What to do
Bridges driving tour This popular self-directed tour features 19 historical covered bridges, including the 613-foot-long Smolen-Gulf Bridge. visitashtabulacounty.com. During the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival in October, visitors tour the bridges and enjoy music and activities. coveredbridgefestival.org
Shopping in Ashtabula You’ll have time to shop for fudge, works by Ohio artists, delicate locally made jewelry and more on the three-block stretch of downtown when the drawbridge lifts to let boats pass. visitashtabulacounty.com/shop
Wineries and Vineyards Our favorites include: Debonné Vineyards in Madison, with a cool lineup of special events; Harpersfield Winery in Geneva; St. Joseph Vineyards in Thompson; scenic South River Vineyard in Geneva; and the Winery at Spring Hill near Geneva. Learn more at visitashtabulacounty.com/explore-play/wineries
Where to eat
Briquettes Smokehouse Diners rave about the barbeque, cornbread, hearty sandwiches and craft beer. briquettessmokehouse.com
Ferrante Winery and Ristorante Just south of Geneva, patrons sample hearty Italian dishes and wonderful wines made on-site, including the award-winning Pinot Grigio. ferrantewinery.com
Harbor Perk An Ashtabula coffeehouse goes hip with potted plants, tin ceilings, comfy leather furniture and aromatic beans fresh from a classic red roaster. harborperk.com
Rees’ Corner Drink a malt at this old-fashioned soda fountain in Geneva, then check out the gift shop. reescorner.com
Rennick Meat Market Butcher-inspired American food includes juicy steaks and burgers, with sides such as sweet potato fries, glazed carrots and roasted broccoli. rennickmeatmarket.com
Where to stay
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake The resort near Geneva State Park has contemporary country-inn appeal, with a four-story fireplace, on-site restaurants and live music. A delightful 2-mile paved path links the lodge to the state park beach, and bike rentals are available. thelodgeatgeneva.com
Louis Penfield House Thirty miles southwest of Geneva in Willoughby Hills, a three-bedroom Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home sits on 30 wooded acres. penfieldhouse.com
Michael Cahill Bed and Breakfast Perched on the hill above Ashtabula Harbor, a nicely landscaped spot welcomes travelers to an inn with a wraparound porch and antique furnishings. Rooms are small but comfortable. cahillbb.com
For information: visitashtabulacounty.com