Tag Archives: Lake Erie

Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of May

 

The Monticello III, Coshocton, Ohio

A short distance from Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio is a pathway leads to a canal.  Once a waterway where goods were transported between Lake Erie and the Ohio River, it is now a historical landmark in remembrance of the Canal Days.  This fascinating piece of history measured 308 miles with 146 lift locks.

The project to build the canal (“the big ditch”) began in the 1820s, taking a decade to build. Initially connecting the city of Akron with the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, the project expanded to include access to the town of Portsmouth along the Ohio River.  The canals were an integral asset for the transportation of good until the invention of the railroad, causing its decline.  In addition, the flood of 1913 resulted in absolute destruction of several areas along the canal and any plans to restore the canal systems was completely abandoned.

Sections of the Ohio and Erie Canal were placed under the management of Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources as preservation efforts were underway.   Visitors today can stroll down the 1-mile towpath along the canal or board the horse-drawn Monticello III for an historical experience.  The canal boat, located near Roscoe Village,  is available for tours on weekends starting Memorial Day through mid-October.

Within steps from Roscoe Village is a bike path that leads under a bridge to Lock Number 27.  The Monticello III was out for a tour, so I strolled the path to pass the time.   A small crowd began to form and we watched as the canal boat tied up and fed its team of horses.

Nearby picnic tables are available for guests who want to pack a picnic lunch.

Draft horses or mules pulled the boats while “hoggees” drove them to pull the barges along Mudport Basin, a small section of the Walhonding Canal.  It was their job to ensure the horses did not fall into the canals.

The helmsman would remain aboard the boat to steer it with the tiller, a long piece of wood which was connected to the rudder.

I descended the short set of stairs and found a bench at the front of the boat.  Looking out onto the green murky water, I could see dragonflies and water striders.  Bubbles reached the top of the water and a fish or two would appear at the top, then seem to dive below to catch some shade from the boat.

We were free to walk around the boat until launch.  I stood towards the front thinking about the 305 miles it would have taken to reach the Cuyahoga Valley.  I imagined families and children lining the path to welcome the incoming goods and feeding the draft horses a carrot or two.

The horses had taken a small rest and were watered to prepare for the next set of guests.  The weather was a beautiful seventy degrees, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees.

The Monticello weighs in at 25 tons and measures 74 feet long and 14 1/2 feet wide.  Slowly drifting its way down the canal, we learned from the Captain of the Monticello that the canal measures 26 to 40 feet wide and would have taken about 80 hours to ride from start to finish.  Luckily today we would be taking a 45 minute ride.

He also explained that the Canal was dug by hand and took seven years to complete.

Roscoe became the fourth largest wheat port along the 350-mile canal system and was a thriving town until the 1860s.  The canal continued to operate even as railroads were increasing in popularity until the Great Flood of 1913, swept parts of the town away.

With the vision of local businessman, Edward Montgomery, we can appreciate Roscoe Village as a beautiful reminder of the Canal era and its historical significance.  In 1968, the Toll House was the first structure to undergo restoration.  Montgomery is credited for the preservation and revitalization of Roscoe Village with his vision of building a  “living museum so that people of the 20th century…could enjoy” and has become quite the tourist destination.

What to See and What to Do:

Canal Boat Landing Address
23253 State Route 83 North
Coshocton, OH 43812
Telephone:  740-622-7528

  • Admission Fee:   General:  $8.00;  Seniors (ages 60+):  $7.00;  Students: $6.00;  Children:  5 & under – FREE; Veterans & Active Duty Military with ID:  $5
  • Hours:   The Monticello III is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from Friday through Sunday departing at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm.  Check dates and times from Labor Day through the third week in October.
  • Amenities:  picnic tables, parking, historical presentation, discounts, nearby restaurants
  • Length of Visit:  Prepare to spend 2 – 3 hours, especially if you plan to visit Roscoe Village.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes.  Going aboard the Monticello III may require some agility to board, so be prepared.  The Canal Boat leaves promptly on the hour, so arrive in plenty of time before departure.  The ride is typically 45 minutes in length as the horse-drawn Canal boat will turn around in the basin and return to the landing where guests boarded the boat.  I purchased my ticket at the Visitor Center but there are two additional locations to pick up tickets:  the Toll House, and the Canal Boat Landing.

