Spending a Day in Geauga County

What do you think of when you think of Geauga County? Most people think Amish, maple syrup and snow belt. Okay, you may be right, but there is so much to do in Geauga County you can really not take it for granted.

I headed out this past month to Geauga County, of course the day after one of their famous 12 inches and counting snow storms. But what a beautiful car ride I had. The snow laid ever so beautiful on all the houses, trees and countryside. It looked truly like a winter wonderland. I was waiting to see horses pulling a sleigh to come around the bend of Burton Square. And what a cute square it is.

In the center of the square is the Burton Log Cabin. It is a working sugar house which produces wonderful maple syrup every spring and maple candy all year round. It is open 7 days a week 10 am to 4:30 pm. To order direct call 800-526-5630.

In February and March Pancake Breakfasts abound.

Around the square are specialty shops, antique merchants and galleries.

According to the Burton Chamber of Commerce website, Burton was settled in 1798 and is the oldest and first official settlement in Geauga County. Burton is also known as Pancake Town USA. With all that maple syrup being produced why wouldn't it be.

Looking for breakfast or lunch? Right on the square I spotted three (3) restaurants. I stopped for lunch at Belle's American Grill, where I had a salad which included chicken, all sorts of greens and additional assortment of toppings like strawberries and nuts. I asked many of the regulars who were there eating and they gave me thumbs up to the food. My riding companion enjoyed a delicious bowl of clam chowder.

Located just off the square is the Century Village Museum. It is open year round and is family friendly.
Throughout the year they offer special events such as Civil War re-enactments and a Apple Butter Festival.

After checking out all the shops on Burton Square I headed out to find a special treat. When I was growing up my grandfather used to give us little leaf shaped candy made from maple syrup. I remember how really sweet they tasted and since Geauga County is the maple area in Ohio I knew I would find them. It did not take me long to find Richards Maple Products located in the town of Chardon.

I was told that I could find all sorts of products made with maple syrup including a treat for my English Black Lab "Hunter". I was not let down. They had all kinds of maple treats, including my maple leaf candy and yes, dog biscuits dipped in maple syrup for Hunter who thoroughly enjoyed them and wants to include them in Hunter's favorite things. They do have a website where you can purchase online. Their address is 545 Water St., Chardon.
Toll-free 800-352-4052.

Just down the road I stopped at Fowlers Mill located at 12500 Fowlers Mill Rd, Chardon. This over 175 year old grist mill still produces many baking items such as apple crisp, various flour and of course pancake mix. The shop contains all sorts of wonderful baking items. I even found my scone mix. I had a tour of the mill which was very interesting.

The Mill is open everyday but Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm. Their contact information is 440.286.2024 or 800.321.2024. Their website is www.fowlermill.com. There is a beautiful pond which sits behind the mill and when I was there it was mostly ice covered and where there was no ice, there must of been over 50 Mallard ducks enjoying a cold swim.

The day started to get away from me and there was still so much to do. I never did make it to Middlefield where I wanted to stop at the Cheese Co-op, have lunch at Mary Yoder's Amish kitchen and buy my Amish pie. I guess I will need to make another trip.

For additional information about Geauga County: Call 1-800-775-TOUR or www.tourgeauga.com.

If you want to take a sleigh ride, may we suggest Ma & Pa's Horse drawn Sleigh Rides located at 15161 Main Market Rd. (State Route 422), Burton 440-548-5521 www.maandpas.com

And for overnight stays Punderson Manor Lodge, an Ohio State Park is within driving distance of all areas of Geauga County. Their contact numbers are 440.564.9144 or 800.282.7275. PS..some say part of the Lodge may have a spirit or two???? Also, check out the local Bed and Breakfasts, I heard there are a few wonderful ones, something I would still like to do.

FYI - May 8, 2010 is Geauga County's Annual Drive it Yourself Tour in celebration of
National Tourism Week.

Posted by
Diane Rock
Rock'in Ohio One Adventure At A Time®
NorthernOhioTourism.com

On November 10th I had the wonderful pleasure of touring the beautiful Hower House located on the grounds of the University of Akron. This 28 room Victorian mansion in all its grandeur was decorated in a “Winter Wonderland” theme by many loving volunteers and friends of the home.

Built by John Henry Hower (an Akron Industrialist) and completed in 1871, this beautiful Second Empire Italianate style home became a National treasure in 1973. As you begin your tour , you realize you have entered a grand home the minute you step into the entry hall and look up to see the beautiful stairway winding it’s way up three stories to the ballroom. As described on their website the floor plan of the home is in an “Akron Sunday School Plan” design for you architects out there. I just call it beautiful.

