Screams and giggles filled the air as I passed the water slide on my way to the Old Firehouse Winery. The children were having the time of their lives and enjoying the beautiful, hot sunny day at Geneva-on-the-Lake.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake has been a popular resort town since the late 1800s. It was the perfect location for me to stay while I explored the 23 wineries a short drive from here. During the summer, Geneva-on-the-Lake boasts a fabulous schedule for their Lake Summer Concert Series and a robust Calendar of Events throughout the year. Some of the notable events that piqued my interest include:
- Ice Wine Festival in March
- Wine Blooms Weekend in May
- Vintage Ohio in August
- Grape Jamboree at the end of September
I swore to mark my calendar and make plans to attend each of these amazing events.
The Old Firehouse Winery is located on the shore of Lake Erie and came highly recommended by Marge at the Visitor’s Center. The Center was my first stop of the day before enjoying breakfast at Deb’s Diner on the Street and ordering their breakfast special. The whimsical, cartoonish map which acted as a placemat, contains an extensive list of restaurants, shops, attractions and wineries.
I compiled a list of wineries from the Visitor’s Guide and Fun Map as visiting them were a priority for my weekend as well.
- Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
- Deer’s Leap Winery Restaurant – post coming soon!
- Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant – post coming soon!
- Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
- Harpersfield Winery – post coming soon!
- Lakehouse Inn Winery
- Old Firehouse Winery
- Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
- The Winery at Spring Hill – post coming soon!
- Virant Family Winery – post coming soon!
Additional wineries provided by the Ohio Wine Association in Geneva:
- Wineries from the Ohio Wine Association as the Vines & Wines Region
- Bari Beauty & Health Plus Granny’s Wines, Euclid
- Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry Village
- The Brew Mentor, Mentor
- Buccia Vineyard, Conneaut
- Candlelight Winery, Garrettsville
- Country Porch Winery, Cortland
- Emerine Estates Winery, Jefferson
- Farinacci Winery, Austinburg
- Goddess Wine House, Ashtabula
- Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland
- Hundley Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
- Juliet Sky, Willoughby
- Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield – post coming soon!
- Laleure Vineyards, Parkman
- Laurello Vineyards, Geneva – post coming soon!
- M Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
- Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison
- Markko Vineyards, Conneaut
- Sharon James Cellars, Newbury
- Silver Creek Wine Cellar, Garrettsville
- South River Winery & Red Eagle Distillery, Geneva – post coming soon!
- Joseph Vineyard, Madison – post coming soon!
- Tarsitano Winery & Vineyard, Conneaut
- ThornCreek Winery & Vineyards, Aurora
After visiting the Old Firehouse Winery, I strolled the streets of historical Geneva-on-the-Lake starting at the Cove, the resort’s one time legendary rock ‘n’ roll bar. What fascinated me most about the Cove were the acts that once performed here such as the Coasters, Platters, Drifters and the infamous Jimi Hendrix, not to mention owner, Pete Macchia’s connection to Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.
Slipping into the 1940’s Fascination Game, I played a few games here against the attendant as I was the only visitor, but it was so much fun realizing that I was sitting in the midst of Geneva-on-the-Lake history. There are less than a dozen of these venues that remain in the US. The object of the game is to secure a “Bingo” using balls that light up when they are deposited in the holes. The winner receives a coupon which can be redeemed immediately or accumulated over a period of time for much larger prizes, even a cruise.
Although the building has since been torn down, the historical Pier Ballroom was considered the “finest of its kind between Cleveland and Buffalo”. Its roster of Big Band performances is impressive with the likes of Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk. The Pier held its final dance in 1973 and by 1994, the ballroom, bathhouse and beach were dismantled and permanently closed.
When I asked my friends if they had any suggestions on where to visit while I was at Geneva on the Lake, they recommended Eddie’s Grill. This adorable little restaurant is located on the corner of Lake Road East and has been serving steakburgers, hot dogs and French since 1950. You can’t visit the Lake without Eddie’s. It’s a Geneva tradition.
Sunrise Café is another go-to restaurant for an amazing breakfast. Don’t let the outside fool you. This is one hot spot for locals, and a hidden gem for tourists. You won’t be disappointed.
If you are in the mood for some amazing Italian fare, Piero’s Pasta House should be on your list. With great portions and big flavors, expect to pay a little more here and wait for a table.
Madsen Donuts has been serving donuts at The Lake since 1938 and I was in need for some sugar. Their cream ticks come highly recommended as they are not too sweet. I orders one of the cream sticks, a chocolate iced and cream filled donut.
There are so many great dining options here:
- Capo’s Pizza
- Sand Bar
- Sandy Chanty Seafood Restaurant
- The Gallery Shops at the Landing, A Festival Marketplace
- Wild Water works was just opening
- Next to Pera’s Motel
- Putt Putt
- Joe’s Place with their Marieta’s Homemade Pina Coladas
Veteran’s Memorial Pipe Band: practicing for a performance at the Firehouse Winery – there was a craft show with a few booths set up behind the winery, open from noon to eight…prime location on the water.
Sunset Bar…I am certain that this would be my hangout if I spent the weekend….here, the winery and Joe’s Place with their Homemade Pina Coladas.
Some of the other attractions and restaurants include:
- The Oak Room Dinner Theater
- Murphy’s Pub and Ale House
- Swiss Chalet, open Memorial Day thru Thunder Weekend
- Signs for Mary’s Kitchen
- Bob’s Food Court
- Krazy K Shirts
- Grumpy’s Ole Fashioned Lemonade
- Time’s Square Restaurant
I had a wonderful time visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake and look forward to another opportunity to visit. If you have any favorite places at GOTL, please let me know in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my Geneva-on-the-Lake adventure and wishing you many amazing travels!