🎄Our Staff’s Travel Tips - The Holiday Edition
Neil Stein, Executive Director & Family
Grand River Cellars Grinchmas Bar
🦌What is the most unique holiday event or attraction in Lake County that visitors shouldn’t miss?
🎅My 100% can’t miss for locals and visitors are the holiday pop-up wineries at Debonne Vineyards and Grand River Cellars. A new tradition in the Grand River Valley wine region, these two long-time wineries transform from traditional winery to an explosion of holiday cheer with tributes to Rudolph (Debonne) and The Grinch (Grand River Cellars).
You can’t go wrong with a traditional award-winning wine from either place or try one of their festival limited-time, holiday drinks!🍷
The Pompadour
🍜What local food or drink do you LOVE and would recommend for visitors to truly experience Lake County in the colder months?
The must-visit dining spot during the fall and winter months is The Pompadour in Fairport Harbor.
🍸The cozy, dimly-lit interior is perfect for this time of year and their unique, seasonal mixed drink offerings are amazing and perfectly presented every time. Everything on the menu is delicious and their small plates are great for trying several new things. My go-to: short-rib ravioli and pork belly! Delicious!
Join the Hot Chocolate Trail
🚗What advice would you give first-time visitors to make the most of their trip when visiting during the holiday season or winter months?
Just need to escape the family for an hour or so? It’s ok, we all get to that point at some point during the holidays! Visit one of our local coffee shops like Calico Jack in Mentor or Arabica or Fiona’s in Downtown Willoughby. ☕
Or, if you REALLY need time to get away…go all-in on our Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail and visit 9 or 10 of our local coffee shops and get a free mug for your efforts! 🍫
Elyse Downie, Events & Engagement Manager
Downtown Painesville
🦌What is the most unique holiday event or attraction in Lake County that visitors shouldn’t miss?
I love the local tree lightings that occur from mid-November through early December. It’s so nice to be bundled up, drinking hot chocolate and feeling that holiday nostalgia as you countdown the tree lighting. Downtown Willoughby, Painesville and Fairport Harbor do a wonderful job each year creating magic and bringing festive cheer to their communities.
Julia’s 1902
🍜What local food or drink do you LOVE and would recommend for visitors to truly experience Lake County in the colder months?
I like experiencing new places to dine in, and Downtown Willoughby provides an assortment of bars and restaurants to choose from with cheesy slices of pizza at The Wild Goose, tacos and queso at Barrio or fine dining at Julia’s 1902 just down the street.
Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram for Merry Fun
🚗What advice would you give first-time visitors to make the most of their trip when visiting during the holiday season or winter months?
Follow our Events Page or Socials to get ideas of what you like to do! We have beautiful parks and beaches to explore (make sure to bundle up!) for nature lovers, cute boutiques for shopping for holiday gifts, and cozy wineries with live music and fireplaces you can cuddle by with a glass of your favorite red.
Trista Wright, Creative Director
Chapin Forest
⭐What is the most unique holiday event or attraction in Lake County that visitors shouldn’t miss?
I really love the Lighted Hiking Trail at Chapin Forest. Walking through the woods at night with all those twinkling lights makes me feel like I am in a Hallmark movie. It is a terrific way to experience Chapin Forest at night and extend a family outing, since it gets dark so early this time of year!
🌮What local food or drink do you LOVE and would recommend for visitors to truly experience Lake County in the colder months?
The tamales from La Mexicana in downtown Painesville are my absolute favorite this time of year. Tamales are great all year, but they are a traditional Mexican holiday dish, especially during Christmas time, making them perfect for the holiday season.
Downtown Painesville
🧤What advice would you give first-time visitors to make the most of their trip when visiting during the holiday season or winter months?
Don’t let the cold keep you in! Winter around here is actually beautiful! Grab a coffee, bundle up, and check out all the lights and small-town charm.
Katie Montz, Director of Digital Marketing & Strategy
Country Lights Drive-Thru at Lake Metroparks
🚗What is the most unique holiday event or attraction in Lake County that visitors shouldn’t miss?
For years, (even the years before living in Lake County) our family has loved visiting the Lake Metroparks Farmpark during the holidays. From the meet and greets with Santa for the extra littles to the drive thru lights experience, there is something for anyone there. When you’re looking to get in the spirit of the Holiday, this has to be on your list.
Silvestro’s Depot Italian Restaurant
🍝What local food or drink do you LOVE and would recommend for visitors to truly experience Lake County in the colder months?
The colder winter months always have us craving something warm and cozy. For me, that means pasta! Our favorite spot to visit is Silvestro’s Depot in Painesville. Never a bad experience and always leaving satisfied and with leftovers for the next wintery day.
🎋What advice would you give first-time visitors to make the most of their trip when visiting during the holiday season or winter months?
The holidays only come once a year and with old man winter making everything a little more bitter outside, it’s great to find your own childish joy inside. Do something silly, wear something festive, or just go see something new. Lake County doesn’t take itself too seriously and neither should you this time of year.
