This past weekend, we went to Cleveland and Kirtland Ohio, with friend’s Rex and Veronica, along with their kid’s Wesley, Molly (and little ones) to tour the Kirtland Temple, and Historic Kirtland.

Brad had interviews in Cleveland on a Friday, so we drove up Thursday afternoon and had dinner at Condado Tacos, an eclectic taco restaurant in Pinecrest, Cleveland. The meal was great, and afterward, we relaxed in the comfy Adirondack chairs out front. The cool breeze and relaxing music created a pleasant atmosphere. The next day, after Brad’s interviews, we met Wesley, Molly, and kids (who drove in from Indiana) at Pinecrest, once again, for lunch. We ate at one of our favorite places, BiBiBop Asian Grill, and enjoyed more beautiful weather on the patio.

After lunch, we drove less than thirty minutes to Kirtland, Ohio, to tour the Kirtland Temple (recently purchased by the Church) and Historic Kirtland. We hadn’t been there since our kids were young, so we were excited to visit again. After a quick bathroom break at the visitor center, the sister missionaries took us on a tour inside the Temple. It looked just as I remembered, but this time we got to see all three floors, as the Church had reinforced the foundation and upper levels. The interior was mostly original, with beautiful spiral staircases and exquisite craftsmanship throughout. After the tour, we took pictures in front of the Temple, strolled through the gardens, and relaxed on the benches, all while enjoying the wonderful weather and each other’s company!

After our Kirtland Temple tour, we drove a couple of miles to Historic Kirtland. The sister missionaries once again guided us as we toured the Newel K. Whitney home and store, and explored the Ashery and Sawmill. Below are some interesting facts about each place:

In the Newel K. Whitney store, a wood-burning stove was purposefully placed in the middle of the store to make it a gathering place for the community. The store later served as the post office, bishop’s storehouse, and early Church headquarters. Joseph Smith and his wife Emma lived upstairs for 18 months, during which time Emma gave birth to their son, Joseph Smith III. The upper floor also housed the School of the Prophets, a room where church leaders met. In this room, Joseph received 16 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, including the Word of Wisdom in Section 89. He also saw the plans for the Kirtland Temple laid out before him.

Across the street from the store was the home of Newel K. Whitney and his wife Elizabeth. Joseph, Emma, and their young family, lived there for about four weeks. During their stay, Joseph received four revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, including Section 41, which outlines the office of a bishop.

The sawmill was built to supply lumber for the Kirtland Temple. It used a pulley system powered by a large water wheel to operate the planer. Interestingly, Rex’s father consulted on the re-creation and construction of the sawmill.

In the Ashery, workers used ashes that were purchased, to produce potash and pearl ash, which were used by the Saints, and in building the Kirtland Temple. Potash (potassium) and pearl ash were valuable in the 18th century. They were used in the textile industry, as a leavening agent in baking, and in the production of glass, ceramics, soap, and gunpowder.

After our Kirtland adventures, Brad and I picked up Detroit-style pizza from Jets Pizza, and enjoyed dinner with everyone in our hotel room. The next morning, we had breakfast downstairs and said goodbye to Wesley, Molly, and their kids. Rex, Veronica, Brad, and I then headed home via Amish country. A few miles down the road, we stopped at an Amish bakery in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Further down the road, In Holmes County, and Berlin, Ohio, we visited several Amish furniture stores, exploring their indoor and outdoor furniture, outbuildings, and log homes. For lunch, we had delicious hamburgers made with real beef from Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery. After several more hours of driving and being full from all the Amish food, we opted for dessert at our favorite Italian Ice place, 12 Degrees, which, of course, did not disappoint!

We want to thank the Holts for joining us on our Ohio adventure and are grateful that Wesley and Molly could join us for part of the trip (traveling and sightseeing with a two-year-old and a two-month-old is no easy feat!). We are also looking forward to our next Manwaring/Holt adventure!