Each room has been decorated in a Winter Wonderland theme. One of my favorite decorated rooms was the Master Suite located on the second floor. Draped across the bed is a beautiful red “Santa” robe and a tea tray surely brought up by the maids for an evening cup of tea. The adjoining bath has a wonderful bubble bath waiting and the mantel has been decorated for the holiday, making sure all the stockings are hung by the "chimney with care". I would have no problem closing myself up in the library for an afternoon of solace.

Sylvia Johnson, Director and Linda Bussey, Assistant Director of the mansion, are both wonderful hosts. Their knowledge and love of the home is shared with all their guests. During my visit they explained about the history of the home and the family who built this magnificent mansion and how Jacob Henry Howard played such a role in our NE Ohio history.

The Hower House Holiday Tour hours are Wednesday, November 11, through Sunday, December 27. Guided Tours: Weds. Through Sat., noon to 3:30 pm Last tour one-half hour before closing. ** Special Sundays of the Season: Self-guided tours 1 – 4 pm Nov. 15, 22 & 29, Dec. 6, 13, 22, 29. $1.00 off each admission level Children 12 and under admitted free. Admission for guided tours:Admission for guided tours:$6.00 adults, $5.00 seniors (65), $2.00 students of any age Children 6 and under admitted free. www.3.uakron.edu/howerhse/

Keeping with the “Italianate” style, I would suggest after your tour you stop at a local Akron Italian institution less than 5 minutes from the mansion. Luigi’s Restaurant is located at 105 N. Main St. Akron (330.253.2999) This Italian restaurant has been serving up pasta and pizza since 1949. The decor is definetely "old" world Italian like you would see in many larger cities pizza establishments.

As always, we ask that when you visit these venues you let them know that NorthernOhioTourism.com sent you.

Ohio's Fall Leaves Trip #1

NE Ohio has some of the most beautiful fall leaves and with an abundance of parks there is no reason not to grab your camera and take some pictures.

(Sorry while I digress and have a “Martha” moment – I like to take photos every year and place the photos in inexpensive frames and place them on my coffee table for a pretty Fall display. You can also take them to your local Office Max, etc and have them laminated in a placemat format. Then place the mats on dining table for a beautiful look – include some fall leaves you collect also in the placemats!)

Okay, back to Ohio’s fall leaves. One of my favorite spots to take photos is Squire's Castle which is located in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metrorparks, Willoughby, Ohio.

Feargus B Squire, founder of the Standard Oil Company purchased 525 acres of land to build an English country estate that would remind him of his home country. Squire’s Castle was built in 1890’s and was to be used as a gatekeeper’s house for the future country estate. But his dream would never come to reality. After the three story gatehouse was built it became his weekend retreat. The gatehouse was said to have had tiffany glass, carved mouldings and elaborate furnishings. The property was later sold in 1922.


In 1925 the Cleveland Metroparks acquired the castle and land. Today, the Castle is open to the public for free. It is nothing more than a shell but still has a certain amount of urban legend mystery to the home. And if nothing else the beauty of this building against the back drop of the fall leaves, makes for some beautiful pictures. Children of all ages enjoy exploring the shell. There are picnic tables nearby if you would like to have a picnic.

As legend has it Rebecca Squire, wife of Feargus purportedly haunts the castle. The story says that she was frightened one night and tripped and broke her neck. The reality is she died in Wickliffe, Ohio in 1929 after the property was sold in 1922. But the urban legend lives on and if you Google Squire’s Castle you are sure to come across some of the many reported ghostly happenings. I for one have never captured an “orb” in any of my photos but you never know???? I think it adds to the whole place – fall, leaves, ghost?

Here are a few directions for the Castle. Take I-90 to Route 91 (Willoughby Exit) to Chardon Road (Route 6) to Chagrin River Road. The castle is on the right-hand side. From I-271, Take the Wilson Mills Road exit. Go east on Wilson Mills Road to Chagrin River Road. Turn left onto Chagrin River Road. Travel 2.3 miles. Entrance to Squire's Castle will be on the left. http://www.clemetparks.com/pdf/Parkways%20to%20Past.pdf

For additional history on Squire’s Castle I like this guide to the History of our local Matroparks:
I would also recommend anyone of our NE Ohio wineries for dinner. Here is a link to Ohio Wines
http://www.ohiowines.org/

A Trip Back in Time to Historic Summit County

This trip is somewhat of a sentimental journey for me. When I was a little girl my mother would drive by this home and say “your cousin lives there right there across from that mansion and she is friends with one of the children”. Well, needless to say all I wanted to do was call my cousin up and see what she could tell me about this house and who had grown up there. It was the most beautiful home I had ever seen coming from a small town. It was grand.

