Just down the road...

   Taking in the new fall season has definitely been easy...these past few days have been beautiful. As I drove along some of our back roads today I noticed some crimson leaves and realized autumn adventures for me and my family were "just down the road" - literally!

Dean Rd. along Back Roads and Beaches Route

   It seemed almost every country road I peered down was preparing its own taste of fall. Whether it was a store front with specials, a field transforming into an autumn festival or hay getting stacked and made ready for hayrides. Farmers markets with stands being stocked with fresh produce.

Fitch's Farm Market

 Wagons being hitched to take families and friends out in the orchards and patches to pick their own apples and pumpkins. There are corn mazes and haunted places for all ages and levels of ghoulishness!Cyclists out on the Back Roads and Beaches route and families scattered through the Lorain County Metro Parks many Reservations.

5 Corners Bed & Breakfast  (photo by David Nicely)

 Clambakes and crisp nights by a fire with a glass of wine at a local winery. Open houses at our charming B&B's! So much to see and do in north central Ohio, no matter which way you turn!


Celebrating fall just down the road sounds pretty good to me... I think I will settle right in!

For help planning your fall adventure go to www.visitloraincounty.com

Click here for an electronic version of our printed Calendar of Events guide.

Spotlight on Amherst, Ohio

Melody, Allie, and I spent a day exploring Amherst during the last week of July. Amherst is a great place to spend time in for a day or a week! There are so many things to do from shopping, to dining, to things for the kids.

Who can resist Kiedrowski's baked goods!

We started our day out right, with doughnuts! I love doughnuts and baked goods so I was very excited about this first stop. We stopped at Kiedrowski's Bakery to hear polka music and check out their freshly baked goods. Melody and I got doughnuts and Allie got one of their famous Snoogles. Kiedrowski's specializes in Polish baked goods and their patented Snoogle.

Allie loves these flipflops!

 After spending some time in the bakery we were re-energized and ready for shopping! We made our way to downtown Amherst to check out some local shopping. Our first stop was The Mermaid's Tale, an adorable boutique that offers unique jewelry and gifts and a great Vera Bradley selection. We had our sights set on the purse selection the boutique has, one can never have too many! We browsed around while I snapped pictures of our finds. Another great place to stop is Ridgehill Collectibles. There you will find unique collectibles and products made in America.

Melody celebrating national hotdog day.

It happened to be national hotdog day, so we had to stop at Hot Dog Heaven to celebrate! Hot Dog Heaven is a great spot in town to grab your very own made-to-order hot dog and fries and a delicious dessert! Located near downtown, it's an easy walk or drive after shopping around. They have dollar dog hours daily and their fries are delicious with a little chili powder on them. I would also recommend trying their funnel cake fries, they're a great way to end any meal!

The chalk wall at the new Mercy playground.

After our delicious lunch we went to check out the new playground at the Mercy Health and Recreation Center. This new playground was specially built for children with handicaps that would not normally be able to play on a playground. There is an awesome tree house and a swing that are wheel chair accessible. The playground includes slides, a giant sandbox, a pond for fishing, and a group of teepees that offer fun educational activities inside. I thought the new playground was really cool, being at the age to play in it again would be awesome!

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Amherst.

 On our way to the Sandstone Village we stopped at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Amherst. It remembers the 98 people from Lorain County who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. This beautiful monument is located within walking distance of a local park. It's a great place to stop at on your daily walk.

Cheap gas at the Sandstone Village.

 The Sandstone Village is part of the Amherst Historical Society. This site has 10 historical buildings. We wandered around the grounds. The historic buildings are beautiful and have quirky details that were often amusing. When looking at the gas station we noticed the price of gas was 44 cents per gallon, I wish gas was still that price! We peeked in the windows of the Harris/Dute House, one of the oldest buildings in that location. There were so many old appliances in the kitchen! The caboose was closed up but while looking through the windows I was surprised to see how roomy it was. It reminded Allie and I of the Boxcar Children series. We also went to see the Blacksmith shop which is sometimes open to the public to see an actual blacksmith at work, and the Octagonal Barn which was used as a carriage house.

Amherst has many things to do any time of year from food to entertainment! The city of Amherst boasts so many great restaurants, I wish we had time to sample them all. Check out Visit Lorain County's dining listings for culinary options.

So this is Christmas...

Petittis Garden Center in Avon

With less than a month to go now  until the big show, we've outlined some great holiday ideas for you! It's a carry-over from our November blog, encouraging you to "Shop Small" this Christmas season...

