The Interns Learn What's "SUP"

We Visit Lorain County interns (or "funductors") had another exciting adventure! We hit the water on Lakeview Beach in Lorain to check out stand up paddling (SUP) with Lake Erie Paddler.

Jim teaching on the beach

When Kaitlin and I first arrived on the beach, we watched Jim Lawhead, the founder of Lake Erie Paddler, teach his last class of the day to kids of the Outdoor Adventure Camp through the Lorain County Metroparks. The kids got a lesson on where to be on the board, how to paddle, and how to stand up once they got on the water. After the kids came in from their little trip around the cove, we got to chat with them for a while. One boy excitedly told us about how he loved paddle boarding so much he was asking for a board for his next birthday. Other kids talked about how they were nervous at first, but once they actually did it they realized it was much easier than they thought, and a lot of fun! We also asked the group what their favorite parts were and some of the answers were bouncing on the waves, the challenge when waves rocked their board a bit, or just everything about it!

Jim helping the kids get  settled on their boards

After watching the kids have a blast on the water, we decided to try it for ourselves! Read on for our reactions from our day on the water!

Kaitlin

The interns out on the water

Paddle boarding was so much easier than I thought it would be! I was a little nervous on the drive over, not knowing what to expect. When we first got there I took some photographs of the kids getting ready and actually paddling out on the water. It was fun to see their excitement to try something new! Seeing all of the kids falling into the water made me a bit apprehensive, but after we watched a little closer, it seemed that most of the kids who fell in were being pushed. I'm glad that Melody and I weren't into rough housing on the water! Our instructor, Julie, showed us the basics and had us go out pretty quickly. After our lesson, it seemed that the best way to get better was to practice! I had so much fun! It was great to just relax and float around out on the water. The great thing about SUP is that anyone can do it, which I found out on first hand on our trip! Out of everything to do at Lakeview beach, Melody and I definitely had the best time with Lake Erie Paddler!

Melody

Melody, Kaitlin, and instructor Julie enjoying the lake

Ok, I officially have the best summer internship there is. Going paddle boarding was one of the most fun things I've gotten to do all summer. I was a little hesitant when we first got to the beach (mostly because I had a meeting pretty soon after, and didn't particularly want to get my hair wet) but it looked so fun I couldn't justify hanging out on the beach and just watching. And, as it turned out, I managed to stay dry above my knees, so don't even try that excuse ladies! We were off after a quick lesson from Jim's right hand girl Julie, who is not only a SUP instructor but also really talented in other water sports like kite boarding and surfing! When I first pushed off I had a hard time finding my balance, but once I relaxed and settled into it, it was great! I had so much fun out on the water, and I'd love to get out there and try it again sometime. I have to admit- it's a little addicting.

There you have it! It's a pretty clear consensus; stand up paddling is an awesome way to spend a day. We officially give Lake Erie Paddler the funductor seal of approval! Check 'em out next time you're planning a family day, birthday party, or maybe even date! When you're ready to plan your day with them, make your reservation by calling 440.935.9291 or emailing lakeeriepaddler@gmail.com. 

Lakecation!

No matter where you live or what your ideal vacation consists of, north central Lake Erie is a great vacation spot! For those looking for a vacation filled with adventure at every turn, Lake Erie won't disappoint. Here are a few suggestions for a two or three day getaway.

Staying at Village Inn and Efficiencies in Vermilion puts you as close to the water as you can get. Start your morning out by exploring the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail or stop at West River Kayak to rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board, or bike.

Vermilion River

You're just minutes away from Mill Hollow, a Lorain County Metro Park, where you'll find hiking trails and great fishing. Stop by Bad Boy Bait and Tackle to stock up for your trip out.  If hiking isn't your thing check out one of our many local charters for a day of fishing.

Mile-Long Pier in Lorain

Looking for lakeside dining? Stop by Jackalope Lakeside and enjoy a delicious meal and a cocktail while watching a beautiful Lake Erie sunset! Walk "The Mile-Long Pier" after dinner to do some evening pier fishing or to enjoy the view of the lighthouse or catch a sunset cruise.

Lake Erie is also a great place to relax. Here are several great places to kick back and rest your head...Sunset Shores B&B, Arbor Lights B&B, Lake Breeze Inn, and The Beacon B&B.

