Where to Stay in Lake Erie's Wine Country

Lake Erie's Wine Trail extends along the Lake from Painesville in Lake County to the eastern edge of Ashtabula County. The region is home to over 1500 acres of grape vines and to over 45 wineries.

Fall is a perfect time to visit. There are fall festivals, such as the Geneva Grape Jamboree (September 29 and 30) and the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival (October 13 and 14), clambakes, fall foliage, and lots of wine to sample.

Plan a weekend -- or mid-week-- getaway to the Lake Erie Wine Trail by planning to stay at one of the region's small inns and bed and breakfasts. Among my favorites are:

• Fitzgerald's Irish Bed and Breakfast - Located in Painesville, this family-run B&B (pictured above) is a 1937 Tudor home with six guest rooms, four with private baths. All feature air conditioning, cable TV, and free wireless Internet access. Breakfast is included each morning.



• Rider's Inn - Another Painesville hostelry, Rider's Inn is a 19th century structure with a long history, including a role in Ohio's Underground Railroad route. The inn features eleven individually decorated guest rooms and a popular restaurant.



• The Eagle Cliff Inn - This six-room inn is located in along the shores of Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake Ohio. The 19th century Victorian inn features air conditioning, large private baths, and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

(photo credit: Flickr user: Trish N/cc license)