As I grew older I realized that it was open to the public for tours. It took me 19 years to finally take the tour of the home that I always said I would own one day (not sure what day I meant) and it left me with a “Gatsby” magical feeling. The family of this home played such an important role in our NE Ohio history. When you think of Akron Ohio you have to think about the rubber industry and how it changed all our lives and this family was very much apart of Akron's rubber industry.
(Photo courtesy of Stan Hywet)

So, your first stop is to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, Ohio. It is considered one of the best Tudor revival homes in United States. Built 1912 – 1915 by the Seiberling family its grandeur is well worth a day trip. The gardens are maintained by a grounds crew and the tour is very interesting. (I had the distinct pleasure on one of my visits to have a grandchild give the tour, great perspective on the home). I don’t want to spoil the tour by telling you additional facts so this is all I will say about this home. To find out additional information and about special home events see StanHywet.org. 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 330-836-5533

Stan Hywet usually opens @10am to 6pm. Times do vary so please refer to their website linked above. After a morning/early afternoon tour of the home and gardens I tend to find I need nourishment. A wonderful local stop that will take you back in time is Swenson's. Swenson's is an old fashioned drive thru located approx. 10 west minutes from the mansion. (40 S Hawkins Ave. Akron). These old fashioned hamburgers have been pleasing area palettes for many years. I seem to prefer the traditional Galley Burger and side order of those wonderful onion rings along with the house drink a Californian.

For your third stop since you are in the neighborhood I would suggest stopping at West Point Market on 1711 W. Market Street and right around the corner from Swensons. You will find a unique selection of foods. From premium wines to Belgian chocolates to a various selection of imported foods that you are going to be glad your belly is full from Swensons. But my motto is there is always room for chocolate.

Now we are off to our next stop which is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Depending on the day there is always something happening in the park. There are two links I review for the days activities: Day In the Valley and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.gov. As I head north from Stan Hywet on Akron Peninsula Road I like to look at the carved Indian in the Valley and walk the strip of shops in the small town of Peninsula. They have a wonderful old fashioned bookstore I always seem to find myself spending a few minutes in. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail Road has a stop in Peninsula and offers special events on the train certain evenings. Check out http://www.cvsr.com%20for%20details./

My final stop before heading for a nice dinner is Brandywine Falls. Nestled on Brandywine Road in northern Summit County, Sagamore Hills. Decking takes you down to the falls for a wonderful view and photo session. Truly a NE Ohio gem. To tired to go home? There is a B & B right next door to the falls as well as another 5 minutes from the falls. Both are charming B&B's. See our Accomodations page for additional motels/hotels and B&B's.

For dinner I would suggest the Courtyard in Brecksville, Casa DÁngelo's in Macedonia or Guisseppe's in Northfield Center. All establishments are within 15 city minutes from the Falls and offer a wonderful selection of appetizing dishes. If you want sandwiches to steak try The Courtyard. For pasta go to Casa DÁngelos or Guisseppe's.

Northern Ohio Tourism One Day Trip #1 - 2009 - Cleveland's Little Italy, Italian Food Store and Lakeview Cemetery

Some mornings you wake up and you just feel Italian. Dress in your red shirt and green khaki pants and load an empty cooler with ice in the trunk. Where you are going today, you are going to want to bring home some food for eating later. Breakfast: This is a tough one. Knowing where your stomach will end up you may want to just grab a small little healthy yogurt, bowl of cereal and of course an Italian Coffee at anyone of our local Coffee shops. Then it is off to the east side of Cleveland.

Stop #1: The first stop in our Day #1 journey will lead you to Gallucci’s Italian Market located at 6610 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland’s Midtown Corridor. For many taking this trip it will be the first time in a long time to see the new Euclid Corridor. At Gallucci’s you will be met with a wonderful “cast of characters” who will help you make your meat and cheese selections along with the other delectable goodies located in the bakery and throughout the store. They do offer a take out lunch consisting of homemade pizza to pasta to subs. When you are at the deli please ask for “Kevin”, according to Kevin he is the “good Kevin, the one that works there”. As you can tell he has a wonderful dry wit and will make your experience enjoyable, as well as all the other store employees. Don’t be afraid to let them know your not sure what to buy. When I go I like to stock-up on the grated Romano Cheese, sharp provolone and traditional Italian deli meats. Of course in the bakery I purchase a few loaves of Italian Bread as well as a new love, a loaf of Portuguese bread. Did someone say homemade cannolli? And don’t forget the many varieties of olives and their homemade tomato sauce. If you live outside the Cleveland area or you are flying do not worry they do ship!

