Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, and the Cuyahoga Valley - Cleveland OH Off the Beaten Path

Preview: Tranquil, stream-fed Chippewa Lake provides the setting for an outstanding country dining establishment, the Oaks Lodge. Eight acres of tall trees surround this rambling former estate, which rests a stone’s throw from the water. Railroad industrialist J.F. Townsend remodeled this former farmhouse in 1914, using it to entertain such captains of industry as J. Pierpont Morgan. Townsend dubbed the place Five Oaks for the semicircle of oak trees that graced the front of the home at the time. Don Casper and Al Hitchins purchased the Medina County property in 1961 and earned a reputation for an innovative menu and an impressive kitchen. Each of the four dining areas has its own distinct character, and the large windows allow a view of the large patio—a perfect spot for a cocktail or after-dinner drink—and the gazebo at water’s edge. Dinner at the Oaks Lodge includes dishes such as rack of lamb, roast prime rib (Friday and Saturday only), several cuts of steak, and veal gesina, which is veal sautéed in wine, butter, and mushrooms. Seafood fans can choose from Alaskan king crab legs, fresh pickerel, shrimp tempura, and the broiled shore dinner—a combination of orange roughy, scampi, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and onions served on a skewer. A favorite with many regulars here is the broiled scampi in parsley and garlic butter served in individual chafing dishes. A fine dinner salad distinguishes a quality restaurant from an ordinary one, and an Oaks Lodge salad comes brimming with carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes. For your choice of potato, try the unusual potatoes Anna—pan-fried spuds smothered in onions and peppers. The lodge’s luxurious desserts include Grand Marnier chocolate mousse, chocolate cheesecake, and an assortment of parfaits. From the fresh flowers and stylish decor (the lodge has won several awards for interior design) to the culinary expertise, the Oaks Lodge rates high marks. The above description is an excerpt from "Ohio: Off the Beaten Path." Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for something different, this chapter from the Off the Beaten Path series will help you take the "road less traveled" and discover hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales that most tourists miss.
© Copyright George and Carol Zimmermann published by Insiders' Guide all rights reserved.


This travel guide comes from:
Ohio Off the Beaten Path Guide Book