Fall Road Trip on U.S. Route 6
The 106-mile stretch between Fremont and Willoughby Hills offers a taste of history, agriculture and amusement-park thrills.
Also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway to honor the Union forces that preserved the nation during the Civil War, U.S. Route 6 stretches coast to coast, from California to Massachusetts. It passes through 10 northern Ohio counties, with a large portion running parallel to Lake Erie and through the port cities of Sandusky, Lorain and Cleveland before heading inland, passing through towns like Chardon and Andover. The 106-mile stretch between Fremont and Willoughby Hills offers a taste of history, agriculture and amusement-park thrills.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
As the estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, Spiegel Grove serves as both a historical and educational site. Visitors can take a tour of the home, walk the wooded grounds, visit the grave of the president and first lady and check out the museum full of artifacts and exhibits that tells the story of Hayes’ life and presidency. Spiegel Grove, Fremont 43420, 419/332-2081, rbhayes.org
Farmer Jones Farm Market
After a 35-year hiatus, Farmer Jones Farm Market returned in 2020 to offer fresh, seasonal produce. Located near Lee Jones’ The Chef’s Garden in Huron, the roadside market stand features autumn favorites like cabbage, celery root, parsnips, rainbow carrots and beets. Grown with Jones’ inventive and sustainable farming methods, the quality ingredients are sure to spark up your fall menu at home. 1517 Scheid Rd., Huron 44839, 800/289-4644,
farmerjonesfarm.com
Cedar Point
The roller coaster capital of the world’s annual HalloWeekends event, which runs select days and nights Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, embraces the harvest season with a full lineup of family-friendly offerings. Daytime happenings include the Tricks and Treats Fall Fest with foods and activities perfect for young children, while evening brings haunted attractions and spooky mazes to portions of the park. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky 44870, 419/627-2350, cedarpoint.com
Lake View Cemetery
Since its founding in 1869, this garden cemetery has become a place for both peaceful contemplation and historical exploration. Points of note include the 180-foot James A. Garfield Memorial, the obelisk marking the final resting place of industrialist John D. Rockefeller and the jukebox-shaped gravestone of legendary Cleveland DJ Alan Freed. 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44106, 216/421-2665, lakeviewcemetery.com
Squire’s Castle
Constructed during the 1890s and never completed, the shell of Squire’s Castle is an interesting piece of architecture modeled after structures in England and Germany. It’s located in Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation, and the surrounding green space offers an ideal spot for picnics and games. (You may even catch a glimpse of a wedding there during your visit.) There is also a popular, 2-mile loop trail that winds through the surrounding woods. 2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills 44094, 440/473-3370, clevelandmetroparks.com
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