One of my summer favorite destinations with my kids is an area known as the Shores and Islands. While it is not what you may be thinking about, oceanfront, it is all lakefront fun. In fact, the area is Ohio’s Lake Erie, referred to as the Shores and Islands of Lake Erie.
Here, is where the most picturesque backgrounds accompany old-time, family fun. Beaches, thrill rides, watersports, wineries, and island hopping all wrangle for your attention.
In fact, the North Shores and Islands area encompasses, Marblehead, Ohio. It is here today’s tale of simply sophisticated lodging and wine tasting begins. If you love the feel of sophisticated elegance in a laid-back atmosphere, accompanied by squeaky-clean lodging, I got you!
Wine glasses rule supreme, impressive wine options and warm hospitality all create a memorable stay. Lavishly live travel out loud and say as we did, “Veni. Vidi. Amavi.” (We came. We Saw. We Loved!) Now it’s your turn to learn where to make reservations for a sophisticated inn and winery in Marblehead Ohio!
Sophisticated Inn And Winery in Marblehead Ohio
We were guests of Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery, opinions and images are my own.
Check into your room, freshen up, and head on down to the patio. It’s time for wine flights, S’mores, new friends and an eclectic atmosphere. Now, if you still are wondering where Marblehead, Ohio is, you are a stone’s throw away from Kelley’s Island Ferry, Lakeside Chautauqua and super close to Port Clinton.
What I believe is that you need a full week up in the area, to just uncover all the towns, villages, and places it’s truly a treasure chest. In the heart of all of it is the Red Fern Inn at the Rocky Point Winery.
You know I love wineries and I visit them often, but this one is distinctly different. I want to say, so well run and so sophisticated.
The Red Fern Inn and The Rocky Point Winery
First, you need to know that the old Marblehead Schoolhouse is a lovely inn. On the first floor and in the back you will find the magnificent Rocky Point Winery. It’s so well-designed, lit, and architecturally pleasing, your eyes will just roam.
Do note, that you can order pizza, from local pizza places, food from next door restaurant, or head to the grocery down the street and stock your kitchen if you are staying at the Red Fern Inn.
Cheese platters are available for purchase at the winery! I’ll be honest, one night here is not enough, as there is a lot to appreciate. The owners Kim and Chris are sensational. Chris has handcrafted the tables in the bar area, and the bar and I just can not say enough about how peaceful, tranquil and well-manicured the area is.
The Red Fern Inn
Take an old schoolhouse, clean it up, and put every possible amenity you can imagine into a room and you have gold dust! That’s what you will find at the Red Fern Inn. It sits in an old Marblehead schoolhouse that Kim (the owner) has just totally changed up. I mean, clean, immaculate and attention to detail beyond any INN I have been at!
From bath towels to rooms scrubbed by her and her fabulous staff, this is clean. I actually put my head on the pillow, trust me, you all know I am so off the charts about hotels, so this was amazing!
Look in the kitchen, it is so stocked you definitely need a week, so you can use the kitchen and enjoy the winery nightly. Also if you have teens with you, they will love their rooms and the kitchen, trust me:)
So there are 4 rooms in the inn, and they are very booked. You really have to plan this trip ahead and you will crave staying here. I want you to stay at the Red Fern Inn so you can drink below and enjoy the ambiance. Then, after, retire to your room and enjoy the experience.
The Not So Secret Stairway To The Top
Kids will love this and for those of you that love Lake Erie, it will shine brightly when you go to the top of these stairs. You can see so far and it is so beautiful, so head to the top floor to experience this. Take the stairs to the top and snap those photos! It’s better than any rooftop shot you will see!
Kid Friendly
Who takes their children to wineries? Hello, I do and the Rocky Point Winery and the Red Fern Inn get that. There’s a movie room, board games, sodas, cheese and crackers, and full kitchens. There are multiple rooms if you choose the right room and the winery offers big games, firepits, smores and more.
Now, I would not say that rowdy is acceptable for kids, but there are spaces carved out for them, so you parents can enjoy. My kids were chatting with other adults and playing games with them. The nice thing is the other adults were interested in chatting with kids. What a different place!
Ambiance
The Rocky Point Winery is not just for kids, it is for families. People are not getting sloppy drunk here. Rather, you come here to enjoy the ambiance, your friends, and a good bottle of wine or wine flight.
It’s laid back, beautiful and truly a game-changer for a vacation destination. There’s a lot to do in the area. You can take off to the lighthouse, or you can go to Port Clinton for the day, or use Jet Express and head over to Put In Bay or even Kelley’s Island. Did I forget to mention there are great eateries, farm markets, fishing, biking and hiking in the area?
Inside The Rocky Point Winery
Elegance is just everywhere, yet it is worn in and welcoming, not snobby or pretentious. There are plenty of places to sit inside just in case the weather is not your best friend outside. Here you order your wine flights or bottles of wine or exchange the wine from your room.
Head To The Back It’s Where Your Wine Adventure Begins
But, once you walk beyond here, your eyes will be mesmerized by beauty and serenity! It’s all about nature, outdoor beauty and fun! Are you ready?
Let’s go, you have to see this, area, it is just lovely and perfect for sipping wine under the moonlight! Wine shared with friends, in a great environment is bliss, and bliss is found here.
Still craving more seats, more area to spread out in? How about fire pits? Or a nice nature area, where the gardens beckon you to stop and smell the roses? Found!
Do you see the firepits? The paths? What about more seating? You are seeing families, friends, and the crowd changes every hour, as more and more people come, yet the area is so large it just swallows these parties. Cheers to Kim and Chris getting this so Spot On with the setup! Love it!
Bar Area
Let’s take one more look at the bar area, shall we? You will spend a good bit of time here if you go, I am sure of that! The servers are kind and hospitable as well. IF you want to know more about the area, ask them. I learned so much from the staff, about the area and things to do, things we missed. Tables in here were all crafted by Chris, just superb and beautiful.
Funny story, if you saw my post about Kelley’s Island and the only place NIKO could eat ice cream at, we met the owner of the Ice Creamery here without that even being planned!
Wine Flights
If you are totally unsure of what wine you like, might I suggest a wine flight? So well served in this assortment container. Go 1-6 and see what appeals to you, then order up! That is how I did it, and how others do as well. Or perhaps you just want to wine flight it solo. Do it. Your wine experience is yours. It’s fun to try different wines, but when you know your preference sip and enjoy!
As a bonus, in your room you receive a bottle of their wine, you can exchange it for the varietal that you prefer (so if you get Chardonnay and prefer Merlot, just exchange it)! A nice perk of staying here I do believe!
Destinations are about fun, friends, memories and beautiful locations. Well, I gotta say, this fulfills my ‘want’ list and I bet it will complete yours too. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, girlfriend trips, or for those who just want a timeout on life.
Sip, relax and enjoy this sophisticated inn and winery in Marblehead, Ohio! Lavishly live travel out loud! Do as we did, Veni. Vidi. Amavi.” (We came. We Saw. We Loved!) ~Dana XO
