Schnormeier Gardens

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:

Schnormeier Gardens are located in Know county.  There is a very interesting history which is outlined on the website.  Definitely take the time to check out that link above!

Also note that the property is not usually open to visitors except by large group appointment and an annual open house.  Make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Impression:

Even before you step foot onto the property, just looking from the outside in...you know you have found some place special.

Prestine gardens and Asian inspired views are a visual feast.  You can feel the serenity and peace as you stroll through from section to section.

This gazebo sits atop the hill on the property, giving you an overlook of the bridge and rock gardens below.

A Japanese tea house sits along the waterfront of the pond.

From the bridge, you can see large koi fish, enjoy the shade of the trees and peer out over the clear waters.

Nestled on a rock and obscured by some trees, you may find some interesting statues.

I cannot believe that it took us this long to find and visit this magnificent place.  Truly a gem in central Ohio and worth your time to visit here.  Guaranteed that you will be blown away by the beauty!

Ariel-Foundation Park

Written by Dani and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
250 acres of land reclaimed and reused from an old glass factory, Pittsburgh Plate Glass.
The factory closed down in 1976, and in 2000 initial purchases started the project.
More information can be found on the Ariel-Foundation Park website.

Rastin Observation Tower

Impression:
We though this a great idea, reclaiming an old factory to make into a park space.  Everything was well marked and the maps guiding you around the park were clear.

You can see the Rastin Observation Tower from blocks away, being that it is the tallest structure in Knox county.  You definitely notice it upon your approach.
The tower is 280 feet tall in total, and a set of spiraling stairs will take you up to 140 feet.  If you are the counting type, there are 224 steps.   More adventurous souls trekked up the spiral on the day of our visit.

If you are ever in Knox county/Mt. Vernon Ohio area, please take the time to visit this wonderful space.

There are many structures through out the park that show portions of what used to be here.   Large elevator shafts where sections of plate glass were moved.

This glass river flows down the sculpted terraces from the tree line above down to a section of paved walkway.