Jefferson offers small-town charm in Ohio’s Wine Country
Close to 3,200 people live in Jefferson, located in the heart of Ohio’s Wine Country. "Jefferson Village is small-town America,” says Steven Murphy, village administrator. “It’s 2.5 square miles of green space, century homes and family owned businesses.” The seat of Ashtabula County, Jefferson hosts the annual fair and has one stop along the Covered Bridge Trail, which goes through 19 covered bridges in Ashtabula. Lake Erie is less than 15 miles away.
A mix of century-old homes and New Traditionals along the streets
Shaded sidewalks line most roads in Jefferson, where most properties have less than an acre of land. “We have a certified historical district,” Murphy says. “Downtown ties into the century homes that surround it.” Many of the oldest homes date back to the 19th century, including Colonial Revivals, Craftsman and Italianate styles. There are also several mid-to-late 20th-century residences, like ranch-style houses and bilevels, and New Traditional homes and condos. Prices generally range from $120,000 to $360,000, while manufactured houses have sold for $20,000 to $50,000.
Recreation includes covered bridges, reservoirs and community parks
Netcher Road Covered Bridge, just outside village limits, is the first stop of the Covered Bridge Trail that runs through nearly 120 miles of Ashtabula County. At the nearby Lampson Reservoir, people fish, hike and go birdwatching. Once inside the village, Giddings Park is a common gathering space for the community. Residents enjoy free concerts and movie nights at the covered bridge-inspired pavilion during the summer. There is also a playground and basketball court. Jefferson is improving Memorial Field, including installing an accessible playground and splash pad. Programming at the local library includes health and wellness seminars, crafting groups and book clubs.
Local businesses include Jefferson Diner and Village Marketplace
Jefferson Diner is one of many locally owned restaurants in the village. The signature item is the Wimpy Burger, which has a 1-pound patty. “It’s the largest burger you’ve ever seen in your life,” Murphy says. “It’s kind of a thing to see who can eat it.” Pueblo Real is a Mexican restaurant, and its best sellers include the Grande Molcajete and the Parrillada Mexicana. “We have one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been to here,” says Murphy, referring to Wall Street Coffee Company, which roasts its beans in-house. Most residents get groceries from Sander’s Market or find fresh produce at the farmers market every Saturday morning from June through October. Village Marketplace revitalized the site of a former Rite Aid by renting out booths to local artists, antique dealers and other vendors. Walmart and Home Depot are about 11 miles away.
As Ohio’s Wine Country, there are over 30 wineries in Ashtabula County. Only one of them is in Jefferson, Emerine Estates Winery. Besides offering a wide range of dry and sweet wines, there are unique flavors like Cinnamon Hot Shots and Cotton Candy Wine. Most others in the county are within 15 miles.
Popular events include the Ashtabula County Fair and SummerFest
The Ashtabula County Fair, held every August, has carnival rides, live music and livestock shows throughout the week. Special programming includes tractor pulls and demolition derbies. Locals also come together on the last Saturday of July for SummerFest, which has food trucks, live music and a craft show. One of the most anticipated events of the day is the Water Wars. “That’s the village council, myself, the mayor and the fire department up against about 1,000 kids,” Murphy says. “Water guns, cannons, balloons, anything you can get somebody wet with. We pull out the fire hoses and spray them across the park, so the kids have a huge sprinkler.”
Jefferson schools include the Joint Vocational School
Jefferson Area Local Schools serve the village. Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson Area Junior High Schools receive a C-plus from Niche, while Jefferson Area High School earns a B. Juniors and seniors can enroll in career and technical education courses through the Joint Vocational School, where programs include carpentry and criminal justice.
Residents stroll along village streets and drive anywhere else
Jefferson is pedestrian-friendly, and people are often seen walking through the village. “We have sidewalks on every single street,” Murphy says. Otherwise, residents rely on cars to get around. State Route 46 goes through the area, eventually leading north to Interstate 90. While the closest emergency room is at Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, about 12 miles away, the Jefferson Family Health Center offers family medicine, lab work, x-rays and physical therapy. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a 70-mile drive and has nonstop service to over 40 destinations.
