BY JENNIFER ALEXANDER RUPLE

Catawba Island is an especially gorgeous spot to visit this time of year. There is something about the afternoon light that sparkles on Lake Erie’s waves as they roll into shore, providing stunning views around every corner of the road.
In early fall, when the air turns crisp, the area makes an easygoing day trip packed with food, scenery and Lake Erie charm.

Start with a leisurely meal at Orchard Bar & Table.
The property offers several ways to linger, from the restaurant’s seasonal menus and handcrafted cocktails to the adjacent Orchard Farm Stand and The Coop cocktail bar. A stroll around the grounds reveals vineyards, produce gardens, fruit trees, and a farm-to-table gift shop making it feel more like a destination than a dining stop.
Just down the road, Twin Oast Brewing adds a different kind of flavor. Set on a 60-acre farm estate, the brewery is known for its distinctive twin oast towers and relaxed indoor-outdoor atmosphere. It is a place to order a pint and share a casual bite. For wine lovers, Gideon Owen Wine Company offers another inviting stop, pairing historic Catawba Island character with vineyard views, tasting experiences and a menu suited for a slow afternoon.

No visit to the vicinity feels complete without a drive to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. One of Lake Erie’s most photographed landmarks, the lighthouse has guided mariners along the rocky Marblehead Peninsula since the 1800s. During the summer season, visitors can climb the tower for sweeping views of the lake and islands. The grounds also feature a replica lifesaving station museum, a gift shop, picnic areas and walking paths where the shoreline becomes the main attraction.

Before heading home, save time for Cheese Haven in Port Clinton, a nostalgic roadside stop stocked with more than 140 kinds of cheese, house-made meats, local wines, smoked fish, dips and old-fashioned candies. Wander in for a souvenir and leave with a tote full of Lake Erie flavors.
Together, these stops create a day that feels relaxed but full: a farm-to-table lunch, craft beer or local wine, lighthouse history, lake views and a final snack-worthy shopping stop.