chaps and show clothes...and that's just for you. For your horse, you have your choice in grooming supplies, halters, leads, english, western, leg protection, headstalls, spurs, stable needs, show tack, saddle pads, and saddles. Oh, the saddles. Stop in there and plant your backside in a few of those. I've done it. It's wonderful.

Rod's Western Palace is located at:

3099 Silver Drive

Columbus, OH 43224

Cedar Bog

A popular field trip activity, Cedar Bog located in Urbana, Ohio is a great place to bring the kids. My son still talks about his field trip there a year ago. He had a great time. It's not just for field trips though. It's a great place to bring the family as well.

Cedar Bog is a nature preserve of the Ohio Historical Society. While there you can check out life around you:

• Plant life (see what's blooming);
• Look for what is swimming, crawling or slithering around you; and
• Participate in one of many activities held throughout the year.

Cedar Bog is located at:

980 Woodburn Road

Urbana, OH 43078-9417

1-800-860-0147

Cedar Point

In 14 days, one of the biggest attractions around will be opening. So, which attraction in Ohio can you be both terrified and exhilarated at the same time? I'm talking about Cedar Point, the largest amusement park in the world. Write it on your calendars - May 10th is Opening Day!!

Located between Cleveland and Toledo, on a beautiful Lake Erie peninsula, plan a day trip with family and friends or an overnight at Cedar Point Resorts. Go ahead and make reservations for a fun filled weekend.

There are many rides to choose from no matter what your preference. There are children's rides, roller coasters, spinning rides, tranquil rides, carousels and thrill rides.

There are plenty of things for children to do. Adding to that and new this year - Planet Snoopy for kids. There will be seven rides, games and a live appearance by the PEANUTS characters. There is also a family center for privacy during feedings and changing stations. Also new at Cedar Point is a restaurant with a children's only menu (mom and dad - no worries...you get a small adult section on the menu).

So plan a vacation at Cedar Point and help celebrate their 139th summer this year!

Cedar Point is located at:

Cedar Point

One Cedar Point Drive

Sandusky, OH 44870-5259

Kiser Lake State Park

If you are looking for hiking, boating, swimming, picnicking, skiing, camping, trail riding, hunting, nature and more in west central Ohio, Kiser Lake State Park may be exactly what you are looking for. The most popular state park in the area, it offers pretty much everything you could need or want in a state park - no matter what the season.

You'll drive through rolling hills to reach your destination. Once there, you can choose from 5.1 miles of scenic hiking trails, cabin rentals, sailing (boats with motors are not allowed), fishing and hunting (licenses required), eight picnic areas, swimming, scuba diving, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and seven miles of horse trails. There is a wetlands nature preserve located within the park. There is just so much to do, you'll probably need more than one weekend to do it!

Toledo Zoo

The nicest zoo we've been to so far is the Toledo Zoo. It is the most well-kept zoo we've seen to date. The exhibits are clean. The walkways very nice. There are over 5,300 animals, 760 species. Right now, there are polar bear cubs and a baby giraffe to see. Before you leave, stop at the gift shop.

There are events throughout the year so check out the calendar on their web site. There are events for the whole family.

They also offer rentals and catering for family or work parties. Have your annual work party, family reunion, or child's birthday at the zoo!

You can buy tickets in advance and have them waiting for you at the gate or just stop in and buy a pass for the day. If you'd like an annual membership, you can do that online or at the gate as well.

Located four miles south of downtown Toledo, Ohio, it was very clean, updated. I don't think you'd be disappointed. It was always a great family day out for us.

Location:

Anthony Wayne Trail Entrance 2 Hippo Way
Toledo, Ohio 43609
or

Broadway Entrance 2700 Broadway Toledo, OH 43609
Phone: (419) 385-5721

Marie's Candies

If you plan to drive near West Liberty, OH, don't miss stopping at Marie's Candies, a well-known business in the area. Their chocolate is heavenly AND freshly made. They make it themselves! The creams are my personal favorites! They have chocolate for every occasion or no occasion at all. They have candy for Buckeye fans too! You can order online and have it shipped to you wherever you live so if you're not living or travelling in the area, you can still enjoy the local favorite!