Where to Stay:

The Roscoe Boutique Motel
421 S. Whitewoman Street
Coshocton, Ohio  43812
Telephone:  740 622 8736

Where to Eat:

Warehouse Steak and Stein
400 N. Whitewoman Street
Coshocton, Ohio  43812
Telephone:  740 622 4001

What to Read:

  • I Remember Roscoe, by Robert Hull

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation.  The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends.  Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997.  Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles.  While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling.  The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace.  A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape.  In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings.  The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres.  As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s.  Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local.   Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling.  I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio?  What was your favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone;  419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH  43506
Telephone:   419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

I could hear the beautiful, distinct sound of bagpipes through a large crowd of onlookers as I approached Old Firehouse Winery.   I immediately took notice of the quaint little antique fire truck at the front of the building, half the size of the ones today, and entered the winery to sample a few of their wines.  The sassy red barn had been converted into a firehouse before becoming a winery and restaurant twenty-five years later.  “Old Betsy”, a 1926 Graham Brothers engine, represents the historical evolution of Old Firehouse Winery.

Standing in line with other patrons, I soon realized that the slushies were one of the winery’s best sellers.   I was easily entertained by the television screen with interesting information about the winery and Old Firehouse wines.

I had watched the informative loop twice when I was next in line to be served.   I decided to try the preset Sweet Wine Tasting Samples which included ten 1-ounce sized  plastic cups for a cost of $8.99 plus tax.

The umbrella-covered table had a lakeside view where I could enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.  An Arts & Crafts Show had been set up in an open area where visitors browsed the booths and made a few purchases. During the summer, the fair takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with hours from noon to 8.

Each Old Firehouse sample was numbered in the order of less sweet to the sweetest.

  • The Firehouse White is made of Catawba grapes was a Gold Award Winner.
  • The Firehouse Red is a semi-sweet wine, with a jammy taste and beautifully red in color.
  • Made from the popular, local Niagara grape, my next sample was the Lighthouse Niagara wine.
  • Lake Erie Riesling was surprisingly sweet compared to other Rieslings I have sampled in the past.
  • Raspberry Reflections has a sunset hue, but with its aromatic raspberry scent, it was perfectly prepared with just a hint of raspberry flavor.
  • Not quite sure what to expect with Spiced Apple, I was pleasantly surprised by its refreshing taste.
  • Frosty Peach, a lovely summertime wine,  was lightly flavored with a hint of peach.
  • Grape Jamboree is typical of an Ohio sweet wine and is one of the winery’s best sellers.  The Grape Jamboree is also an annual festival that takes place in Geneva during the month of September.
  • Pink Catawba, with its deep cranberry color was the sweetest wine yet.
  • My final sample was the Sweet Concord which tastes like grape juice that packs a punch.  This was my favorite sample and I purchased a bottle to make some sangria on a hot summer afternoon.

The view from where I was sitting was absolutely gorgeous.  Within a few feet from the seating area was an antique Ferris wheel at the edge of the lake.  This stand-alone attraction is well known to the locals and was built in 1956.  They call it the #5 Big Eli because it was fifth patent of George Ferris.   Old Firehouse Winery has a port wine named after this colorful wheel and has a spectacular view from the top.

Strolling through the winery before leaving for the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, I could not pass up the opportunity to try the slushie and I quickly learned why they are one of Old Firehouse Winery’s best sellers.

