A snapshot from the 1950s, Geneva-on-the-Lake offers the quintessential small town diners and arcades perfect for a weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of a big city.
While I may be biased because it’s where I grew up, it took me a long time to appreciate my hometown.
I definitely recommend only visiting between Memorial Day and Halloween as most of the areas of interest are closed for the winter. There aren’t very many things to do here so expect a lot of rest and relaxation by the beach but here are a few highlights.
The Strip: This is the colloquial term for Lake Road between State Route 534 and Austin Road. While some “attractions” like the fun house, water slides and tilt-a-whirl have come and gone, there are plenty of diners and arcades to entertain yourself for an afternoon.
Eddie’s Grill: While you’re on The Strip, be sure to stop here for a cheeseburger, fries and a root beer. They still have jukeboxes on each table and the fry cooks wear white t-shirts like you’d imagine back in the 1950s. In many local families, it’s a traditional first job in high school; my mother worked at the Dairy Queen inside and my brother worked the grill. (I worked at the 1950s-style diner one block down called Mary’s Kitchen.)
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake: If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight, the best spot is The Lodge. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a clean hotel with great Lake Erie views.
Geneva State Park Beach: After you stroll along The Strip, head over to the beach for a little bit of sun. There is beach access from different restaurants along Lake Road, but if you’re looking for sand, the state park is closest.
Wine: It may be hard to believe, but Geneva is Ohio’s wine country. This region is home to more than half of the acreage dedicated to wine in the state of Ohio. Growing uncommon varietals like concord and catawba, Geneva is known for ice wine which is made by letting the grapes frost on the vine before harvesting, creating a sweeter, more viscous treat. You can certainly visit most wineries all year round, it’s best to visit in the summer and fall when you can enjoy the plentiful patios and live music at M Cellars, South River Winery or Hundley Cellars.
Other indulgences: Not into wine? Try Cellar Rats Brewing at Debonne or Red Eagle Distillery next door to South River Winery. The whiskey at Red Eagle will surprise you.
Harpersfield Covered Bridge: On your way back to The Lodge, be sure to stop off at the Harpersfield Covered Bridge, one of 19 in Ashtabula County. Our county is also home to the longest and the shortest covered bridges in the country.
Honorable mention:
Luvin Lavender Farms: While this gem isn’t technically in Geneva or Harpersfield, it’s worth adding to the list. The quaint little family farm offers homemade beauty products and you-pick bouquets perfect for gifting or drying out and saving for later. If you face the rows of flora, you can almost imagine you’re in France and not Ohio.