It’s never too late for a summer getaway! If you’ve been searching for a trip that isn’t far but still really fun, you’ve come to the right place. From Webb’s World Resort to Yellow Springs, here are some late summer trip ideas!
Webb’s World Resort
Stay the night at Webb’s World Resort! Open year round on Chautauqua Lake, you can enjoy the beautiful views with luxury amenities, indoor swimming pool, health club, and mini golf! Awesome fine dining on site includes American Favorites, steaks, seafood, vegetarian, gluten free and healthy options. The candy store features delicious kettle cooked and hand dipped treats, along with their Famous Webb’s Goat Milk Fudge. And make sure to check out the Gourmet Coffee and onsite gift shop, the Cottage Collection!
Splash Lagoon Waterpark
The perfect way to cool down for the summer! If you’ve been looking for a pool or any type of water refreshment, which you probably have because it’s been the hottest summer ever, head over to the Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park in Erie, PA. The indoor waterpark has a massive indoor wave pool and water slides. New this year–flowrider indoor surf machine, expanded arcade with hologate virtual reality, surf bar, and additional balcony seating. Overnight packages are available with three connected hotels!
Preble County
Get ready for wine and historic covered bridges! Preble County is home to the oldest covered bridge in Ohio–Robert’s Bridge–built in 1829. It’s one of six double-barreled or “dual wagon-way” bridges remaining in the US. Take a bridge tour!
You can also check out the award-winning wines at the Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard and Winery which is located in a 1890 one-room brickhouse that has been restored and renovated. If you want to adventure outside head over to Hueston Woods State Park. There’s 3,000 acres of natural resources for outdoor recreation, along with campsites, cabins, and resort lodge. Want something different? Head over to Quiet Harmony Ranch and drive through while following along with an audio presentation. Meet amazing elk—from babies & mamas to bulls growing massive antlers. You can also shop the Trading Post, frequent the Food Cabin, walk the Meadow Trek or let the kids ride the barrel train. And for some relaxation go to the Natural Springs Resort for the beach, pool, and scuba diving. Camping is available here!
Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs, Ohio is home to nearly 70 locally-owned eateries, pubs, boutiques, and specialty shops! Dine at The Winds Cafe and Sunrise Cafe (seasonal fare), Ye Olde Trail Tavern and Peaches Grill (hearty pub food), Bentino’s and HaHa Pizza (pizza of course!). Have a beverage or two at the Yellow Springs Brewery, known for the best craft beers in the state, including their most popular Boat Show IPA. Specialty wine shops include The Winds Wine Shop and Emporium Wines. And make sure to experience the local bar Dayton Street Gulch. All of this on three streets and easily walkable! If you want the nature side, try the John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge, or the 90 mile long Little Miami Scenic Trail (the nation’s largest paved trail), which runs through Yellow Springs. There’s also the Mills Park Hotel and plenty of Airbnb’s. Keep cool with Young’s Jersey Dairy–a must if you’re craving hand-scooped ice cream! Kids will enjoy the dairy farm and petting zoo, two mini golf courses, batting cage, and driving range!
The Lakehouse Inn Resort
The small, intimate The Lakehouse Inn Resort is focused on a safe and comfortable atmosphere following covid guidelines. It’s located in the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake, 10 minutes from Grand River Valley, Ohio’s wine country that holds 30+ wineries. The resort spa is open 6 days a week–CBD treatments are very popular. They offer massage, facial treatments, and body treatments. Their locally sourced farm-to-table restaurant is a wonderful culinary adventure to try homegrown food raised in Ashtabula County!
Eagle Cliff Inn
This beautifully restored historic bed and breakfast (built in the late 1800’s, owned by the same family since 1990) features suites and cottages catered towards adults. Eagle Cliff Inn is located directly on the Strip across from Lake Erie in the first resort village in Ohio–Geneva-on-the- Lake. It’s a very quick walk to Lake Erie, wineries, restaurants, entertainment, golf courses, antique shops, and golf-cart/bike rentals. Enjoy some awesome local wine on the wrap-around porch!
Cottages at the Water’s Edge
Step back in time to a family vacation tradition on the shores of Lake Erie in Vermillion OH! The cottages got their start in the 1930’s, and have been in the family for over 65 years. It’s only two and a half hours from Pittsburgh. Enjoy the lake with 400 feet of lakefront property, go for a swim or build a sandcastle–explore the local area! The Beach House is open through November and the Guest House is open all year. All other cottages are open May-October. There are 11 daily/weekly rentals available. Discounted rates after Labor Day, 20% off normal rates. Additional cleaning measures are in place to provide a safe getaway for everyone!
Sawdust Farm Camp
Glamping retreat! Names after the book “Letters from Sawdust” written by Isabelle H. Klein. Located in Northeast Ohio, you’ll be completely surrounded by nature. Drive up to Moonshine Cabin, (named after Moonshine Gulch in the book) a snug one-room rustic cabin, with enough room for a family of four located at the bottom of the hill where creeks meet.
Now part of the Cleveland Museum Of Natural History Natural Areas program and renters have an access Permit to the preserve, boarding the property on three sides. A new bell tent Glamping Site will be available to rent at the end of August and are rebuilding/updating the farm to one day be able to include meals for renters.
Relax on the hammock and enjoy the fire pit. Make sure to observe wildlife right outside the door of your cabin, including 10 rare species of birds. You can also hike the preserve. Many wineries are located less than 4 miles away, along with covered bridges and Geneva-on-the-lake!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.