Ashtabula County's Covered Bridge Festival Near Cleveland Is A Unique Way To Spend A Fall Day
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 18, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Autumn is all about adventure, especially in and around Cleveland. There are apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and all the staples of traditional fall fun within spitting distance of home. With so many epic attractions near home, it’s easy to forget that autumn adventure comes in many forms. Did you know that there’s an annual covered bridge festival near Cleveland? It’s close enough to home for a day trip, and it’s scenic enough to justify the journey.
Even if you've never visited Ashtabula County, you surely have heard about its covered bridges.
In Ashtabula County, visitors love exploring 19 distinct covered bridges. The longest and shortest covered bridges in the nation are right in the county.
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However, you haven't seen Ashtabula's covered bridges until you see them in the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival.
This highly anticipated annual event takes place on the second weekend of October and it is arguably one of the most stunning autumn attractions in all of Ohio.
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Visitors can swing by the bridges via a driving tour, and they'll find decor and fun at many of them.
The gorgeous autumnal decor will remind you that Ohio is the most magical place to visit in the fall. Even if you find a bridge that's without decoration, the surrounding autumn leaves provide enough striking contrast.
But the real fun takes place via the annual fair that stretches on East Jefferson Street from Chestnut Street to the railroad tracks.
As the bridges all date from different eras, you just might spot a historical figure (like Abe Lincoln, who has made a few appearances at the event) at the event. However, it's so popular that you just might spot neighbors and friends from back home out in Ashtabula!
A classic car show, historical displays, and surprise visits by carriages make this event particularly memorable.
Address: 25 W Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047
There’s a great deal of fun to be had at this incredible covered bridge festival near Cleveland. Have you attended in past years? We’d love to hear about your thoughts!