Sunset Shores Bed and Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of these B&Bs and then check out the Historic Rose Garden at Lakeview Park. The shape of the garden, a wheel with 8 spokes, is the Rotary Club emblem. It has approximately 2,500 roses that are planted in 48 beds with connecting walkways, completing the wheel and spokes. Stop and smell the roses while admiring the view of the lake and get a glimpse of the Lorain Lighthouse!

Rose Cafe

While you're in Lorain stop at the Black River Historical Society to learn local Lake Erie lore! Head back over to the Rose Cafe for lunch. From there travel to Olde Avon Village for some shopping at Sassy's, The Treehouse Gallery and Tea Room and dinner at Strip Steakhouse! Wind down after dinner with a summer concert on Friday evenings in July at Lakeview Park.

For more shopping, food, and historical sites near Lake Erie check out Friends of Harbour Town 1837 in Vermilion, Papermoon Vineyards, K-Cream Korner in Lorain, Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria, and Peter Miller House Museum.

Spotlight on Wellington, Ohio

Welcome readers! Earlier this week Kaitlin and I spent a day in one of the little towns (with a lot to offer) in Lorain County called Wellington. Our plan is to put a spotlight on a few other gems like this one throughout the summer, so be sure to keep an eye on the blog or our facebook page!

Most people's first impression of Wellington is that it's a really quaint little town. The old style of architecture in the town square definitely does not go unnoticed. 











But of course beautiful church steeples and old houses can only keep a person's attention for so long. That was far from a problem on our visit, we had no trouble filling our afternoon.

Our first stop was the Wellington Reservation. There is over 4+ miles of walking trails and a building available for rent for events that range anywhere from a baby shower to a grad party. However, Kaitlin and I had our sights on another attraction: the paddle boats. The boats are completely free, you just need to have your drivers license and one person in the boat must be over the age of 18. We were excited to learn that this year they implemented a scavenger hunt from the boats, so we signed in, got our list of clues, and got on the water!









The way the hunt works is there are 4 canisters on posts around the edge of the water. They are bright white, so it's pretty easy to see them from the boat. You just make your way to them, see what's inside, and try to figure out which clue it belongs to!







The boats are a really unique way to enjoy the beauty of the park. Some of the views you come across are absolutely stunning, and there's just no way to see it from land. And of course, it's an absolute blast to paddle around!

 And as you can see, the paddle boats aren't the only thing to do on the water. You can bring your own kayaks out, do some fishing, and there are birdhouses all throughout the park that house the many different types of beautiful song birds.

After we finished the hunt (and our mini-workout) we returned the boat to the dock and decided we'd go to a local coffee shop, Bread-n-Brew, to cool off. It's a really cute little shop with a pretty good variety of drinks and desserts to choose from. It's also a great place to stop for a full breakfast or lunch (I recommend the cinnamon swirl french toast if you're there around breakfast time). It was pretty hot out on the day of our trip, so we were more focused on the smoothies and iced drinks menu.

And who can resist that dessert counter? Clearly not us, as you can tell by the pastries with our drinks.




One of the coolest things about Bread-n-Brew is that they also sell plenty to take home with you. You can buy anything from real maple syrup or local honey, to bags of coffee beans.

After we were cooled off by my smoothie and Kaitlin's iced Chai, we decided to go to Findley State Park, which is South of Wellington. Every time I'm in the park I'm  blown away by how pretty is, especially right here in our pic, when you first drive in. The natural arc made by the highest trees make it feel like you're driving into paradise. This path is near the Thorn, which is a really intense mountain biking trail. If any cyclists are reading, keep in mind that the Thorn Trail Time Trial is coming up July 21st! 

Our last stop of the day was to poke around Days of Yore Herb and Flower Farm. It's a very unique shop, surrounded by gardens. In the spring you can buy plants for your own garden, and then head inside so look at everything else they have to offer.

 This time of year is actually perfect to visit this fun little village. On July 19th, 20th, and 21st, downtown will be full of excitement from the annual Cheese Heritage Festival. Cheese may seem like a strange theme for a festival, but it's celebrating the history of the town, which was the nation's biggest cheese producer in the late 1800's. They celebrate with a cheesecake and macaroni & cheese bake off, a parade, live music, and much more. See you there!

~Melody