Have you visited Geneva on the Lake and tried the wines at Old Firehouse Winery?  I would love to hear about your fun experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Old Firehouse Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Firehouse Winery
9425, 5499 Lake Road East
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 9300

Open seven days a week year around, the winery and restaurant provides daily entertainment during the summer months with extended hours over the weekend.  For more information about the winery and their themed weekends which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH   44010
Telephone:  440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

Naughty Wines at Knotty Vines Winery

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Several groups of ladies sat around a table enjoying a few bottles of wine as I entered the Knotty Vines Winery in Wauseon, Ohio.  Clearly, “The best wines are the ones we drink with friends.”

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It was my first visit to Knotty Vines and I was pleasantly greeted by Layla, who patiently waited for me to place my order.  I enjoyed reading the menu with its detailed stats on each of their wines from the price per wine and residual sugar (RS) levels.  Knotty Vines offers the opportunity to sample five wines for the cost of three dollars and I could not wait to get started.

My first selection was the Knotty White which is a sweet and fruity  white wine made from their “signature sweet Cayuga grapes.”

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My next wine selection just happened to be the winery’s best seller, the Knaughty Blush.  I enjoyed the “signature sweet pink Catawba, sweet yet delicate, Ohio’s Lake Erie Claim to Fame variety!”  I understood why this was a winery favorite with its sugary sass and intoxicating watermelon color…not to mention the label is too darn cute.

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Knotty Red is another irresistible blend produced by the winery.  Listed as one of its newest wines, this grape jelly flavored sweet wine is their “signature sweet concord & deChaunac blend, with a distinct aroma of Grandma’s jelly”.

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As Layla poured the Knotty Blue wine, I noticed the blue hue and distinct aroma of blueberries.  While this is a grape and blueberry blend, there is no doubt that I could taste the tartness of the berry on the finish. This is also a New Release from Knotty Vines Winery and I thoroughly enjoyed the perfect balance of the blend.  The winery describes it as “signature sweet blueberry with a kick of tart”.

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The Peachy Keen, which is a peach dessert wine, is my final sample. It has a golden hue that sparkles like a million dollars.  Layla mentions that some claim to taste cinnamon, but for some reason, all I was picking up was peach. It is described as a “peach dessert wine that finishes with apricot undertones, perfect to sip and savor”.

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During my tasting I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Julie Nofziger, who owns the winery with her husband, Steve.   She is extremely kind and with a modest pride, told me about the success of their winery.  “This is our second career”, she stated, “prior to opening the winery, I was a teacher.” Knotty Vines Winery is in its fourth year and has grown exponentially since opening.  They have already accomplished their five year goals in two and a half years and will continue with their expansion to include additional fruit wines in the near future.

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The grapes that are harvested to create the wines for the winery were planted in 2008.  The winery sits in the heart of the crop, surrounded by endless vines, providing a scenic view.  It will be exciting to see the beauty of the vineyards at the height of their harvest, which takes place in late August and early September.  Future plans to plant a few hundred additional vines will bring the winery up to capacity, which means more delicious wines.

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By 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Knotty Vines Winery was a busy place.  I love that there are so many regulars who make this their afternoon stop after a long day of work.   I learned that the wine slushes, a fruit flavored mix which can be added to wine and frozen, are a great hit.  In addition to selling their wines, the winery also serves a variety of snack plates and a wonderful selection of wine-related merchandise.

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Knotty Vines Winery hosts a number of events and weekend nights of entertainment.  This year, they participated in the Defiance Home Show where they took place in a “tasting garden”, providing attendees an opportunity to sample their delicious wines.  In June, they bring in food trucks as a way of showing their customer appreciation and also host their “.5k wine crawl” where patrons are awarded with wine and food pairing stations strategically placed to complete half of a 5k distance.   This year, the event takes place on June 11th for a cost of $45 per person.
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I completed my wine tasting and decided to enjoy the ambiance of the winery with one more glass before heading home.  I had a difficult time making my decision among the 12 wines on the menu, but I decided that I would order the Naughty Blush and took a table in the newly expanded seating area at the winery.  I had a beautiful view of the vineyards from the window and mapped out the route I would be taking towards my way back home.  It was such a relaxing end to a wonderfully busy day and I see why it draws its happy hour crowd.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Knotty Vines Winery?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Knotty Vines Winery
2920 CR 19
Wauseon, OH  43567
Telephone:  419 446 WINE (9463)

The winery is open all year around with changing hours to accommodate the winter and summer seasons.  For more information about the winery, the wines and to confirm the hours of operation, visit their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
8135 OH-108
Wauseon, OH  43567
Telephone:  419 335 1177

Where to Eat:

Sullivan’s Restaurant
141 North Fulton Street
Wauseon, OH 43567
Telephone;  419 335 0790

I was looking for a nice cold beer and a simple dinner when I found Sullivan’s Restaurant in Wauseon, OH.  To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu selections.  I decided on the Kettle Chip Crusted Walleye, since this is a popular fish found near Lake Erie.  The portion sizes are enough for at least two meals and the service was spectacular.

What to Read:

  • The Great Black Swamp:  Historical Tales of 19th Century Northwest Ohio, by Jim Mollenkopf
  • The Great Black Swamp III, by Jim Mollenkopf
  • The Firebugs of Northwest Ohio, by M. A. Mimi Malcolm
  • Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio
  • Glass in Northwest Ohio, by Quentin R. Skrabac

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, Conneaut, Ohio

It was harvest time for grapes in Ohio, and with so many vineyards, I planned to spend a weekend exploring some of the more established wineries around Ashtabula County.  Traveling as far northeast as possible, I found the little town of Conneaut, the home to Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast, a vineyard with a charming bed and breakfast.

Joanna and Fred Buccia have been tending to their vineyard since the 1970s and I looked forward to sampling a broad representation of this region’s wines.  Resting under an arbor of grapes above me, Joanna picked a few grapes for me as she sat down at the picnic table eager to tell me more about the history of grape growing around this area.  She reminded me that the weather in May was cold and while July and August were unusually hot, the harvesting of grapes would come early this year.

From dry and full bodied Cabernet Francs to the semi dry Lake Erie blend of Reflections, there seemed to be an endless selection of premium wines and new grapes of which I had never heard.  For example, the Baco grape produces a wonderful red wine that was dry, smooth, with a minimum acidity while the Chambourcin, a French-American hybrid that thrives in the cold temperatures, producing a red wine with a higher acidity and low tannins.

Many of the wines at Buccia Vineyard are made from the grapes that they grow on the property, called estate wines, while the remaining grapes and juice come from Chile, Argentina and California.  My next sample was the Seyval, another French hybrid that is grown mainly to produce white dry wines.

A small group of four unloaded out of an early model station wagon.  Inquiring if they could try a few of the wines, they also asked if they could stay the night at the bed and breakfast.  Joanna excused herself from our conversation and tended to the visitors as I overheard Fred tell them that the winery was for sale.

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by vines full of grapes, I continue sampling the Vignoles and another new wine for me, the Agawan that has  “fruity start with an herbal finish”.  Rounding out my wine tasting, I poured a small taste of Reflections, a red blend made from the “best of Lake Erie grapes”, then took my last sip of Maiden’s blush, a sweet wine combined with the juices of local blueberries.

Joanna returned after setting up her new guests in one of the four rooms at the bed and breakfast.  She gave me a quick tour of the property and showed me the available rooms with quiet decks, hot tubs and fireplaces.   I listened to the faint sounds of Jimmy Buffett coming over the radio as I gave Joanna my list of remaining sites I planned to visit in Conneaut.  It was a lovely summer day and I had the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to explore.

Have you visited Buccia Vineyard?  Did you have a favorite wine?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Buccia Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast
518 Gore Road
Conneaut, Ohio   44030
Telephone:  440 593 5976

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Buccia Vineyard Winery Bed and Breakfast or there are several options along the Lake Erie seashore.

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

Exploring Geneva-On-the-Lake

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:

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!

