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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas To All....

We are back and making a commitment to blog weekly. It's Christmas on the Ohio River and we wish a great day to all. This is the time of year to think about the past year and begin to prepare for the next. Lots going on along the river......

We hear the Green Kayak restaurant in New Richmond is gearing up kayak rentals on the Ohio River and installing two sand volleyball courts. The Village may be installing 9 hole disc golf course throughout the Historic Waterfront District. And, most importantly the music will continue to roll on in what is fast becoming the new "hot summer place" to hang out in the region....




Monday, October 20, 2014

RiverArts Festival SUCCESS

From Front Street Cafe Facebook
















The Village of New Richmond on the Ohio has a new "can't miss" event with the inaugral RiverArts Festival. Two days of art, music, food and more was featured along the river this past weekend and it certainly exceeded expectations.
From Green Kayak Market Facebook

Despite the gloomy Saturday weather, Front Street was filled with artisans and Festival reverlers, as well as the sounds of awesome music from the Park across from the Green Kayak. The musicians in the Park somehow held-off the rain to allow for a great day. We particularly liked the "Generations" band on Saturday, the native-american sounds of Steve Free on Sunday and the awesome sounds of a band called "Eden Park" (also on Sunday).....This town is becoming known for hosting excellent music, funky events and supporting outdoor fun


From Green Kayak Market Facebook
We encourage the Village and the business folks to keep up the great work. What's next????
From Front St Cafe Facebook


Friday, October 17, 2014

Jacob the Peacock (on the Ohio)




So where did Jacob, the local Village of New Richmond on the Ohio peacock, come from.?This majestic creature struts around town visiting businesses and homes. He poses for pictures and clearly looks as if he owns the town. Here's a few pics.......








Does anyone have answers?



We're Back! Sorry for the lost moments

Well, after quite a hiatus, we're back and enjoying the river life. What's so cool about the river is that it's never the same water that flows by twice. Each drop is on an adventure heading down river towards the Gulf of Mexico. We encourage you to stop by New Richmond on the Ohio, walk the beach and stick your toes in the water.....

This weekend in New Richmond on the Ohio will be a celebration of art. Our understanding is that high school kids and adults alike will share their art on Saturday and Sunday (12n-6p). This should be a fun event down along the river (across from the Green Kayak). We are looking forward to stopping down for the fun. We got this pamphlet off of Facebook.
 

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Short History of Bullskin Trace:Ohio's First Super Highway....

 



Bullskin Trace, borne of the trace of buffalo and other large animals tracking through Ohio to the salt licks in Kentucky, was one of the first super-highways in the United States. The Trace starts at the mouth of Bullskin Creek and the Ohio River in Clermont County (Ohio), and served as a roadway from the Ohio River to the Great Lakes for native americans, early settlers and escaping slaves.  The history along the Ohio River in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and beyond is so intriguing.....If only the hills and trails could talk!


Monday, July 28, 2014

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS: #1

We've been saying it and living it. Now there is proof. Cincinnati has been named the #1 Recreation city in the US. From kayaking the Ohio River, Little Miami or Licking, to mountain biking at East Fork to the multitude of parks in Cincinnati, New Richmond and beyond, the availability of outdoor activities/resources is huge.....Let's keep it rolling!


http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2014/07/cincinnati-tops-nation-in-new-ranking.html?ana=e_cinci_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2014-07-24&u=32322357774f3a8f8de302a8d9c552&t=1406205536

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

American Queen RiverBoat in New Richmond on the Ohio

American Queen.
The American Queen Riverboat is scheduled to dock at New Richmond on the Ohio today, 5-7pm. Hopefully the stormy weather will hold out. This little Village knows how to throw a party. We hear they already have a Dixieland Band set for the Park, as well as other festivities. Stop on down....We're going!!


taken from Green Kayak Market FB page!
By the way, we stopped down to New Richmond on the Ohio for the July 4 festivities and "WOW." A parade with a 100 or so entries, with several thousand people lining the streets, followed by authentic canon blasts in the Park and lot of LIVE music at the Green Kayak and Front Street restaurants......What a party.......... (We will get some pics to share very soon)


Saturday, June 21, 2014

American Queen Riverboat to Visit New Richmond On The Ohio On July 8

This little Village just keeps getting things done. It looks like the American Queen (passenger vessel) Riverboat will be visiting the shores of New Richmond on July 8 (5 pm-7 pm). The whistle will be blowing and the carpet rolled out (so we here) to greet the folks aboard. What a great family event and a beautiful drive down along the Ohio River.....It's just so cool to see one of these vessels floating down the river and wondering about the past river life. Hope to see you in New Richmond on the Ohio.....

