Jason And Melissa’s guidebook

Melissa (And Jason)
Melissa (And Jason)
Jason And Melissa’s guidebook

Hiking trails and biking trails

This is a great place to spend some time outside together, in any season. Our favorite route is the Ghost RR trail. We have both hiked and cross country skiid here. 7 miles from the cottage. Check out Quarry Hill Winery and Quarry Hill farm market while you’re in the area. ***Closed Nov 22 - Dec 3, 2021 for a controlled deer hunt.***
Edison Woods MetroPark
10186 Ceylon Rd
This is a great place to spend some time outside together, in any season. Our favorite route is the Ghost RR trail. We have both hiked and cross country skiid here. 7 miles from the cottage. Check out Quarry Hill Winery and Quarry Hill farm market while you’re in the area. ***Closed Nov 22 - Dec 3, 2021 for a controlled deer hunt.***
Walk, run, or bike on the local Rails to Trails / North Coast Inland Trail, which is a former Penn Central railway. The cottage is closest to the Ommert Historic Farm Rt 601 trailhead (2.5 miles away). More info at: firelandsrailstotrails.org
Firelands Rails to Trails
69 S Ridge St
Walk, run, or bike on the local Rails to Trails / North Coast Inland Trail, which is a former Penn Central railway. The cottage is closest to the Ommert Historic Farm Rt 601 trailhead (2.5 miles away). More info at: firelandsrailstotrails.org
Sheldon Marsh is a 472 acre wetlands preserve 12 miles from the cottage, and features an easy one mile, out-and-back trail, that ends at the beach on Lake Erie. It is a hugely popular destination for birders, especially during migration.
35 locals recommend
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
2715 Cleveland Rd W
35 locals recommend
Sheldon Marsh is a 472 acre wetlands preserve 12 miles from the cottage, and features an easy one mile, out-and-back trail, that ends at the beach on Lake Erie. It is a hugely popular destination for birders, especially during migration.
Right around the corner from Edison Woods is another nice place to take a walk. We enjoy meandering through the tall pines on fall mornings especially.
Hoffman Forest MetroPark
5159 Huff Rd
Right around the corner from Edison Woods is another nice place to take a walk. We enjoy meandering through the tall pines on fall mornings especially.
Galpin Nature Trail is a small neighborhood trail that is right at the end of our road as you are coming in to the town of Milan, 2 miles away. There are two sides that are not connected. One is right off the road, but the other entrance is located inside the cemetery, toward the back, and is our favorite. Be mindful to only go during the daytime. The trail heads down some old steps and then back up as packed earth, with creek beds well below the trail on both sides. It’s a nice little walk close by. :) I think about a half hour or so is all you need for this one.
South Edison Drive
South Edison Drive
Galpin Nature Trail is a small neighborhood trail that is right at the end of our road as you are coming in to the town of Milan, 2 miles away. There are two sides that are not connected. One is right off the road, but the other entrance is located inside the cemetery, toward the back, and is our favorite. Be mindful to only go during the daytime. The trail heads down some old steps and then back up as packed earth, with creek beds well below the trail on both sides. It’s a nice little walk close by. :) I think about a half hour or so is all you need for this one.
Walk or jog around the reservoir, take a picnic lunch, or bring your fishing gear.
Norwalk Lower Reservoir
Walk or jog around the reservoir, take a picnic lunch, or bring your fishing gear.

Local Wineries

*Please note this seasonal winery is closed for the winter. Sandy Ridge will reopen in April. A bottle of their sweet red Lambrusca paired with a large charcuterie plate is my favorite order to share with friends.
8 locals recommend
Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercantile
180 OH-61
8 locals recommend
*Please note this seasonal winery is closed for the winter. Sandy Ridge will reopen in April. A bottle of their sweet red Lambrusca paired with a large charcuterie plate is my favorite order to share with friends.
Quarry Hill is located in rural Berlin Heights, just 7 miles from our cottage. Open Wednesday - Sunday. Please check their FB page for hours and events.
13 locals recommend
Quarry Hill Winery
8403 Mason Rd
13 locals recommend
Quarry Hill is located in rural Berlin Heights, just 7 miles from our cottage. Open Wednesday - Sunday. Please check their FB page for hours and events.
Local wine bar right in town Milan, on the square. Open Tuesday - Sunday.
Milan Wine Post
1 North Main Street
Local wine bar right in town Milan, on the square. Open Tuesday - Sunday.
Redhead Ciderhouse is a manufacturer of craft hard ciders located inside Burnham Orchards. They are open Monday- Saturday 9-6. Our favorite is their blackberry shandy! So good!
Redhead Ciderhouse LLC
8019 OH-113
Redhead Ciderhouse is a manufacturer of craft hard ciders located inside Burnham Orchards. They are open Monday- Saturday 9-6. Our favorite is their blackberry shandy! So good!
Wine slushees - need we say more?
D & D Smith Winery LLC
401 West Main Street
Wine slushees - need we say more?

