MEDDINING COUNTY

BY NICK DEKKER

It’s time to get MedDining in Medina County! We’re highlighting the great eateries spread across the county, from cozy taverns to welcoming cafés, market patios to sophisticated bistros. Learn more about the restaurants and the people behind them in our upcoming video series. Want to get started exploring the fabulous eats of Medina County now? Here are 10 great dining destinations to start!

Sérénité Restaurant brings to life classic French dining in the heart of Medina’s Historic District. You really can dine on escargot and frog legs there, as well as filet mignon and smoked salmon canapes. Sérénité is part of a culinary institute working with the Recovery Center of Medina County to provide training for people in the recovery community.

Twiisted Burgers & Sushi in Medina serves a creative mix of American classics and international favorites. You can try everything from giant burgers to wonton nachos, gyros to St. Louis-style ribs. And don’t miss their extensive sushi menu, with more than a dozen tantalizing rolls.

You’ll receive a warm welcome at the family-run Valley Café in Wadsworth. Pull up a seat at a white-andyellow checkered table or dine out on the patio when the weather is warm. You’ll find loads of comfort foods to enjoy on the menu. Try the Dan’s Barnyard: biscuits, home fries, sausage patties, eggs and homemade gravy sure to start your day off right.

It’s the best of every world at Sonnets in Wadsworth. It’s a coffee shop, whiskey bar and café offering food from Zydeco Bistro next door. Start your day with a cappuccino, taste po’ boys and jambalaya, and stick around for live music and a handsome whiskey lineup.

Geeked Out in Brunswick should be every pop culture nerd’s dream. Stop by for wings, burgers, wraps, plus creatively named drinks like Butterbeer or the Kylo Ren. Visit for awesome events built around themes from Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Game of Thrones and more!

While you’re in Brunswick, stop by Larb Thai Restaurant, offering authentic Thai dishes right in the heart of Ohio. Don’t miss their papaya salad, zesty green curry, pad Thai, krapow chicken or specials like pad woon sen stir-fried noodles.

Get the best views of Chippewa Lake at The Oaks Lakeside Restaurant. The gorgeous eatery makes its home on an 1800s estate, offering the finest in pastas, seafood, steaks and Sunday brunch enjoyed on the patio. As you can imagine, it’s the perfect wedding venue, too!

Pickle Mama’s Market & Eatery in Seville says they’re “putting the fun back into food!” Owners Johnny and Audrey Pollizi source as much as they can locally and sustainably to create a menu like shrimp and lobster bisque, basmati rice bowls, braised brisket — and yes, fried pickle chips.

The family-run Spencer Restaurant offers hearty, homestyle cooking in the heart of Amish country. You can visit for omelets or country fried steak early on, or burgers, patty melts, BLTs and reubens later in the day.

Moxies Grill is a neighborhood favorite in Lodi, the spot to gather with friends or family over drinks or a great meal. The family-owned spot has been at it for over a decade, and pleases guests with everything from burgers and pizzas to prime rib sandwiches and other bar bites.

Attractions

Alien Vacation Mini Golf in Freaky 3D

Ranked Ohio's No. 1 indoor, interactive black light 3D mini golf in 2018. Out-of-this-world birthday parties and fun for all ages! Located in the lower level of Castle Noel. 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256; 330-721-1224, avminigolf.com

Buckin' Ohio

Join us at the ranch! Pro bull riding, Western entertainment, family fun, food and group tours. Seasonal hours. 8154 Garman Rd., Burbank 44214; 330-623-7205, buckinohio.com

BKO Distillery

Check out what it takes to make Voudoux Vodka, taste it and pick up a bottle or two at BKO Distillery. 1486 Medina Rd. #215, Medina 44256; 330-451-6650, bkoinc.com

Buzzard Cove

36-hole miniature golf course, driving range, ice cream and food. Fun for everyone! 1053 Bellus Rd., Hinckley 44233; 330-278-2384, buzzardcove.com

Castle Noel — America's

Largest Indoor

Christmas Entertainment Attraction

See millions of dollars in NYC animated Christmas window displays, Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes, "I had that toy!" display and more. Go down the giant red slide just like Ralphie. Open weekends year-round. 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256; 330-721-6635, castlenoel.com

Engage Virtual Range

Engage Virtual Range is a safe, fun and simulated shooting educational experience for beginners, experts, law enforcement and entertainment seekers. 5035 Beach Rd., Ste. B, Medina 44256; 800-784-6049, engagevirtualrange.com

