By Diane Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway or a well-deserved escape? Tucked away in the farthest northeast corner of Ohio is Ashtabula County. For many, when they think Ashtabula County, visions of large amounts of snow and wineries come to mind. But what many people don’t know, is the “un-wine” part of Ashtabula County; the part that doesn’t include the Grand River Valley which grows more grapes than anywhere else in Ohio.
Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to explore Ashtabula County and I not only found a county filled with wineries and vineyards, but a county that has many unique museums, historical sites, festivals, markets, 19 covered bridges and a historical reenactment like no other in the state. On top of all this, Ashtabula County has an abundance of delicious and fun foods to try. One place that I enjoyed visiting was Bridge Street, located in Historic Ashtabula Harbor.
ASHTABULA HARBOR
Once one of the busiest ports in the world, Ashtabula Harbor has seen a resurgence of its waterfront. Recreational boats, fishing charters, vessels and kayakers have found their way back to the largest private dock on the Great Lakes.
This historic harbor is home to the Bascule Cantilever Lift Bridge, that lifts every half hour to allow for boat traffic. History of the bridge and harbor can be found at the top of the hill at the Ashtabula Maritime and Surface Transportation Museum, where you will also find the largest piece of beach glass ever found in the world. (Open seasonally.)
You won’t go hungry on Bridge Street
Once a butcher shop, Rennick’s Meat Market has now become one of the area’s favorite restaurants. Dishes include filet, braised rabbit, homemade pasta and more.
For the palate that is looking for a little creativity, there is the Bascule Bridge Grille; seasonal and American cuisine with a spin. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with their crème brulè or their blackberry cabernet sorbet.
If your tastebuds are craving BBQ, Briquettes Smokehouse is happy to serve you a plate of their award-winning southern style ribs with sides and an array of sauces.
For Lake Erie perch, Hil-Mak’s Seafood restaurant and market is your place. Seafood from around the US is flown in weekly.
Need chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth? Stop at Marianne’s Chocolate Shop to sample the fudge. Ice cream lovers can resolve their craving with a few scoops of Heavenly Creamery ice cream at Cones.
And then there’s…
Between the restaurants, coffee shop, and confections, you will also find art galleries and specialty stores. For those a little more adventurous, Harbor Yak offers sunset paddles with a view of the lighthouse. And if you like ghost hunting, try Eerie Harbor Tours.
Yearly festivals include the Wine and Walleye Festival (July 26-28), The Arts on Bridge Street (8/24) and the Beach Glass Festival (June).
For accommodations, I suggest The Michael Cahill Bed & Breakfast (c. 1887).
This year, I invite you to pack the car and head out and explore the “un-wine” side of Ohio’s largest county. And if you must drink wine, that’s okay, too. Order your free visitor guide at visitashtabulacounty.com
