A Local's Guide on Things to Do in Chardon

Northeastern Ohio is a mine for hidden gems of real estate, offering quiet luxury, with stunning homes in peaceful communities. Chardon, in particular, is a perfect small city to own a house, raise a family, and enjoy all sorts of recreation close to home. This city of just over 5,000 people is the county seat of Geauga County.

In addition to the tranquil beauty of Chardon, you will find so much to explore within a relatively small geographical area. So, if you’re looking into Chardon real estate, check out the ideas below to see what locals recommend as far as things to do in Chardon.

Chardon is in a beautiful part of Ohio, brimming with opportunities to enjoy the world of nature. There are hiking areas like the Maple Highlands Trail, which runs through Chardon and connects to neighboring locations. The trail’s three sections span over 21 miles, offering fantastic opportunities for hiking, biking, dog walking, horseback riding, and more. Plus, the 600-acre Bass Lake Nature Preserve is a perfect spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. With these and other amazing parks and preserves in the area, nature lovers will never grow tired.

Another fun option for getting outdoors with the whole family in Chardon is fruit picking. Throughout the year, you can visit Ransom Sage Fruit Farm for pick-your-own apples, berries, pumpkins, gourds, and more. Hornyak Farms is another top spot for peaches, pumpkins, and Christmas trees and checking out the blooming sunflower fields.

Chardon also has fun-filled parks for families with kids. The Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park lives up to its name, with a variety of options for fun on the water or on land. Here, you’ll find pools, waterslides, paddle boats, and more. Visitors can get group rates for memorable outings with family and friends, and you can enjoy great food onsite.

Chardon also hosts a number of community events, from Dog Day of Summer and Yoga on the Square to fireworks shows and more. Don’t miss the Concert in the Park series over the summer at Chardon Square, with live music and camaraderie. The Chardon Family Market is a great place to find locally-sourced bread, pies, produce, meat, ice cream, gifts, and so much more.

Chardon is only about a 15-mile car trip south of Lake Erie, a body of water so massive as to be identifiable from space. Looking out onto Lake Erie evokes the feeling of peering out over the ocean, as it seems to stretch on forever against the horizon. The lake is an excellent resource for those who love boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Enjoy the peaceful views at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, and more.

Chardon branches out from Chardon Square, the rectangular park near the center of town. Here,  you’ll find a variety of stores, restaurants, and businesses around this area. The city has some neat little shops nestled amidst fantastic dining destinations to grab a meal, some baked confections, or a quick coffee drink. Shoppers on a retail therapy mission can scoop up everything from antiques and gifts to luxury goods. Don’t miss Antiques on the Square, Beans Coffee Shop & Bistro, Bella Cucina, or the Geauga Theater Community Arts Theater. Plus, once you’ve explored all of the top spots in Chardon, you are only 30 miles from the heart of Cleveland, where you will find additional luxury retail shopping in the big city.

Chardon has a top-tier selection of great restaurants. You’ll find numerous options for dinner staples like burgers or steaks, as well as niche bistros, grills, taverns, and more. There are plenty of choices for dessert, too, and you may even come across some locally-made maple confections.

Nothing offers the local flavor of a town more than its local goods. Chardon is known for its maple syrup, as maple trees thrive in the northern climate. The city is home to the annual Geauga County Maple Festival, a celebration that dates back to the mid-20th century. The festival includes not only a baking contest and ample concessions, but also a parade, a pageant, and a variety of live entertainment. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the festivities while you sample fresh local maple syrup and experience the many baked goods made from this local favorite.

Locals of Chardon enjoy the temperate springtime and idyllic summers that grace the region, but they also embrace all aspects of the seasonal climate. Located within the “snow belt” region of the Great Lakes, Chardon receives a hefty amount of snowfall during the winter. This provides ample opportunities for skiing, sledding, snowboarding, ice skating, and any other wintertime activity you could imagine.

Chardon is a golf enthusiast’s dream, offering multiple amazing golf courses and clubs within city limits and the surrounding area. Whether you are new to the sport or it’s your favorite pastime, you can have a variety of golfing experiences in and around the city. From the Chardon Lakes Golf Course and Pleasant Hill Golf Course to Sand Ridge Golf Club, there are uniquely designed, challenging greens to test your skills.

If you want to take it one step further and truly experience Chardon like a local, check out the Chardon real estate scene with an expert by your side. Adam S. Kaufman is a highly esteemed professional, ranked as the state’s top Realtor® for 20 years and running. His impressive repertoire of home sales spans northeast Ohio, leading his clients to success and happiness in finding gorgeous homes to call their own. Contact Adam S. Kaufman when you are ready to explore Chardon and achieve all your real estate goals.