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I’ve never been real big on New Year’s resolutions.  I have trouble getting through my “To Do” list at work, so who needs this extra aggravation.  However, while working on this month’s newsletter, it seemed every relevant blog on January topics had to do with resolutions.  So here goes.  

1)      Count my blessings…daily!

2)      Watch one football game in its entirety with my husband and really try to follow the ball at least 3 times.   (Replays don’t count.)

3)      Take a walk throughCowanLakeState Parkafter our first big snow.

4)      Spend one Saturday cooking comfort food.

5)      Spend one Sunday eating comfort food.

6)      Read two good books that are not inspirational, motivational or work related…just plain fun.

7)      Drop a few boxes of dog treats off at the animal shelter.

8)      Send one “real” card to an old friend.

9)      Pitch my 10-year old house slippers.

10)  Splurge on a new pair of house slippers.

These are my New Year’s – January Only! – resolutions.  I think I actually have a shot at it this year.  

Happy 2012 to All, Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, CC Visitors Bureau

Written by Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau

I love Christmas – everything that goes into it’s celebration – from decorations, gift giving,  holiday events, Christmas music and more.  In fact, I’ve been listening to Christmas music since the second week of November.  You may think that’s rushing things a bit but I think it is a luxury to be able to hear these beautiful tunes for as long as I can.  December 26 will be here before we know it and the Christmas music will go to the back of the CD holder and radio stations will be back to the norm. 

I think it’s important for everyone to remember the true reason for the season and the greatest gift that was ever given to the world.  Perhaps by keeping the nativity story in the forefront, instead of in the background, Christmas will mean more to us this year than it has in the past.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and of course a Happy New Year.  Clinton County Ohio is my home and I love it here.  Stop by sometime and say hello.  You have an “open invitation.”

Soccer practice. Board meetings. Music lessons. Science fair. Cub Scouts. Between work, school, and extracurriculars, it can be hard to find time to hang out as a family. So why not treat your clan to a little togetherness with an RV getaway geared for everyone? With its agriculture meets urban culture character, southwest Ohio makes an excellent spot to hit the road with the relatives. Here, the calendar is packed with family events, fairs, and festivals throughout the summer and fall, celebrating everything from banana splits and corn to bluegrass music and lavender. Just program your GPS to Clinton County, situated between Cincinnati and Columbus, and let the good times roll.

Wilmington, which anchors the county, should be your first stop. For a bit of onboard entertainment during your excursion, swing by the Clinton County Visitors Bureau on the ironically named N. South Street and grab the Barn Quilt Trail brochure. The pamphlet details 54 area barns that have been prettied up by quilt-square murals celebrating the region’s farming history. The self-guided tour makes for a unique twist on the classic “I Spy” game and is sure to keep young ones interested along the way.

In downtown Wilmington, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, park and soak in the historic Italianate architecture; specialty shops filled with books, gifts, antiques, and art; and a handful of restaurants (favorites include Jen’s Uptown Deli, Mediterranean Italian Restaurant and Café, and Peppermint Patty’s ice cream shop just up the road). You might even add the 1,600-square-foot Main Street Market Mural depicting a hot air balloon launch to your “I Spy” competition. The district also boasts the restored Murphy Theatre, a grand 1918 theater that hosts community productions, vaudeville shows, and popular musicians. Look for the glow of the old-fashioned marquee in the center of town.

From Wilmington, you can steer your crew in two directions. Head southwest towards Cowan Lake State Park for 7,000 acres of outdoor play space. You’ll discover miles of hiking and biking trails; sailing, fishing, swimming, and canoeing along stretches of beach; and plenty of campsites suitable for tents, trailers or RVs within the beech-maple forest. Along the way, check out the first-class equine facility Roberts Arena, which presents horse and dog shows throughout the year and is open to weekend spectators.

