Night Sky Sight Guy

Woodlands Tavern offers more than just a warm place to drink and listen to live music.

It also offers the perfect place for stargazing – and lately, amateur astronomer Tony Miller has been using it for precisely that.

Thanks to Miller, patrons of the 1200 West Third Ave. tavern in Grandview Heights often can enjoy the view from an eight-inch Newtonian reflecting telescope or a pair of professional binoculars mounted on a tripod.

“It was just a hobby,” says Miller, who has lived in Grandview for the past 20 years with his wife, Lois, and two sons, Tyler and Shane. “I really didn’t think people would have so much fun doing this.”

His interest in what he calls “the visible heavens” began to flourish after all of his children had grown up and moved out, leaving him with more free time. He didn’t plan to take his interest to Woodlands, but after spending some nights enjoying the music at the tavern and talking with people about his hobby, one of those people – musician and promoter Molly Winters –asked him to set up his equipment at the bar one night as a trial. That was March, and he’s been there ever since.

He says the bar’s south-facing patio is perfect for watching the stars, especially in the fall and winter.

“Some of the best, bright objects are in the winter, and the Woodlands’ patio fire pit helps me and everyone else stay warm through the cold months,” Miller says. “No breaks – I might miss something.”

The fame of Miller’s activities grew to such an extent that he had to create a website for his hobby, www.barstrono- my.com, as well as an e-mail list and Twitter account to keep interested people informed of when they can come out and stargaze with him.

Since his kids moved out, Miller, who also goes by the nickname “Duke Skygawker,” has spent the majority of his evenings indulging in his stargazing interests. Unfortunately, his hobby is heavily limited by the weather conditions, and as such, he can only use his telescope when there are no clouds, rain or fog. These X-factors contributed to his decision to create online contact options.

“I’m (at Woodlands) on a 24-hour notice, but I may be there just for fun,” Miller says.

Of course, Miller has not always had time to use on his astronomy interests. He previously has been involved in broadcasting and performing arts

Amateur astronomer brings love of the stars to Woodlands Tavern

administration at the Marion Palace Theatre and the Ohio Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield. Currently, he does freelance photography and works occasionally for various public relations groups. He also frequently volunteers at Perkins Observatory in Delaware.

At the moment, the stargazing is completely free, but Miller hopes to expand his enterprise and is currently working on a business model.

“It doesn’t cost that much at the moment, but I don’t want to lose money sharing what I love if I decide to expand in the future,” says Miller.

Until then, he is still excited to see everyday people enjoying what he loves.

Upper Arlington resident Tyler Davis is a contributing writer. Comments and feedback welcome at gmartineau@pubgroupltd.com.