Weekend Get-Away

 I always like a road trip whether it is to a small Indiana town for ice cream; or like my latest one across the border to Versailles, OH. My long-time dear friend, Sherry, lost her husband about a year ago. She has done all manor of things since, such as selling the house; moving into a patio home in Mansfield, OH; etc. She was ready to see something new.

Coincidentally, I had heard on the radio while driving about the Inn at Versailles. It is a stately hotel with a five-star restaurant, "The Silas" named after the town founder. It sounded like the perfect location in between where we both live!

We actually met first in Dayton at the Art Institute and viewed an exhibit about the art of Taos, New Mexico ~ "New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics & Modernists in the West."

Bacos Telaya Peak

After checking into the beautiful Inn, 

Lobby

we wandered around Main Street to visit the small shops. It didn't take long to realize that this small town of 2500 is having a difficult time bringing in business to sustain them! Many had limited hours with others simply closed to business or for sale. 

City Hall Plaza

No worries! We knew there was a local winery, so we decided to check it out when the concierge told us it was just minutes away. The website said reservations were required, but we went without one. Turns out the winery was closed to a party of 53 who had been on a "booze bus" all day and were shortly returning to have dinner. The hostess graciously offered that we could buy a "cash and carry" bottle or glass of wine and sit in the 3rd floor loft for as long as we wanted. Perfect! Sherry and I had a lot of catching up to do.  From 3-5 PM we enjoyed each others company; updates on family, friends; and just life in general.

We saw the arrival of the bus about then; and they did walk in on two feet! From there the ambiance became very loud and it was time for us to return to the hotel and freshen up for dinner. 

Silas Restaurant

Sherry's sister and brother-in-law live in a small town nearby; and they joined us for dinner. They have lived in the area for 15 years and know the history of the town. It turns out that the whole town and surrounding  acres are owned by the Mid-Mark Corporation., a huge and prosperous company. It doesn't matter if there is thriving business on Main Street because the corporation takes care of everything and brings company executives from all over the world to wine and dine at the hotel.

Wagyu short ribs served on a "bone". We weren't sure if it was real or not!

Sherry and I rounded out our weekend, on the recommendation of her siter, with a jaunt to a nursery nearby. It was an amazing place with a great selection of every plant imaginable; and so early in the season compared to Indiana.

Rhubarb and Lavender which I have wanted to add to my perennial collection

I planted the pansies right away; and they are, indeed, thriving!

All in all, it was a great weekend. Thanks, Sherry!