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.

Lorain County dining delights

With the month of November our thoughts often turn to indoor and culinary delights. This month you can find a wide variety of options for dining and trying out some fine, local wines. While you’re out shopping and enjoying the holidays here are a few restaurants and wineries to check out:

Aroma: Chef Mario Marotta brings his hometown of Laurino in the Campania region of Italy to Avon Lake through his Italian Cuisine. Over 50 boutique wine labels. This month Chef Mario features Sunday cooking classes. Call 440.570.9817 for details.

Fratello’s: Delicious Italian dining in Avon Lake. 10% Tuesdays! Every Tuesday evening in 2009 Fratello’s hosts a promotion to assist a different local charity. 10% of dine-in food sales go to a different cause. November’s charity is the Neighborhood House Association (NHA) located in Lorain County.

Jefferson 150 Restaurant: Critics and diners alike rave about this southern kitchen, featuring flavorful cuisines from around the world in a casual, charming setting, prepared by Chef Shawn Grieves, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Popular specials this month include $12 steak night on Tuesdays and $7 dinners on Sundays. Enjoy live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. And while planning for the holidays, keep in mind Jefferson 150 can cater your holiday function.

Nemo Grille, Avon: Globally influenced American cuisine in the historic 1850 Alten House. The varied menu is creative, seasonal and made with the freshest ingredients. Click here to sign up for weekly specials throughout the holiday season.

Oberlin Inn-Garden Restaurant: Country Western Murder Mystery Dinner. November 21, 2009. $78 pp based on double occupancy. Package includes overnight accommodations, chicken and ribs BBQ buffet, fun-filled murder mystery dinner theater. Cash bar. For reservations: 440.775.1111

Dining on the water

If you’re looking for a good Lakeside dining option try the Rose Cafe at Lakeview Park. The Rose Cafe has gorgeous views of the Lorain Lighthouse and Lake Erie. Brunch is a wonderful holiday time treat! Another popular Lakeside dining experience is the Jackalope Restaurant. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, it offers wonderful views of the marina and the historic Lorain Lighthouse.

Shop and Dine

Here are a few options if you are out in one of our many quaint shopping districts:

Old Avon Village: The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room is located in the restored Alten-Casper House built in 1850. The tea room features an array of fine salads and sandwiches, unique soups and scrumptious desserts.

Downtown Wellington shopping district: Bread-N-Brew serves sandwiches on freshly baked breads; gourmet coffee, tea, and espresso; hearty soups and refreshing salads. Breakfast and lunch.

If your shopping brings you to Main Street Amherst or into Avon Lake -Bring the kids and grab some pizza at Donatos on N. Leavitt Road in Amherst or on Walker Road in Avon Lake.

Shopping at the Midway Mall in Elyria? Check out Eat’n Park on West River Road, a casual, neighborhood restaurant featuring a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. You can print out a coupon for Eat’n Park from the Adventure and Visitors Guide by clicking here. On page 37 you will find a great 20% off coupon good until Jan. 31, 2010.

Thanksgiving Dining

Mr. D’s Restaurant at The Holiday Inn in Elyria, 12pm and 1pm seatings. Chef carved country ham, New England style pot roast with gravy, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, sweet buttered corn, Green Beans Amandine, fresh Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows, homestyle bread stuffing and bounties of salads and desserts. children 4–12 years-$7.95, Seniors 60+-$15.95, Adults-$17.95. Guestroom rates start at $59 plus tax for the week of Thanksgiving. Reservations: 440.324.5411.

Oberlin Inn, Thanksgiving Feast, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11am–4:30pm. Garden tossed salad, acorn squash soup, slow roasted turkey, pork tenderloin with cranberry, sliced roast beef with mushroom sauce, battered fried white fish, homestyle green beans, Corn O'Brien, dill bettered carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, herb sage stuffing, pan dripping turkey gravy, marshmallow sweet potatoes, fresh vegetable crudites, Waldorf salad, cranberry sauce, marinated artichoke & mushroom, tri-color pasta salad, pea salad, assorted pies and cupcakes. Children 6–12-$9, Seniors 60+–$20, Adults-$22.

