Monday, June 25, 2012

Explore Lakefront History

 Looking for some fresh ideas to explore Lorain County's Lake Erie shoreline area? Here's an itinerary that will probably include some fascinating new sites for you. 

Begin at the  Sheffield Lake Community Park on E. Lake Road. It's got a fantastic, free, 2-lane boat launch for boats up to 30' and sandy landing space for small boats, kayaks and jet skies. Enjoy the lake from the shore with picnic space and some of the area's best swimming and fishing. Erie Outfitters is nearby and has all your fishing needs covered. It's a great place to stop in and and chat with Lake Erie locals who might have some secrets about fishing the area. 


Shell Cove Park, Sheffield Lake
Other nearby parks include Shell Cove Parkalso on Lake Road or Route 6. The park is beautiful for lake observation with picnic and playground space. It's known for fossils of ancient "terrible fish" found there and commemorated with historical markers. 
103rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Civil War Museum


Also on E. Lake Rd. in Sheffield Lake you'll find the 103rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Civil War Museum commemorating the service of a local volunteer infantry. The soldiers were a tight knit group, fond of holding reunions, and decided to purchase the land and house so that their history would have a home their descendants could always return to. You can experience it by emailing for a tour.


So you've had a long day enjoying Lake Erie and its history and it's time for a good meal. Not far from Sheffield, on Chester Rd. in Avon you'll find Wood and Wine, an amazing place for pizza, pasta and of course wine. Another favorite in the area is Quaker Steak & Lube - Sheffield it's in a convenient spot right off I-90. Watch their promotional schedule for specials on their famous wings, drinks and theme nights. 

Miller Road Park in Avon Lake
Sheffield Lake isn't the only community with amazing Lake access. Avon Lake is also home to several parks and historical sites. Start day 2 on the shore with a trip to Miller Road Park which is a great beach for swimming and fishing with two piers. It also has a two-lane boat launch that you can access 24 hours a day! 
Also on the Miller Park property is the historic Peter Miller House. This is a unique home belonging to the son of Avon Lakes first permanent resident. Call 440.933.6333 for a tour or just stop by to see the outside and garden.

Fratello's Restaurant 
For lunch you can't beat Fratello's which is just a skip away from the lake on Electric Blvd. Besides their excellent, authentic, Italian menu Fratello's has an amazing wine selection that will warm you up for an afternoon trip to Klingshirn Winery. Sample their award-winning, locally made wine varieties and maybe pick up a few for the road. Prepare to be charmed by Klingshirn's staff and retail store on Webber Rd. where you will feel like family. 
The Folger Home in Avon Lake
The perfect way to end your day has got to be picnicking, enjoying the views, and maybe going for one last dip at Veteran's Memorial Park in also on Lake Road. On the park property sits the Folger Home which is a newly restored 18th century home with a great view. 

Enjoy the sunsets this summer with a novelty ice cream treat sold on the porch of the Folger Home weekdays 7:30-9pm.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Sounds of Summer

Concerts can be such a major ordeal with ticket drama, trying to get your seats before the show sells out or cramming into a stuffy venue? It can get a little crazy. So if you're looking for a musical outing that's a little more chill; Lorain County is definitely your place for tunes this summer. The only crazy part about all the area concert series is that they are free! Grab some blankets or lawn chairs and spend a relaxing evening at an outdoor concert waterfront or at one of the community squares!

Ely Square, downtown Elyria 

Fourth Tuesday 
Ely Square and the Riverwalk in downtown Elyria
June 26, July 24, Aug 28, Sept 25 6:30pm

Labatt Blue Black River Concert Series
Black River Landing
June 16, July 4, 13, Aug 11, 25 8-11pm

Sunday Concerts in the Park
Wellington Gazebo in front of Town Hall
Every Sunday June 10 - Aug 12 7pm

Music Under the Stars 
Lakeview Park in Lorain
June 10, July 8, Aug 12, Sept 9 7:30pm

Tappan Square, downtown Oberlin

















Friday Summer Concert Series
Tappan Square in Oberlin
Every Friday June 29- Aug 3 7pm

Summer Concert Series
Vermilion River Reservation
Every Sunday evening at Mill Hollow outdoor amphitheater
June 17- Aug 19 6:30pm

Music, Flowers and a Sunset 
Every third Thursday in downtown Vermilion
June 21, July 19, Aug 16, Sept 20 6pm