My preferences regarding what I consider a great retreat have changed as I age. While exploring is always a must, these days, the idea of sitting and savoring is something that I am beginning to appreciate more and more. Destinations are how we promote great places to visit, but a relatively new type of destination is on the rise- Agritourism Destinations.
These destinations, also known as “Agritainment,” focus on “any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own activities, or natural activities and attractions” (.nmlegis.gov). You probably have seen My Town Travels Articles on them before; from pumpkins & apples to milking and calf births, agritourism attracts travelers from all over.
One very exciting trend in this industry is Winery Destination Stays. The idea of going to a winery and learning about their grapes and the wine-making process is awesome! But how much better would your trip be if you could also add great food, an overnight stay, and entertainment? Obviously, a lot!
Recently, My Town Travels stayed at Manchester Hill Winery and Vineyard’s Winery Cabin. The Winery Cabin is located on-site in a serene space between the winery and the vineyard at Manchester Hill.
What’s In The Cabin
When you walk into the Winery Cabin from the porch, you will enter an open-concept room with excellent natural lighting & hardwood floors. The beautiful space was converted from a greenhouse, boasting a great “natural vibe.” The queen-size bed is super comfortable and furnished with luxury linens, and the bathroom with its claw-foot tub is lovely and serene. The windows throughout this space are unique and add to the cozy feeling you will get while staying here.
My hubby and I loved the spread of local meats and cheeses waiting for us on the table. There are also amenities for a small breakfast, cookies, coffee & tea, plus all your towels, soaps, etc. They even have their lip balm made especially for the cabin! Of course, since this is a Winery Destination, your stay includes a wine tasting. Our absolute favorite is their Award-Winning Opulent Chardonnay, but you must try them all to find your perfect match.
Check out Video Here. Or Listen to Owner Nicole Mitchell on The My Town Travels Podcast- Here.
Small Town Experiences At The Winery Cabin
Our stay at Manchester Hill Winery & Vineyard had everything you could ask for from a small-town atmosphere—and all on its property!
–The Cozy Winery Cabin (Book Here)
–Amazing Hand-Crafted & Award- Winning Wine
–Wonderful Food Choices (also made on-site)
-Local Entertainment. Manchester Hill has Local entertainment nearly every week. Check out the schedule here.
– Local Shopping at Footsteps in the Past. It is located just minutes from Manchester Hill.
Manchester Hill also has a food truck on-site that provides incredible hand-tossed and wood-fired pizzas, pulled pork, brisket, and smoked fried wings! We had the Vineyard Specialty White Pizza and The Smoked Fried Wings—amazing! (Make sure to check out video) You can also order excellent Cheese and charcuterie boards, pita & hummus, and paninis inside the winery. Or, if you will be staying on a Sunday, join Manchester Hill’s Sunday Brunch!
Small Town Places To Eat In Tarlton
As mentioned above, the winery is a great place to stay and eat on-site if you do not wish to go anywhere during your stay. But even though Tarlton, OH, is a small village, you can enjoy a few other options just minutes from Manchester Hill.
Crosstown Creamery
Sometimes, small-town destinations are places at a crossroads. This is the case in Tarlton, OH. When traveling on Ohio State Route 159, there is a Crossroads in Tarlton, OH, where Route 159 turns into Main Street. Here, you will find The Crosstown Creamery, Footsteps in the Past, The Tarlton Town Tavern, and Manchester Hill Winery & Vineyard.
On This trip, we had one of our dinners and breakfast at Crosstown Creamery. The My Town family has been to Crosstown Creamery before, and it keeps becoming more popular. Why? Because it’s a tremendous small-town diner with excellent food, ice cream, and a family vibe. We LOVE their Smothered Chicken and loaded fries (see Facebook photo gallery). This time around, we also tried the low-carb bowl.
Plus, you HAVE to save room for ice cream; it’s a must at any good small-town diner! You can see from the photos how much fun little Finn had with us at dinner (Finn spent the day with us before we went to Manchester Hill). In addition, breakfast is served all day at the Crosstown Creamery. See the photos of breakfast here.
The Tarlton Town Tavern
The Tarlton Town Tavern is that “old school” bar where you love to go grab a beer with a friend. When we visited, there was a big Ohio State Game that weekend, so they literally had crock pots of food that they were serving in addition to their normal menu. So small town! It was such a fun way to kick off our evening with some local flavor before heading up the hill to the winery for the evening.
Why Travel Small Towns?
Traveling to a small town instead of a more populated area is a wonderful change of pace. You can relax more and engage in the local community. People still stop and talk to you in small towns and make you feel welcome. Overall, a small-town destination experience is memorable.
This little crossroads is definitely an amazing find for a day or overnight trip. You will not feel rushed or stressed because you can get great wine and food all in one spot. You can sit and savor all weekend long. We loved our weekend in the Small Village of Tarlton. This may be one of the best-kept secrets in Ohio.
How Can You Promote Your Small Town??
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