Stop #2: Now that your cooler is full and your tummy has been reborn it is off for a little nature hiking at Lakeview Cemetery (located at 12316 Euclid Ave. Cleveland). I know what you are thinking a cemetery? Lakeview Cemetery is not your ordinary cemetery. It is rich in history and the final resting place of our 20th President – James A. Garfield. President Garfield is the only President that lays In State. The Monument is open daily April 1st through November 19th from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM and is staffed with a guide. The view from the monument of downtown Cleveland and the surrounding grounds is breathtaking. The Wade Chapel is another must visit while at the cemetery. It was built in honor of Jeptha Wade, founder of The Western Union Telegraph Company, by his grandson. What I find fascinating is the interior was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.Let’s also not forget the see the final resting place of “Rockefeller”, “Elliot Ness” and many other famous residents. Click here for more info: http://www.lakeviewcemetery.com/famous_residents.html

Stop #3: Now off to Little Italy. An authentic little Italian community that has kept all its Italian charm. Located along Mayfield Ave – Murray Hill, there are bakeries to enjoy the faire, coffee shops to sit and enjoy the view as well as galleries filled with local artesian ware to browse. For additional info: http://www.littleitalycleveland.comFor dinner may we suggest the Guarino’s Restaurant (12309 Mayfield Rd, 216.231.3100). Located on the main street of Little Italy our party found the food to be very “Italian” and the cost not to prohibited.

Stop #4:Now what to do for the evening? How about a movie. A Great place to let your stomach take a rest and your feet. Cedar Lee Theatres located at 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. 440.717.4696. What I like about this theater they offer a chance to view independent films as well as Hollywood films. I have seen many great independent films at this theater. After your movie you may want to finish your Italian evening off with a glass of wine at a local are pub of your choosing.

Holiday Idea #2

Holiday Idea #2

One of the prettiest sites in Northern Ohio is all of our beautiful holiday lights. We are passionate about our lighting displays, from those personal yards filled with thousand of holidays lights and plastic ornaments, to whole neighborhood streets lit up with holiday music playing. And yes, we even have those homes stepping into the new age by having the newest "blow-up" creation on the market. (Some holiday traditions are hard to accept - does anyone have a pin? Ha Ha)

One great way to see the lights of the area is by taking a ride on Lolly the Trolley. Trolley Tours offer a Tinsel, Tales, and Trees ride. The tour is a narrated One Hour City Sightseeing Tour featuring the past, present and future of Cleveland while viewing the area lights. You will see and learn about North Coast Harbor, Public Square, Downtown, the Warehouse District, Gateway and the Playhouse Square Theater District. Then it’s off to the Cleveland Play House Festival of Trees to stroll indoors among the delightful decorator-designed “themed trees” and to gather ideas for your holiday house! The public tour is approximately 2 hours long.

Additional information may be found by going to http://www.lollytrolley.com/
Reservations are required for all tours.Call 216-771-4484 or 1-800-848-0173Press "0" for a friendly voice!

Holiday Christmas Ideas

I don’t know what it is about an early powder white snowfall that makes us northern Ohioians get all excited for the holidays. Maybe because there is just so much to do to keep us busy. I am not talking about shopping, however we have plenty of that. I am talking about taking tours of holiday lights, visiting the zoo on a cold winter day, tubing in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and going to see those old favorite holiday plays and concerts.

So as the Editor-in-Chief of the Northern Ohio Tourism site, I would like to take this time to start to offer some of our “Favorite Things” do in northern Ohio for the holidays. And remember when the day is finished you can always go home and make some wonderful hot chocolate with marshmallows and dream about sugar plums coming in the days ahead.

Holiday Idea # 1

Our first holiday idea starts with taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The railroad offers wonderful holiday trips - one is the Christmas Tree Adventure. Starting December 6th, you can take a train ride to Heritage Farms and pick out a beautiful Christmas Tree. You get to cut the tree your self or pick one out that is already cut. The staff then tags it, bags it, and it's on the train with you, no worries! There is also time to have lunch in one of the local restaurants in Peninusla. The train runs the last weekend in November and the first 2 weekends in December. Fee: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+), $12 for children (3-12). Departure is from Rockside Station at 10:15 am on December 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2008.

Another favorite train ride of ours is the Jingeling's Holiday Express. Starting December 6, 2008 the rairoad offers a holiday trip with a holiday icon of our area. Mr. Jingeling" joins the for a train ride. “Mr. Jingeling”, who is the “Keeper of the Keys” to Santa’s toy shop will be passing out his magical keys on this holiday ride.

For additional information about the above events, visit http://www.cvsr.com/ for details and reservations.