Monday, June 16, 2014

Green Kayak Market Music Festival: Year 2/ A GREAT SHOW

We visited New Richmond on the Ohio this past weekend and, wow, was it fun. This was year 2 of the Green Kayak Market Music Festival on the shores of the Ohio River. Over 20 bands played and the Festival started with a cannon blast from a really cool (and big) cannon. How cool is that!

The music was varied but consistently top notch. We were told that in order to play in the Festival, every band had to submit a video showing how they perform charitable work in the community. What a great idea to demonstrate how the local music industry serves so many and makes our communities stronger.

Some of the folks we heard play included Drew Lanius (amazing voice)/Jay Aronoff, Life After This (lead singer is a blast), Evolv3 (great musicians), Jim Comodeca (soulful singer/songwriter), RPM (Randy Phillips) (heard on jukebox too), Randy Steffen (amazing), Van Buckley (awesome harmonies), Generations (very cool) , Broken Harp (great folk sound), Clockwork Soul (rockers), Mad After Dark (strong rock sound),  See You In The Funnies (flat out fun band), Jimmy Comodeca/Joey Loebker/Nick Ewan (excellent original tune) and so many more....

We hear the Festival will be on for a third year the second week of June 2015.....Be there!





Monday, June 9, 2014

Augusta Ferry on the Ohio River

Looking for fun along the Ohio River??? Try a road trip down historic and scenic Route 52  and drive onto the Augusta Ferry (about 20 minutes east past New Richmond on the Ohio)at Higginsport, Ohio. The ferry will shuttle you (in or out of your car) across the Ohio River to the Kentucky river town of Augusta. Stop by our favorite place, the Augusta Pub or visit the home of Rosemary Clooney. Not sure whether the BeeHive Tavern is opening again, but that's worth a visit too!! We will update you once we know more.

While ferries are more the norm in places like Seattle, they are not common here; although certainly historic. The Augusta Ferry has operated since the late 1700's and, at least from our perspective, that's along time ago!!


Sunday, June 8, 2014

Music in New Richmond on the Ohio at the Green Kayak

Hey folks we happened upon some fun at the Green Kayak Market in New Richmond on the Ohio tonight. As has been our experience, the music coming from the Old Lodge Stage at the Green Kayak is excellent. We hear next weekend will be a blitz of bands on the Ohio River for the Green Kayak Music Festival on Friday and Saturday......We'll be there!!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

So Where Does Ohio End And Kentucky Begin In the Ohio River

Where in the world is Waldo? And where in the Ohio River is the boundary between Ohio and Kentucky?

Simple questions with oh so difficult answers. Indeed, it took a decision by the United States Supreme Court in 1980 to set the border between the States:

The short answer, as announced by the US Supreme Court, is that the border between Ohio and Kentucky, as well as Indiana and Kentucky, is the low water mark on the northerly shore, as the river existed in 1792 (the year Kentucky entered the Union). OUCH!!! Much easier written than found.

With the building of the dams and the corresponding substantial rise in water level, as well as the natural wandering of rivers, this "static" northerly location is buried beneath the flowing waters of the Ohio River. So while out kayaking, canoeing or boating in Kentucky, Indiana or Ohio you may wander and roam from State to State with nary a clue....HAPPY BOATING! (wherever you may be.....)

 http://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/444/335/case.html

Thursday, May 15, 2014

A New Name Representing The New Life On The River....

Rumor has it that the Front Street area in New Richmond is to be renamed soon to the "Historic Waterfront District." If this is true, what a great idea. Every time we visit New Richmond on the Ohio there is more happening. Hope to visit this weekend to listen to the Cheap Thrill Band on Friday.....Can't wait to rent kayaks for a few trips on the Ohio River this summer..... Oh, we also heard that the cool little Pastry shop on Front Street-Peacock Pastry- will be selling some of its amazing products (cinnamon rolls/blonde bomb shells..YUM!!!) in Remke stores......More on that soon too!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Check Augusta, Ky Along the Ohio River

Looking for a fun day trip, in addition to New Richmond on the Ohio (and all its wonderful places, ie Green Kayak Market, Front Street, Laurel Barn Quilts, etc), keep travelling east on Route 52 to the Augusta Ferry. The Ferry allows you to drive your car on board in Ohio and visit the historic town of Augusta....What a cool ride. We also heard you can now park on the Ohio side and walk on the ferry for free. We will circle back with updates and pics!!  So much to do down along the Ohio River......