Featured Ohio Winery: Mon Ami Winery, now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Update:  Mon Ami Winery is now Gideon Owen Wine Company

Sumptuous smells of garlic and cheese reached the table within seconds before my pizza arrived.  I ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of Concord and the menu’s recommended wine pairing, Pinot Noir. I had just spent the Labor Day weekend exploring nearby Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and planned to stop for lunch at one of Ohio’s oldest and largest wineries, Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery.

I arrived early passing through the Mon Ami arch to avoid the Saturday night crowd. Mon Ami’s weekend entertainment and decadent seafood buffet can leave visitors waiting hours for a table.

The dramatic façade of the winery, constructed of limestone and sand, was designed and built by George Loeb.  Construction of the initial structure began in the 1850s, but was halted during the Civil War, becoming a temporary, make-shift prison for the Confederates.  The building was finally completed in 1872.

The history of Mon Ami began in 1873 when a cooperation of grape growers and vintners established Catawba Island Wine Company.  While Prohibition saw the closing of many Ohio wineries, Mon Ami survived by producing and selling altar wine.  Generating 130,000 gallons of wine, the estate was purchased by Mon Ami Champagne Company in 1937, one of the few American wineries producing the finest champagne.

The fire of 1945 destroyed much of the upper rooms of the original winery and it was at this time, Mon Ami decided to open its restaurant, collaborating with the local Zapone family.  Mon Ami continues its tradition of offering up-scale cuisine in its Main Dining room with a selection to include Alaskan crab, Prime Rib and Executive Chef specials.  Sommology recommendations are listed on Mon Ami’s menu, making it easy to decide which wine to pair with one’s food order.

The Chalet offers a more casual seating environment with live Jazz on Sundays and additional entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

I passed on dessert so that I could sample some of Mon Ami’s wine in the wine tasting room.  Tasting Flights range from $5 – $7 or $1 per wine and an additional charge for dessert wines, liquors and champagne.  I was so excited to sample the limoncello in additional to some of my favorite wine varietals.

Mon Ami’s spectacular collection of wines include California premium wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Zinfandel in addition to their Ohio line of estate wines such as Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay and Cabernet, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Noir.

Mon Ami Winery hosts, on average, seven weddings over a weekend not to mention additional banquets and special celebrations throughout the year.  From photographs in the arbor and rose garden or weddings in the wine cellar, the winery offers a wide range of on-site venues to celebrate that perfect occasion.

I inquired about the Loretta Pagnini Cooking School which features demonstrations and classes taught by Pagnini, a teaching chef who offers cooking tips, teaches a wide range of kitchen techniques.   I knew that this would be a wonderful experience for a weekend with the girls.

Have you visited Mon Ami Winery?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  Dinner?  Wine Tasting?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fun afternoon at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historical Winery and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

The winery is open seven days a week, but the hours differ from the Winter to the Summer season, so check their website for hours of operation.  Reservations are only taken on select holidays (Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve), so it is first-come, first-served.   For Holiday Reservations call 419 797 4445.

Many stores throughout Ohio carry the popular Mon Ami wines, but purchases can also be made through Mon Ami’s online store.

Where to Stay:

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Hotel Reservations;  419 798 4900
Cottage Reservations:      419 798 5503

Where to Eat:

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
9845 East Wine Cellar Road
Port Clinton, OH  43452
Telephone:  419 797 4445

During the weekends, Mon Ami hosts a seafood buffet on Saturday and Sunday brunch which are both very popular. Arrive early!

What to Eat:

  • Assiette de Fromage (Cheese Plate) from L’Albratos for a wide ranges of cheese
  • Barberton-style Fried Chicken, made from a Serbian recipe is an amazing dish from White House Chicken in nearby Barberton, Ohio
  • Beef Cheek Pierogie’s from Michael Symon’s Lola
  • Corned Beef Sandwiches from Slyman’s
  • Polish Boy at Seti’s is a kielbasa topped with meat, coleslaw and ketchup.
  • Pierogie’s from Sokolowski’s University Inn
  • Veal Parmesan at Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood