Living on the Shore of Lake Erie

Geneva-on-the-Lake History Book Signing April 21, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Have you heard?

There is a new book just published through The History Press:

Geneva On The Lake-A History of Ohio's First Summer Resort.

The author, Wendy Koile,
will be at the Lakehouse Inn Event Room (on the south side of the road)

Saturday, April 21st
from 2pm - 5pm, for a book signing

Mark your calendar and take time to meet Wendy and have wonderful conversation regarding the history of Geneva-on-the-Lake and her personal experiences through the years.

Several of our neighbors were very helpful to Wendy: Jack and Sara Jane Sargent, Jim Lavender of Lavender Cottages, Marge Millikan from the Geneva on the Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Brunners, Jerry and LuAnn Busch from Eagle Cliff Inn and the late, Mrs Jean Metcalf, from the Ashtabula County Historical Society (Jenny Munger Museum Curator).

Lake Erie Ohio Spa Opens February 10, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:04:00 +0000

The Lakehouse Inn and Winery is very proud to announce our new addition, The Spa at The Lakehouse Inn. Sam and his team have been working very diligently and of course creatively to bring the Spa to life. Our family purchased the property across the street Fall, 2010. The Spa is phase II renovation/construction.

Our staff is looking forward to serving your need to Relax, Renew & Rejuvenate at our Lake Erie Spa.
Katie and Laryn are highly trained professionals who come to us very eager to assist in making the most of your Spa experience.
Mindy has been with us for several years and is looking forward to this new venture.

Kathy Presciano, who has been our lighting and interior design consultant since our Beach House days, has really transcended the appearance of this once less than optimal structure across the street from the Lakehouse (actually most of the spa structure is new construction). If you have been pleased with her previous work, you will truly be in awe when you scope out her talents in the Spa. We also had Michael Blair at the Lakehouse doing some photography yesterday-so when the pics come back, I will post more for you to see.
For more information visit our website or call our staff at 440-466-8668 x1.

Winterfest 2012 in Geneva, Ohio is February 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

The Annual Winterfest

Presented by The Geneva Business Association

February 4th.

The Theme this year is

"Don't Hibernate, Come Celebrate"

Here is a copy of the Brochure.

There are many activities to enjoy.
The Theme of the Parade is "The Great Outdoors" Start time is 12 Noon.
There will be a pancake breakfast, chili cook-off, spaghetti dinner and much more.
Enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating and snowmobiling.
Geneva-on-the-Lake Golf Course will be hosting snowshoeing and snowmobile rides
(Mother Nature needs to get in gear to supply the snow).

Visit The Lakehouse Inn Winery or Crosswinds Grille during the weekend. We do have several rooms available on Friday, February 3rd.

We hope to see you next weekend, sharing in the Geneva Celebration of Winter festivities!

Mid-January Winter Wonderland Along Lake Erie

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Well our first real winter storm arrived early Friday morning and continued until @ 4pm Saturday afternoon. Of course the storm coincided with our re-opening weekend. Unfortunately, we had several cancellations due to road conditions and power outages en route. 90% of our staff stayed home on Saturday.

Today is another day, however. The Sun is shining bright and wind is minimal, Thank goodness.

Taking a walk toward the water reveals some ice forming at the shore.

and on the rocks.

Here is a view of the back of the Inn.

Sam was VERY busy plowing the past 24 hours or so...

You can barely see the Event Room from the Inn driveway due to the plow mounds.

Drew Update

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to spend time today with Drew and Michayla this afternoon. Andrea and I were spending time trying to put the final plans for the Spa opening. Needless to say spending time with the grandchildren took precedent. What actually prompted this post was a conversation one of our front desk staff had with one of our loyal guests of the Inn "Karen really needs to update her Blog with pictures of Drew". So here you are Denise:

Michayla just loves her cousin, Drew!

Here is Drew in action-his arms and legs are always moving!!! Sam thinks he is going to be a Boxer.

Andrea and Lance sent this shot to me on Christmas Afternoon.

The Teddy Bear is reading the Night Before Christmas to Drew during Girls Weekend.

Michayla was one of the first to hold Drew once he got home (he was 3 days old in this shot).
Andrew Jacob Bushweiler was born November 16, 2011
He weighed 6# 12 oz and 21" long
For initial pictures of Drew, check out our Facebook page

January Full Moon on Lake Erie

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This past week the Moon has been SO bright throughout the night-time hours, it wakes me from a sound sleep. We have several windows facing West and with the clear nights, the Moonlight has been just incredible.
I braved the frigid temps this morning to take this shot...