One of Lorain County's most popular boutiques is  The Mermaid's Tale, a fashion savvy shop located in historic downtown Amherst. It is well known for its unique jewelry finds, plus incredible fashion accessories! They offer upscale brands such as: Pandora, Spartina 449,  Metalsmith Sterling, Marah Lago, Lindsay Phillips,  Brighton, Bella Etoile, Vera Bradley and more! Special note to men: December 13 is their "Annual Men's Night Out" where they will help you select those special gifts and wrap all your purchases while you enjoy some holiday ale!

Holidays at Ginko Gallery

If you're more into artsy, and truly unique gifts then stop by Ginko Gallery in Oberlin. They offer an awesome selection of paintings, wearables, jewelry, glass, wire, wood and other art media that encompass movement and even themes of nature. The studio also packs for carry-on luggage if you're traveling this holiday season to see family and they'll even ship to anywhere in the world if your gifts need to be sent! That in itself takes a world of weight off of you!

Of course, what's the experience of this holiday season without hearing the regal sounds of Christmas bells? So, grab your calendars and pen down these important concert dates: December 3 ~ "The Festival of Carols" at 7:30pm at Elyria High School Performing Arts Center. The Oberlin Choristers' Youth Chorale joins Elyria, Avon and Clearview High Schools and the Lake Ridge Academy's Upper School at this annual festival to benefit the Lorain Community Music Theater; December 12 ~ "Holiday Lights" at 7:30pm at the Carlisle Visitor Center at Lorain County Metro Parks and December 15 ~ "Songs for the Season" at 7:30pm at Finney Chapel at Oberlin College ($8 general admission and $10 preferred seating).

If you prefer a more nostalgic holiday happening to attend, then mark your calendar for December 7 from 5-8pm at the Lorain County Historical Society's (LCHS) Hickories Museum. This annual Holiday Party features hors d oeuvres, spirits, great company and musical entertainment, all for only $25 per ticket and the proceeds benefit the Historical Society.  You can also view "A Lorain County Presidential Visit" on exhibit now at LCHS through the Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. This exhibit features at least a dozen presidents who visited Lorain County, their pictures and the historical events surrounding their visits. It's a wonderful event for the entire family! In addition, "A Music Box Holiday" is also currently on display there, featuring a dozen original music boxes of cylinder, disc and organette type from 1870 to World War I.

Riverdog Gallery

Now, if you're too tired to trek all the way home after these events, then park your reindeer at the nearest bed and breakfast! In fact, The Riverdog Retreat is conveniently located just five miles west of Oberlin and features a mid-19th century farmstead situated on 20 glorious acres of land overlooking the valley of the East Fork of the Vermillion River. While you're there you can even do some last minute shopping by browsing their Riverdog Gallery/Studio, owned by artists Deborah Banyas and T.P. Speer. If you prefer to be right on the water, and brave the cold with some warm cider, comfort foods and blazing fire, then you must stay at the Lake Breeze Inn. It's a charming new, contemporary, stone-front bed and breakfast with majestic and panoramic views of Lake Erie. Enjoy a glass of wine while basking in the warmth of a hot tub and relax while contemplating the purchase of your Christmas tree!

Oh yes, did we forget to mention the purchase of your annual foliage? Well, no worries...as famed  humorist Larry Wilde once said, "Don't worry about the size of your Christmas tree, in the eyes of a child they are all 30-feet tall!" Petitti's Garden Center will cover all your decorating bases from live and fake furs to ornaments and lights! So, if you're like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation and you just don't seem to have enough Christmas lights for your home, then you don't want to miss their huge selection! You can even dazzle grandma with one of their beautiful poinsettias. With over 10,000 square feet in their Avon store, you can literally "deck the halls" with perennials and unusual plants and also outdoor trees and shrubs.  Oh, and ladies, they even have a full floral department, so be sure to order your holiday table centerpiece now!

And finally, if you're into sending fruit baskets and healthy diversions from cookies and candies, then we commend your commitment to good health in the New Year so be sure to visit Fligner's Market in Lorain. When you enter the market, your eyes will be blinded by the abundant displays of fresh fruits and vegetables they feature year' round! They even carry hundreds of specialty items from Asian to Kosher products and hard to find organic and international foods. You can literally do your holiday shopping from the comfort of  your PJ's by simply logging onto their website. They also cater, large and small size holiday events, so don't hesitate to call them if you're planning an intimate home dinner party or perhaps, a larger company event...either way, their meals are all carefully crafted and made from scratch! Bon Appetit!

And so, this is Christmas, and what have you done?
Well, I'd say plenty!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Countdown to Christmas...

Holidays in Lorain County

Twas the month before Christmas and all through the house, everyone was stirring, even the mouse! There's so much to do, presents to buy, cookies to bake, cards to send out and trees to decorate! In fact, there's way more to be done than the average holiday, so let's cut to the chase and get things underway...

