If you’re looking for things to do in Ashtabula, you’ve come to the right place. From Lake Erie to Brant’s Apple Orchard to the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge, Ashtabula has it all. Read on to find out more.
Lake Erie
Ashtabula is a city located in Ashtabula County, Ohio. It is the center of the Ashtabula Micropolitan Statistical Area, and is situated at the mouth of the Ashtabula River on Lake Erie. The city is 53 miles northeast of Cleveland.
Ashtabula has 26 miles of shoreline on Lake Erie. The lake is the shallowest of the five great lakes, but it is one of the most biologically productive. It is also home to the world’s best walleye fishery. The lake’s outlet is the Niagara River, and it feeds the water that powers the famous Niagara Falls. The lake is responsible for Ashtabula County’s abundant outdoor recreation, long growing season, and lake effect snow.
Known as the Walleye Capital of the World, the Lake Erie fishery supports over 10,000 jobs every year. As the largest lake in Ohio, Lake Erie is the epitome of the lakefront lifestyle. It offers residents every luxury one could want. Whether you enjoy the beautiful views of the lake or simply fishing on its shore, this city has everything to offer.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help clean up Ashtabula’s waters. In 1988, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated the lower two miles of Ashtabula River and the outer harbor as Areas of Concern. In the past, unregulated discharges of hazardous chemicals migrated into the Ashtabula River, affecting both the Ashtabula River and Ashtabula Harbor.
Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge
The Smolen-Gulf Coveres Bridge in Ashtabula, Ohio, carries a State Road over the Ashtabula River. It is the longest covered bridge in the United States and ranks fourth in the world. It was designed by John Smolen, a former Ashtabula County Engineer. The first structure was made of wood, but was later replaced by a steel version.
The Smolen-Gulf Coveress Bridge is the 17th covered bridge in Ashtabula County. It is 152 feet long, and rests on three concrete piers. The bridge carries two lanes of legal-weight traffic. Construction was completed in 2016, and it is open to the public. There is a walking trail along the riverfront, and the park is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
You can visit the Smolen-Gulf Coveres Bridge on State Road South, which is located in Ashtabula. The bridge is named after John Smolen, a former Ashtabula County Engineer. It is the longest covered bridge in the United States and is home to two waterfalls. Another covered bridge in Ashtabula County is the Olin Covered Bridge, which was constructed in 1873. It was recently renovated, and is the only covered bridge in Ashtabula County named after a local family.
Located on the edge of a park, the Smolen-Gulf Coveread Bridge is the focal point of a recreation area and a popular swimming hole. It is an ideal location for a covered bridge. In 1945, the bridge was reinforced with a midpoint support, which bought a few years of service for the old timbers. However, in 1948, it was scheduled for replacement. The new bridge was constructed adjacent to the covered bridge, modifying the blind spot and eliminating a sharp curve in the west abutment.
Brant’s Apple Orchard
Brant’s Apple Orchard is a family-run business located in the northern part of Ashtabula County. Since opening in the early 1980s, Brant’s has grown from a simple apple orchard into a full-featured attraction. The Brants added a farm market and bakery in addition to expanding the orchard’s offerings.
The Brant’s Apple Orchard offers a pick-your-own apple program. There are 23 varieties of apples and table grapes to choose from. The orchard also offers homemade caramel apples and chocolate apples. Visiting Brant’s is a great way to spend time with family. The orchard is open from early August through Thanksgiving. During this time, you can also enjoy a hay ride or visit the covered bridge playground. Whether you want to pick your own apples, enjoy a tour of the apple trees, or watch the cider making process, the orchard has something for everyone.
For families in Ashtabula, Ohio, Brant’s Apple Orchard is an ideal novelty activity. New owners are working hard to make Brant an even more inviting fall destination by expanding their kitchens to sell cider and baked apple treats. They also have a variety of country-style kitchen items. The apple trees at Brant’s Orchard are plentiful and offer a wide variety of varieties.
The fall season at Brant’s Apple Orchard is one of the most popular times to visit the apple orchard. The farm’s scenic 80 acres have wooden trails, a playground, and a fishing pond. There’s a large bakery on the property where you can get apple pie and specialty donuts. You can also purchase a hayride to enjoy the scenery.
Lake Shore Park
If you’re looking for a fun place to go on a hot summer day, Lake Shore Park in Ashtabula is a great choice. This 54-acre park is located just east of downtown Ashtabula, and has plenty to offer visitors. Visitors can enjoy the lakefront setting, which includes a beach, playground, and picnic shelters.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the number of species of birds they can spot in the area. The lake shore provides an excellent location for observing migratory and breeding birds, including many species that breed in the tundra. This habitat is also ideal for viewing rare species of birds.
Art in Ashtabula County
Located in Ashtabula County, Ohio, the Ashtabula Arts Center combines the fine arts with cultural education to create a welcoming and culturally rich environment. The center presents dance, music, and visual art events throughout the year. The center also offers free monthly art exhibits. In addition to the arts center’s programming, the community also features a variety of musical events, such as the annual May festival and Nutcracker in December.
Wineries in Ashtabula County
If you’re looking for a fun and unique day trip, consider visiting one of the many Wineries in Ashtabula County. Many of these wineries are family owned and operated, and you’ll often meet the owners and their families during your visit. Many of the wineries also offer events and a calendar of activities that guests can participate in throughout the year. In fact, two families from the Grand River Valley started the winery industry in Ashtabula County in the 1970s and set a high standard for quality wines. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or just a fan of good wine, there’s something for everyone at these unique and family-friendly establishments.
Ashtabula County is also home to 19 covered bridges and a covered bridge festival every October. This is a great place to learn more about the history of covered bridges, as 17 of the bridges are open to vehicles. If you want to learn more about the history of covered bridge construction, you can visit Olin’s Museum of Covered Bridges.
The oldest winery in Ashtabula County is also home to the Haunted Winery and Corn Maze. This unique haunted attraction is set in an actual abandoned winery from the 70’s, complete with a Vortex tunnel, a “Tent of Deception” and a corn maze. The Haunted Winery is recommended for people aged thirteen and older.