I took this from the winery deck-if it wasn't so cold, I would have gotten my coffee to just sit and reflect on how amazing Mother Nature really is! The deck was a solid sheet of frost and by the time I came up to the Inn, my fingers were feeling some pre-frostbite tingling, but it was SO worth it!!!

On my way back up towards the Inn, I could not resist this shot from the trees just South of the Beach House.

Murder Mystery Dinner Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:38:00 +0000

One of the events hosted in our new Event Room was our very popular Murder Mystery Dinner.

As you can see it was a Costume Ball Theme and everyone went all out to dress for the occasion.

Guests getting to know each other and enjoying the food and drink.

The detective, dressed as Sherlock Holmes during the "Interrogation"

Next Murder Mystery Dinner is scheduled for March 23rd, 2012

There are still seats available

Call 440-466-8668 x1 for more information

An Outside Wedding in Late October at The Lakehouse Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:34:00 +0000

I don't think anyone can dispute that the 2011 weather has been anything but predictable. Too much rain, wind and just overall less than optimal. Don't get me wrong, when Mother Nature wanted to, She did bless us with some outstanding days this year and Saturday was one of them.

Our couple this past weekend had a beautiful day and were able to have their ceremony on the lower deck in the early evening.

Well we have been booking weddings past the traditional outside wedding season since the opening of our event room on the south side property. Our building crew has been working feverishly the past few months getting the building converted from a 1960's ranch house into a wonderful event venue to accommodate just under fifty guests. October 1st was our "opening" day and it has seen much activity.

Wicked Wind-Wonderful Sunset on Lake Erie

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:12:00 +0000

The wind today was wicked with tons of wave action-however, the sunset was just spectacular!
Mother Nature is VERY interesting, to say the least!!

Thunder on the Strip Returns for the 5th Year

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:35:00 +0000

I would say this was the reoccurring theme as we strolled down the main street of Geneva-on-the-Lake at dusk last evening. People really love to ride their motorcycles.

Thank goodness Mother Nature finally gave Dwayne and Jake (the organizers of Thunder on the Strip) some drier and sunny weather Saturday. The bikes and people came out to enjoy the festivities for sure.

Unfortunately, this was the theme of the previous days-raingear was the attire for sure.

There were all types of bikes lined along the curbs, parking lots and of course driving down the road. The roar was constant. It sure did beat the sound of natural thunder we have experienced much too often this summer.

All the businesses were delighted the rain went away. Eddie's Grill was one of the hot spots.

We will see what Mother Nature has in store for Sunday.

Welcome Summer, Finally, on Beautiful Lake Erie!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:12:00 +0000

Here we are, Fourth of July and we are finally into summer-like weather two days in a row.

It is a little scary though, since most people think summer is half over when we hit Independence Day. The forecast the next week looks very much like summer.

I think we all are going to savor every gorgeous day, since they have been so scare thus far in 2011.

This has been a perfect day! Plenty of guests came out to enjoy the wonderful weather, wine and food.

We are still holding our breath regarding the Midges-yes the day after the buildings were power-washed, the pesky bugs started to proliferate-for only a day or two, thank goodness. This has been a very odd season, to say the least!

Midge Season along the Ashtabula County Lake Erie Shoreline, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Well the Midges showed up the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

Andrea was freaking out because she had at least one event each weekend day planned the beginning of June. The cool, damp, windy weather must have contributed to keeping the annual migrants at bay, because they have not been much of a nuisance as yet. Yes they have been prevalent in the bushes and flowers, however not enough to have more than a day or two of sunrise/sunset swarming. Let me tell you this has been the ONLY benefit to the less than optimal weather in May and June! The use of fans during tented events and on the Crosswinds Grille patio have been very effective. We have put off having the buildings power-washed until next week-lets see what happens! It will be awful if the Midges come full force for the Fourth of July holiday.

Sunrise from the Beach at The Lakehouse Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:53:00 +0000

This is a shot of the sunrise this morning at 5:52am from our beach.

We should be able to see the sun rising from our beach until at least mid-July. Our guests in the Beach House can just look out their window or step out on their deck to get this wonderful view.

So Much Rain-Flooding of the Lakefront Property is Becoming Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:49:00 +0000

The Rain just won't stop! Here are shots of what is becoming a regular obstacle for our staff.

I do know we should thanks our lucky stars this is the worst we have endured. Our housekeeping and winery staff come to work in knee high boots to keep their feet dry.

Just two days prior we had weekend guests who chose to do their easter egg hunt on Saturday evening instead of Easter Day, good thing-the weather sure changed overnight!

