Our Northeast Ohio Winter Weekend Begins
Cabin fever was setting in hard. After being cooped up for too long during an Ohio winter, I was bouncing off the walls and needed out—fast. I grabbed a map, did a little research, and my eyes landed on Geauga County. Just 20 minutes east of Cleveland, this Northeast Ohio gem offers a snow-dusted mix of adventure, charm, and incredible eats. I knew this was exactly where our family needed to go for a winter reset.
We rolled into Geauga County on a Friday afternoon with a weekend of snowy fun on the docket. But first—food! Before settling into our cabin, we had a couple of must-stops for stocking the pantry. First up was Heritage Meats in Middlefield, a local butcher shop known for its high-quality, locally sourced cuts. Next, I (Brandy) made a beeline to DS Cakes and Sweet Café, where they offer a dreamy selection of gluten-free baked goods. Let’s just say, no one in our crew was disappointed.
Punderson State Park Lodge and Cabins
Finding a winter basecamp that fits the whole family can be tricky you need space for the kids, gear, and room to relax. We struck gold with a two-bedroom cabin at Punderson Manor Lodge & Cabins, located inside Punderson State Park, Ohio’s winter playground.
The cabin had everything we needed: a full kitchen, bathroom, cozy living area, and plenty of space to sprawl. After getting settled, we headed out to explore the park. Tucked right in the snowbelt, Punderson State Park is a haven for winter lovers, offering sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country ski trails, and even dog sledding routes.
A Winter Secret Worth Sharing
Here’s something most people don’t know: Punderson offers snow tubing—for just $5.00—courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, complete with a tow rope to pull you back up the hill. We had an absolute blast tubing, and afterward, we popped into the Manor Lodge for steaming mugs of hot cocoa and a sweet treat.
That night, the skies gifted us with 12 inches of fluffy snow. It was the good kind—the kind that sparks adventure—but it came down so quickly that our planned snowshoe hike was rescheduled. No worries though, because the park and lodge kept the fun going with plenty of things to do onsite.
A Stroll Through Burton
Once the roads were cleared (NE Ohio knows how to handle snow), we ventured out for some small-town charm in Burton. In the center of town, we spotted a log cabin—and couldn’t resist stepping inside. The scent of maple syrup and crackling wood hit us immediately. Samples of maple candy, syrup fudge, and light and dark syrups awaited us. Our favorite? The deep, rich, dark amber syrup. If you’re ever in the area, The Burton Log Cabin is a must.
We explored downtown Burton next, starting with a stop at Coffee Corner, where we grabbed cinnamon rolls and coffee to go. As we stepped outside, snowflakes began to fall, and the church bells rang out It Is Well. We stood there for a quiet moment, just taking it all in … the beauty, the calm, the charm.
Hill Hardware and Sweet Detours
Right across the street, Hill Hardware caught our eye. This old-school hardware store has been serving Burton since 1950. We wandered the aisles for nearly an hour—nostalgic smells, creaky floors, and all. We even met the owners, who gave us a $10 tour and a big dose of hometown hospitality.
Then came the sweet surprise: White House Chocolates. We couldn’t resist pulling in when we saw the sign. Inside, our kids lit up at the sight of free samples and display cases filled with handmade treats. We stocked up on goodies for the snowy weekend ahead—because what’s a snowstorm without chocolate?
Frozen Fest & The West Woods
Another reason Punderson Lodge is a fantastic hub? It’s close to The West Woods, part of the Geauga Park District. We timed our visit to attend Frozen Fest, a magical winter event complete with ice sculptures, appearances from Olaf, a dog sled team, and free snowshoeing for all. I’ve added a hike to Ansel’s Cave to my future must-do list—the sandstone ledges look stunning in every season.
Learning to Snowshoe at Holden Arboretum
Before heading home, we squeezed in one more snowy adventure: a beginner snowshoeing class at the Holden Arboretum. The trails were breathtaking, and we learned everything from walking techniques to the fine art of falling and getting back up. Snowshoe rentals were budget-friendly and the whole experience was family-approved. We’re already dreaming of a return visit when spring turns the arboretum into a lush landscape of color
So Much More to Discover
Geauga County stole our hearts with its snowy magic, small-town charm, and endless ways to explore. As we packed up to head home, we realized we’d only scratched the surface especially when it comes to shopping and local experiences. We’re already making plans to return in March to follow the Maple Syrup Trail put on by the Maple Producers of Northeast Ohio.
Until next time…
Happy Adventures,
The Gleason Family
Our time in Geauga county was partially sponsored, but as always, all opinions are ours.
All locations mentioned are Gleason Family Approved!