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Little Boy (4 years old) Rocks the Kayak

You have to check out this video of this little boy who we saw at the Green Kayak Market in New Richmond on the Ohio. He took the Old Lodge Stage and rocked out a tune.....How cool is that

http://youtu.be/GDogxTJeigw

 

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Village of New Richmond--now in song....

There is just so much fun coming from the small Village of New Richmond down along the Ohio River. The Village celebrates its 200 years of fortune, floods and festivities with so many great events this year. We visited the Village on Thursday and heard the new song "At New Richmond." This rock/folk song carries a strong beat, great musicianship and tells an amazing story. Check it out at the following link (we hear it will be on iTunes soon)

http://youtu.be/DNO1Rr-ga2c



Tuesday, April 8, 2014

FEMA Reforms May Well Kill Historical River Towns....

Congress passed alleged reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program in 2012 only to find that they did a poor job. Alleged unintended consequences led to the 2012 law being shelved. Unfortunately, in the zest to politicize a complicated issue, Congress set out to push through a "revised" law suggesting that such protects the consumer. Wrong again......

In light of Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, Congress sought to capitalize on the media blitz and the result has been the devaluation of so many properties along the Ohio River (and others). This devaluation will lead to lower property taxes (adversely affecting schools and other services),  bankruptcies, decline of historical buildings, increased poverty in rivertowns throughout Appalachia and squelching of small business. Despite such "unintended consequences," Congress will move on to the next cycle of spending on re-elections, Members Representational Allowances (averaging $1.2 million, per Congressional Research Service: http://library.clerk.house.gov/reference-files/112_20120104_Salary.pdf ) and other such items.

Small river communities need to ban together to remedy the failures of our leaders. I heard the New Richmond (Ohio) Business Association is already taking action. Here's a link to information on the new law: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/93074  and  http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/03/13/323273.htm

Monday, April 7, 2014

We Got Lost.......

Sorry, all, for getting lost for a bit. We're back and getting ready for the summer. Lots happening along the Ohio River this summer, particularly with the New Richmond (Ohio) Bicentenial. We will be posting some of the upcoming big events soon. In fact, we already posted on the big Chautauqua Festival over the 4th of July weekend; great acting, music and more.......

We were in town this weekend and heard about all the fun coming at the Green Kayak Market; upgraded kitchen/menu, sand volleyball and more. As is typical for New Richmond, there was lots of music this weekend, and we jumped from the Kayak to the Front Street Cafe and back a few times.

Hopefully the river will stop rising and fall to "pool level" soon!  Check back regularly................,

Friday, February 28, 2014

It's National Chili Day...


Check out the link to National Chili Day: http://www.nationalchiliday.com/  In the Cincinnati area, chili has a much different meaning then in other parts of the United States. Down here by the river, our towns are rife with "Chili joints." Not Texas chili, but instead good, old-fashioned Cincinnati chili....Maybe a little Skyline chili or Goldstar Chili. Indeed, with the cold temperatures knocking down our fun, a spicy bowl/plate of your favorite chili sounds AWESOME.....What's your favorite type/place for chili? Temperatures dropping again and here comes more snow....

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Spring Melt Begins...



http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=iln&gage=ccno1&hydro_type=0

We recently reported on the problems with the National Flood Insurance Program and, almost on cue, here comes the river. With the expected 50 and 60 degree weather the next few days in the Cincinnati area, the Ohio River is expected to begin its rise to near flood stage. Quite frankly, we're happy to see this early thaw as such may send a good amount of water downstream before the "big melt" in the spring from up North. Living on the river is a dynamic and ever-chaning adventure

Federal Government Killing All River Villages and So Much History With It

As you may have garnered from our past posts, we love the Ohio River and all the little villages and hamlets found along the shores. These Villages are rife with history, including tales of unparalleled bravery and courage. Many of the Ohio River villages and towns were born out of the revolution and fostered the early inventions that have led our country to greatness. However, in light of recent congressional changes to the National Flood Insurance Policy program, these same important villages, towns and hamlets have been issued a potential death warrant.

Congress, in apparent response to the losses incurred from Hurricane Sandy and Katrina, passed legislation in 2012 changing the game (mid-game) regarding flood insurance. That is, while the mystery remains on how policy premiums are calculated, the Feds decided that premiums will increase 8-10x per household/business. A policy costing $600 may cost upwards of $6,000 or more per year. This was done with no apparent concern over the people who have been working to revive the economies of such historical villages or the overall economic vitality of such locations. While we have been told by river town business owners that the cost of flood insurance was factored in the early decision to locate a business, now Congress has changed the game AFTER the money has been spent.

Interestingly, and amongst many failures, the amendments to the Flood Insurance Program make no accommodations for premium costs for historical buildings. Instead, any owner of such building with a mortgage, has no choice but  to pay the exorbitant costs being charged for the program policy. The result is that every owner of property in a flood zone has seen a dramatic "taking" of its property value by the Federal Government. Unless someone has cash to buy a property, the odds of selling property in a flood zone (saddled with mandated expensive policies) has been significantly impacted. In many instances, it may simply be that historical buildings along rivers such as the Ohio will disappear over time as the Federal Government plays games with vital programs like the Flood Insurance Program. Here is a link to the FEMA website that identifies the scope of the Biggert Waters Act of 2012:  http://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-reform-act-2012
Legislation passed in the Senate in late January 2014 to delay implementation of the dramatic premium increases, and we still await confirmation by the Congress on whether it agrees that a delay (and rework) is needed.

As with other legislation, it is unquestioned  that the unintended consequences of the Biggert Waters Act of 2012 is devastating to so many of our historical river cities. Congress needs to step up and fix this alleged "quick fix" legislation that is causing such harm to so many.....

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Snow Falls and The Water Rises

Well, this crazy winter continues to confuse. The arctic temperatures have passed, but now we face another blast of snow and ice. The prediction is several inches overnight, coated with a nice glaze of ice by morning.......The ultimate result is runoff into the river and rising waters. Here's the current prediction on the Ohio River level for the next few days:

 
These rising river levels in the winter are not unheard of. As we reported recently, the record 80' flood was in January 1937 and the second highest recorded flood level in the New Richmond/Cincinnati region was in February 1884 when the river crested at over 71'......

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Will The Ohio River Completely Freeze At New Richmond or Cincinnati, Ohio?


NO. While the temperatures outside have fallen again to subzero level, the chances of the Ohio River completely freezing at Cincinnati, as it last did in 1978, simply is not likely. There are many factors cutting against the River freezing, including the depth and flow of the Ohio River. It's common knowledge that the greater the flow and deeper the river, the less likelihood of the river freezing. Although the river level has dropped a bit lately, the average depth is still in the 20ft range. So when you wake tomorrow and face the chill along the water, the river will be flowing on its way to the Mississippi (and later on down to the Gulf of Mexico).  Think sun and warmth!! And let's "Get Outside and Play......"

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Singer/Songwriter Steve Free Hits #1 in Europe, But Clings To His Ohio River Roots.....

www.stevefree.com
 

Steve Free recently played at the Green Kayak Market and Eatery in New Richmond on the Ohio. The 1997 ASCAP Songwriter of the year, Steve, from the Ohio River city Portsmouth area, has travelled the world sharing his stories and songs. Here's a short list of just a bit of Steve's musical success:

"A Child of These Hills"  #1 on God's Country Music Chart, January 2014
"Do You Wanna Dance" #1 on International Country Music Chart, January 2014
"Down By The River" #1 GTE Music Magazine, Oct 2013
"Appalachian Moon" #1 in Europe

This list could go on for pages, with Steve having many other successful songs ("Party on the River"/ "Fried Green Tomatos") and moments in a long and illustrious career.  Steve has played for children, the Governor and was even nominated for a Grammy.

Having seen Steve play, a common theme to his songs is the inspiration of the Ohio River and the surrounding environment.  Something about the river and the people living near the river provide an inspiration that has led to his musical success. We understand that Steve will be back at the Green Kayak Market (www.facebook.com/greenkayakmarket ) on March 22, 2014. Well worth a visit out to this cool little river store.....Remember--"Get Outside and Play."
From GreenKayak Market facebook site
 

Monday, January 27, 2014

January 26....The Day The Ohio River Flooded To Its Record Peak.....


On January 26, 1937, the Ohio River at New Richmond/Cincinnati crested at 80 feet;  over 50 feet above pool stage. The River rose into the homes and businesses of so many, leaving behind a thick blanket of "river mud." To this day, this still looms as the most significant natural disaster to hit the New Richmond/Cincinnati region.  Many a home and business were left devastated; never to be reopened again. It was, at least in part, as a result of the scope of the flooding that the Federal Government fast-tracked Ohio River flood control program, which involved the development of a comprehensive plan (including holding pools/dams/etc) to decrease the chances of such a monumental flood from occurring again.