Then the Next Weekend on Lake Erie is Ugly!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:46:00 +0000

Well yesterday started less than optimally and as the day progressed the weather just would not improve. We started with the loss of electricity around 6:45am. Luckily I had a few pots of coffee already brewed. We scrambled to get the battery operated portable lights out in the Great Room and Sam fired up the portable generator so we could have light in the kitchen along with the exhaust fan, toaster and power to the coolers. Luckily the power came back just after 8:30am.
The day tried very hard to turn around, however Mother Nature was and still is in a foul mood.
Here is a shot Alex took in the mid afternoon from the Tasting Room.

The lake appeared calm, however the sky was far from it. Shortly after this shot was taken, we got soaked!!!

Today the wind is from the northwest and just brutal. The flowers we planted last Sunday are taking a beating.

We all know that the April Showers bring May Flowers, but enough is enough already. I do have to say, everyday there is more evidence of beauty to come. The daffodils and tulips are doing very well and the Iris' are growing inches each day. On a positive note, the trees are starting to bud, which is a wonderful sign of better days to come.

A Beautiful Sunday at the Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Well yesterday I just needed a flower fix and headed in the direction of Sabos Garden Center to see if by chance they were open. I got so psyched when I saw their open flag from the stop light on the corner of Route 20 and County Line Road. The weather was SO gloomy and fairly windy. The staff were in their winter coats as they were working around the center. I got a wagon and filled up on pansies to put in containers around the Lakehouse Inn property. A blooming perennial (Helleborus) caught my eye. They do best in shade so what better palce than the Beach House garden. So of course I had to get four of them. what really sold me on them is the fact that the ivory buds that are flushed with pink appear in mid-winter and open and last ALL Spring.

When I finally got to the register I realized I was the first customer of their 2011 season. I got home and was so bummed, the weather deteriorated and I just couldn't get the energy to go out in the ugly weather to plant.

Today was a much different story. Michayla and I went outside after breakfast to start our planting.

Once we ran out of flowers, the weather started to warm up VERY nicely. So we decided to get the property ready for outside seating.

We took the cushions for the font porch chairs out of storage and Michayla did a great job of transporting and arranging them on the chairs.

Here is a shot her taking a break. We really started the day in heavy coats that were put aside very quickly.

Next we cleaned all the tables an chairs-I did the chairs and she did the tables. The second layer of clothing was also gone by then.

By the time we were ready to open the Winery, the temps were close to 80 degrees. What a great day for our guests.

Of course there were motorcycles out.

The Frigid Temps and North Winds Brought the Ice Back to the Lake Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Winter just won't go away. There were actually a few days this week that we had zero evidence of ice on the water. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to catch a shot and if you saw the Lake today, you would think I was hallucinating.

Last evening I was able to get the sunset and saw the start of ice on the shore.

There really was open water beyond the rocks.

Well at least the Sun was very brilliant today and the winds are pretty calm.

Spring Arrival is Sunny, However Very Chilly on Lake Erie

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Well there are finally definite signs of Spring along the shore of Lake Erie. Each day we are seeing more open water.

The sun is indeed setting on the water. This is a shot from last evening.

There is clearly evidence of daffodils coming back to life. Another few weeks there should be much more color on the grounds of The Lakehouse Inn.

Here is a visual of the shoreline I took this morning after breakfast. It was very sunny, however the temps are in the low 40's.

Tomorrow is the First Day of Spring, We'll See..

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Well I have to say there was great progress in the weather this past week. Can you believe it was just last Friday when we were dumped on with tons of snow and all our schools were closed again. It took me double the time to get to my day job. Today there is little evidence of that storm. The lake clearly warmed up this week, Thursday was clearly a wonderful day.

Our shoreline looks a little like Glacier Bay. I am thinking the sun should be setting on the water, I just have not had the opportunity this past week to be home at sunset; hopefully I will get a shot this evening. The forecast is for vivid sun today-haven't seen any evidence yet.

The guys are working on bottling oaked Chardonnay today. In order to do so, they must first pump the wine from the barrels in the cellar and move the wine to the bottling line in the production area which is located closer to the road. I am sure they are looking forward to some sunshine.

Will the Groundhog Really Be Correct?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Okay, so Tuesday will be six weeks since The groundhog did NOT see his shadow, which means Spring should be well on its way, Right?
Looking at the present landscape surely does not lend itself to "Spring being right around the corner".
Granted the days are getting longer and the Sun (when we do see it) is setting closer to the water's edge. Well I was just starting to get used to the fact that it was actually light in the early morning and it was time to change to Daylight Savings Time. Losing an hour sleep last night was not my idea of fun, especially when it is SO dreary out.

