06/27/2025
I saw on the news this morning that Ohio was the third highest rated state for traveling, like “day trips”. As the Executive Director for the state of Ohio, I also receive the Ohio Magazine on a regular basis. This month the magazine is featuring “Retro Eats” and many of these fine establishments are on Route 6 or close by, and, I have eaten at many of them.
What first caught my eye was the statement “It’s time to fuel up and hit the road”, then, “Check out these old-school diners, drive-ins, and root beer stands”. That sounds like fun, so off we go.
Now Historic Route 6 and Route 20, both transcontinental highways, criss-cross each other as they meander across the state and in some cases the two roads run together. As part of the Lake Erie Coastal Trail, Route 6 intersects many highways with interesting and great places to stop. So it is with the Tin Goose Diner. Just 7 miles off Route 6 on Route 2 in Port Clinton, this fun, stainless steel Diner, highlights it’s breakfast menu. The G.I. Special S.O.S.Platter will start your day, then spend some time in the Liberty Aviation Museum which is just next door.
Another day trip not far off Route 6 and worth the trip is the Geneva-On-The-Lake strip. About 20 miles north of Route 6 but certainly worth the drive. This strip features Eddie’s Grill which goes back to the 1950’s, so the music, style, and menu will remind you of days gone by. Of course there are wineries and over 40 other locations on the strip for people to check out. You may also catch a motorcycle club, an antique car rally, or other special activities in which you may chose to be involved. While in Geneva you could also chose to stop at Mary’s Diner, it is not on the strip but it is located on our “sister transcontinental highway” Route 20. There are two location both on Route 20, one in Geneva the other just a few miles down the road in Madison. With it’s checkerboard floor, neon signs, and bumper of a ’57 Chevy at the cash register you definitely get the retro feel. The menu including stuffed peppers, meatloaf, pulled pork and pot roast. It is truly the 50’s relived.
Speedtrap Diner is in Woodville, again on Route 20 about 10 miles north of Historic Route 6 which runs through Fremont in Sandusky County. Speedtrap is known for its breakfast menu but also has a lineup of savory burgers and its “Underground Sandwiches, they are piled high with a creative mixture of ingredients.
In northeast Ohio, Ashtabula County has both Route 6 and Route 20 running through the County. The White Turkey Drive-In was a featured diner in the magazine. It’s on the Pa.-Ohio border and highlights its shredded Turkey sandwich, hot dogs, burgers and sundaes. Using soda syrup from Rochester New York’s, Richardson Root Beer, it sticks to the retro theme by only taking cash, but it has an ATM on site.
In Vermillion, right on the corner of Route 6 and Route 60 is Big Ed's Soda Grill. This retro soda shop is a nice place to grab a bite before walking west on Route 6 to Granny Joe's Ice Creamatorium. Vermilion has many wonderful places to visit and if you are lucky you may be able to tour Captain Bell's House, which is now a bed and breakfast or the Gilchrist Guesthouse which also rents out rooms but also has a historical room to visit.
Further off Historic Route 6 but still in northern Ohio is the retro themed diner in Massillon Ohio. Now we are traveling 50 to 60 miles south of Cleveland but Chloe’s Diner has vintage vehicles and old-school memorabilia that may make the trip worthwhile. Of course the Massillon Merry-Go-Round in the downtown area may make the trip a no-doubter. This is a newer diner with the old time retro feel!
Enjoy your trips