First on our list that doesn't pale, is some much needed and very appreciated, “holiday ale!”

So, call up your family and friends (and a designated driver if needed) and enjoy the brews of the season at some of Lorain County's most popular eateries... in fact, Great Lakes famous Christmas Ale is now on tap, along with several other specialty holiday ales at:  Jackalope Lakeside in Lorain;  Churchstreet Bar and Grille and Cork's and Stubby's in Amherst; Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield Lake; The Feve and Oberlin Inn in Oberlin, Nemo's Grille in Avon and Moss's Prime Rib and Spaghetti House and Smitty's in Elyria.

But if you're more into wine, then you'll want your sleigh to stop by Paper Moon Vineyards for some homegrown wines and live entertainment, on both Friday and Saturday nights in December, from 6-9pm (until Christmas Eve). They even feature an outdoor heated patio for guests so no need to fret over snow! After all, Benjamin Franklin is the one who said, “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, fewer tensions and more tolerance.” So be sure to check out some other vineyards including Matus Winery in Wakeman with fire pits, and D and D Smith Winery  who offers free Wi-Fi (for sending those Christmas ecards) in Norwalk. In fact, many of these wine-makers, including Heineman's Winery on Put-in-Bay also offer an amazing selection of wines for purchase online, making holiday gift-giving much more palatable when you need to send something special to your great uncle in Florida!

Amherst Historical Society’s Christmas in the Village

If you truly enjoy sampling the tastes of the holiday season, then be sure to check out Amherst's Christmas Village, sponsored by the Amherst Historical Society. On December 1 and 2 from 2–4pm, you and your entire family can enjoy the sights and delicious smells of Christmas past - 1800s style! Even Santa will be on hand so be sure to bring plenty of film for those cute Facebook photo ops! There's also fabulous bakery from gingerbread cookies to pies on sale, so be sure to bring some “extra dough” and stock up on holiday treats for your kids and house guests. From 4–5pm there will even be Christmas Caroling in St. George's Chapel so feel free to bring your own American Idol voice and sing along!

And, since holiday shopping can be awfully stressful at times then you may need to take a quick break. Feel free to take some time out just for yourself and enjoy a well-earned massage at Kneaded Touch Massage  in Amherst. Literally, reduce your anxiety levels by volumes this holiday season and improve your overall energy too by having an hour long massage. Honestly, you'll leave feeling much more relaxed, refreshed and renewed as you embark on the rest of your “holiday to-do list!” And don't forget, they also offer gift certificate specials that make great stocking stuffers!

Jamie’s Flea Market in South Amherst

Speaking of to-do’s! You may want to make some unique purchases at Jamie’s Flea Market, the largest flea market in Northern Ohio, where hundreds of vendors gather every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am–4pm to display thousands of collectibles. Vendors feature one-of-a-kinds (crafty and homemade wares) and vintage and antique collectibles at rock-bottom prices, even seasonal produce is available for holiday entertaining. So, for that aunt who has everything, this is the perfect solution for solving that holiday gift-giving crisis. Besides, admission is free and with over 200 vendors weekly, you’re bound to find something on your list, even if it’s something for yourself!

And most importantly to mention as we jet-start the Christmas shopping season, is that between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Saturday, November 24 is now known as Small Business Saturday® and last year, over one hundred million people came together to “Shop Small”  in their communities.... Main Street Amherst is one of those communities rallying support with over 25 businesses, restaurants and shops that are extending their hours this holiday season to give you more time to shop local!  Download your shopping guide and map and head to downtown Amherst on Thursday evenings till 8pm and Sundays from 12–5pm.  You'll  be sure to find unique and treasured items for everyone on your list!

So, if it’s shopping, eating or enjoying a night out with friends, be sure to embrace Lorain County small businesses this holiday season...until we meet again!

Christmas in July!

Merry Christmas in July! Celebrate with some special holiday themed outings in the area. All the festive specials and none of the holiday stress, sounds like a plan to me.

Don Mould's Plantation, which has stores in North Ridgeville and Amherst, is having their annual Christmas in July sale! It's your chance to get a gift and treat yourself to something from their beautiful selection of plants and flowers that are buy one get one free.

For the kids, or inner children at least, Sundaes in the Park at Columbia Reservation will be serving up snacks, mini golf and sponsoring movies in the outdoor theater! For this weekend's picture the park will show "The Grinch" featuring Jim Carrey Friday, July 27th.  The show starts at 9pm so bring your chairs and take advantage of the kitchen, which will  be open til 9:30!