Thanksgiving Served Dinner: 11am–4:30pm, Roast Tom Turkey $16 served with tossed salad, marshmallow sweet potatoes, herb sage dressing, dill buttered carrots, rolls, butter & pumpkin pie. Call for reservations 440.775.1111

Quaker Steak & Lube, Vermilion: Thanksgiving Buffet, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:30am–5pm. All your holiday favorites including chef-carved turkey, roast beef, ham, drunken sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, shrimp linguine, Lube wings, New England clam chowder, wedding soup, salad bar, dessert patch and more. Children-$5.99, Juniors-$11.99, Seniors-$15.99, Adults-$17.99. Call 440.967.3724 for reservations.

Sugarcreek Restaurant, Elyria: Traditional Thanksgiving dinners served 11am–7pm. Turkey, roast beef, roast pork. Reservations required for parties of five and more. Features Amish-style cooking.

Vineyards and Wineries

Our seven wineries always have great special events going on. Here are a few for the month of November:

Matus Winery: Here you can enjoy premier wines while relaxing with picturesque views of the vineyard and countryside. This month, enjoy “Friday Night Dinners” served at 5:30. The dinners feature a variety of different cuisines and restaurants.

Other November events at Matus include:

• Ladies night, Thursday, November 19th. Personalize your own hand-painted wine glass. Call to reserve your spot
• Open House, Sat, November 28th, 12noon–6pm. Kick off the holiday season. Enjoy some wine and a variety of snacks. Choose from ready made gift baskets or place and order for customized gift baskets. Entertainment at 8pm: Roadhouse.

Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion. Just off Rd. 2, in the historic harbor town of Vermilion, Paper Moon Vineyards serves a selection of regional and vinifera wines. The tasting room offers a view of the vineyards, pond, woods and an occasional bald eagle. This month:

• Live music every Saturday evening.
• November 28: Paper Moon will be decorated for the holidays. Open from 4–7 featuring harpist.

Single Tree Winery in Amherst, is located in a beautiful country setting, dedicated to providing customers with the finest quality wine. Check out their website for November events.

Vermilion Valley Vineyards: A new vineyard and winery set in tranquil surroundings featuring a variety of fine wines, locavore menu items, gallery, tasting room with loft for parties and meetings. Check out their website for upcoming entertainment and featured events.

Here are more Lorain County wineries to sample and enjoy:

John Christ Winery, Avon Lake

JW Dover Heartland Vineyards, Westlake

Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake

Halloween in Lorain County

Check out all the spooky-scary tricks and family-fun treats happening in Lorain County this October!

As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to turn, the ghouls and goblins of Lorain County come out to play. For all you thrill seekers out there, here’s where to go to find them:

• Terror in the Field: Vermilion’s Old Haunted State Street School presents a 1/3 mile corn maze at Novotney's Farm Market, across from Friendship Gas Station in Vermilion, and all too close to Lake Eeeeerie. October 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, and 31st.
• Halloween Fair: From 5–7 this autumn fair at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor’s Center is family friendly; the bewitching hour begins at 7. The fair includes a spooky trail (see pic below) music, games, and food. October 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st.

• North Ridgeville’s Spookville: From 4 to dusk it’s all fun and games in Spookville, with face painting, crafts, applesauce making, and pumpkin carving. But after dusk the 1/4 mile Haunted Trail opens and the terror begins. Located in South Central Park, October 17th.
• Ghost Watch at the Moore House: The Moore House, location of the Black River Historical Society, invites unbelievers to view a REAL ghost hunt conducted by a team of experts from the Ohio Researchers of Banded Spirits (don’t believe this exists, do you? Check out their website. Crazy!). Adults only, $25 Limited tickets. During the ghost hunt, cemetery tours, food, and a bonfire will be available outside for Halloween lovers of all ages. October 24th.

If blood-curdling, teeth-chattering terror isn’t your style, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the season in Lorain County. For instance, check out:

• Pumpkin Land: While you stock up on cider and apples at Miller’s Orchard, let your kids roam this fun, autumnal play area. Two hay mazes, one well-lit and one dark, scarecrows, farm animals and plenty of pumpkins. Open through Halloween.