Foundry Social

Combining an incredible assortment of games, delicious food and refreshing drinks, Foundry Social is a destination for fun. Visitors can challenge their friends and family to play competitive table games like billiards and ping pong, or go retro on the bocce courts. For those with more a modern taste, a selection of video games and arcade games awaits. Or, an old favorite: duckpin bowling. 333 Foundry St., Medina 44256; 330-333-9000, thefoundrysocial.com

Great Oaks Tavern

This collection of 1,000-plus games is the culmination of many years of careful consideration and research. The team at Great Oaks has been curating this collection of games as a passion project for as long as any of us can remember. Each game was carefully chosen and purchased after hours of watching and reading reviews and scouring rule books. They wanted to find games that had a truly interesting and unique spark so you can have a truly interesting and unique experience! 210 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth 44281; 330-331-7199, greatoaks.fun

High Voltage Indoor Karting

High performance electric go-karts — all indoor. Drivers can experience European-style indoor racing. 333 Foundry St., Medina 44256; 330-333-9000, highvoltagekarting.com

Jurassic Mountain Family Fun Park

Time to return to the Jurassic Era! Jurassic Mountain offers 50,000 square feet of laser tag, indoor Nerf arena, jungle gym, bounce houses, an arcade and characters, all in a dinosaurthemed environment. 2789 Medina Rd., Medina 44256; 330-974-1300, jurassicmountain.com

Kolony Bowl

Bowl a few games at Kolony Bowl in Wadsworth! Known for the family-friendly atmosphere, enjoy open bowling, parties and snacks. 456 College St., Wadsworth 44281; 330-334-4678, facebook.com/kolonybowl

Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique

The perfect place to relax and de-stress while enjoying the outdoors. The 20-acre Medina property includes open pastures for you to roam and visit alpacas and their animal friends. Currently there are 70-plus alpacas on the farm along with miniature donkeys, Nigerian dwarf goats, angora goats, nigora goats, babydoll sheep, Shetland sheep, Highland miniature cows, kangaroos, llamas, miniature horses, miniature potbellied pigs, Gus, a dromedary camel and Sheldon the sulcata tortoise. 4195 Abbeyville Rd., Medina 44256; 330-725-2977, majesticmeadowsalpacas.com

Mapleside Farms

Mapleside Farms is a 122-acre fruit farm and apple orchard. It was started in 1927 by the Eyssen family and the incredible landscape now sits virtually unchanged for the past 200+ years. With 50-mile panoramic views to the west, it’s no wonder it was voted “America’s Most Beautiful Farm” just a few short years ago. Host your wedding or special event out at the farm and create a memory that lasts a lifetime. Recently partnered with “A Taste of Excellence” to provide a wide range of culinary plated landscapes which will have your guests remembering the wonderful food and beverage experience for years to come.

294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick 44212; 330-225-5577, mapleside.com

Sandbaggers Golf & Game Center

Slow-pitch softball and baseball batting cages at 40, 50, 60, 70 mph and a driving range with 18 tees. 6302 Wooster Pike, Medina 44256; 330-721-2980, sandbaggersgolfgamecenter.com

Scene 75 Entertainment Center

Family fun center featuring laser maze, mini-bowling, bumper cars, 4D motion theater, inflatables, virtual reality, backlight mini-golf, indoor go-karts, laser tag and an arcade featuring 120 games including air hockey, larger-than-life Pac Man and more! 3688 Center Rd., Brunswick 44212; 234-803-1100, scene75.com

Skate Station

Roller skating, birthday party packages, fundraisers, private parties. Offers private lessons, group lessons and skate sales. 1261 N. Industrial Pkwy., Brunswick 44212; 330-273-5750, skatestation.net

Strike & Spare Lanes

Bowling center with full bar and snack bar as well as a pro shop with customer ball fitting and drilling. 301 Highland Dr., Lodi 44254; 330-948-1090, facebook.com/strikensparelanes

T&M Lanes

The fun is non-stop at T&M Lanes! Games and activities for all ages. Come out and knock down a few pins. 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick 44212; 330-460-6393, tandmlanes.com

TimberBeast Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is the new way to spend your night out! Bring the gang and try something new. Throw axes, play at the arcade, enjoy snacks and drinks, and channel your inner ninja with ninja stars! 2524 Medina Rd., Ste. 300, Medina 44256; 330-441-4991, timberbeastaxethrowing.com