Tree House Gallery and Tea Room,
Olde Avon Village

An area really getting in the spirit is Olde Avon Village. The shoppes include Sassy's, an amazing chick boutique with all kinds of great gifts. They are always updating their merch so check their facebook for pictures and sales! Also there's the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room where you can enjoy sales on their unique items, see all their fun antique displays and have meal that's got taste and class. If you are more of an afternoon shopper there's always happy hour/dinner at Strip Steakhouse, definitely one of the area's premiere spots known for their quality ingredients.

Owner Tim Kiedrowski with Snoogles

You can also find some great eats at Kiedrowski's Bakery on Cooper Foster in Amherst where they are rolling out the Christmas cookies. Their cutouts with homemade frosting are definitely crave-able but I don't think anyone would tell if you picked up a signature Snoogle or two while you're at it.

Also your favorite pubs and restaurants kept back some holiday ale with your name on it like Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. You can get the seasonal brew by the pint, tall or tanker today. If you're looking for some other options Moss' Prime Rib and Buffalo Wild Wings have Christmas Ale on tap too!

Jet Express at Black River
Landing by Lorain Port Authority

If you're feeling an adventurous night out you have to go with a cruise on the Jet Express from Black River Landing. This Friday will be a special Christmas in July Cruise to Put-in-Bay. This trip departs at 4:00pm and returns at 12:00am and if your schedule isn't open this week there are plenty of cruise options through October.

Get the details and buy tickets online through the Lorain Port Authority.

Merry Christmas and a happy New...school year?

Visit Lorain County's Guide to Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping isn’t always easy. That’s why we at Visit Lorain County are providing a helping hand to get you started finding the coolest, unique gifts, and enjoy your Holiday season.

First, mark your calender; a savvy holiday shopper wouldn’t miss these fun and festive shopping events:

• Through December 11th, check out the Winter Fine Art & Craft Exhibit & Sale at Stocker Arts Center on the Lorain County Community College Campus, featuring fine arts and crafts by regional artists and designers.
  


• December 4th-6th, visit Avon’s French Creek District for the 30th Annual Christmas Candlelight Walk. Shop for antiques, crafts, and gifts, then relax and enjoy some caroling, a craft show, a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
  


• On December 5th, you’re going to have to allot your time carefully. Three special shopping events can’t be missed:
  
  
• Holiday on the Ridge in North Ridgeville: all-day shopping, craft shows, a tree lighting, and live nativity and theater performances at the Old Towne Hall.
  


• Jamie’s Annual Christmas Special: 200 inside vendors, free pictures with Santa Claus and hourly gift certificate drawings.
  


• Don Mould’s Holiday Open House: Free refreshments, great deals, and a visit from Kris Kringle, available at both the North Ridgeville and Amherst locations.

Don Mould’s

And for that friend or family member who has everything, might we recommend some unique gift ideas off the beaten path? Unless you’re a big fan of overcrowded malls, long lines, and jam-packed parking lots, why not try some of these ideas:

• Pick up a bottle of wine or a gift basket from one of Lorain County’s many local wineries.
  
  
  


• Browse the pottery, jewelry, and glass, wood, and metal crafts—made by local artists—at Oberlin’s Ginko Gallery.
  
  


• Outfit your family’s nature-lover with outing gear, outerwear, fishing supplies, and hunting equipment at Molnar Outdoor.
  

• Stop by Petitti’s Garden Center for Holiday florals, decorations, gardening and other home gifts.
  

• Shop the extensive wine cellar and the broad selection of gourmet sauces & food, antiques, and furniture at the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room in Avon (treat yourself to a nice lunch while you’re there).
  
  
  
  


• Get ready for baseball season with Lake Erie Crushers tickets and merchandise.
  
  
  
  
• Pick up great Lorain Lighthouse gifts at the Black River Historical Society’s Moore House Museum gift shop.
  


• Invite a friend to a performance at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center. Check out their schedule here.
  


• Visit The Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm in Wellington for home décor, gourmet foods, bath & body gifts, and assorted candles.
  


• Give the gift of relaxation with a spa package or spa-related gift from The Kneaded Touch in Amherst.
  


• For that art enthusiast you know, make a special trip to FAVA in Oberlin for original works of contemporary art, or to the Art Gallery at Amherst’s Sandstone Center.

But we’re willing to bet that even with all these options, you’re still not going to be done. So stumble upon some unique gift ideas of your own by visiting the area’s quaint Main Street shopping districts.

• Main Street Wellington
  


• Main Street Amherst
  


• Main Street Oberlin
  


• Main Street Vermilion
  

For more information on all the varied types of Holiday happenings in Lorain County this season, take a look at our Calender of Events. Visit Lorain County would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Holiday season!

For more information about Visit Lorain County, stop by our Tourist Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH 44001, call us at (440) 984-5282, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.