Let’s Take a Road Trip to Ashtabula County!
(Ashtabula County, Ohio)
Feel the need to get out of the house and take a road trip? This one-day road trip through Ashtabula County will get you up close and personal to five historic covered bridges; enjoying a cold root beer and “turkey sandwich” from a famous summertime drive-in; rejoicing in a “heavenly sundae”; taking in Lake Erie views and sampling wines from the region. Plus we added a few additional stops along the way.
The road trip commences at I-90 and OH-307 in Geneva. We suggest you arrive around 9am to allow time to visit all the stops.
STOP #1
Every road trip needs a starting point. So why not make it about food?
Time to fill your road trip picnic basket with a few traveling necessities. Robinson’s is a great place to pick-up apples, seasonal fruit and veggies, area honey, jams and jellies, and their famous pies. During grape harvest season they even sell a real grape pie.
Robinson’s Apple Barn
5202 OH-307, Geneva, Ohio 44041
440.466.6780 | Facebook page
Next stop approx. 12 miles
STOP #2
The Netcher Bridge
Truss pattern: Inverted Haupt
Address: 1544 Netcher Rd., Jefferson
For many who take the trail, the Netcher Bridge with its “Neo Victorian” design will find its way to the top of their favorite bridges. Opened to traffic in 1999, its charming red color and intricate arches and trusses, create a perfect spot to get out and take photos. It was such a sunny and peaceful day when I visited, I found myself spending quite a bit of time walking the bridge and taking an abundance of photos.
Next stop approximate 12 miles.
STOP #3
The Root Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice
Address: 4680 Root Rd., Conneaut
Built in 1868, this bridge had to be raised 18 feet during its rehabilitation. Just like the Caine Bridge, depending on the time of day of your visit and the brightness of the sun. the light that beams through the town lattice truss pattern is beautiful. The weathered wood just adds to the bridges charm.
Next stop approximate 8.5 miles .
STOP #4
The State Road Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice
Address: 5899 State Rd., Conneaut
You will find both pine and oak in the construction of the State Road Bridge. Erected in 1983, the design of the bridge allows for optimal light, allowing visitors the opportunity to really see the bridges beautiful truss pattern. The dark stain of the bridge stands out during any season. For that reason, the State Bridge makes my top three Ashtabula County bridge list.
Next stop approximate 2.5 miles.
STOP #5
The Middle Bridge.
Truss pattern: Howe
Address: 910 Middle Rd., Conneaut
This beautiful old bridge was originally built in 1868. Later on, it was rehabilitated by a group of volunteers. The Middle Bridge offers the visitor a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of the bridge as it sits quietly amongst its surroundings. The day I visited you could hear the birds chirping everywhere. This bridge blends so well into its surroundings. Of all the bridges, the Middle Bridge seemed to have more of that old, weathered smell, just adding to its charm.
Next stop approximate 3 miles.
STOP #6 – Time for lunch!
Which means we are heading to Conneaut. Did you know that Conneaut was the birthplace of Northeast Ohio’s Viticulture Industry? It is also home to four of the nineteen historic covered bridges in Ashtabula County. It is also home to a special drive-in, an ice cream parlor that is just “heavenly”, and a restaurant that adds fries to their salads and serves up other favorite American dishes.
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
“We are still cash only.”
OR…..
Sparky’s Place
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.
1001 Broad St., Conneaut, OH 44030
440-265-6061 | facebook.com/sparkysconneaut
STOP #7
Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse
Take Broad Street to the end. You can view the lighthouse from shore at the harbor. You can also park and enjoy the Lake Erie views.
Conneaut, Ohio 44030
visitconneautohio.com
Next stop approximate 2 miles .
STOP #8
We think everyone could use something a little “Heavenly”. And this is one “church” that everyone likes to flock to for their homemade ice cream, sorbets, and custard. The hardest part is going to be which flavor to enjoy.
Heavenly Creamery
264 Sandusky St., Conneaut, OH
440-593-6080 | heavenlycreamery.com
(Seasonal) Check their website before heading out to confirm times.
Next stop approximate 4 miles .
STOP #9
The Creek Bridge.
Truss pattern: Town Lattice
Address: 371 Creek Rd., Conneaut
Peaceful surroundings and benches. The perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing moment before heading off to your next bridge. Parking is available. Watch out for cars coming through the bridge from above. In fact a polite beep is always welcome when approaching this bridge.
STOP #10 – Time to round third and get ready to head home. But before you do, why not stop at one of the area’s wineries for a taste of Ohio Wine?
Here are a few winery location suggestions:
If you want to stay near Conneaut we suggest:
BUCCIA VINEYARD WINERY – Estate grown, cool climate wines.
518 Gore Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030
440.593.5976 | bucciavineyards.com
If you want to land more where you started your day’s exploration, we suggest these wineries:
FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE – Estate winery and restaurant.
5585 Route 307, Geneva, OH 44041
440.466.8466 | ferrantewinery.com
LAURELLO VINEYARDS
4573 State Route 307, Geneva, OH 44041
laurellovineyards.com
ROSABELLA WINERY
3951 State Route 307, Austinburg, OH 44010
440.275.5218 | rosabellawinery.com
MY OHIO FUN ROAD TRIP NOTES:
- Before you go make sure you have a cooler. Your going to need a place to stash your goodies.
- Before heading out, order or download your FREE Ashtabula County Visitor Guide. The tourism office can also assist with any overnight accommodations you may want.
Want to learn more about the other covered bridges ? Click here.
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***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