Friday, January 24, 2014

77 Years Ago Today The Water Began To Rise....

Pictures from Historic New Richmond website
 
Seventy-Seven years ago today, the Ohio River began to rise. The backwaters of the Ohio began a surge upward during the same time period, and the ultimate result, a few short days later, was the great flood of 1937.

With a recorded Ohio River level of near 80 feet, the devastation of the rising waters left thousands homeless and property damage at record levels. Local Cincinnati mega-radio station, WLW, reportedly switched to 24 hour news to cover the developing story and to assist with the recovery effort. Buildings in and around the Ohio River were inundated with water well into the second floor. And the reaction of the government was significant.
http://www.historicnr.org/index.html

In large part due to the 1937 Ohio River flood, the Federal Government fast-tracked the commission of plan to develop a comprehensive flood-control plan along the Ohio. Part of such plan was to create off-river holding areas for rising waters, such as the Eastfork Park, Harsha Lake. These holding pools, in conjunction with the dams and other resources, were built to, hopefully, avoid future catastrophic flooding. However, while well-conceived and good intentioned, one cannot every truly tame "mother nature."

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tracking Barge Traffic on the Ohio River....

The sheer size of the vessels that make up the Ohio River barge traffic can be intimidating and awe-inspiring at the same time. These ships are critical to so many aspects of the economy, not the least of which is to haul raw materials used to generate electricity. We are often asked about details of the barges and never really had a good answer; that is now changed. We recently learned of a website where one can track the progress of some of the Ohio River barge traffic. For more information about the specific vessel, check out this link to Ingram Marine Group vessels on the Ohio and other rivers. This link provides location tracking information and other details of these cool vessels (i.e. date built, height, etc)

https://www.ingrambarge.com/default.aspx?v=barge/resources/positions

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Ohio Chautauqua Festival at New Richmond on the Ohio This Year

Great news for the folks along the Ohio River in southern Ohio as the Ohio Chautauqua festival arrives in New Richmond over the 4th of July weekend. ( http://www.ohiohumanities.org/ohio-chautauqua.html ) This is a cool event, sponsored by the Ohio Humanities Council, where actors portray historical figures and bring history to life. This year the event focuses on "Journey Stories."

You can miss the big red and white tent that will house the event. These events also generally include lots of music and other activities. Well worth a day to "Get Out and Play" along the Ohio River......

Saturday, January 18, 2014

A Cold, Cold Week....

Sometimes life throws you that curve ball. It seems unhittable, but in reality any pitch can be hit. You simply have to believe in you and not listen to the "group think" driving decisions. While it's so cold out, it's still not time to venture out onto the ice. We will find the warmth....."Get Outside and Play." Forget about the cold

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

GreenKayakMarketYearEnd Movie2013



We received permission to share the Green Kayak year-end movie featuring the Ohio River and New Richmond on the Ohio.......Beautiful original music by our friend Jim Comodeca. Remember to hit the river when it's "Time to Play."

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Cincinnati Boat Show

We would be remiss if we did not remind everyone that the Cincinnati, Ohio Boat Show is only about 1 week away, starting January 17, 2014, at the Duke Convention Center (right downtown Cincinnati). As we encourage folks to "Get Outside and Play," what better place to check out all the opportunities such as fishing, camping, kayaking, nature trips and, of course, boats. We love visiting the show to see all the great boating-related items out there and to plan for the summer. We got our discount tickets at Kroger last year, and saved a few bucks off of the $12 ticket price. Hit this link for more information:  http://cincinnatiboatshow.com/

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

1800's Clay Pipe Production Along The Ohio River...

In the late 1800's you could go into a tavern or pub along the Ohio River and choose to borrow from
the bottle of clay, reed-stem, tobacco pipes stored in bottles at the bar.  Most of these pipes were made right on the shores of the Ohio River at the Peterson Pottery Company in Point Pleasant, Ohio. 

The manufacture of these beautiful pipes is believed to have begun around 1840 and ended sometime in the 1890's. We have been told that pipe fragments can still be found along the shores of the Big Indian Creek, which intersects the Ohio River at Point Pleasant, Ohio. Hopefully, places like the Green Kayak Market (in New Richmond on the Ohio) can get hold of some of these pipes for display in the store.

Of course, the hamlet of Point Pleasant, Ohio is also famous as the birthplace of the former US President and Union Army General, Ulysses S Grant. Lots happening down on the shores of the Ohio River.