News - 2009
PROGRESS: Variety of summer destinations in Geauga, Lake
March 8, 2009
By Jacob Lammers
With summer creeping ever closer, it's almost time to plan for vacations.
Whether it's kayaking through the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve or golfing at Punderson State Park, Lake and Geauga counties offer a variety of activities for all walks of life.
Mentor Lagoons features a natural beach and more than 4 miles of nature trails, Recreation Superintendent Paul Hegreness said. With multiple channels running through the park from nearby Lake Erie, it creates a great atmosphere for kayaking and boating.
The park attracts a diverse crowd including birders and naturalists, who can gaze upon six endangered species of plants, Hegreness said.
"It's just different. It's a different feel," Hegreness said. "You get down the trail 100 yards, and you don't feel like you're in the city anymore."
Hegreness said summer is one of the best times to see a number of animals including deer, fox, turkey, ducks and geese.
Punderson State Park is just off state Route 87 in Newbury Township and usually entertains more than 20,000 overnight visitors during the summer, said Mia Bell, general manager of the park's resort.
The 1,000-acre park includes an 18-hole golf course, and Bell anticipates a 9-hole disc golf course will be opening in late spring or summer.
"I think it's a real treat to find that it is in your neighborhood. They know the park is here. They just never ventured a mile down the road," said Bell, regarding nearby residents.
"They're just stunned at what is here. It's a beautiful, secluded little area," she added.
What draws many people to Northeast Ohio is Lake Erie, said Robert T. Ulas, executive director of Lake County Visitors Bureau.
"The lake is a major selling point," Ulas said. "People want to be by the water. It's a form of relaxation."
Lake County boasts two beaches at Fairport Harbor and Mentor Headlands, the largest in the state.
Along with nature preserves and beaches, the area is a premier location for a growing number of wineries.
Throughout Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, there are 21 wineries, said Donnie Winchell, director of Ohio Wines.
"It's a wonderful destination," Winchell said. "People that come to wine country — they tend to create an excursion."
On Aug. 7 and 8, wine lovers flock to Kirtland for the annual Vintage Ohio, a weekend event that gives visitors a chance to sample local wines.
Area resorts often take advantage of the extra foot traffic.
The Quail Hollow Resort in Concord Township creates special packages to give guests a chance to visit the wineries.
About 50 percent of the resort's business comes from local residents in Mentor, Willoughby and Cleveland, General Manager Mukib Rahman said.
Despite a struggling economy, Rahman said there has been a steady number of summer reservations.
Tourists were "traveling to other states. This time they're staying here because we have everything they need, everything they want," Rahman said.
In Geauga, the area features the fourth largest Amish population in the world and a booming maple syrup production.
"Geauga County's a great destination for, not only people coming from a distance, but people literally in our back yard," said Lynda Nemeth, director of the Geauga County Tourism Council.
"It's a great weekend getaway. It's a world away," she added.
Another source of entertainment for families is the Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park. The Montville Township water park is one of two in the Geauga County and operates from June 13 until the end of August.
"I think with the way our economy is at this point — to stay closer to home is becoming a more viable option," Nemeth said.
"They still want to make sure they're getting away from it all, but don't want to spend that much money."