West Branch Malts

When you’re ready to taste the West Branch Malts difference and learn more about what makes craft spirits unique, this tour and tasting experience is one of a kind. Each ingredient used and every step in the process adds to the complexity and flavor of the spirits. Follow the barley from the field to the malt house and ultimately to the distillery. The tour finishes in the tasting room where you can sample a variety of craft spirits. 2866 Nationwide Pkwy., Brunswick 44212; 330-273-9635, westbranchmalts.com

Event Center

Diamond Event Center 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick 44212; diamondeventcenter.com

Historical Societies & Museums

Brunswick Area Historical Society at Heritage Farm Museum

Restored 1860s Ohio family farm includes house, corn crib, granary, barn, milk house and chicken house. Tours by appointment. 4613 Laurel Rd., P.O. Box 714, Brunswick 44212; 330-441-0292, brunswickhistory.com

Chatham Historical Society

Dedicated to studying, preserving and displaying the history and artifacts of Chatham Township. Chatham Historical Museum, 6332 Avon Lake Rd.; Chatham School Museum, 6300 Avon Lake Rd., Chatham 44275; 330-667-2273

Chippewa Lake, Ohio Historical Society

To educate and foster appreciation of the Chippewa Lake area history. P.O. Box 106, Chippewa Lake 44215; 330-714-0350, clohs.org

Granger Historical Society

Maintains the Underwood Library and The Thompson Work Museum. 1261 Granger Rd., Medina 44256; 330-239-2380, grangerhs.com

Hinckley Historical Society

Research Library & Office

Local township history and displays. 1634 Center Rd., P.O. Box 471, Hinckley 44233; 330-273-3118, 216-287-4754

John Smart House Museum & Research Center

Beautiful furnishings, vintage clothing exhibits, Civil War, pioneer and Native American tools. Genealogical research site. Medina County Historical Society, 206 N. Elmwood St., Medina 44256; 330-722-1341, medinacountyhistoricalsociety.com

Litchfield Historical Society

Litchfield Historical Society “on the circle” in an 1846 restored Greek Revival house. 9268 Norwalk Rd., Litchfield 44253; 330-441-8507, litchfieldtownship.com

The Little Wiz Fire Museum and Historic Medina Museum

Features hand/horse-drawn fire equipment (1850), newer vehicles, extinguishers, nozzles and pumps. 326 E. Smith Rd., Medina 44256; 330-419-0200, thelittlewiz.com

Liverpool Township Historical Society

To advance public education of local history. First permanent settlement in Medina County, 1810. Depot Museum, 6615 Center Rd., (next to the Rocky River on St. Rte. 303); 1895 Depot, Porter Dinky steam locomotive & 1926 caboose. P.O. Box 399, Valley City 44280; 330-483-3707

Lodi Harrisville Historical Society

(The Waite Harris House)

Nonprofit special-interest organization providing historical information related to the Village of Lodi and Harrisville Township. 111 Harris St., Lodi 44254; lodiharrisvillehistorical.org

Lodi Railroad Museum

Visit and enjoy the Depot and find historical treasures that only exist on the rails of history. The museum has expanded to include model railroading and is the current home of the Chippewa Lake Park Kiddieland amusement ride, The Kiddieland Express. 204 Railroad St., Lodi 44254; 330-241-3486, lodirailroadmuseum.org

Medina Town Hall & Engine House Museum

A museum of the history of the village and city of Medina from the early 1800s through today. 50 Public Sq., Medina 44256

Northern Ohio Railway Museum

See streetcars, interurbans, rapid transit and railroad equipment from Ohio, dating from 1895 to 1970 on a walking tour. Visit the restoration shop. 5515 Buffham Rd., Seville 44273; mailing address: P.O. Box 458, Chippewa Lake 44215; 330-769-5501, northernohiorailwaymuseum.org

Sci-Fi Movie Museum at Alien Vacation Mini Golf

The only play-through, Sci-Fi movie museum with movie props and costumes from over 20 Sci-Fi movies. 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256; 330-721-1224

Seville Historical Society

Featuring displays of The Giants of Seville, Captain and Anna Bates and local history. 70 W. Main St., Seville 44273; 330-441-2115

Sharon Township Heritage Society

Nonprofit organization providing information about the history of Sharon Township. A historic 1840 community house. P.O. Box 154, Sharon Center 44274; 330-239-1755

Spencer Historical Society

Helping preserve the local history of Spencer. P.O. Box 155, Spencer 44275; 330-648-2677

Wadsworth Area Historical Society

Preservation of historic artifacts from Wadsworth’s past. Located in the former Traver-Johnson house. 161 High St., Wadsworth 44281. Mailing address: P.O. Box 326, Wadsworth 44282; 330-334-1191, wadsworthareahistoricalsociety.org