• Halloween Campout: Findley State Park is getting in the holiday spirit with this festive campout festival. For only the regular camping fees, campers of all ages can enjoy movies, games, a costume pet parade, trick-or-treating, hay rides, a scarecrow contest and delicious pot-luck soup. October 9th and 10th.
• Fall Hay Wagon Rides and Corn Maze: Come to the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center for the quintessential fall experience. Traditional, horse-drawn hay rides leave every 15 minutes until 3:30 PM. The Corn Maze measures a whopping 4 acres. October 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th.
• North Ridgeville Tot-Trick-or-Treat: Bring the kids to North Ridgeville’s City Hall for a night of safe trick-or-treating. Lots of candy to be had. October 30th.
• Halloween at Jamie's Flea Market: Start your Halloween day off right with a trip to Jamie's Flea Market. Trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under and scavenger hunts for a chance to win Jamie’s Gift Certificates.

And finally, let these special events attest to the fact that Halloween isn’t just for the younger kids:

• Monster Mash Bone Bash: The costume party of the year, at Matus Winery in Wakeman. Dress to impress. Previous award winners have included pirates, hippies, and ghosts--but you can top that. October 31st.
• Masquerade Murder Mystery: The Oberlin Inn presents a murder mystery evening, complete with superior overnight accommodations, lavish dinner buffett, and an entertaining Murder Mystery. Costumes, apropos the holiday, are highly recommended. October 31st. Call the Inn at 775-1111 for reservations.

Visit Lorain County wishes you and your family a happy, safe, and sufficiently spooky Halloween!
For more information on happenings in Lorain County, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, call us 1-800-334-1673, visit the website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

A Perfect Fall Weekend in Wellington, OH

The Village of Wellington, located in the southern portion of Lorain County, OH, is a quaint, small town with lots of spirit. In addition to being known as the Cheese Capital of the World from around 1868 until about 1910, it is also know for its stunning collection of 19th & early 20th century architecture. And of course, for being the home of artist Archibald Williard, while he painted the famed Spirit of '76.

Wellington Town Hall
Here's a short video of Patti Young of Wellington Implement, talking about her beloved hometown. (Congratulations, Wellington Implement, on your 80th year anniversary!)

The weekend of September 18-20th is a great weekend to visit Wellington and take in the local culture. Here are a few of the major events happening around town:
Sept. 18-20, 2009 LaGrange Engine Show, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, Fri-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm
Sept. 20, 2009 Harvest of the Arts, Wellington Town Hall, 11am-5pm

While you're in Wellington, be sure to pick up the brochures for the Walking Tours of Wellington's Historical South Main Street Homes and Historic Downtown District. For more info on these walking tours, contact Main Street Wellington.

Other Wellington attractions:

Bonnie Brae Elk Farm

Bread-N-Brew

Clare-Mar Lakes Campground & RV Sales

Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm

Findley State Park

Spirit of '76 Museum

Wellington Reservation

For more information on Lorain County attractions and hotel and lodging options, visit our website http://www.visitloraincounty.com/ or call 1.800.334.1673 to request a Lorain County Visitors Guide.

To stay up-to-date on Lorain County happenings, Follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.

Great Hotel Deals in Lorain County, Ohio

Ignore all those back-to-school ads and summer clearance sales; summer’s not nearly over in Lorain County! And if you’re planning an end-of-season trip to take advantage of all the awesome events and activities going on in the county, you’re going to need a place to stay. Here’s a list of some special rates, promotions, and packages offered by area hotels:

Country Inn & Suites, Elyria: Now offering the “Sweat Deal”—15% off two or more consecutive nights if reserved three days in advance.


Motel 6, Amherst: August rates are just $37.99 during the week and only $43.99 on weekends for one person. Kids under 17 stay free!

Best Western, Elyria: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. 10%-30% off the lowest regular rates if you make a reservation online.

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Avon: A big drop in weekend rates—from $129 to only $89!

Comfort Inn, Elyria: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. Free enrollment in the Choice Privileges program, which makes you eligible for free nights nationwide.

Red Roof Inn, Elyria: Kids under 17 stay free!

Oberlin Inn: Sign up online for the “Free Oberlin Weekend Package for Two Promotion”—one night free plus breakfast. Also, Summer Barbecues and Afternoon Tea in the Garden throughout the month.

Days Inn, Amherst: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. Save 15% if you prepay.

Holiday Inn of Elyria-Lorain, Elyria: Choose from a variety of special offers including the Romantic Escape, the Adventure, and the Premiere Movie packages.

