Google+ Two-Wheeled Tourist: April 2010

4.25.2010

Random Ride: Sneaking Out of Columbus

I decided to see where I'd end up after traveling up OH State Route 3 (a.k.a. The 3-C Highway) for a while. Starting from Westerville, I passed through farm fields, wooded areas, and some of the following towns:

Genoa Township
Centerburg: the town closest to the geographic center of the state
Mt. Vernon: home of Kenyon College and Mt. Vernon Nazarine University

I then took State Route 661 down toward Columbus which put me about 25 east of the outskirts of the city. This quiet road was full of hills and straightaways where you could set the bike on cruise and enjoy the scenery. US 40 (the National Road) took me back into town. Map is below.


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4.15.2010

Food Review: Crazzy Greek (Columbus, OH)

Real Greek food does exist in Columbus, and it's Crazzy Greek.

Being spoiled by the Daphne's Greek Cafe chain and Mad Greek in CA, it's been hard for me to find a place that serves more than the standard food-service grade, wannabe Greek meals that are dotted around Columbus area. I was glad to find this restaurant just around the corner from my house and stopped in to try out their house gyro sandwich.

Upon taking my first bite on the sandwich, I was immediately surprised by the unique, tangy taste of the house dressing and the tender, fresh taste of the gyro meat. I found out later that their gyro meat is roasted on a spit and cut on order. Unlike several other Greek casual restaurants I had traveled to in the area, this was the first place that made everything in-house. Even the pita bread was fresh and fluffy! I'd like to try a dessert another time when I have more room in the stomach.

The establishment itself has a casual, Greek theme, with the walls painted with murals that depict the famous ivory colored homes overlooking the Mediterranean. It's great for the easy-going lunch or dinner. Of course, you could always get the food to go as well; they're popular with the local businesses for takeout and catering. I recommend this place and look forward to returning again.

Crazzy Greek is located at 8325 Market Exchange Dr., Westerville, OH. 43081. Cross streets are Lazelle/Sancus. Their website is http://www.crazzygreek.com/.

 Crazzy Greek on Urbanspoon

4.08.2010

Random Ride: Wheeling Island Casino in Wheeling, WV

On Easter Sunday I decided to set my GPS to ride from Columbus, OH to Wheeling, WV via state routes, saving I-70 for the express return home. My destination was Wheeling Island Casino, the closest gambling establishment to Ohio for at least the next few years. It looked like my lucky day; I won enough in video poker to pay for the gas tank home!

Outside temperatures ranged from 80°F down to 58°F in the evening so the ride was very pleasant throughout. Definitely a ride to take this season.

Here's the route I used to get there, mainly US-36 and US-250. Scenery consisted of small towns, a state lake and recreation center, and an interesting series of twisty roads that dropped me right into the border town of Wheeling, WV. Approximately 280 mile round trip.


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