maples – the suite life of travel

Conneaut is about as far northeast as one could possibly drive in the state of Ohio. It is also home to one of the oldest wineries, so I set out to spend a weekend in Ashtabula and Lake County to visit as many wineries as possible.

As I approached Markko Vineyard, and after driving around in circles for a half an hour, I finally called for directions. I began to see acres of vineyards surrounding me and felt comfortable that I would arrive at any moment. As I drove up the gravel driveway, I felt as though I was entering a secret society, tucked away in the Sherwood Forest, hidden by tall oaks and maples, welcomed by stone pillars.

I began my tasting with the 2013 Reserve Chardonnay. Described as “typical Linda elegance, fruit finesse”, a bottle sells for $36 per bottle. I noted that this wine was a little acidic, but smooth. The 2012 Reserve Chardonnay was a bit smoother and I preferred it over the 2013.

My final tastings included the Pinot Noir 2012 Reserve which is “fruity with a hint of currant with a crisp, nice finish.” I enjoyed the body of this wine as it did not feel weighty but light. I continued with the Pinot Noir wines, a 2013 Reserve, “light red, fruity, medium body balanced”. I enjoyed the earthy, fruity finish of this wine which sells for $30 a bottle.

There were several wines available to include Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, a Johannisburg Riesling, non-vintage wines and a dry Champagne.

Excelsior is a 1993 Champagne Brut made from “Riesling sekt for majestic celebrations in both red and white.”

The 1999 Late Harvest Select Reserve Chardonnay sounded lovely, “rich floral honey, unctuous “like Ice Wine”, selling for $75 per bottle.

More recent vintages of Markko’s Chardonnay begin in 2009 described as having a refreshing finish, smoky pears, while the 2010 provided spice, citrus and a bright finish. They were selling their 2012 Select Reserve Chardonnay for $36 a bottle described as “pear, melon, light opulence, complex finish that will grow with age.

Markko Vineyard also produced several Cabernet Sauvignon selections starting with its 2012 Reserve with cherry berries and restrained long elegance and their 2012 Select Reserve with dark fruits and a delicate complexity. These wines are priced at $33, $36 and $39 per bottle respectively. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon reserve was described as “dark berries, garden glory lingers”.

The 2009 Johannesburg Riesling was described as light fruit, dry, hint of pine, selling for $27 per bottle.

In addition to the two Pinot Noirs I had sampled, the vineyard also sold a 2009 Majestic Reserve for $27 per bottle with “currant flavors, spices, sandlewood and almond, finesse suspended.”

Producing a line of non-vintage wine under the name “Covered Bridge”, the estate provides an $18 Riesling, a Chardonnay for $21, the Picnic White for $18 and a $12 wine named Picnic Red.

Arnie Esterer planted his vineyard in 1968 making Markko one of the oldest wineries in the state of Ohio. The wines on this estate are some of the best I have ever sampled. Arnie takes pride in the science of making wine and works each year in perfecting his craft.

To compliment your wine tasting or to order with a bottle to enjoy on their patio, Markko Vineyard also provides cheeses from Mayfield Road Creamery and their own Gouda and Camembert.

Directions:

Off of Interstate 90, take exit 235 (route 193) north ½ mile to the first stop light, Main Street. Turn right (east) on Main Street for approximately 3 miles; You will be close when the road turns to gravel. Take first driveway on left (north side) back into the woods.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Markko Vineyard? 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 wonderful experience at Markko Vineyard and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Markko Vineyard
4500 S Ridge Road W
Conneaut, OH 44030
Telephone: 440 593 3197

Because the winery hours of operation are seasonal, please reference the winery’s website prior to visiting the winery.

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.

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

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat: