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Welcome to
Ohio's Lake
Erie Circle Tour
- a
scenic driving tour along Ohio's north coast/Lake Erie
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Ashtabula
County |
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Nestled along 27 miles of Lake Erie
shoreline, Ashtabula County, Ohio is a haven for travelers looking for
affordable family vacation sites.
Ashtabula
County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio, the Wine Capital of
Ohio, and it leads the state in the number of campgrounds.
When you also consider the many family-oriented festivals, museums,
and communities located throughout the county, it is easy to
understand why more and more families are opting to spend their
leisure time in Ashtabula County.
Located in the extreme northeast corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County is
just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas,
including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Akron/Canton, and Erie,
Penn.
The county enjoys a long and varied history. The
Western Reserve influence is easily recognizable in the 15 covered
bridges that dot the county landscape. The bridges, most over 100
years old, have been well maintained and -- in some instances --
meticulously restored. Most of the bridges are still open to motor
traffic. In the instances where this is no longer possible, visitors
can enjoy the majesty of the structures by strolling through the
spans.
Ashtabula County's devotion to its
past is also evident by the variety of unique and interesting museums
located here. The Victorian Perambulator Museum in Jefferson is the
only such facility in the world. The privately owned museum has
received international attention. What is a perambulator, you may ask?
Perambulators are baby strollers or carriages.
In Hartsgrove you will find the only museum in the
United States dedicated to all the U.S. Presidents, including those
recognized under the first and second Constitutions.
The railroad was instrumental in the development of
the area. Although passenger trains no longer service the county, you
can relive these days by taking a hour-long ride on the AC&J High
Grade in Jefferson or by visiting the restored Jefferson and Conneaut
Railroad depots .
Other museums in the county provide
insight into the struggles and lifestyles of the brave pioneers who
opened the Western Reserve after Moses
Cleveland landed here in 1796.
Ashtabula County also produces over 65 percent of
Ohio's grapes and has developed a hard-earned reputation for
developing some outstanding domestic wines. Eight family-owned
wineries are located here. Each winery offers a unique atmosphere and varieties.
Our wines are routinely recognized in national competition.
County residents enjoy having fun and love to
celebrate. you can join in the festivities by attending any of many
celebrations held throughout the year. The Great Lakes Medieval Faire
is held weekends from late June through early August. At the Faire,
you can visit a 13th century English Village, watch knights jousting
for the hand of a fair maiden, and enjoy many period arts, crafts, and
food.
The county also
celebrates the grape harvest annually with the Geneva Grape Jamboree.
This weekend-long event features parades, grape-stomping contests,
live entertainment, antique shows, and of course, plenty of grape
juice and wine.
Covered bridges take center-stage the
second weekend of every October during the Ashtabula County Covered
Bridge Festival. Headquartered at the county fairgrounds in Jefferson,
the weekend features an assortment of displays, live entertainment,
and special activities at each of the county's covered bridges.
The holiday season is celebrated in style the first
weekend of every December with an Ashtabula County Country Christmas.
Activities throughout the county are planned for that weekend to help
put everyone in the holiday spirit. Activities include special
shopping opportunities, open houses, horse drawn sleigh rides, live
entertainment, and a lighting contest.
Outdoorsmen love visiting Ashtabula County. In
addition to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie, 17,000-acre
Pymatuning Lake is also located here. Between the two lakes, fishermen
can try their luck searching for walleyes, steelhead trout, and an
assortment of pan fish.
The lakes also provide recreation for swimmers,
boaters, sailors, and those who simply enjoy a stroll along the beach.
Camping
is an activity many families enjoy in the county. With more campsites
than any other county in Ohio, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the
beauty of the area.
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