LAKE COUNTY

2023 Season Dancing at Lughnasa

By Brian Friel

May 26 - June 10

Cole

June 16 - July 8

The Hound of the Baskervilles

July alized tours of three to four locations. “We can walk into a winery, and we know the owners and the winemakers, but we also know their wine.”

Even if you choose not to take a tour, they’ll help direct you to wineries, distilleries and restaurants to suit your tastes. Folks enjoy the experience so much, Shimko says that roughly 60% of her guests visit again.

Food & Drink

Aug.

Lake County is home to nearly two dozen authentic Mexican restaurants, which can all be explored on the Lake County Taco Trail. One highlight of the journey is Hola Tacos. Located in Willoughby, the flavors of this restaurant are inspired by the street tacos and salsas of Mexico City. A popular menu item is the birria taco, made with slow-braised beef, cilantro and onions.

“We also have margaritas with probably around 10 different flavors,” says Paola Valbuena, co-owner of Hola Tacos. “We incorporated elements like gummy bears. Crazy stuff like that.”

Hola Tacos is also home to Pulpo Beer Co., which serves Latin-inspired beers that are made on-site. For a refreshing summertime choice, try Pulpo Libre, a Mexican-style lager.

On the east side of Lake County, Double Wing Brewing Co. in Madison serves 12 beers on tap. One of the bestselling summer brews is the blueberry kolsch, a crisp, refreshing beer with just a hint of blueberry.

“Some people are so afraid of craft beers,” says Loretta Todd, manager at Double Wing Brewing Co. and Debonne Vineyards. “So, we’ve introduced a few that are very light.”

Lake County is best known for the Grand River Valley, which includes 10 miles of boutique and estate wineries. Founded in 1972, Debonne Vineyards, where Double Wing Brewing Co. is located, is one of the originals.

Debonne Vineyards debonne.com

Double Wing Brewing Co. doublewingbrewingco.com

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park lakemetroparks.com

Headlands Beach State Park ohiodnr.gov

His Majesty’s Bed & Breakfast hismajestys.com

Homestead House Bed & Breakfast homesteadhousebb.com

Lake County Taco Trail elcaminodetacos.com

Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub steelemansion.com

Visitors can enjoy live music and snacks at the outdoor grill, while sitting on the sprawling patio area. Head to the gazebo at the top of the hill for a semi-private getaway.

“It’s really a choose-your-own adventure,” says Todd. “There are people looking for the buzz and excitement of the crowd. But we have so many private nooks and crannies, too.”

In addition to Debonne, there are over 30 other wineries in the Grand River Valley, region to explore.

Come for a festival. Make a splash. Catch a game. Whatever you do — don’t miss the fun happening in Columbus this season! Plan your next trip at ExperienceColumbus.com.