Get Out of the House Road Trip #3
(Ashtabula County, Ohio)
Let’s just call this the Ashtabula County food and wine trip, sprinkled with a little outdoor exploration. Not only will we be filling up your cooler throughout the day, we are going to be filling up your tummy as well, all while enjoying a drive around the county.
Please note that we have only included stops that are for food purchases and for exercise. Currently Ohio is under the stay-at-home order except for essentials like food and exercise. When shopping and enjoying a walk in a park, social distancing is advised. Please refer to Ohio’s COVID-19 website or call 1-833-4-ASH-ODH for current state updates and allowable travel.
STOP #1
An apple a day, supposedly keeps the doctor away, so our first stop on the Ashtabula Road Trip takes us to the apple barn. Here you can find a wonderful selection of apples and other treats, like area honey, jams and jellies, bakery and more.
COVID-19 – update: You can order ahead if you wish. Doors are open to shop, but they are limiting shoppers to 5 people at a time.
Robinson’s Apple Barn
5202 OH-307, Geneva, Ohio 44041
440.466.6780 | robinsonsapplebarn.com
Open 7 days a week
10am – 6pm Monday thru Saturday
10am – 5pm on Sunday
STOP #2
Not only is maple syrup great for breakfast, it’s also delicious in many recipes. The Bissell’s have been tapping maple trees and making their maple syrup since the late 1800’s. Don’t forget a bottle of their gourmet Bourban Barrel Aged Syrup.
COVID-19 – update: The store is currently open, however you will need to call ahead so a member of their team can have your selections ready.
Bissell Maple Farm
82 W Ashtabula St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047
440-563-3263 | bissellmaplefarm.com
STOP #3 – Time for lunch.
It would not be a road trip without a stop for lunch. Since we couldn’t decide which restaurant to send you to, we have decided to let you make your own choice.
Established in 1952, the White Turkey Drive-in offers a wonderful selection of drive-in foods, as well as their famous turkey sandwich. Make sure you order a glass of their signature Root Beer. Don’t fill up too much, we have dessert waiting for you at your next stop.
White Turkey Drive-in
388 E. Main Rd., Conneaut, Ohio
440-593-2209 | whiteturkey.com
Mother’s Day Weekend – Labor Day
Daily: 11am-10pm
COVID-19 update: ” Per White Turkey Drive-in: TAKE-OUT only, we recommend calling ahead to place your orders. We do have social distancing parameters set up should you need to wait in line when picking up/ordering from the counter. Our picnic area and counter seats are not available at this time. We are still cash only.”
OR…..
We are going to have to warn you about Sparky’s Place in Conneaut. The portions are not small. The loaded salad with french fries on top is really, really good. Also pictured above is one of their specialty flatbreads.
COVID-19 update: Call ahead to place your carry-out order. Starting May 15, 2020 their patio will be open for outside dining. Sparky’s suggest you check their Facebook page for any additional updates.
Sparky’s Place
1001 Broad St., Conneaut, OH 44030
440-265-6061 | facebook.com/sparkysconneaut
STOP #4
(Seasonal – Closed for 2020) During this outbreak, we think everyone could use something a little “Heavenly”. And this is one “church” that everyone likes to flock to for homemade ice cream, sorbets, and custard. The hardest part is going to be which flavor to enjoy.
COVID-19 update: Either come in or call ahead curbside pick-up.
Heavenly Creamery
264 Sandusky St., Conneaut, OH
440-593-6080 | heavenlycreamery.com
(Seasonal) Monday – Sunday
3:00pm – 9:00pm
STOP #5 – Who wants to cook the rest of the week? Order take-out to go.
Besides your cooler, you may want to make sure to pack napkins and facial wipes. Once you get a smell of the barbeque at Briquettes Smokehouse, you just may need to dive in and eat a few ribs in your car.
COVID-19 update: Please contact the restaurant ahead of time to place your order. Open W-Sun Noon – 8pm or until food runs out. The patio will be open (beginning May 16th) weather permitting. The patio and dining room will be open the following week.
