Rolling into Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, felt like driving through a living postcard from the 1950s. The blue arch welcomed us with charm, and the road led straight to the edge of Lake Erie, where memories seemed to hang in the breeze. This little resort town, founded in 1869 as Ohio’s first summer resort, still clings to its vintage spirit with pride. On an Ohio RV getaway, Chris and I joined her longtime friend Chris, who summers there at the Kinesee Campground nearby. The weather was perfect, the lake breeze refreshing, and the small-town vibe wrapped around us like an old quilt. It wasn’t long before we were exploring the sights—beginning with the rows of quirky shops filled to the brim with treasures from decades past.
Walking into the antique stores was like crossing a threshold into yesteryear. Glass cases held tin toys, neon signs, vintage spy kits, and Coca-Cola memorabilia. The smell of old wood and the soundtrack of Elvis and early rock ‘n’ roll made it more of an experience than a shopping trip. We chatted with collectors and soaked in the oddities—everything from a skeleton on a vintage bicycle to a display of retro clocks and soda pop ads. Geneva-on-the-Lake has a way of preserving Americana without trying too hard. Each shop had a story. Each item sparked a memory. It wasn’t about what we bought, but what we remembered. Somewhere between the nostalgia and the novelty, time slowed down.
One of the true gems of the visit was stumbling onto what proudly claims to be the oldest miniature golf course in the United States in continuous play. It was established in 1924 by the Allison family. Flowers surrounded the whimsical course, and hand-painted signs warned players not to climb on the hills or take more than three uphill strokes. Nearby, we posed with the “Fun Chicken” machine that promised prizes in every egg—and yes, it cackled when fed a coin. That kind of roadside charm has been entertaining families for generations. It’s not about thrills—it’s about delight. Chris’ daughter Jody joined us for lunch at the Sunset Harbor Bar and Grille, a laid-back lakeside spot where the crashing waves of Lake Erie provided the entertainment.
We shared laughs, stories, and Sunset Harbor’s best burgers while the water sprayed over the concrete wall, catching a few diners by surprise. The laughter that followed was contagious. Chris’ camp is on the Grand River where we watched for eagles and what we called “underwater fish”—well it’s just what came out of a conversation and became a joke-line while we were there. And we ended the day with a great campfire. It was the perfect capstone to a day that blended friendship, family, and old-school fun. Geneva-on-the-Lake was a glimpse into a simpler time, reminding us that the best memories aren’t always made in the fast lane. Sometimes, you find them parked at the edge of a great lake or a Grand river, with good company and a strong breeze.
