One Of America's Best Main Streets Is Just Outside Of Cleveland And You'll Want To Explore It For Yourself
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 29, 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.
There’s something enchanting about Great Lakes culture. When you’re on the lake shore, life is different than in any nearby landlocked communities. It is somehow industrial and quaint at the same time, and there’s an unshakable beauty that’s fueled by the expanse of the surrounding water. Stemming from Lake Erie is the Ashtabula River; an area hosts the largest private dock on the Great Lakes and one of the loveliest main streets in the nation. Prepare for adventure, because beauty and fun are seemingly endless along Ashtabula’s Bridge Street.
Ashtabula’s Bridge Street corridor is an old-fashioned economic district with some groundbreaking new attitudes. This beautiful community is located right on Lake Erie and one of its cleanest rivers, and it has flawlessly blended history and culture in an enchanting way.
This little street was once home to one of the busiest and most dangerous ports in the world, but today, it's a slice of paradise.
Ashtabula's Bridge Street placed as a top ten finalist in this competition of the best main streets in the nation for the past few years, but voters rose to the challenge and finally pushed it to the number one position in 2018. Ashtabula earned $25,000 from the contest, funding that undoubtedly further enhanced the vibrancy of this pleasant street.
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While the port has always been the driving economic force behind this charming historic district, things have changed dramatically since the recession in 2008.
As many areas in the Rust Belt felt the pangs of the Great Recession, Bridge Street recovered from hardship by reinventing the district as a fun and energetic escape from reality. Today, festivals, shopping, and an inspiring foodie scene attract visitors from all around the nation.
The incredible Beach Glass Festival returns to Bridge Street in June and you definitely don’t want to miss the popular Wine & Walleye Festival in July. It seems there is always something going on in this lovely little community, but these annual events are too good to miss.
Whether you're in town for a specific event or just to experience a new place, you're sure to have a great time on Ashtabula's Bridge Street.
Every half hour, the Bascule Lift Bridge raises to allow boats to pass underneath. It's a giant ode to the capability of human engineering, and the magnificence of life on the harbor is endlessly enchanting.
No matter the season, this harbor is full of beauty. Floral exhibits in the warmer months infuse the air with fragrance and waterfront ice turns this harbor into a winter wonderland in the cooler months.
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Who knew one of the best main streets in the nation was so close to home all along?
There’s a lot to love about waterfront communities, and this historic harbor is doubtlessly one of the best in the area. Have you ever visited this lovely place? Which festival would you like to visit?
For more information about historic Ashtabula Harbor and Bridge Street, visit the city’s website here.
