Geneva-on-the-Lake Get Away

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Geneva-on-the-Lake is a great place to visit. It’s a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from Pittsburgh. I have taken this trip many times before. Sometimes for a weekend away with my husband for a wine weekend in the fall or for a summer vacation with the whole family. It is certainly among my favorite vacation spots. Here’s some information that might help you navigate the area if you decide to take a trip there.

Lodging

Whether you want a campsite, cabin, Airbnb, or motel you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Along the Strip is many small cabins ideal for couples and small families. Down the road is the town of Geneva with more Airbnb’s. The surrounding Country area contains boarding houses, hotels, and Airbnb’s. Just East of the Strip is a large camping area equipped with showers and other comforts of home.
At the entrance of the Strip is The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake. This resort caters to the more upscale clientele. It consists of a four-story hotel, banquet facility and meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and lovely landscaped grounds right on the lake with plenty of benches and communal fire pit areas for enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Erie.

Walking the Strip

We’re not talking about the Strip District. This 2-mile strip is located along Lake Erie. It has multiple places to sit and view the lake. Also within this short distance is wineries, bars, and restaurants. For the family there’s a Ferris wheel, minigolf course, arcades, and a Family Fun Center. There’s so much to see along the strip that you might want to devote more than a day to stroll along it.

Activities

There are several other activities in the area. The Family Fun Center mentioned above is Adventure Zone. Adventure Zone is at the west entrance of the strip. It has a zipline, climbing wall, bumper boats, and an arcade. There is also batting cages and golf cart rentals available. Just down the road is Lake Erie Canopy Tours. With ziplines of varying heights and distances it’s great for children and adults alike. Canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks are available for rental. They usually come with drop off and pick-up along the Grand River. Lake Erie also has many other water activities available.

If these activities get to be too much you can always plan a nice bike or walk through many trails and parks in the area. The winding roads are very appealing so you can always hop in the car to take a scenic drive. The area is home to a plethora of covered bridges. You can try to see how many you find on your own or book a tour.

Dining

There are so many places with great food that its hard to narrow it down to only a few. For breakfast we often find ourselves going to Mary’s Kitchen, Honeybee’s, Perry’s Restaurant or The Little Pie Shop & Café. However, all of these are great for lunch as well.
For dinner we enjoy a variety of choices. GOTL Brewing Co. features a stone cooked steak that is to die for. Down the road is Allessandro’s one of the best traditional Italian places I’ve been to in a long time. Expect a line and a wait that’s more than worth it.
The Horizons Lounge and Restaurant is also located at The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake. If you choose to sit at the bar or in the dining area, you’re sure to have a great meal. Just don’t forget that each area has a separate menu.
While many of the wineries do have a full kitchen don’t be surprised if some only offer small plates and appetizers. Below in my wine list I tried to separate them, so you’ll be able to plan your wine and meals accordingly. Wine Country

Wine Country

Last but certainly not least is the numerous wineries. There are more than two dozen wineries in Northeast Ohio. You can explore them yourself or book a tour. Many offer wine slushies so be sure to take advantage of one on a hot day. Some carry Iced wine, which although pricier are a great dessert wine treat.

Below is my list of wineries in the area. I separated it by places that have a wider range of food and others that only carry smaller snack trays. I’ve been going for several years and try to add a new one every time. At most wineries a flight or tasting is available. That’s what I usually do so I can try a small amount of each and figure out what I want to bring home. Many have sweet and dry wine trays so be sure to go from driest to sweetest. I also advise cleansing your pallet with water and food along the way.

Wineries with meal options

Debonne Vineyard

This is the largest estate winery in Ohio. That's not surprising a they've been around for just over a century.

Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

This scenic winery has an Italian classic feel. They hold live music and events throughout the year.

Grand River Cellars

Its a cozy atmosphere whether you sit inside or out on the patio. They have a wide selection of American cuisine. They host live music and suggest a reservation.

Laurello Vineyards

The inside has a intimate feel to it. The wines often have a crisp acidity to them. Their Iced wines are award winning.

Old Firehouse Winery

It's location along the strip couldn't be better. Their patio hosts live music and their sandwich selections are great. Around back you can sit near Lake Erie or ride their Ferris wheel for a better view.

Old Mill Winery

The walls are lined with license plates from all over the country. The wine slushies are amazing. Their menu is full of fantastic selections for lunch or dinner.

Stonegait Winery

This family winery is among the newer ones. I tend to like their whites a lot. However, the pizza is my favorite.

The Winery at Spring Hill

They make it hard to decide what I like more, their wine or their hard ciders. They've had roughly 70 years to perfect them so it's not surprising.

Virant Family Winery

This small winery has a very "at home" feel. Their adorable dog can be seen wandering around. They are only open Thursday-Sunday.

Wineries with limited or no meal options

Benny Vino Winery

I'm not sure how we missed this one for so many years. They are located off a small road near a one lane bridge. You feel like you're miles into the woods and its very relaxing. They have a great wine selection but their Sauvignon Blanc is a must have. We always find ourselves getting a bottle and spending a few hours enjoying it and the live entertainment on the patio.

Cask 307

They are a newer winery and opened in 2019. Their most interesting wines are the ones made in casks instead of the traditional barrels. Certainly worth a try.

Kosicek Vineyards

Like many other places they host live music through the summer. I prefer their red wines a little more. But that doesn't stop me from getting their I-90 or Niagara white wines.

Harpersfield Vineyard

They atmosphere is warm and inviting. The wines superb. However, my favorite part is their mascots. two adorable dogs that come to greet you when you enter and get the pets they need. it's not uncommon to be sitting on the couch inside and be joined by Matilda or Toby.

Hundley Cellars

Their rustic lodge overlooks a small pond in the back. The view is intimate and memorable. Inside I enjoy sitting by the fireplace with my wine and snack plate. This is another place I could spend hours just relaxing.

Laurentia Vineyard & Winery

When you walk in the tall ceilings and giant dining area welcome you. The back has extensive patio seating with a view of their vineyard and lake. Down in the basement is the tasting room with barrels stacked to the ceiling. The menu selection is a good spread. You certainly have enough of a selection to fill up on but it's just short of what I would consider a full kitchen.

M Cellars

The staff is certainly what makes this place better. They're all so friendly and experienced. I can never leave without a bottle of Rkatsiteli(R-Kat) and Meritage. But as a club member I usually leave with a case for the discount.

Rosabella Winery

This is the newest winery that I tried. It only opened in 2019. However, it quickly went to the top of our favorites list. The couple who run it were so friendly and knowledgeable.

Silver Crest Cellars

The small cabin structure is inviting. The tables sturdy and obviously Amish made. I always find myself retreating to their upstairs to sit by the window overlooking the vineyard.

South River Vineyards

This winery's building was once a church. This is among my top picks whether its their red or white wines. Although they don't serve more than a bread and cheese plate they allow outside food. They also own Red Eagle Distillery located just down the road for those seeking harder liquors.

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