Coffee shops

Although it is about a 17 minute drive, this adorable small-town coffee shop is a hidden gem that us locals just LOVE! And if you’re in the shopping mood, stop just a few doors down at Old Soul Woodworking (home decor), which also houses L&G Mercantile (boutique) and White Box Bakery. Such a fun combination right in one place!
Lynmarie's Coffee
2 S Main St
Although it is about a 17 minute drive, this adorable small-town coffee shop is a hidden gem that us locals just LOVE! And if you’re in the shopping mood, stop just a few doors down at Old Soul Woodworking (home decor), which also houses L&G Mercantile (boutique) and White Box Bakery. Such a fun combination right in one place!
Our favorite coffee drink here is the frozen Sheri’s. So good! They also now have daily soups and a cooler of fresh flowers from Petal Pushers by Mandy. :)
Sheri's Coffee House
27 Whittlesey Ave
Our favorite coffee drink here is the frozen Sheri’s. So good! They also now have daily soups and a cooler of fresh flowers from Petal Pushers by Mandy. :)
If you are heading south from our cottage, or just want to visit a little off-the-beaten path, historic “coffee and more” shop, Pioneer Spring is just 11 miles away. This husband and wife business has coffee, tea, prepared food, antiques, crafts, home decor, and more. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pm and 10am-4pm on Sundays. Pioneerspringmarketplace.com
Pioneer Spring Marketplace
1580 Peru Olena Road
If you are heading south from our cottage, or just want to visit a little off-the-beaten path, historic “coffee and more” shop, Pioneer Spring is just 11 miles away. This husband and wife business has coffee, tea, prepared food, antiques, crafts, home decor, and more. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pm and 10am-4pm on Sundays. Pioneerspringmarketplace.com

Best breakfasts

Star Diner is a serious local favorite for breakfast! Expect limited seating and it is almost always packed, but the food is great! An easy 3.6 miles down the road. They accept ***CASH ONLY*** Open 6am-2pm Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-2pm on Sundays, CLOSED MONDAYS.
Star Diner
46 Cleveland Rd
Star Diner is a serious local favorite for breakfast! Expect limited seating and it is almost always packed, but the food is great! An easy 3.6 miles down the road. They accept ***CASH ONLY*** Open 6am-2pm Tuesday-Saturday, 7am-2pm on Sundays, CLOSED MONDAYS.
The Invention Restaurant is another local favorite, located just 2 miles in the quaint town of Milan. Open 6am - 2pm Monday, 6am - 8pm Tuesday - Saturday and 7am - 2pm on Sundays.
Invention Restaurant
15 North Main Street
The Invention Restaurant is another local favorite, located just 2 miles in the quaint town of Milan. Open 6am - 2pm Monday, 6am - 8pm Tuesday - Saturday and 7am - 2pm on Sundays.
Baker on the Square - we have been super excited to see this bakery open in our quaint town of Milan! The owner’s parents are responsible for our cottage’s very existence (they built it originally as a rustic photography studio in the late 1960s), so we have a little connection and wish them all the best in business! Opening day was March 5, 2022! They are located to the right of the Wonder Bar.
8 locals recommend
Milan
8 locals recommend
Baker on the Square - we have been super excited to see this bakery open in our quaint town of Milan! The owner’s parents are responsible for our cottage’s very existence (they built it originally as a rustic photography studio in the late 1960s), so we have a little connection and wish them all the best in business! Opening day was March 5, 2022! They are located to the right of the Wonder Bar.
If f you head north 11 miles (on the way to Cedar Point), you'll find Sandusky's BEST breakfast! Owned by a local family since 1966, they offer an extensive menu with something for everyone. Seating is either inside, on their covered patio, or at their bar. In addition to awesome food, they also serve specialty coffees, cocktails and local beer and wine. And, our son just started as a server, so ask for Augustus if he's working or say hello while you're there. Order online or by phone, 419-625-2614, for carryout.
Sandusky Bay Pancake House
4710 Milan Rd
If f you head north 11 miles (on the way to Cedar Point), you'll find Sandusky's BEST breakfast! Owned by a local family since 1966, they offer an extensive menu with something for everyone. Seating is either inside, on their covered patio, or at their bar. In addition to awesome food, they also serve specialty coffees, cocktails and local beer and wine. And, our son just started as a server, so ask for Augustus if he's working or say hello while you're there. Order online or by phone, 419-625-2614, for carryout.

