GRAMMY ON THE GO
Beach Bums
By Karen Shadrach
The hot summer days are upon us and it’s time to escape with the grandchildren to the beach.
Ohio’s North Coast is home to many public beaches along Lake Erie’s shoreline, extending through Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties. The only questions are which ones to visit and what to pack for a day at the beach.
Sun & Sand
Different ages have different needs and preferences, of course, but always remember sand toys such as buckets, shovels, sand molds and a beach ball or Frisbee. Pack towels, sunscreen and a sun hat. Another good-to-have item is a blanket to lie on, especially a lightweight, waterproof one specifically made for the beach with nylon webbing to let the sand fall through.
Water shoes are great for lakeside beaches since small stones hurt tender feet. Pack lots of water or other beverages and snacks. Bring diaper wipes to remove sand from feet, hands and anything (everything) else that needs cleaning off. A large beach tote is helpful for carrying things across the sand. Also, include a beach umbrella if you are sensitive to the sun, and a few chairs if you don’t want to sit on the ground.
After you find your spot on the sand, the grandkids will have no problem amusing themselves. If they need any suggestions, tell them to dig a large hole or make a sand castle with a moat. The kids can play sand games, such as tic-tac-toe, hopscotch, or handwriting in the more compact sand next to the water. Have them go on a scavenger hunt to find special shells, stones, driftwood or sea glass.
Erie County includes Sandusky’s shoreline and is probably the largest with a mile-long Cedar Point Beach stretching out along the lake. Without paying to get into the park, you can enter the beach by driving to the Breakers Hotel and then walking from their (pay) parking lot. You also have access to restrooms and restaurants nearby plus snack shacks along the shore. Our grandkids love this beach, especially on windy days when the waves are high.
Lakeview Beach, part of the Lorain County Metro Parks, is on 20 acres along the north side of West Erie Avenue in Lorain. It is known for its Historical Rose Garden, a short walk from the beach. The Sunset Café (formerly Rose Café) is open for lunch during the summer and is in the shoreside bathhouse, offering the perfect spot for lunch with a view and to watch the sunset. The one-third-mile beach is protected by three breakwaters, and lifeguards are on duty from noon-6 p.m. There’s even a small playground and library. The Little Library provides free Wi-Fi access to a range of 100-150 yards.
Edgewater Beach in Cuyahoga County is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system and is accessible from both the upper and lower sections of Edgewater Park. The 2,400 beachfront includes 1,000 feet of swimming access and a dog-friendly westernmost portion. There are shady picnic tables and a paved walkway along the breakwater rocks. The renovated Edgewater Beach house includes clean restrooms and a concession stand. The balcony offers a view of both downtown Cleveland and the entire beach area.
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor is the longest natural beach in Ohio with 35 acres of beach plus picnic areas and concessions. It is located between the Mentor Marsh and the Grand River.
Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County includes four beaches. The largest, Breakwater Beach, has 600 ft. of natural beach with nice sand and clear water. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (GOTL) is a great spot to cool off and grab lunch. There is also a beach house for changing, showers and restrooms. GOTL is a village adjacent to the lake and is also known as Ohio’s first summer resort, The Strip, a mile-long thoroughfare with a frozen-in-time feeling, has mini golf, ice cream, shops, food stands, restaurants, amusement rides and arcades.
Choose a beach near you this summer, or go for a day trip to experience one you’ve never visited for a mini vacation that’s close to home.