I have to admit that I was bought a couple boxes of chocolate from Marie's by my husband and it didn't last very long. It was too good! I couldn't resist it! I also had a hard time sharing it with him too! I'm quite stingy when it comes to good chocolate.

Marie's Candies is located at:

311 Zanesfield Road

West Liberty, OH 43357

937-465-3061

Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)

I am cross-posting this from my other blogs because I think it is good information for parents to see and know about. There are several location in Ohio where this is taught.

I read on Witchy Mama today about ISR. ISR stands for Infant Swimming Resource. It is an organization dedicated to preventing infant drowning by teaching infants and children from age six months to six years how to swim and save themselves in an "accidental water encounter". Their web site says they've taught more than 160,000 children these skills and documented 784 cases where children have saved themselves.

Parent Testimonials

Watch this video! It is hard to watch for me as a mother so be prepared. You might get a little choked up.

Salem Ridge Stables

If you are looking for a responsible and affordable place to board your horse, you should check out Salem Ridge Stables, located in Urbana. Horses are given individual attention and needs are met according to each horse's needs and personality - it's not a one size fits all for every horse. The owner and barn manager/trainer truly care about the horses and their owners.

If you are looking for riding lessons for you or your child, lessons are also offered at very reasonable rates as well as horse training.

If you are looking for a horse to adopt, contact Salem Ridge Thoroughbred Rescue. The trainer rescues thoroughbreds off the track, though they aren't the only breed of horse available for adoption. Other breeds in need are also helped to find a new, loving home.

Ohio Caverns

Two years ago after moving to the area, we decided to visit one of the talked about attractions, Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio. Our entire family went - two adults and six children. We took the one mile tour underground (45 minutes) of fascinating formations we'd never seen before. It was very interesting and educational for all of us. It held the attention of the adults and children, which makes for a great family activity to do together. Wear a light jacket as it is always 54 degrees down below. The historic tour is longer than the tour we took. There is also a gift shop on the grounds for souvenirs. Bring a camera (video cameras aren't allowed) and capture some beautiful pictures.

The Ohio Caverns are located at:

2210 East State Route 245

West Liberty, Ohio 43357

(937) 465-4017

Becoming a Buckeye

Approximately eight years ago, I became a Buckeye with some trepidation. Here's how it happened...

I was born in Detroit, Michigan and lived all my life in southeastern Michigan until eight years ago when employment forced a move for my family to Ohio. Hey, you have to go where the work is and the Detroit automaking companies were (still are) struggling.

In the beginning, my feelings about Ohio, being from their huge rival, Michigan, were negative.

Ohio? It's all flat. There's nothing there. They're BUCKEYES!

Those were my thoughts. Not pretty huh?

We moved our family with two young kids to a small town in northwestern Ohio, about 15 minutes from the Michigan border. I guess that was in case I wanted to hightail it back to Michigan, I wouldn't have far to go. It didn't take me long to realize how much I liked Ohio, more than Michigan.

I loved the small town we lived in then (Delta, Ohio). I loved our neighbors and my kids loved their school. The cost of living was less here. Houses were less. Auto insurance was a lot less (imagine our insurance rates when we lived near Detroit!). We had an old 1914 house we fixed up and made our own. We had two more children while living in that old house we loved...born in Ohio.

I became a Buckeye.

About two years ago, we moved two hours further south into Ohio. We were no longer by the Michigan border. I didn't need it anymore as my escape, lol. We found hills in west central Ohio that I didn't know existed. I am not a big city girl and this area suits me perfectly. We moved to a beautiful area with excellent schools and lower housing costs than Michigan...again.

I think my family in Michigan probably wonders if I've lost my mind and when we are coming back to Michigan. I don't foresee ever moving back to Michigan.

So, when the big game rolls around, OSU vs. Michigan, who do I support? OSU of course! I'm a Buckeye and proud of it.