Things to Do in Mentor

Summertime breezes wander from the shores of Lake Erie to whistle through clinking glasses at the Lake Erie Wine Fest, where casual and seasoned sippers alike gather annually to discuss, learn about, and taste-test different wines. Throughout the weekend, participating wineries showcase products to festival attendees, who can take their grape-fueled zest to the next level by absorbing viticulture lectures or promising to name their next child after a favorite sample. Food and wine demonstrations dish out tips for palatable pairing, and bands and craft stands amplify festive airs with live tunes and wine-related wares.

In the woods of Geauga County sits Ma & Pa’s, a dismantled and resurrected log cabin originally built in the 1820s. There, customers will find a menagerie of seasonal delights, such as maple syrup, maple coffee, jewelry, and clothing. In March, the cabin hosts maple tours, as horses whisk guests through the woods for collection and sampling of maple treats. During winter, soft snows welcome the treads of horse-drawn sleigh-rides, followed by cozy fires and hot drinks.