Weymouth Preservation Society

Local history museum hosting programs and activities. Exhibit of county interest. 3314 Myers Rd., Medina 44256; 330-697-4320, weymouthpreservationsociety.com

York Township Historical Society

The historical complex in Mallet Creek features 1890 one-room school, 1891 post and beam barn, 1883 Granary, restored 1700’s barn loom, early farm tools and York Twp. memorabilia. 6547 Spellman St., Medina 44256; 330-725-2246

Bunker Hill Golf Course 3060 Pearl Rd., Medina 44256; 330-722-4174, bunkerhillgolfcourse.com

Copper Top Golf 5740 Center Rd., Valley City 44280; 330-225-6122, coppertopgolf.com

Cossett Creek 4900 Center Rd., Brunswick 44212; 330-225-7370, cossettcreek.com

Hinckley Hills Golf Course 300 State Rd., Hinckley 44233; 330-278-4861, hinckleyhillsgolf.com

Ironwood Golf Course 445 State Rd., Hinckley 44233; 330-278-7171, ironwoodgolfcourse hinckleyohio.com

Pine Hills Golf Course 433 W. 130th St., Hinckley 44233; 330-225-4477, golfpinehills.net

Pleasant Valley Golf Course 3830 Hamilton Rd., Medina 44256; 330-725-5770, golfpleasantvalley.net

Ridge Top Golf Course 7441 Tower Rd., Medina 44256; 330-725-5500, ridgetopgolfcourse.net

Shale Creek Golf Club 5420 Wolff Rd., Medina 44256; 330-723-8774, shalecreekgolfclubggp.com

Valleaire Golf Club

6969 Boston Rd., Hinckley 44233; 440-237-9191, valleairegolf.com

Camp HiYo!

11450 Crawford Rd., Homerville 44235; 330-625-2817

Chatham Lakes Campgrounds

6794 Avon Lake Rd., Spencer 44275; 330-605-8038

Maple Lakes Campgrounds

4275 Blake Rd., Seville 44273; 330-336-2251

Pier-Lon Park

5960 Vandemark Rd., Medina 44256

Shawnee Lake Park

6464 Congress Rd., Spencer 44275; 330-648-2577

Sunset Lake Campgrounds 5566 Root Rd., Spencer 44275; 330-667-2686

Willow Lake Park

2400 Substation Rd., Medina 44256; 330-225-6580

Hotels

The Brenner

250 S. Court St., Medina 44256; 210-758-1201, airbnb.com

Brunswick Comfort Suites

1464 Town Center Blvd., Brunswick 44212; 855-239-9300, comfortsuites.com

Comfort Inn & Suites

5 Park Centre Dr., Wadsworth 44281; 330-336-7692, comfortinnwadsworth.com

Fairfield Inn and Suites

3125 Eastpointe Dr., Medina 44256; 330-722-1722, marriott.com

Hampton Inn

3073 Eastpointe Dr., Medina 44256; 330-721-8955, hamptoninn.com

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

5025 Park Ave. W., Seville 44273; 330-769-5025, hawthorn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

231 Park Centre Dr., Wadsworth 44281; 330-334-7666, hiexpress.com/wadsworthoh

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

5185 Gateway Dr., Medina 44256; 330-722-6006, hiexpress.com/medinaoh

Motel 6

3122 Eastpointe Dr., Medina 44256; 330-723-3322, motel6.com

Quality Inn & Suites

4949 Park Ave. W., Seville 44273; 330-769-4949, choicehotels.com

Quality Inn & Suites Medina – Akron West

2850 Medina Rd., Medina 44256; 330-723-4994, choicehotels.com/oh325

Quality Inn Brunswick Cleveland South

1435 S. Carpenter Rd., Brunswick 44212; 330-273-1112, choicehotels.com/oh441

Red Roof Inn

5021 Eastpointe Dr., Medina 44256; 330-725-1395, redroof.com

Rutter's Roost Bed & Breakfast

2267 Columbia Rd., Valley City 44280; 330-483-4145, reuttersroost.com

Spitzer House Bed & Breakfast

504 W. Liberty St., Medina 44256; 330-952-2129, spitzerhousebandb.com

Super 8 Medina

5161 Montville Dr., Medina 44256; 330-723-8118, guestreservations.com/ super-8-medina/booking

Super 8 Seville

6116 Speedway Dr., Seville 44273; 330-769-8880, super8.com