Briquettes Smokehouse
405 Morton Drive, Ashtabula, OH 44004
440-964-2273 | briquettessmokehouse.com
The delicious Brussels Caesar Salad is just one of the dishes you can order at Halcyons. Their menu includes salads, soups, burgers, Paninis, various linguini dishes, homemade Mac and Cheese, and more. Supersized portions are available if you need to feed a crew.
COVID-19: Take-out available. Outdoor seating will be available May 15, 2020 and beginning May 21, 2020, indoor dining will be available.
Halcyon in the Harbor
1119 Bridge St, Ashtabula, OH, 44004
440-536-4291 | harborhalcyon.com/
Mon – Wed, 11:30 am – 9 pm
Thur, 11:30 am – 11 pm
Fri – Sat, 11:30 am – 1 am
Sun, 12 pm – 8 pm
STOP #6 – Time to replenish the chocolate stash.
While on Bridge Street visit to Marianne’s Chocolates is a must. Their chocolates are delicious, but it’s their fudge that your going to want to stop for. A pound just may not be enough when ordering.
COVID-19 update: Marianne’s is limiting the store to 10 shoppers at a time. They are accepting call ahead orders and are happy to bring your order out to your car if you prefer.
Marianne’s Chocolates
1038 Bridge St
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
440-964-0384 | marianneschocolates.com
Open limited days and hours (Friday/Saturday), Moores Heritage Market sells local farm products as well as a selection of the Moore’s Farm pasture raised meats. T
COVID-19 update: Curbside pick-up only. Please check website for additional updates.
Moores Heritage Market
1012 Bridge Street
440-536-5841 | mooresheritagefarm.com
Hours:
Friday 1pm-3pm | Saturday 9am-noon.
STOP #7 – Let’s stretch those legs.
Geneva State Park offers a sandy beach, marina, freshwater marshes, 2 creeks, and a paved hiking/biking trail located along the lake. Nothing like enjoying view of Lake Erie.
COVID-19 update: Please respect social distancing when enjoying the State Park.
Geneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-8400 | ohiodnr.gov
STOP #8 – Time to round third and get ready to head home. But before you do, make a stop for a few bottles of Ohio wine.
Are you ready for “Wine with DeWine”? Laurello Vineyards offer a nice assortment of their award-winning wines for carry-out.
COVID-19 update: The patio will be open May 20th. Curbside pick-up is available for their wines. Please check their website for updates and current hours of operation.
Laurello Vineyards
4573 OH-307, Geneva, Ohio 44041
440-415-0661 | laurellovineyards.com
You will also find a nice selection of wines at Harpersfield Vineyard. Don’t forget to pick-up a bottle of their Cabernet. In the Ashtabula County Visitor Guide you will find a recipe that uses their Cabernet to make Harpersfield Vineyard BBQ Sauce.
COVID-19 update: Call ahead to order your wine. The patio will be open May 15, 2020. There will be limited menu.
Harpersfield Vineyard
6387 OH-307, Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-4739 | harpersfield.com
Please check their website or Facebook page for updated hours and times.
For those who prefer spirits over wine, Red Eagle Distillery creates bourbons, ryes, vodkas, and brandy.
STOP #9 – Selfie time.
You really can not leave Ashtabula County without at least visiting one of the 19 covered bridges located in the county. The Harpersfield Covered Bridge is just minutes from the above wineries and it makes a great photo stop.
COVID 19 update: When visiting the bridge, please allow for social distancing.
Harpersfield Covered Bridge
1122 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041
ashtabulametroparks.com/harpersfield-covered-bridge/
Want to learn more about the other covered bridges ? Click here.
- Before you go make sure you have a cooler. Your going to need a place to stash your goodies.
- If you follow the route, your drive will take you through Geneva-on-the-Lake. While passing through you may want to stop at Madison Donuts.
- Follow Ohio’s COVID-19 precautions and bring along your mask and hand wipes.
- Call ahead to place orders and to make sure hours have not changed.
- Did you know many local accommodations are still open? Just in case you want to stay an extra day.
- Order your FREE Ashtabula County Visitor Guide.
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Article and photos, unless noted by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com, NorthernOhioTourism.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