Once in the area, soak up those last summer rays on the beaches of Lake Erie, take in a Crusher's game at the brand new All Pro Freight Stadium, explore the Back Roads & Beaches Bike and Multi-Sport Route, or enjoy a few of the county's exciting August events:

The North Ridgeville Corn Festival, August 7-9
Ohio Outdoor Quilt Festival, August 8
Vermilion Reservation Car Show, August 9
Vermilion Family YMCA's Bike and Boat Night, August 19
Lorain County Fair, August 24-30

For more Lorain County lodging information, check out the Visit Lorain County website. And for continuous updates on what's happening around the county, follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Lake Erie Sport Fishing in Lorain County

Lorain County has some of the best fishing on Lake Erie! Capt. Tony Sambunjak from A Reel Thrill Charter can attest to that based on his successful day on Lake Erie!
From Left: Bob Ferguson, Capt. Tony Sambunjak, Andrew Zatik, and Aaron Zatik

He took fishermen, Aaron Zatik of Valley City, Andrew Zatik of Strongsville, and Bob Ferguson of Olmsted Falls out on Lake Erie for a beautiful day of angling. Here's what Capt. Tony had to say:

Here's what OSU Extension Specialist Dave Kelch from the Ohio Sea Grant has to say about Lorain County's waters:

From spectacular walleye fishing on Lake Erie, to fishing the numerous tributary streams for trophy steelhead, make Lorain County your angling destination—spring, summer, fall and winter.

Walleye are considered the most-pursued game fish on Lake Erie, and in Lorain County waters, they are caught along Lorain County’s rocky nearshore beginning in the spring and continuing through the entire season. Deeper offshore water offers anglers plenty of walleye action during the summer and fall months, with both trolling and drifting cast methods being productive. Limit catches and trophy sized fish are trademarks of our Lake Erie waters.

The well known sandbar, located between Lorain and Vermilion, creates a natural habitat for summer and fall walleye, producing many trophy-size “hawg” walleye in late October and November. Smallmouth bass are plentiful along the entire length of Lorain County’s rocky shoreline and artificial reef structures, providing fast action from spring through fall. Numerous bass fishing tournaments originate from Lorain Harbor due to both the abundance and size of Lorain County smallmouth.

Don’t overlook Lorain’s popular artificial reefs (the largest in Lake Erie) which are a natural haven for the smallmouth. In addition, walleye and yellow perch are also frequent visitors to these mounds of rock and concrete rubble. (For more information and locations of the artificial reefs, visit the Ohio Sea Grant website).

Photo by Holly Miller-McGuire

Steelhead trout anglers will find Lorain County to be the place to stay and fish. Stocked annually in local tributary streams, steelhead seek out the colder, deeper waters offshore of Lorain County in the summer months, where they feed heavily on Lake Erie’s abundant forage supply and grow larger. Many offshore anglers target steelhead during late June-August, frequently taking limit catches, along with many trophy-sized walleye!

From mid-October through early May, steelhead will enter Lorain County and other nearby tributaries in preparation for their annual spawning rituals, providing a great opportunity to catch trophy-size fish. Plan on staying two or three days, fishing different locations within a 20 minute dreive east and west of Lorain County, or right in Lorain County itself! Fly-fishing with artificials and spinning tackle with live bait, spawn sacs, and spinners are all productive. Plenty of local tackle shops can provide the anglers with all the supplies they need, along with up-to-date fishing reports.

Lake Erie yellow perch, often referred to as “the gold of the lake,” provide superb angling opportunities from spring through fall. Beginning in September, schooling perch again move shoreward, only this time for their pre-winter feeding spree. Limit catches with plenty of “jumbo perch” are generally the rule in Lorain County waters during spring and fall, yet limit catches are very common throughout the summer in deeper waters. Ohio’s Division of Wildlife indicates plenty of “jumbos” for the 2003 catch, ranging from 11” to 13”, will keep anglers busy and fill coolers, along with trophy sized 14” plus perch from the 2001 hatch.

Make Lorain County’s Lake Erie your angling destination for 2009; experience our different angling seasons, stay for a couple of days, catch that trophy fish, and fill your freezer!
-Dave Kelch, OSU Extension Specialist, Ohio Sea GrantVisit Lorain County Fishing Charters:

• A Reel Thrill Charter (440.887.0463)
• Bo-Kay Fishing Charters (888.551.0440)
• Fishin' Boat Charters (800.777.9304)
• Holiday Sport Fishing Charter (440.246.1004)
• Lucky Duck Sport Fishing Charters (877.967.6853)
• Majestic Fishing Charters (440.244.2621)
• Mega Bite Charters (440.356.9932)
• Sandy B. Fishing Charter (866.886.5964)

And don't forget, the Western Basin Fishing Association's 1st Annual Gator Pro-Am Classic takes place in Lorain on September 12th and 13th, 2009. Two days of professional angling action, sponsored by the Starcraft Marine and Crown Battery.

For more information, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Rd., Amherst, OH 44001, visit http://www.visitloraincounty.com/ or call 1.800.334.1673. Fish on!

What's in Season at Lorain County Farmer's Markets

Lorain County has a farmer's market/produce stand on every corner throughout the county!!! OK, that could be a bit of an exaggeration, but not too far from the truth. We're known for our agriculture, so it's safe to say we have A LOT of farmer's markets in Lorain County, Ohio. From the rural, southern farms, all the way up to Lake Erie, you'll find a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce. Here's a sampling of north central Ohio markets you don't want to miss and what is currently in season:

Grobe Fruit Farm (43875 Telegraph Rd., Elyria, OH, 440.322.8312) says now is the time for sweet corn, potatoes, squash, green beans, apple cider, tomatoes in a week, peaches and berries at the end of July.

Spiegelberg Orchards (6161 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst, OH, 44.233.6083) currently has sour & sweet cherries and starting July 17th they'll have pitted tart cherries and starting July 20th, Lodi Apples.

Jamie's Flea Market (46388 Telegraph Rd., Amherst, OH, 440.986.4402) usually has anywhere between 3-6 produce vendors every Wednesday & Saturday during the summer months. Right now you'll find cabbage, cantaloupe, and tomatoes, among many other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Black River Landing Farmers Market, Black River Landing, Lorain

July-September, Saturdays, 9am - 2pm
Oberlin Farmer's Market, next to Oberlin City Hall,

May-October, Saturdays, 9am - 1pm

Village of Grafton Farmer's Market, Olde Towne Hall
Third Saturday of the month, July-October, 9am - 1pm

Wellington's Farmer Market, corner of N. Main St. and Taylor St.

July 18-October 31, Saturdays, 9am - 2pm

Vermilion Local Market, Victory Park
July 11-August 29th, Saturdays, 2pm - 6pm

If your looking for fresh herbs and vegetable plants...

Don Mould's Plantation (34837 Lorain Rd., N. Ridgeville, OH, 440.327.3407 and Route 58 & 113, Amherst, OH, 440.986.7777)

Petitti Garden Centers (33777 Chester Rd., Avon, OH, 440.937.0690)

You can always refer to a local fruit and vegetabable harvest calendar to find out what's in season, but your best bet would be to stop by and see for yourself. And while your here, I recommend a sure thing, always to be in season....locally grown, pressed grapes! Click here for a list of Lorain County and nearby wineries. Many Lorain County restuarants also include fresh, locally grown produce on their menu, here's just a few: Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant in Lorain, Nemo Grille in Avon, and Jefferson 150 Restaurant in Amherst.

For more information, call Visit Lorain County at 1.800.334.1673, request a Visitors Guide, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Happy Harvesting!

One of Lake Erie's Best Beaches

Lakeview Beach in Lorain, Ohio is one of the best beaches in Lorain County, and I will venture to say, one of the best on Lake Erie!

Thanks to the Lorain County Metro Parks, all of the necessary amenities are present: lifeguards, changing rooms, and a snack bar. But what makes it extraordinary are all of the other amenities like a new bathhouse

and restaurant with outdoor seating, an historic rose garden in full bloom,

a beautiful view of the Lorain Lighthouse, a lighted fountain, a picnic gazebo, a designated lawn bowling area, a playground, and most importantly...a clean beach with friendly people. What a wonderful way to spend a summer day!
Events at Lakeview Park:
2009 Lakeview Beach Volleyball Open, June 27-28
Sunset Concert Series, Friday evenings in July from 7:30-9pm

2009 Lakeview East/West Volleyball Challenge, July 25-26
Sunset Celebration, August 16 from 12-9pm
Cleveland Pops at Lakeview, August 22 from 7-9pm

Contact Visit Lorain County for more information on Lorain County Beaches and other summer fun ideas.

Festival Season is HERE in Lorain County!

June marks the beginning of Festival Season in North Central Ohio. There is no doubt that we like to celebrate in Lorain County. You name it, we have a festival for it: hot air balloons, fairies, fish, duct tape, chalk, and that's only during the month of June! Our festivals keep going all summer long: cheese, corn, quilts, woolybears...

Here is a sampling of Festivals in June you won't want to miss.

Jun 6–7 Columbia Antique Engine Show & Flea Market, Columbia Township Park, Columbia Station, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 8am–3pm. A variety of food, and activities including a peddle pull for children. 440.653.7289

Jun 12 Nature at Night Festival, French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village, 6–10pm. View live nocturnal animals, make crafts and go on a night hike. Pre–register. 440.949.5200

Jun 13 Hot Air Balloon Fest, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington,
10am. Food, children’s games, tethered rides, entertainment, evening hot air balloon glow. 440.647.6172

Hot Air Balloon Fest photo by Howard McGuire

Jun 13 Annual Fairy Festival, Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm, Wellington, 11–5pm. Tour the fairy gardens, make a fairy container garden, learn the habits and when and how to see them. End the day with a fairy tea party.440.647.2045

Jun 19–21 Festival of Fish, Victory Park, Vermilion, Fri–Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Entertainment, lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, and a sand castle building contest. Queen’s pageant and parade on Sunday. Food and craft booths. 440.967.4477

Fish Festival photo courtesy of Vermilion Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Vermilion.

Jun 19–20 Juneteenth Festival, Harrison Cultural Community Centre, Lorain. Gospel fest on Fri, parade, vendors, rides, music, and games on Sat. 440.244.0359

Jun 19–21 Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Veterans Memorial Park, Fri 4–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Rides, food, games, entertainment, duct tape sculptures, crafts and activities. 866.818.1116

Avon Duct Tape Festival photo by Rona Proudfoot

Jun 20 Fine Arts & Authors Fest, Columbia Branch Library, 10am–4pm. Meet area authors and enjoy the rural scenic yard at a unique outdoor arts and crafts event. 440.236.8751

Jun 20 Chalk Walk, Oberlin, 10am–4pm. Watch professional artists recreate works from Allen Art Museum on the sidewalks of downtown Oberlin or create a masterpiece of your own. All materials free of charge. 440.775.2423

ChalkWalk photo by Barb Bickel for Visit Lorain County

Jun 26–Jul 18 Tue–Sun, Oberlin Summer Theater Festival, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin. Free performances of The Glass Menagerie and The Tempest. 440.775.8169

Jun 26–28 Lorain International Festival and Bazaar, Black River Landing, Fri 6–11pm, Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Featuring the Puerto Rican community as the spotlight community, and Easter Seals as the spotlight industry, ethnic food vendors, craft booths, and entertainment. 440.244.6808

Lorain International Festival photo by Holly Miller-McGuire

Jun 26–28 Columbia Homecoming Festival, Columbia Station. Miss Liberty & Baby Liberty Pageant, community dinner, live entertainment, Kids Day, Battle of the Bands, 5K run, car show, and parade and fireworks. 440.236.9053

Columbia Homecoming Festival photo by Terri Biasci-Biacsi Photography

Stop in Visit Lorain County's Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Rd, Amherst, OH to pick up a June-December 2009 Events Calendar or click here to have one mailed. Have fun this June!!

May Flowers in Lorain County

April showers bring May flowers! Thanks to the warm weather we've been having in north central Ohio, flowers and trees are blooming much faster and lasting longer. It's a beautiful time of year to visit Lorain County!

Lakeview Beach by Lynne Lisner, Visit Lorain County

May also brings many opportunities throughout Lorain County to get excited about flowers, gardening and Spring:
Tulip Garden at Lakeview Park, Lorain. As of May 6, the tulips are still in bloom. Click on the photo below to learn how this beautiful garden was recently discovered.

Lakeview Park Tulip Garden by Rona Proudfoot

Oberlin's Farmers Market, Saturdays, beginning in May, 9am-1pm. Fresh flowers and locally grown and prepared foods.

Oberlin Farmers Market by Barb Bickel, Visit Lorain County

Gazebo Garden Walk, Howk Memorial Park, Wellington, May 9, 10am-4pm. Stroll through displays of unique antiques and gardening items from some of the area’s finest crafters and vendors.