If you opt to go northwest towards Caesar Creek State Park, make a stop at Grandpa’s Pottery on Route 73. The workshop offers free demonstrations and beautiful hand-thrown creations that make ideal souvenirs. Caesar Creek State Park also provides woodland camping and hiking, as well as swimming, fishing, waterskiing, and boating in its clear lake waters.

In addition to the state parks, Clinton County travelers will find a smattering of local parks, playgrounds, and preserves nestled into lush countryside. A definite perk, because as most parents know, getting the kids in the fresh air often keeps them from getting too “fresh.” With this area’s strong agricultural heritage, it’s no surprise that there are lots of opportunities to get down and dirty on area farms. In nearby Clarksville, two in particular offer truly unique encounters. At Bonnybrook Farms (just over the line in Warren County), you’ll find hands-on fun with a corn maze, hayrides, “Chuck Wagon Dinner Rides,” a petting zoo, and pony rides in a bright setting. And at Horsefeathers Farm, family groups can schedule private tours of this Cincinnati Zoo-sponsored breeding facility for the endangered Parma wallaby. Visitors also get the chance to view other Australian animals, like the island bearded dragon and the emu, as well as take a mule wagon ride and head out on a paddleboat. (Schedule your visit well in advance.)

There are several spots that offer u-pick strawberries during the summer (Bergefurd’s Farm Market and Greenhouses, Branstrator Farm, and Stokes Farm, which grows raspberries, as well). You can also pick up good-for-you greens at Brausch Asparagus Farm and holistic herbs at Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm. (While at the lavender farm, you may want to venture the short distance to the Martinsville Road Covered Bridge, just make sure your camper will clear 11’6″.)

Not into DIY produce picking? Head over to the weekend Caesar Creek Markets or one of Clinton County Farmers Market’s two locations, where you can purchase fruits, veggies, flowers, baked and canned goods, and more. (Be sure to seek out the popular Pickard Farms for their homemade cookies and breads.)

And for one last hit on your “I Spy” checklist, head out of town by way of Blanchester, home to the world’s largest horseshoe crab. Built by Academy Award-winning designers for the Baltimore Maritime Museum, this crustacean community center made its rounds across the United States before landing in a Biblical scripture garden at the entrance to this rural town.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. Be sure to check out their new Professional Football (NFL) Tailgating and RV Tailgating to College Football Games pages in preparation for the upcoming seasons.

Downtown Wilmington During Holidazzle

Written by Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau

I’m sure you have traditions that carry on year after year around the holidays.  I know my family does and we keep adding to the long list of “musts.”   There are those from my childhood that carried over to my own family, especially when our daughter was born.  And even though she’s now 21, the traditions continue.  There are new traditions as well.  At the top of the list is the annual holiday show at the Murphy Theatre in downtown Wilmington.  It always gets me in the spirit with the beautiful repertoire of holiday music and the choruses of children.  Nearly 200 are in the cast.  Also at the top of the list is Wilmington’s Hometown Holidazzle Illuminated Parade and Festival.  It’s only a few years old but it grows and grows.  All the entries in the parade must be lighted and this year, a balloon glow will take place on the grounds of the country courthouse.  Throughout the day, there are concerts and activities for the young and old.  I love it! 

What are your holiday traditions?  Don’t be shy, share them with me.  Maybe you have an idea that I’ve never thought of .  Can’t wait to hear from you!

Written by Debbie Stamper, executive director of the Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau

As Thanksgiving is upon us, I thought it only appropriate to think about thankfulness today.  In fact I’m feeling very thankful.  I have my health, loving family and friends, a good job, a wonderful place to live and the opportunity to tell others about my home.  What could be better?  What are you most thankful for this holiday season?  Here are some “being thankful” quotes you might enjoy.  http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Being_Thankful/  It really is impossible to list all the things here I’m thankful for.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be thankful each and every day.

