How to Have the Best Time at the Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival

Hunting for beach glass on the shores of Lake Erie is a beloved summer activity. Whether you stumble up a rare red ruby or a sea green jewel, pocketing a piece of beach glass is always a special treat! Each year, the Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival celebrates this beautiful beach treasure in all its glory. If you have yet to attend, then you are missing out! Read on to learn everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

Afterward, find more ways to enjoy summer on Lake Erie in our free Geneva-on-the-Lake Vacation Guide. Our guide is full of recommendations on restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, and more so that you can spend less time planning and more time having fun!

Bring on Summer

Your Guide to the Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival

First: What is Beach Glass?

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of walking along the shores of Lake Erie, chances are, you’ve encountered beach glass! Beach glass is a smooth and colorful jewel that is the result of years of erosion in the sea. Its origins are vast. Some Lake Erie beach glass comes from historic shipwrecks, and some glass comes from discarded trash, such as broken bottles and tableware. The potential stories behind each colorful piece of glass only add to its mystery! In addition, because it takes years for glass to dissolve and for the fresh lake water to work its magic on the glass, finding a piece is always a special treat.

A Cherished Summer Tradition

2019 marks the 11th Annual Beach Glass Festival. Each year, nearly 100 vendors and artisans flock to Ashtabula to share their love for beach glass. It is a two-day event that takes place in the historic Ashtabula Harbor. You can look forward to handcrafted beach glass jewelry, artwork, handbags, clothing, and more. If you work up an appetite on your shopping spree, then you are in luck. There are a variety of eclectic restaurants in the area to choose from, including Hil-Mak Seafood Restaurant and Rennick Meat Market.

The 2019 event takes place on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30! Catch a sneak peek of what artists and vendors to expect by visiting the festival’s Facebook page.

Stay Near It All at The Lakehouse Inn

Whether you are hunting for beach glass this summer or planning to attend the festival, you will love the central location of The Lakehouse Inn in Geneva-on-the-Lake. When you book any of our cozy accommodations, like our Geneva-on-the-Lake cottages, you can always look forward to the best amenities, vacation packages, and top-notch service. 

Gorgeous views of Lake Erie, easy beach access, complimentary breakfast, daily wine tasting, and spa treatments are a few perks that our guests can enjoy. When you are ready to plan your summer getaway, check our availability and book your stay. We can’t wait to host you at The Lakehouse Inn!

If you are looking for more fun summer events, like the Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival, remember to download your free Geneva-on-the-Lake Vacation Guide!