Growers, Gardens, and Homes Tour, North Ridgeville, May 16. Visit North Ridgeville's finest home builders, home related retailers, and horticultural growers during this free, self guided 18th annual tour.

Growing Arts Tour/Spring Open House, Don Mould's Plantation, Amherst & North Ridgeville, May 16, 9am-5pm. Fun, informative day with sales reps and industry specialists, special sales, and drawings.

Music, Flowers & a Sunset, downtown Vermilion, beginning May 21, every third Thursday, 5:30-9pm. Free musical entertainment with over 12 bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Lots of flowers to enjoy, artwork to browse, and a stunning sunset over Lake Erie.

Third Thursdays, photo courtesy of Main Street Vermilion.

For additional event listings from Visit Lorain County, visit http://www.visitloraincounty.com/ or call 1.800.334.1673 to request a printed events calendar.

Spring art exhibit inspired by poetry of Pablo Neruda

A great new, spring exhibit opened at the Stocker Arts Gallery at Lorain County Community College in Elyria and Visit Lorain County had the pleasure to attend the opening, eat great Mexican Food, watch the Sacred Heart Liturgical Dancers and hear some of the artists and creators of the exhibit speak.





From the Stocker Arts Center:

Suenos y Esperanza: Hopes and Dreams
Thursday, April 23– Sunday, May 3, 2009

A special gallery exhibition featuring “I’ll Sing in Silence,” a portfolio of serigraph prints by Jose R. Alicea, inspired by the poetry and prose of Pablo Neruda. Also featured are Prayer sticks and Sculpture by Mario Kujawski, including an outdoor environmental sculpture created by the artist and LCCC art students. This exhibit will also include art, poetry, and an oral history collection by LCCC students, as well as illustrations and poetry by students from Longfellow Middle School, Lorain. These illustrations have been included in a children’s book authored by Dr. Raquel Ortiz, which will be featured in the exhibition.

Postlude and Pilgrimage

Sunday, May 3 from 2 – 5pm
Featuring the Sacred Heart Chapel 12:00 Mass Choir, performing at 3pm, and a Pilgrimage walk to the Suenos y Esperanza environmental sculpture at 4pm.

Sponsored by the Stocker Arts Center and the Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative, in collaboration with the LCCC Arts and Humanities Department, Sacred Heart Chapel, the Lorain City Schools, and the Hispanic Leadership Conference. Funding provided by the Community Foundation of Lorain County, the Hispanic Fund, and the Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative.

Lorain County's Travel Information Center

Start your summer vacation planning with the help of Visit Lorain County!

Our Travel Information Center is located on Route 58 (8025 Leavitt Rd.) in Amherst, a ½ mile south of the Ohio Turnpike exit 140. The main lobby is open from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, with our information vestibule open 24 hours a day. We invite visitors and Lorain County residents to stop in and learn something new about Lorain County.

You'll find helpful information on where to stay, where to eat and where to have fun. You can pick up the new 2009 Adventure and Visitors Info Guide to Lorain County. This 48-page, full-color guide features the natural areas, outdoor recreation, and the arts and history of Lorain County. Its the perfect tool for planning your visit to Lorain County. (Click Here to request a guide via USPS mail or call 1.800.334.1673.)

Other literature available at the Travel Information Center include the 2009 Visit Lorain County Events Calendar, county and state maps, Back Roads and Beaches cycling maps, and tour brochures such as On the Trail to Freedom. Also featured are brochures and flyers from Visit Lorain County members such as Hotels, Fishing Charter Captains, Historical Societies & Museums, Wineries and Restaurants.

While you're visiting our Travel Information Center ask about custom itineraries. We at Visit Lorain County would love to help you create an itinerary so you can get the most out of your visit. If you're a resident and will have out-of-town visitors, we can provide great suggestions for activities and attractions. Some itinerary ideas include, Lorain County Farms & Gardens, Underground Railroad, Girls Weekend, Family Fun, etc.

If you're looking for a unique meeting space, the Visit Lorain County Tourist Information Center has a conference room available which holds approximately 50 people. Call 1.800.334.1673 for more details.

Stop in and let us show you all there is to see and do in beautiful Lorain County. Can't wait? Visit us online at www.visitloraincounty.com.