Fun Ideas for couples

The mile long pier is used for fishing and is a popular place for walkers as well as birdwatchers. We enjoy taking our kayaks here once in a while as well and it’s a great place to watch the sunset with views of Cedar Point in the distance. Several eateries and pubs right nearby.
25 locals recommend
Huron Pier and Lighthouse
25 locals recommend
The mile long pier is used for fishing and is a popular place for walkers as well as birdwatchers. We enjoy taking our kayaks here once in a while as well and it’s a great place to watch the sunset with views of Cedar Point in the distance. Several eateries and pubs right nearby.
This is one of Jason’s favorite summer activities, taking him back to memories of his childhood.
Star View ​Drive-In
2083 US-20
This is one of Jason’s favorite summer activities, taking him back to memories of his childhood.
Smash 180 is a new business in Monroeville just 9 miles from our cottage. You get to smash things together here! HOW FUN! Use their website to book a smash session. www.smash180llc.com
SMASH 180 LLC
5 S Main St
Smash 180 is a new business in Monroeville just 9 miles from our cottage. You get to smash things together here! HOW FUN! Use their website to book a smash session. www.smash180llc.com
Beer, bowling, and axes! This is a fun place in downtown Sandusky with 2 full bars, over 400 beers, duck pin bowling, axe throwing, and an outdoor courtyard.
11 locals recommend
Noble Axes
127 E Market St
11 locals recommend
Beer, bowling, and axes! This is a fun place in downtown Sandusky with 2 full bars, over 400 beers, duck pin bowling, axe throwing, and an outdoor courtyard.
“3rd Thursdays” are back in downtown Vermilion, a nearby boating community right on Lake Erie. On the 3rd Thursday evening of each summer month, head 17 miles northeast to the town of Vermilion! Local musicians come out to play on the sidewalks and most of the local shops are open to browse as well. Most people walk down to the beach right there to watch the gorgeous sunset. Starts at 6:30pm
17 locals recommend
Main Street Beach
Main Street
17 locals recommend
“3rd Thursdays” are back in downtown Vermilion, a nearby boating community right on Lake Erie. On the 3rd Thursday evening of each summer month, head 17 miles northeast to the town of Vermilion! Local musicians come out to play on the sidewalks and most of the local shops are open to browse as well. Most people walk down to the beach right there to watch the gorgeous sunset. Starts at 6:30pm
We had so much fun doing their 80s escape room! Try it out or see what other theme rooms they offer.
Escape Rooms by Franknicky
134 E Adams St
We had so much fun doing their 80s escape room! Try it out or see what other theme rooms they offer.
This haunted house is open all year.
14 locals recommend
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
3319 Milan Rd
14 locals recommend
This haunted house is open all year.
If there’s snow on the ground, bring your sleds and join the locals on one of the favorite sledding hills around! :) Just 2 miles down the road from the cottage. If you play tennis, there are very nice courts here as well!
Edison Park
6 East St
If there’s snow on the ground, bring your sleds and join the locals on one of the favorite sledding hills around! :) Just 2 miles down the road from the cottage. If you play tennis, there are very nice courts here as well!
About 35 miles from our cottage, the Ohio State Reformatory offers some really cool historical tours of this amazing, architectural space. The Shawshank Redemption movie was filmed here, and they also have occasional paranormal hunts and haunted tours around Halloween. Very neat experience!
55 locals recommend
Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd
55 locals recommend
About 35 miles from our cottage, the Ohio State Reformatory offers some really cool historical tours of this amazing, architectural space. The Shawshank Redemption movie was filmed here, and they also have occasional paranormal hunts and haunted tours around Halloween. Very neat experience!
America’s Roller Coast is 18 miles north and is home to THE best amusement park, with thrilling coaster rides, a beach, water park, and long 150+ year history. We have part of Cedar Point right here at our cottage. Check out our in-house welcome book for details!
314 locals recommend
Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr
314 locals recommend
America’s Roller Coast is 18 miles north and is home to THE best amusement park, with thrilling coaster rides, a beach, water park, and long 150+ year history. We have part of Cedar Point right here at our cottage. Check out our in-house welcome book for details!
An easy 4 miles south lies Norwalk Raceway aka Summit Motorsports Park.
9 locals recommend
Summit Motorsports Park
1300 OH-18
9 locals recommend
An easy 4 miles south lies Norwalk Raceway aka Summit Motorsports Park.

Pampering Ideas

This salon has beautiful massage rooms on their lower level and offers couple’s massages as well as plenty of other beauty services and pampering options. Located 4 miles from the cottage. *You’ll want to call well in advance for the best scheduling.
Christian Roberts Salon
17 W Seminary St
This salon has beautiful massage rooms on their lower level and offers couple’s massages as well as plenty of other beauty services and pampering options. Located 4 miles from the cottage. *You’ll want to call well in advance for the best scheduling.
Just 2 miles down the road, Hairway 61 also offers plenty of pampering options including massages!
Hairway 61 Salon & Spa
151 OH-61
Just 2 miles down the road, Hairway 61 also offers plenty of pampering options including massages!

Florists

Would you like flowers delivered right to the cottage? That would be a great surprise for your honey! If you'd like them to arrive before check-in, we don't mind working with either of these local florists to make sure they have access to deliver them inside. :)
Petal Pushers by Mandy located in Milan specializes in weddings, events, and special occasions, and can also deliver beautiful, personalized floral arrangements. You can reach her at 419-656-9695 or https://www.petalpushersbymandy.com.
8 locals recommend
Milan
8 locals recommend
Petal Pushers by Mandy located in Milan specializes in weddings, events, and special occasions, and can also deliver beautiful, personalized floral arrangements. You can reach her at 419-656-9695 or https://www.petalpushersbymandy.com.