Geneva on the Lake, Ohio

What better way to start the summer season this Memorial Day weekend than a trip to Geneva on the Lake. Back in the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s, most Ohioans made the trip up to Lake Erie’s North Coast to spend a week at Geneva on the Lake. Families would rent cottages, and spend the week brushing away the flies and bugs. Teenagers would go there for adolescent trysts, and for the rite of passage “after-prom” binge. It was, and is, a honky-tonk paradise of the old school. As we say here in Mahoning County: “We’re goin’ up the lake!”

But I didn’t discover it until a few years ago. My family was too “genteel” for the fun stuff. But a friend of mine told me he was biking up to Geneva on the Lake, and was going to meet his wife at Eddie’s to drive him home. I had heard of the place, and didn’t know the significance of Eddie’s, so I googled a map, and my wife and I drove there to surprise him. He was a “no show” as he crashed his bike outside of Canfield and broke his arm. Notwithstanding, it started an annual trek up to this "step back in time", old fashioned resort.

Located in Ashtabula County in the heart of Lake Erie wine country, there are actually two Geneva on the Lakes. There is the old fashioned resort filled with cottages, arcades, fast food and amusement rides. You can park your car at your cottage, get out the beer cooler, and forget about the rest of the world for awhile. Any kind of penny arcade game, or miniature golf, or junk souvenir stand you could want is within walking distance. The piece de resistance for food is Eddie’s Diner, a monument to the old fashioned hamburger and hot dog beach joints, blasting tunes from the 1950’s as you chow down on your “resort cuisine” and guzzle your root beer floats. Numerous donut stands to take care of any and all breakfast issues. The city park is at the end of the drag, giving good access to the beach.

Then there is the “limo and latte” Geneva on the Lake. For those yearning for a “Sideways” Sonoma Valley vacation but can’t afford the trip to California, here is an ersatz alternative. Start with the newly constructed Lodge at Geneva on the Lake, which is beautiful. Surrounded by tranquil grounds with stunning views of Lake Erie from its gorgeous restaurant facility, it is a classy way to spend a weekend getaway.

You can shun the “pedestrian” main drag during the day, by turning right out of the lodge parking lot, instead of left, and go to Geneva, Ohio, which has a myriad of antique shops to wile away the day. The hotel folks will also give you numerous brochures as to the locations of several of Ohio’s fine wineries, all within a ½ hour drive. Ferrante’s Winery is one of my favorites, with a California-esque new building that allows you to sit inside or outside to enjoy their tasting samples, as well as their great restaurant serving better than average Italian cuisine.

I will be honest, I am not a big fan of Ohio wines, but I enjoy getting to taste what we can produce in our own backyard. These are serious wineries, and Ferrante’s is known for its dessert “Ice Wine” made from pressed frozen grapes. These are a tad pricey, but a great way to end a meal.

Take the time to check out some of the other wineries that are less ambitious than Ferrante’s, but tend to be a tad more authentic in their approach to experiencing a wine tour. Several times during the year, the wineries band together and offer up joint promotions and specials on tasting both wine samples and appetizers. These are a lot of fun, but make sure you have a designated driver.

With gas at $4.00/gallon, Geneva on the Lake offers an interesting and diverse alternative for those looking to vacation close to home.

Geneva on the Lake Tourist Bureau
The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
Ferrante’s Winery