Are you considering Geneva-on-the-Lake for your bachelorette party or girls getaway? With access to Lake Erie, 20+ wineries, and many options for dining, bar hopping, and other fun activities, we've got you covered and will help you plan the perfect trip.
Best Time To Visit
If you plan to visit in the summer, some tips for a successful trip include booking at least 3-6 months in advance. Geneva-on-the-Lake is only open from Mother’s Day through Labor Day, so this is considered the high season. If you visit in the off-season, lodging will generally be cheaper and you won't need to book as far in advance. The good news is the wineries and the Geneva Lodge are open all year round. P.S. we host our annual Galentine's Day getaway in Geneva every February and you are invited! RSVP for the 6th Annual Galentine's Day Here.
Geneva-on-the-Lake vs Geneva
The locals refer to it as "the strip," but Geneva-on-the-Lake is just under two miles of shops, restaurants, and bars. Geneva-on-the-Lake is great for a bachelorette party because the strip offers lots of bars that are ideal for a bar crawl. Staying on or near the strip allows for walking to the bars. It is important to remember the strip is located nine miles north of the wineries, so we recommend planning a winery day separate from a night out on the strip.
Wineries
With over 300 wineries in Ohio, the Grand River Valley region is a growing region of over twenty wineries. The wineries are conveniently located along an eight-mile corridor and grows a variety of award-winning sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry, and dry wines. We believe there is something for everyone!
Each winery offers its own unique experience which is why it is worth it to visit them all. The food offerings are different at every winery and range from cheese trays, pizzas, and appetizers to steak dinners. The Ohio Wine Producers Association also plans several events throughout the year so it is worth it to see if the wineries are hosting a wine tasting or event the weekend you are visiting. Popular events include the Ice Wine Festival, the Wine N Bloom Wine Trail, and the Tannenbaum Trail.
To make the most of your trip, we recommend making reservations for large groups and reservations for dinner. Most wineries offer live entertainment so you may also consider checking out their entertainment schedule before visiting. To get started with planning your winery visits you will need a copy of the Grand River Valley Winery Guide.
Breweries and Distilleries
For anyone who prefers beer or cocktails, there are plenty of options for both. Brewing options include Black Angus Brewery located at Virant Family Winery, Double Wing Brewing Company located at Debonne Winery, Geneva-on-the-Lake Brewing company located at the east end of the strip, Cloven Hoof Brewery located on Bridge Street in Ashtabula, and Cornerstone Brewing in Madison, Ohio. Other places that offer beer on tap include Red Eagle Distillery and Grand River Cellars. Looking for a craft cocktail? We recommend Red Eagle Distillery, Black Door Tavern, and Seven Brothers Distilling.
Dining
The restaurants we recommend dining at for dinner include Grand River Cellars, Black Door Tavern, Ferrante, and Laurentia. Our favorite wineries for heavy snacks, pizzas, and appetizers include Hundley, Stonegait, Spring Hill, M Cellars, and Debonne, Old Mill Winery, and Firehouse Winery.
Places to Stay
The number one lodging option is the Geneva Lodge and Conference Center. The Lodge has an indoor pool and hot tub, and is located on Lake Erie and the west end of Geneva-on-the-Lake. There are also several Airbnb's and upscale lodging options such as the Lakehouse Inn and Spa and Vineyard Woods.
Transportation
If you stay at the Geneva Lodge, you can book their wine shuttle. The shuttle only visits certain wineries but you will visit up to four wineries for an hour each. Uber is not readily available in the area, so you will have to arrange for a taxi or a local transportation provider.
Other Activities
Other activity options to consider during your visit are a beach day, kayaking, canoeing, boating, the spa, live music, and more. Geneva is also located twenty minutes west of Bridge Street. We recommend a day or evening trip if you are in the area. Geneva is also located 45 minutes east of Cleveland depending on whether or not you want to visit the city during your stay.
If you have never been to the area, we highly recommend the visit. We can also help with all your planning needs. Contact us today to start planning your trip!