Bling in the New Year!

Oberlin Inn at night

Don't just ring in 2012 with the same old party...bling in the New Year! Try something with flair Saturday night. There is no shortage of parties to dazzle! Are you are looking for a getaway weekend package, dinner and dancing or a table for two in a quiet restaurant? We've got you covered. Read on...

Stay and Play!

Oberlin Inn New Year's Eve Gala 2011. Enjoy an elegant four course candlelight dinner, open bar from 7:30-1am, party favors, midnight champagne toast, dancing and entertainment by Elegant Entertainment, tastefully appointed guestroom and sumptuous New Year's Day brunch. Only $249 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Call 440.775.1111 for reservations. http://www.oberlininn.com/

Ramada Elyria New Year's Eve Package. This spectacular package includes a fabulous buffet at 7pm featuring carved prime rib and sumptuous desserts! Open bar, hats/noisemakers, champagne toast and balloon brop at midnight. The DJ will have you dancing the night away! Enjoy an overnight guestroom with late check-out on New Year's Day. Book now by calling 440.324.5411 http://www.ramada.com/

5 Corners Bed and Breakfast in Amherst is offering a New Year's Eve Special. Receive all of these exclusive discounts when you stay with them on New Years Eve:
Complimentary champagne and cheese plate; chilled and waiting for you in your room
Complimentary $10 gift card to Cork's Wine Bar
Complimentary appetizer from Olde Town Pizza
Two complimentary gourmet cupcakes from Sweets by Maggie
Complimentary noise makers and hats
Plus toast the New Year with Complimentary Mimosas during their fantastic breakfast. Don't forget - 5 Corners is an easy 2 block walk to Amherst's most popular taverns! 440.984.3084 Use the code NY11 when reserving online. http://www.5cornersbnb.com/


Eat, Dance and Be Merry!

New Years Eve at the Conservatory. Ring in the New Year with a dinner buffet at the Miller Nature Preserve and Conservatory in Avon. Prime rib buffet, shrimp, and more by DeLuca's. Two seatings: 6:30pm and 8:30pm. DJ rings in the New Year at the later seating. Early seating $40 per person. Late seating $70 per person. Call 440.233.7272 for reservations. http://www.metroparks.cc/

New Year's Eve at The Clifton Barn in Avon. Bring in the New Year with renown Elvis impersonator Caesare Belvano. Enjoy a wonderful dinner provided by Strip Steakhouse. $80/individual $150/couple (gratuity not included) Book your reservation now, limited spots available call 440.934.9900 http://www.stripsteakhouse.com/

Celebrate the New Year with Vermilion Valley Vineyards. At 7:30pm they offer a New Year's buffet with stuffed pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, green beans, salad, desert and a glass of wine. Music with Around Acoustic Trio begins at 9pm $40 per person. Reservations Required. Reserve online or call 440.965.5202. http://www.vermilionvalleyvineyards.com/

New Year's Eve Dinner at Matus Winery in Wakeman. Festivities begin at 8pm and includes: prime rib, pork loin, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, shrimp cocktail, roll, and bottle of wine with music by D.J. - M.C. Sound. $40 per person, must make reservation by Friday morning. Call 440.774.9463 http://www.matuswinery.us/

Jackalope Lakeside in Lorain is accepting regular reservations for New Years Eve.We will have our regular dinner menu that evening, with a D.J. Starting to spin the tunes at 9:30pm. Call to reserve your table 440.288.2051 http://www.jackalopelakeside.com/

New Years Eve at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. No reservations needed, just join the fun from 9pm to 1am with live band the CoCoBeanOs and champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Featuring a steak and shrimp combo for $14.99 www.quakersteakandlube.com/Sheffield_OH/

Church Street Bar and Grille in Amherst is hosting New Year’s Eve “Cheapest party in town!” Includes the following from 7 – 11pm. All domestic draft beer, All well shots, All well drinks, All non-alchoholic beverages, All wings! D.J. playing all night $25 p/person, $45 p/couple. Cash bar after 11pm until close. No reservations necessary. http://www.churchstreetbarandgrille.com/

Stubby’s Pub and Grub New Year’s Eve Party in Elyria. Appetizer and breakfast buffett, D.J. to set the party off at 9pm, champagne toast at midnight. If that isn’t enough, they are offering free rides home! Tickets available in advance or at the door $50 p/p or $90 p/couple. 440.365.7882 www.stubbyspub.com

Intimate, Upscale Dining!

Aroma Ristorante in Avon Lake is taking reservations for three seating times: 5pm, 7pm, and 9:30pm. Offering a special menu for this special night. Call 440.933.4360 http://www.aroma-ristorante.com/

Cork’s in Amherst New Year’s Eve. Dine in style with specials offered, along with their regular menu from 4pm to midnight. Reservations recommended, call 440.984.7430

However you decide to bling in the New Year, we hope that you have a safe and prosperous 2012!

Experience a little bit of non commercial holiday fun

As we get deeper into December, things seem to move in warp speed and the holiday lights start to blur together as we jump from one mall and holiday celebration to the next! I say lets slow things down, get in the real spirit of the holidays, and take a step back and enjoy some of the days gone by holiday decorations in our historic homes and museums, enjoy slow meandering shopping at quaint shops and a casual meal with friends. Ah, I am feeling a little calmer just thinking about it.

Here are a few suggestions where you can, much like Charlie Brown, escape commercialism for awhile and take in some good old fashioned holiday cheer, and enjoy decorations from a bygone era.


A Victorian Burrell Christmas
Saturday, December 17th 1-4pm
Burrell Homestead
French Creek Reservation
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village
440.949.5200
Christmas added its glitz and glamour to the holiday celebration during the Victorian times. Take a look back on how the Burrells and other Victorian families would celebrate the winter holidays. Travel back in time from French Creek Nature Center to the Burrells' home and the festivities. Enjoy period Christmas songs and help trim a tree, a new custom the Burrells are trying out. Hear about Christmas folklore and how many of today's tried and true traditions took shape during this time period. Preregister for a time slot (1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, and 3:30pm) by calling the Metro Parks office.

Vermilion River Reservation
Carriage House

Carriage House
Vermilion River Reservation
51211 North Ridge Rd, Vermilion
440.967.7310
Decorated and open to the public Wed through Sun, 10am – 4:30pm
Bacon House not open

Hickories Museum
Lorain County Historical Society
509 Washington Ave., Elyria
440.322.3341
Museum tours Tues – Fri 1-4pm, Sat 1 – 3pm
The Hickories is an 1895 mansion that combines Richardsonian Romanesque and Shingle-style architecture. The interior features Tiffany-style windows, six fireplaces, carved faces and a private chapel. The mansion is the former home of wealthy industrialist, Arthur Garford. Garford was the inventor of the first padded bicycle seat. 

Moore House Museum
Black River Historical Society
309 W. Fifth St., Lorain
440.245.2563
Museum open Mon – Fri, 10am – 4;30pm
SPECIAL SUNDAY OPENING-DECEMBER 11, 2011

Moore House, Lorain

The Museum will be open on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 from 1 to 4pm to accommodate holiday shoppers. Visit the gift shop for unique gifts including many Lorain Lighthouse items, books, DVDs on Lorain history in photos, poems, stories. Stop in to check out the special gifts available for our moderate prices. Enjoy the beautifully decorated former home of Leonard Moore, built in 1906. Moore was a former mayor of Lorain.

Amherst Sandstone Village

Amherst Sandstone Village
763 Milan Ave, Amherst
440.988.7255
Visitors can drive through the village to see the lights and cheerfully decorated historic buildings.