2015 May/June

After a fire devoured its third floor, the Steele Mansion sat roofless, vacant and decaying for nearly 10 years. It was slated for demolition when Carol and Arthur Shamakian came along with dreams of converting the former residence into an upscale inn. Now, as the mansion opens its doors, we take a look at the finished product, as well as the work that went into restoring the mansion’s former glory.

Norfolk County is known as “Ontario’s Garden,” and for good reason. Its sandy soils and warmer-than-the-rest-of-Canada temperatures means asparagus, cabbage, sweet potatoes cucumbers, peanuts, pumpkins and strawberries. For Robin Reitz, owner of Ritzy Cakes & Eatery in Waterford, it’s all about the berries this time of year. After you’ve eaten your fill of them fresh, try these cookies. 

With ambitious plans for both its shoreline and downtown, Port Clinton is on the rise. But, before Mayor Vincent Leone can bring new life to the lakefront, he first must battle the plant that is trying to destroy it. 

1940
Waldameer Park in Erie, Pennsylvania

These days, it’s the Pacific Coast Trail (hiked on-screen by Reese Witherspoon) that’s getting all the attention, but the Lake Erie region has thousands of miles of its own to offer. Whether you want to fill an afternoon or an entire week, there’s a footpath to follow. We’ve highlighted a few epic trail systems that follow ancient overland routes. So lace up those boots and get ready for your own adventure into the wild.