It’s no secret that winter and holiday travel can be the most stressful occasion. Especially when the hustle and bustle of holiday travel starts, people become more distressed with long waits and unexpected challenges. If you travel by air or car during the cold season, you can count on more delays than you’d experience in the summer. Once bad weather appears during the peak times for air travel, we end up with the lengthiest flight delays, cancellations and missed connections of the year.

On the other hand, road travel has its share of annoyances and risks. There may be road closings, slower speeds due to snow or sleet, traffic accidents and other obstacles to throw you off track. However, don’t let the winter and holiday travel season make you blue.

Airline Travel Tips: Flying Doesn’t Always Lead to Disaster

Can you feel your teeth grinding as you imagine flying to your destination? If you’re traveling a great distance over the holidays, the last thing you need is a stressful airport experience to start your vacation on the wrong foot. Consider some of the simplest airline travel tips that can alleviate your worries.

Plan ahead for your own sanity. Waiting to the last minute always leaves a great deal of your trip up to happenstance. Of all of the top winter travel tips you may find, this is the one piece of advice that will be well worth spending the extra time and effort. Contact your travel agent to book your vacation in advance as soon as you can manage. Then, you’ll be able to avoid peak travel dates, get lower airfare, fly direct (or minimize your connections) and fly early or late in the day to avoid the bigger crowds.

Leave at least an extra hour earlier. As you prepare for your winter vacation, give yourself more time than usual in order to anticipate the peripheral delays that could occur. Remember to bring some reading material while you wait in the security line or at your departure gate. In cities with snow or ice, arrival delays can exceed two to three hours and de-icing procedures can take an hour before takeoff.

Pack as light as possible for your holiday travel. Since more airlines are getting stricter on baggage limits and weight allowances, packing less and lighter suitcases could save you money and time. If you’re planning holiday travel to be with your family and friends, consider shopping online and having your gifts shipped to your destination. This strategy will help cut down on luggage and minimize the risk of losing any special gifts.

Steer clear of influenza. Winter travel can be a frequent contributor to the cold and flu time of year, adding a miserable element to your winter or holiday travel stress. Before you leave, visit your doctor’s office to get the flu shot or nasal spray flu vaccine, which is only available for ages 5-49. Most germs will spread by contact, so wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer constantly.

Stretch your legs often. If you find yourself in cramped quarters or passing time on long flights, there’s the possibility you could develop Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), leading to blood clotting in your legs. So, remember this essential airline travel tip on your next flight — take some time to walk around and stretch your arms and legs once every hour.

Winter Driving Tips: Easier and Safer Winter Road Trips

For road travelers, winter can also be the most dangerous time of year. Motor vehicle accidents involving bad weather, mostly ice and snow, claim the lives of 6,000 Americans and injure 500,000 more every year (National Center for Atmospheric Research, 2005). The following winter driving tips will help you stay safe and a little less anxious on your next trip.

Have your car examined before you leave. This is one of the most crucial winter driving tips. It’s the climatic scene of many movies, where someone’s car breaks down in a strange town. The last thing you want to worry about is your car falling apart, leaving you stranded far away from home. Take it to your local auto shop for a quick once over, and make sure your tires are winter ready and properly inflated.

Be prepared for a change in course. Before you depart, become confident in knowing your route. It’s very important that you’re ready for anything on the road that could slightly change your plans, including construction, road closings and traffic hurdles. Remember to keep the directions as well as appropriate state map(s) handy, in case you need to reroute your trip.

Stay hydrated for the journey. It probably seems like dehydration isn’t very likely, but a recent Mayo Clinic study shows that a mere one- to two-percent loss of body weight can quickly lead to fatigue and decreased alertness, which could be deadly in icy winter driving. Also, your body requires more fuel in the cold — so rely on high-energy food including sandwiches, a thermos filled with soup and fruit.

Pack a winter safety kit for the car. Don’t leave without the essentials for a safe road trip — a cell phone (don’t forget the car charger); ice scraper; tow rope and jumper cables; sand or cat litter to aid with traction; blankets; flashlights, matches and emergency candles; first aid kit; portable radio; and a good book, in case you do get stuck.

