A Broken Record

At the risk of sounding like a broken record – I hiked again last night. Yesterday was gorgeous and warm enough for short sleeves. It was too nice to be inside so I headed to Cedar Falls.

The colors were muted and it was quiet out on the trail. The people I encountered seemed like true nature lovers who moved along the trail silently rather than the noisy tourists I often encounter.

This log reminds me of the Loch Ness Monster.

The roots and rocks are incredible on this trail.

Yup. That’s the trail. Cool, right?

As always, be sure to look up every chance you get.

Speaking of looking up- it’s almost the weekend! Happy Friday!

Jack O’Lantern Walk

Why, hello October! It’s so good to welcome the Autumn season here in southern Ohio. The weather has turned decidedly cooler and it’s beginning to look and smell like fall.

Last night, my cousin Sherrie and I strolled through a corn maze lit with Jack O’Lanterns at Walker Farm near Logan, Ohio. I recently interviewed the owners for a story at work so I was more than happy to say yes when Sherrie wanted to go.

The sky was magnificent and the company was good. I can’t imagine a better way to kick off what I hope will be a festive, busy season.

Vintage en Vogue

There’s a great new vintage shop in downtown Logan, Ohio. Vintage en Vogue is a neat boutique packed with antiques, vintage items, art, decor and even some clothes and accessories.

Everything seems to be good quality and the prices are fair.

It’s also staged so beautifully that I wanted to linger a while. I’m saving for some upcoming adventures but wanted to support them so I bought a cute sunflower T-shirt with the promise to go back again soon.

The owner was delightful and so very welcoming that I imagine there will be a return trip in my near future. You should check them out too!

Find Vintage en Vogue at 45 West Main Street in Logan and be sure to follow them on Facebook too. While you’re in town, check out the other downtown shops as well as the Logan Antique Mall on Rt. 664.

Inn Towner

If you ever find yourself in the Hocking Hills and have a thing for vintage signage, be sure to look up the Inn Towner Motel in Logan, Ohio. I was driving by last night and circled back to grab this photo because it looked so pretty all lit up in its midcentury glory.

Remember friends, never be afraid to circle back for a closer look at something when you have a chance. That’s what exploring this world is all about!

Have A Theater Party

My job took me to the old Logan Theater in downtown Logan, Ohio a couple of years ago. All three floors are being revitalized to serve local teenagers after school, to provide theater space and to provide a general purpose community space. It was pretty exciting to see their plans and progress.

When I was there, the space for the after school crowd was nearing completion and they were readying to move on to another area. They are working hard to create a useful modern space while being true to the integrity of this historic structure and I am pleased to see them do it.

I captured this bit of peeling paint and vintage advertising on that tour. Trust me to find the dark corner with the old sign!

Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand

If you’re in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio and in need of pumpkins, mums and other outdoor fall decor, be sure to stop by Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand just outside Logan.

The prices are good and the products are great quality. Plus, you’re helping a good cause. You see, the profits of this family business benefit the kids’ college funds. The kids are little and cute and it’s awesome to see a family teaching the value of hard work and saving money while learning to care for their merchandise and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.

They had a yard full of mums of all colors when I stopped last night. However, I saw on Facebook this will be the last shipment of mums for the year. They’re four for $20, a real bargain considering their size and health.

Specialty pumpkins are eight bucks while others range in price from two to six dollars. Small gourds are a dollar each. I wanted to buy a fistful of these little guys. At .25 they were a bargain but I couldn’t think of a thing to do with them. That never stopped me from buying stuff before so that’s an unexpected regret!

They also have Indian corn and hay plus tomatoes, peppers, honey and jam. I picked up a jar of tomato jam that was made by a Lancaster company and can’t wait to try it.

They’re located at 14111 Old Mcarthur Road, Logan and are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are two more things you need to know. This is a cash only business and you either need to bring exact change or be prepared to donate your change. You see, you pay by the honor system. You tally up what you have and drop your money in a tube.

There was another lady there filling up her Jeep with mums and pumpkins, joyfully picking out just the right ones. She said it was her third trip there because she likes to decorate outside for fall. Her husband would probably have a fit because she was buying more but the neighbors like it and she’s supporting a good cause.

Besides, we agreed that fall is the best season and we need to celebrate early and often. So go get you some pretty things for the porch or pick up some peppers and tomatoes for homemade salsa and help those youngsters get to college!

Click here to find them on Facebook.