There’s a lot a girl can do in a weekend — but it all depends on her mood.
At The Lakehouse Inn, I sprang for the release of tension, fresh air of Ashtabula’s wine country and rekindled connection with a friend of 20 years. And while I fully confess to being pampered, I am guiltless of the snobbishness that usually trickles into vacation destinations. The experience at The Lakehouse Inn feels luxurious but also intimate and friendly.
A little over an hour outside of Cleveland, we got to Geneva-on-the-Lake with ease — losing track of time as we chatted away and jammed to music on the road.
Before checking into our room, we were welcomed with a flight of three wines — all from The Lakehouse Inn’s winery, which makes wine from grapes sourced from the Grand River Valley. Sweet varietals such as vidal, a gentle white wine that is easy on the palette due to its notes of stone fruit, mango and peach, embraced the theme of the weekend: indulgence.
Our room — or rather, cottage — had a cozy, intimate feel. Simple, yet serene decor, including wine country paintings and soft, beige walls, made us feel at home. Two separate bedrooms allowed for privacy while a communal kitchen, dining and living room area offered space to relax and unwind.
Waiting for us in the kitchen was a bottle of champagne, fresh coffee for the following morning and Lakehouse Inn chocolates.
The room may have been small but its injection of local charm, such as complimentary soap bars from Dizzy Doe’s Goat Ranch and peppermint lip balm from Susan’s Blending Bar Aromatherapy and Herbs, made us feel like we were breathing in the rural air around us.
The Crosswinds Grille boasts a cozy, rustic interior with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Erie. Large plates of roasted beets, chevre cheese, candied walnuts and house-made vinaigrette amassed on the white tablecloth.
The beet salad tasted like it was just brought in from the farm. A heavier entree, the shrimp linguini with spinach and
vodka sauce, left me stuffed and wondering if any other noodle dish would ever compare. Meanwhile, the pecan-crusted salmon served with seasonal veggies offered a sweet and light twist on a seafood favorite that wowed my friend’s taste buds.
Of course, we couldn’t return to the hustle and bustle of the city without enjoying one of The Lakehouse Inn spa’s premium massage services. This add-on is a must, as the Himalayan salt stone massage left my body feeling like jelly and made my worries — past and present — melt away.
The evening was quiet, except for the gentle waves that crashed about 20 feet from our door, providing the perfect soundtrack to lull us to sleep. While the weather was too cold to warrant an evening stroll, we did sneak out to peek at the near-full moon that could be seen perfectly in the night sky.
Our girls' trip was complete when breakfast (or brunch, depending on how late you’re out the night before) arrived with bright yellow mimosas. I started my day with the Sunrise Sandwich, served on a soft English muffin, while my friend went for the build-your-own omelet — loading it with peppers, feta cheese, tomato and bacon.
It’s a good thing the meal was delivered right to our door, because climbing out of the cloud-like bed and comforters was the last thing on my mind.