So with all this said, let's look at what we have to look forward to in the not too distant future.

First and foremost on our minds is the sound of the lapping shore-That will be a sure sign of Spring. It has been months since we have heard or seen liquid on the shore. Yes we do get an occasional day where we see some open water which is the promise of better weather ahead.
Next in line is the ability to have our guests enjoy being outdoors again, feeling the breeze (warm, we hope) and enjoying the beautiful sunsets Lake Erie brings our way.

Of course the next best thing is guests snapping pics of the sun setting -without winter coats-can you imagine!!!
I REALLY miss the color of The Lakehouse Inn grounds.
Our 2011 brides are all hoping for a breathtaking wedding day.
Well enough pondering on what the near future will hold, I better get back to reality and assist Andrea with today's activities.

Nate Enrolls in ICASI

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Nate has decided to expand his culinary skills and enrolled in the ICASI. (The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute). Of course this family never does anything slow, and Nate is no exception-he started in the program right after the first of the year, in the accelerated program, so he can complete the first phase by the end of March. He is in class two full days and half day Saturday, along with a number of internship hours.

He has learned SO much and is REALLY enjoying the classes and practical experience. I just love watching him do his "homework" on Sundays. He spends most of the day here in the kitchen. The picture I took one evening when I got home from work and he was working on a project her learned in class earlier in the day-he did not take time to go home and change out of his uniform from class.
Crosswinds Grille will start seeing modifications to the menu according to the new skills he has acquired. We hope you enjoy the changes as much as we have so far. We just all need to walk more to burn off the calories we are consuming.

Veterans Spend the Eve of Veterans Day at The Lakehouse Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:00:00 +0000

The Lakehouse Inn invited veterans to spend the Eve of Veteran's Day with us and on us.

We opened our five traditional rooms and three cottages to Veterans as part of the BnBs for Vets program. The response was so overwhelming. We filled the rooms within just a few weeks of posting our Inn on the BnBs for Vets website. Although we offer a military discount throughout the year, it just made perfect sense to get on the bandwagon and be part of the hundreds of Inns who wanted to give back to our veterans in this special way. The veterans and guest seems to really enjoy their stay and were very appreciative of the program. We look forward to participating again in 2011.

October is Saga Time at The Lakehouse Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:13:00 +0000

When we purchased The Lakehouse Inn in 2000, there were several things that came with the property, The Spencerian Saga was one of them. Each year Michael Sull, a Master Penman, engrosser and lettering artist holds Traditional and Advanced Spencerian Handwriting workshops. Each program is 7 days of intense study. We have had the pleasure of hosting these events each year. You can say Mike and Andrea have grown up together over the past 11 years. They have learned so much from each other.

This year was a very significant year for Michael and Platt Rodgers Spencer. The city of Geneva built several new schools over the past few years and the Geneva Platt R. Spencer School was one of them. The school opened its doors to students last month and while Michael was in town, he was able to see the fruits of his labor.

Michael designed the signage for the building.

If you ever wondered why we have so many prints in the Great Room related to Platt Spencer and Spencerian Handwriting, now you know.

The veterans of the Spencerian Saga started a blog last year, which I had linked.

Saga time is the one time of year that my Mom and Dad dedicate time to stay with us to coordinate, prepare and serve the meals for the Saga participants. Mom gets up every morning by 6am to start breakfast and is in the kitchen all day preparing the meals. Dad has been the official coffee/beverage maker and dishwasher. Unfortunately, this time around, Dad stayed home.

2011 will be the 25th anniversary of the Spencian Saga. Michael will hold three workshops in celebration of this milestone. The additional week will encompass the Engrossing Workshop. We are hoping Dad will be back to at least hang out with the group.

Grape Harvest Comes a Month Early

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:52:00 +0000

The wonderful summer weather which consisted of warm, dry days has brought the grape crop to harvest a month early this year. Sam and company has really had to hustle to be ready. As you can see, we have a new little recruit.

Ashtabula Wine and Walleye Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:18:00 +0000

Tom and I spent the weekend representing The Lakehouse Inn Winery at the Wine and Walleye Festival. The weather was picture-perfect.
Here is our booth-the wineries were located parallel to the the river, south of the liftbridge.

Here is the Liftbridge. The landscaping is very picturesque.
The liftbridge raising to allow the boats to come into the Ashtabula River from Lake Erie.
Here are the boats traveling down the Ashtabula River, approaching the liftbridge.
The Coast Guard and the neighborhood Canadian Geese.

The Coal Dock conveyor can be seen along with the old Coast Guard Station.