Every year the hillside, in Carlsbad, California comes alive with the spectacular blossoms of the Flower Fields. Lasting between six and seven weeks, starting in early spring, what once was a few acres of flowers has expanded, over the years, to 50 acres of giant Tecolote Blossoms by The Park Ranunculus blooms in a variety of colors, a miniature rose garden and Walk of Fame displaying all- American Rose selection winners and a living maze of fragrant and colorful sweet pea blossoms.
The Fields of Flowers, in north San diego County, an easy access to/from the I-5 freeway, is a popular Spring, day or week-end getaway, that draws a large crowd to visit and photograph the spectacular display. The entry fee, allows one to leave and return to the fields, on the same day, making it possible to visit the nearby restaurants for lunch or dinner – depending on the time of day you visit. For those who wish to purchase bulbs and flowers, there is a Armstrong Nursery, at the entrance. The avid shopper will find a Outlet shopping center adjacent to the fields.
During this time, a calendar of events is usually included, on some weekends there might be a Arts & Crafts Fair, Canon Camera company might be having a macro photography workshop, the master gardeners may be present with answers to your questions, a day for music lovers, with the sounds of Bluegrass, Easter celebration and a special day of fun and activities for kids, these are just some of the different events planned, which vary each year. Next, is another one of my favorite restaurants along the towpath trail is Winking Lizard, which is located in downtown Peninsula Ohio right next to Century Cycles bike rental. This place is always packed especially in the summertime. The Winking Lizard looks like a little wooden shack with a wraparound porch, & amazing inviting smells ooze from inside the restaurant to your olfactory glands. It’s right next to the Cuyahoga Valley scenic railroad track & behind the parking lot sit old time stationary train cars. But like I mentioned earlier this restaurant is located right next to Century Cycle Bike Rentals so it’s a great place to go for dinner after a long bike ride. Winking Lizard is mostly known for their wings, pizza, beer, & burgers but I really love their spinach artichoke dip & wraps. I love the heavier greasy stuff too but I really crave the dips & chips. Also when you walk in, there is an old popcorn machine that is always serving up fresh popcorn that the hostess brings to your table. Winking Lizard has a full bar inside & serves up some great mixed drinks too. This is a really great restaurant to completely gorge on after burning a lot of calories on the towpath trail.
Lastly, I’d like to mention Scorchers which is a wing joint in the Valley, which is part of Akron Ohio & is right off the towpath trail. Recently, Scorchers merged with Wing Warehouse & is now a part of Wing Warehouse. Scorchers serves really meaty wings dripping with a variety of tasty & spicy sauces. Scorchers also serves the “dry rub” wings which are great too. The appetizers are great here too & they include: fresh cut fries, loaded potato skins, & fried mushrooms. Scorchers has a full bar too & serves up draft beer & other libations to quench your thirst. There are pool tables & dart boards to entertain you after you eat. Well after a long day of hiking & enjoying a big meal I bet you are ready to turn in!
Two places that I would recommend staying are the Sheraton Suites on Front street in Cuyahoga Falls, & the Inn @ Brandywine Falls. The Sheraton Suites sits right in front of the Cuyahoga river & falls. The hotel is also near Route 8 which will take you into CVNP in minutes. Rooms start around $150 dollars a night. Next is the Inn @ Brandywine Falls. This historic bed and breakfast was built in 1848 & is on the National Register of Historic Places in Sagamore Hills Ohio. The Inn actually overlooks Brandywine Falls. The b&b offers 6 rooms for their guests & they are decorated with Ohio antiques. The innkeepers serve up a fresh hot breakfast to their guests each morning & treat as though it is the guests’ home.
Well I hope I have given you a thorough description of some of the beauty & wonder that the CVNP & surrounding area has to offer. This is such a wonderful place to visit for couples & or families alike. I have included photos of CVNP along with some photos of when i went on the “Grape Escape” wine tour. If you make your way or have visited CVNP please share your comments and/or feedback of what you thought. Anyways please feel free to share this info with your family & friends, and as always Happy Travels!!!