Springtime in Geauga County may not be quite as popular as say springtime in Paris, but we think it has a unique charm all its own. Here, horse-drawn buggies, unique crafts and furniture, maple-syrup products, fine chocolates, canoe and kayaking adventures, and some of the best barbecue in Northeast Ohio await you in what is the world’s fourth largest Amish community, and it’s all less than an hour away from downtown Cleveland. 

A fine way to start your Geauga County visit is with a stop at the Destination Geauga tourism office in the heart of Middlefield. The enthusiastic staff there will equip you with a Visitor Guide, provide recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.

A fine way to sweeten the start of your day is with homemade fudge, chocolates, or candy (or all three) from a Middlefield favorite, White House Chocolates & Candy Kitchen. Family-owned and operated since Valentine’s Day “eve” in 1997 when it began making and selling fudge and sourced high-quality chocolates, it now relies on five candy makers with a combined 45 years of candy-making experience to make 80 percent of the products it sells. And, yes, it still makes its own fudge. The store is in a newly renovated century home where the knowledgeable staff happily provides samples and answers to questions of a confectionary nature.

While in Middlefield, check out the handcrafted outdoor furniture by Creekside Lawn Furniture. Here you'll find swings, gliders, chairs, tables, benches, Adirondacks, potting benches, and more. All of the items sold here are made of chemically free, rot-resistant cypress wood. Custom stains are available. Or, leave it untreated and it will turn medium silver gray. Display items are discounted 20 percent. Creekside also offers custom-made furniture. Just bring in a picture of what you have in mind and Creekside will create the piece of your dreams in about 20 business days. 

Next door in Mesopotamia is the End of the Commons General Store. Established in 1840, it’s Ohio’s oldest general store, earning it a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop in and shop the kitchen gadgets and housewares; spices and baking supplies; penny candy and homemade fudge; and the more than 150 varieties of Old Time Soda Pop. And if you’d like, take a load off in the store’s café and enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream. You deserve it, right? 

Sometimes the best way to relax is to do something physical - like canoeing or kayaking. If you agree, you’ll want to add Crooked River Livery in Burton to your itinerary. Take unforgettable canoe trips and kayak trips on the Cuyahoga River. The idyllic location has easy access to the river and a family-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy a meal before or after your trip. There’s plenty of on-site parking and a friendly staff awaits you.

And if it’s barbecue you want, head on over to Blazin Bills, also in Burton, for lunch (Friday - Sunday) or dinner (seven days a week). This family-owned restaurant establishment opened in 1985 as a converted ice cream stand, serving ribs on paper plates with all outdoor seating. Today, it’s a 200-seat restaurant that has won numerous state and national rib burnoffs for its signature babyback ribs. Blazin Bills also serves up amazing barbecue chicken and King crab dinners, pulled pork sandwiches, half-pound sirloin burgers, and super “starters” and sides that include an onion ring loaf and sweet potato fries. The kids menu is cool, too, as not only does it include the traditional burger, hot dog and chicken tenders offerings, but also a ribs “snack” and fries. There really is something here for everyone. 

How about an enjoyable educational experience? No, that’s not an oxymoron; it’s an invitation to visit the Burton Log Cabin and Sugar Camp found in the center of Burton circle. Believed to be the only full-time, year-round, maple-education center, visitors can see how sap becomes syrup and better yet, taste the finished product. The syrup and other maple products made here are available for purchase.

More maple products can be found in nearby Chardon at Richards Maple Products. This 104-year-old business sells maple leaf-shaped bottles of maple syrup and a range of jams, jellies, and butters.

And if you’re looking for antiques, Chardon’s Antiques on the Square features 20 dealers located throughout its 6,000-square-foot, three-floor renovated 1868 building. Stop in and help them celebrate 30 years of selling This year celebrating their 30th Anniversary of selling antiques and collectibles on Historic Chardon Square (about 15 minutes from Burton).

For beautiful plants in a natural setting, visit Auburn Pointe Greenhouse in Auburn (about 20 minutes from Chardon). Here you’ll find a varieity of unusual hers, annuals and perennials, fresh cut flower bouquets from the shop’s gardens, and a charming gift shop.

As you can see, there’s a to do and see here. So for help with planning your Geauga County adventure, remember to visit DestinationGeauga.com, call 800.775.TOUR (8686), or download the FREE Geauga Tourism App, and make Geauga County your destination for springtime fun.