Drink Wine And Chase Waterfalls On This Epic Northern Ohio Day Trip
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 13, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Only one thing rivals a good, old-fashioned road trip, and that’s a day trip that requires a single tank of gas. With all of the memorable destinations in Ohio, we might have quite the challenge narrowing down just where to spend the day. If a chilled glass of wine and a gorgeous cascade sound like the perfect pairing, fill up your tank for this picturesque day trip from Firelands Winery in Sandusky to West Falls in Elyria.
The quickest route from Firelands Winery to West Falls spans just 42 miles which should take, not taking traffic into consideration, about 42 minutes. A slightly longer route tallies nearly 49 miles and should just take a few minutes more. The Google Map shows both routes, so you can decide which works best for you.
With a rich history that dates back to 1880, Firelands Winery has earned distinction as one of the top wineries in both the Sandusky area and in Ohio. Its generous selection of American wines, some award-winning, are made regionally.
Tantalize your taste buds with one of the winery’s tastings, which are offered all year round, or pull up a chair at the enchanting Osteria Gusto for a delicious meal and a wine flight.
Sample some of the winery’s finest wines with the Firelands Flight, which includes such tasty samplings as the Firelands Pino Grigio, Pinot Noir, Rose, and Cabernet Franc.
The menu also features several delicious dishes to match your wine. If you’re not sure what wine and food pair best, ask your server for a few recommendations. Gourmet pizza, soup, salad, and sandwiches are among your options.
Wine may be the highlight of the drinks menu, but you have quite a few other delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, from which to choose. Sip on a classic or a boozy coffee, for example.
If you prefer a kick to your wine, try one of the flavorful, fruity wine cocktails or a classic cocktail, such as the Bloody Mary or the Sunset Martini.
Find all of the information you need, including days and hours, to plan your visit on the official website of Firelands Winery or on Facebook.
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After your time at Firelands Winery, relax on the nearly 45-minute drive to Cascade Park, home of the breathtaking West Falls of the Black River. Your best bet is to park in the main parking lot and bring your hiking boots along.
Follow the 1.2-mile loop trail that leads to two gorgeous waterfalls, beginning with West Falls. A cascade that features a carved-out cave, West Falls typically boasts a powerful cascade all year around.
View the 35-foot waterfall from an observation deck, which makes it easy to snap photographs and selfies. If you want to continue on the trail, you’ll arrive at the East Falls.
Measuring just 25 feet high, the East Falls of the Black River are flanked by lush greenery and chiseled rocks and are viewable from an observation deck.
If it’s sheer relaxation and fun you’re after, carve out some time to follow this day trip from Firelands Winery to West Falls. You can even add your address (or wherever you’ll be starting from) to the Google Map directions to make your journey a seamless one. However, that’s just the beginning of the fun. Follow Only In Ohio on Facebook and sign up for Ohio’s daily newsletter, so you can plan even more adventures.
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