Make frequent rest stops. Winter driving is much more fatiguing than in the summer, so you’ll want to make time to stop and stretch your legs. Just a few minutes off the road will make all the difference in improving your alertness when you’re back behind the wheel.

Shopping the other day for Halloween candy, I was inundated by Christmas decorations already for sale.  It shouldn’t surprse me as this is common each year but  I found myself getting a little angry that we can’t just enjoy one holiday before another is all around us.  But the truth is, early November brings out all the Christmas craft shows, at least in Clinton County. They start in early November and go through the first week of December.  The early bird gets the worm, right?!  I’ll admit it, I always make the rounds of shows, buy more for myself than for anyone else, and then feel guilty until I go to the next one.  Do you do that or is it just one of my flaws?  Well, I’m still looking forward to seeing the trick or treaters and handing out candy, while in the back of my mind I’ll be thinking about those Christmas craft shows.

A few days ago I took a ride to the state park located in our county.  With my camera over my shoulder I took off walking the bank of the lake and saw beautiful sites.  From the changing leaves of the trees reflecting off the water to an egret standing in the shallow water as if posing for a photo, I was awe inspired at what I saw.  A humorous moment came when I got very close to the water and I disturbed a bull frog baking in the sun.  Scared me to death! 

The sun was high in the sky, the fish were jumping out of the water creating a ripple effect, and I wondered why I don’t do this kind of thing more often.  Like most, like is busy and we just don’t take the time, do we?  Take time, it’s worth it.  And if you don’t have a place to go, try Cowan Lake State Park.

A lot of people get all up in arms over Halloween and the celebration of this old holiday.  I personally take it or what it is – a fun holiday that kids in particular love.  From dressing up in costume to collecting a hoard of candy.  It’s all in fun.  And what about all this haunting stuff?  If you aren’t a believer, that’s okay.  Just enjoy it for its entertainment factor. 

Clinton County has its share of hauntingly good times in the month of October.  From the Wilmington Haunted Hollow - with real scare appeal if you want that adrenaline rush - Dinner with a Ghost at Snow Hill Country Club that is long had unexplainable occurrences, Cache-A-Ghost which is a geocaching event that gives the GPS center stage and Haunted History Tours of downtown Wilmington where paranormal investigators share the history of a number of historic buildings and take you inside to share the fruits of their investigative efforts.  Again, all in fun. 

How will you celebrate the spooky month of October?  Will it be carving pumpkins, going to a costume party, passing out candy to the kids on Halloween, reminiscing about a time when your children were young or taking a thrilling chilling ride at a spooky attraction?  Whatever you choose to do or not to do, I hope you have fun.  I know I will.

This weekend I saw the first few leaves turning from green to red and it won’t be long before Clinton County will be a blaze of color.  This time of year reminds of when I was a young girl and my parents would take me to a pumpkin patch.  Growing up in the city, it was a 45 minute drive but worth it!  It was such fun climbing up on the rustic wagon that carried you out to the acres and acres of pumpkins.  Hauling your choice back in was just as much fun.  Flash forward 30+ years and I took my own daughter to the same pumpkin patch.  It was as much fun watching her and it was when I was a kid. 

 What are your fall traditions?  Going to a pumpkin patch, getting lost in a corn maze, raking up piles of leaves just so your kids can jump in them, attending a fall festival?  Whatever it is, why not commit yourself to adding a new activity this year that will become an ongoing tradition.

A local farmer in Clinton County will be hosting a fall fest this Saturday and Sunday.  There will be local food, music, children’s activities and farm animals as well as 20 acres of premium pumpkins to choose from.  If you don’t have a favorite pumpkin patch, head out to Branstrator’s Farm.  It’s memory time!  http://www.clintoncountyohio.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl?month=10&view=Event&event_id=1422