This or some version of it, is one of my favorite holiday season day trips. Start early in the morning because this promises to be a busy day! You won’t be able to do everything on this list in one single day trip. Take your time and enjoy each stop. You can always do what you miss on a future visit.
I have updated to add a few places I have not been but would like to try. Opening days and hours can change frequently. Check before you go.
From Ashtabula, OH drive approximately 40 minutes/40 miles to
Tudor Octagon, 3567 Bradley Brownlee Rd, Cortland, OH 44410. 9-5 on Fri and Sat, 12:30-5 Sun. Closed Mon-Thurs. I made my first trip here last fall. A Christmas themed thrift shop. What could be better than that? Small but packed to the rafters with second hand Christmas items at super prices.
If it’s time for a pit stop and a morning coffee it’s 6 min./4 mi. to check out
Fowler’s General Store, 3457 Youngstown Kingsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410 Mon-Sat 9-5, Closed Sun. Traveler’s review; A must stop for great coffee and a homemade baked goods. Walked into this quaint country store and bakery located right in the heart of town. They have daily specials, and which are also locally made.
Drive 22 min/14 mi. to the main stop of the day.
Kraynak’s Lawn & Garden Center and Christmas World, 180 N Kerrwood Dr, Hermitage, PA Mon – Sat 9-9m, sun 12-5. During the warmer months it’s a garden center and a great one. But the holiday season is my favorite time at Kraynak’s. Starting in September there are toys, holiday home décor, stocking stuffers and candy,, tons or ornaments, garlands, trees and wreaths both real and artificial. Anything and everything you need for the holidays can be found here plus a walk-thru holiday display. Visit with Santa if that’s your thing, but I prefer to go early in the season (pre-Santa) before the crowds start rolling in.
By now you’ll probably be ready for lunch. How about something a little spicy? It’s 1 mi/ 3 min to
La Isla Mexican Restaurant, 1800 E State St, Hermitage, PA 16148. Traveler’s review: The tastiest Mexican food that I’ve ever had! Full of flavor! Generous servings.
A 1 min/.2 mi. drive takes you to
Philadelphia Candies, 1546 E State St, Hermitage, PA 16148 Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-5. Traveler’s review: Great selection. Prices reasonable. Quality high.
Drive 3.7 mi/7 min to visit the Christmas display at
Hermitage Historical Society, 5465 E State St, Hermitage, PA 16148. Call for holiday hours. Traveler’s review: Three floors of gorgeous trees and decorations.
Need a place to spend the night? Check out Tara A Country Inn, 2844 Lake Rd, Clark, PA 16113. Traveler’s review: Staying here is like stepping back in time. Every moment was magical. The room had its own jacuzzi tub right in the bedroom. The food was spectacular. The high tea was romantic. The indoor and outdoor pool and sauna were heavenly, and I even got to teach my wife how to play billiards in the billiard room!
Drive 15 mi/24 min from the historical society to
Lisa’s General Store, 100 Hadley Rd, Greenville, PA 16125. Closed Mon and Tues. Wed-Sat. 9-6, Sun 10-5. A mix of antiques, collectibles, and craft items. It is a large store. The prices are more reasonable than many so called antique malls. I could spend hours here.
If you missed lunch, there is another Mexican option in Greenville. There are a few family restaurant choices and pizza shops too. Not many choices once you head toward Kinsman, OH.
Compadres, 14 S Mercer St, Greenville, PA 16125. Daily 12-12.
Drive 23 min/14 mi to
Market Square, 6406 Kinsman Nickerson Rd, Kinsman, OH 44428. Daily 10-7. If you love books this place has more than you’ll be able to browse in a day. It’s also a thrift store and they sell rolls of wallpaper, cheap. The building is old and run down and I doubt its been dusted in more than a century but that only adds to the unique experience.
To see a slice of history, drive past the Clarence Darrow Octagon House, 8405 Main St, Kinsman, OH 44428. It’s just down the road. Together with his family, Clarence Darrow moved to the octagon house in 1864 at the age of seven and lived in it until the family moved out of state circa 1873. He is best known for his role in the “Scopes Monkey Trial” and his defense of the teaching of evolution. No tours here. Just take a quick look at the interesting construction.
End the day with a nice dinner at
The Peter Allen Inn, 8581 Williamsfield Kinsman Rd, Kinsman, OH 44428. If you find yourself far from home, you can rent a nice room here too. Traveler’s review: The entire place is beautiful, but our favorite is the Tavern downstairs. Sit outside in warmer weather. Live music some nights. The food is delicious. Service is top notch.
Home at the WhackyShack 