The days are longer, the weather warmer and the sun shines more on northwest Ohio and the Lake Erie islands. At the Ørchard on Catawba Island, we’re preparing to celebrate the return of summer with our guests.

Throughout our 24-acre farm the grapevines, apple and peach trees are budding out. We breathe a little easier knowing that our orchard and vineyard rows, as well as those throughout farms in Northwest Ohio, promise another great season of Ohio fruits for our tables.

- off the vine-

Welcome to Off the Vine, a Catawba Island blog that embodies the historic island's way of life. Catawba Island was founded in 1861 and has become a beloved oasis & destination on the coast of Lake Erie. Rich in history (and soil) the island's quaint land is home to many family orchards & vineyards. It is said that the warm Lake Erie breezes in the late summer provide the ideal climate for stone fruit, apples & grapes to flourish.

Join us weekly as we share stories, history & our favorite ways to enjoy a perfect day on Catawba Island.

a catawba island blog

You wouldn’t be our first guest to turn a day trip into an overnight stay, or an Ohio mini vacation, so knowing where to rest your head is helpful.

Catawba Island and the surrounding region has lodging options from familiar chains, to cozy independent guest houses, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds, for those who love to wake to birds chirping. So be prepared. Pack your jammies.

Ah, Spring! Doesn’t everything feel fresh and new? The atmosphere in your home and your cooking take on different personalities. You put away the heartier comfort food recipes and bring out ones that take advantage of the local, seasonal harvest and cook quicker. Even the colors and scents you add to your home feel lighter and brighter.

That’s how the Farm Stand at Ørchard on Catawba Island looks and feels right now.

Survey says: Forty three percent of people say this is the best season for cocktails.* We agree! So, what are the other 57 percent thinking? Probably that any season is a good reason for a good craft cocktail.

At the Ørchard on Catawba Island, we can’t argue with that either. Of all the cocktail seasons, spring comes with the return of fresh, ingredients grown in our own garden and orchard. We can’t resist adding them to the cocktails recipes created in our restaurants and bars.