Sweet Celebration: Grandpa’s Cheesebarn Hosts 25th Annual Strawberry Feast and Kicks Off 47th Summer Season in Style
ASHLAND, OHIO — It’s strawberry season in Ashland, and that means one thing: Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates is once again the tastiest destination in town. This weekend marks the 25th Annual Strawberry Feast — a berry sweet tradition now paired with the kickoff of their 47th summer season, and it’s set to be bigger, brighter, and more delicious than ever.
Located at 668 U.S. Highway 250 E., Grandpa’s Cheesebarn has become a one-stop shop for cheese lovers, chocolate connoisseurs, and strawberry fans alike — and this year, it’s pulling out all the stops.
A Quarter-Century of Strawberry Splendor
Marketing and Business Development Manager Christian Albers said this year’s event is especially meaningful.
“We’re celebrating a quarter of a century with the Strawberry Feast, and it’s really special. We’ve renovated a lot — new seating, a boardwalk addition, and even a four-seasons room that seats 40. The whole property is more inviting than ever,” Albers said.
And while the sweet nostalgia of chocolate-dipped strawberries remains at the heart of the celebration, guests can expect a fresh lineup of strawberry-themed delights, including over 25 featured strawberry products ranging from strawberry jalapeño cheese and strawberry chardonnay cheese, to strawberry popcorn, sodas, and even strawberry snack mixes both sweet and savory.
The star of the show? The famous homemade strawberry shortcake, crafted using the owner’s secret recipe. With over 1,000 shortcakes baked fresh for the weekend, it’s an irresistible treat made with vanilla ice cream, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream — all served to order.
A Culinary Destination
The Café has also grown into a roadside haven. Visitors can now grab a hearty lunch featuring homemade sandwiches with in-house smoked bacon, hand-sliced meats and cheeses, signature bread, and a rotating list of appetizers including onion rings, fried cheese curds, and mozzarella sticks.
And don’t forget dessert. With more than a dozen homemade ice cream flavors and 16 milkshake options, Grandpa’s Cheesebarn offers a cool, creamy cap to any visit.
“It’s a one-tank trip for almost anyone in Ohio,” said Albers, “but we don’t just draw from the region — we get visitors from across the country and even the world, too! Some folks plan their summer around a stop at the Cheesebarn.”
The Famous Mouse, and a Giant Cheese-Loving Colby
Adding a whimsical twist to the experience, visitors will notice a larger-than-life inflatable cheese-loving mouse near the store’s miniature roundabout — a tongue-in-cheek nod to Ashland’s famous traffic circles. Due to its popularity, the Cheesebarn is now commissioning a permanent 16-foot-tall fiberglass statue named Colby, designed to greet visitors for years to come.
“It’s just fun,” Albers said. “People take photos, share on Facebook, and it adds to the magic.”
Supporting the Community, One Balloon at a Time
The Strawberry Feast tradition was started to offer locals and travelers “something to do” on quiet summer weekends — but it’s now a cornerstone of Ashland’s summer calendar. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn also proudly sponsors the Strawberry Balloon, nicknamed Skyberry, for the Ashland BalloonFest, creating synergy between two of the area’s most beloved summer events.
“We love supporting BalloonFest,” Albers said. “It brings more people out, and it’s a great way to showcase what Ashland has to offer.”
A Family Legacy Four Generations Strong
The roots of Grandpa’s Cheesebarn date back to the early 1900s, when Grandpa Yarman sold his only possession — an RCA radio — to buy his first wheel of Ohio Swiss. His passion for cheese, smoked meats, and quality goods led to a lasting family legacy.
This year’s milestone celebration is being led by longtime Ashland owners Dick and Ronda Poorbaugh, who opened Grandpa’s Cheesebarn in 1978 and have grown it into a summer travel essential. Their daughter, Mistie Poorbaugh, now owns & operates the family’s sister locations in Norton and at Summit Mall, continuing the four-generation tradition of quality and community.
Visit This Weekend
Whether you’re there for cheese, chocolate, lunch, dessert, or simply a slice of small-town summer magic, Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates is the place to be this weekend.
Strawberry Feast runs all weekend long, with fresh-dipped chocolate strawberries available Friday only, and all the strawberry snacks, shortcake, and ice cream you can handle every day.
Learn more at facebook.com/cheesebarn or call (419) 281-3202.
Come for the cheese, stay for the strawberries — and leave with a smile (and maybe a photo with Colby the Mouse).
