Summer fun is just ahead!!!

With Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer-fun planning has kicked into high gear just in time for the release of our printed calender of events!

This guide to music, crafts, events, festivals, fair food, and just plain fun is available at our tourist information center at 8025 Leavitt Rd.(Rte. 58) in Amherst. or request one by phone at 800.334.1673 and by email at visitors@visitloraincounty.com.

Our online calendar of events is available year round and is continually updated with things to see and do!

What type of events might bring one to Lorain County?

To name just a few...

The Lorain International Festival June 27-29 at Black River Landing, Lorain offering all day live entertainment, children's activities, over 100 ethnic foods and crafts.

The Ohio Scottish Games June 28 at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington has an array of competitions and demonstrations  to take in...from Highland Dance, heavy athletics to pipes and drums.

The Lorain County Fair August 18-24 at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington has something for everyone with big name entertainment in the Grandstand, truck pulls, combine derby, animals, rides, exhibits and food...we can never leave out fair food!

All of our events in Lorain County have a unique experience to offer. Start planning your trip to fun today. We have lodging to suit everyone's needs.


Looking forward to a fun-filled summer ahead!

Cool camps for the hot summer ahead

Whether you are visiting or local parents, we all struggle with the same thing... how to keep our children entertained in the summer months. We've put together a few cool camps for the hot summer ahead...check them out!

Camps for the arts...

FAVA Summer Camp

Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) is a non-profit organization in Oberlin that strives to enhance the public's education in the visual arts. FAVA does many great things for our community that people of all ages enjoy! They are offering three day camps for children in grades kindergarten through fifth, the weeks of June 9^th, July 14 and August 18. Each day camp goes from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. Each week's camp is different from the rest!

TrueNorth Cultural Arts is a group that does theater productions and classes, musicals, and fine arts shows at the Lorain County Metro Parks French Creek Nature and Arts Center in Sheffield Village. They offer several theater camps of different lengths and for different age groups. Your children can express themselves through performing arts this summer beginning June 9th. What a fun way for your children to meet new friends!

Outdoor adventure and nature camps...

Earth Camp at Common Ground

There is a fantastic outdoor educational camp located in Oberlin! Common Ground's Earth Camp is a week long day camp for children ages 6 to 12 and has six different weeks from June 23rd through July. Each week has a new theme so that if your child wants to attend more than one session they will learn new things! Earth camp helps children learn about the environment and themselves through the new experiences they will have each day. Common Ground also offers a Teen Leadership Camp for ages 13 to 16 that has six sessions. Teen Leadership Camp helps teens to learn new skills and develop a sense of belonging. Teens will participate in Adventure Challenge activities during the week to help the teens learn how they can reach their full potential. The purpose of this is to give teens a happier healthier life at home, school, and neighborhood.

The Lorain County Metro Parks offers a variety of week-long day camps starting June 9th. These camps are designed for children whose ages range from kindergarten to ninth grade. The different camp themes include an outdoor adventure camp, a fishing camp, birding camp and more! One thing each camp has in common is the incorporation of nature and the outdoors into daily activities.

Equine Differences hosts a Monday through Thursday camp each summer for children age 8 and up. The camp is designed to teach children what it is like to own, care for, and ride a horse. The camps begin June 23rd and run through August 7th. Camp begins at 9 am with feeding the horses.  Along with learning to ride there will be a veterinarian, saddle fitter, and a blacksmith that will speak to the campers. There are 4 to 6 children per session so if your child doesn't like large groups this would be the perfect camp to sign up for!

The YMCA offers week-long day camps at the Avon, French Creek center and the Vermilion center for children pre-school through age 12 beginning June 9th from 7 am to 6 pm. These camps even include field trips. Each week has a specific theme for children to learn new things each week! If your child needs a fun-filled day that is scheduled this is the camp for you!

The City of Elyria's department of Parks and Recreation has week-long Reach & Rise summer camps starting June 10th. Each week has a different theme, from science to arts & music. There are camps for children as young as 6 and up to age 17. Camps are offered with varying start times, if your child isn't a morning person then Reach & Rise may be just the right fit.

And for the history buffs...

Your children (ages6-12)  can take a week long step back in time with Amherst Historical Society's Youth History Program - Exploring History Through Young Eyes.  The 2 hour long day camp runs August 14-18 where your children can explore Ohio history through hands-on activities

Catch a great fish dish in Lorain County!

Whether you are looking for a Friday fish fry or seasonal fish specials, you came to the right place!

Orchid Cafe Friday menu

THE FRIDAY FISH FRY

The Orchid Cafe at Miller Nature Preserve
2739 Center Road, Avon

(440) 937-0764

Fish Fry by Chef Mario Izzo 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Every Friday through April 18!

Matus Winery 
15674 Gore Orphanage Rd, Wakeman
(440)774-9463
Fish Fry Fridays through April 18 at 5:30pm
Dinner, Sandwich & Platter all served with fresh cut fries and coleslaw
Perch Dinner:  includes ½ lb perch. Choice of a glass of wine:  $20 pp OR bottle of wine of choice:  $28 pp
Perch Sandwich:  Choice of glass of wine:  $17 pp OR bottle of wine of choice:  $25 pp
Chicken Tender Platter:  Choice of glass of wine:  $15 per person OR bottle of wine of choice: $20
Clam Chowder $4

Nemo Grille, Avon

RESTAURANTS 

And here are a few local suggestions for restaurants that are well-known for their delicious seafood year round:



Cork's and Stubby's 
209 S. Main St., Amherst
(440) 984-7430
(440) 984-7432
Fine and Casual Dining: Shrimp, Scallops, Crabcakes, Salmon, Catch of the Day, Walleye

The Feve Bar & Grill 
30 S. Main Street, Oberlin
(440) 774-1978
Grouper Basket, Crab Cakes, Multiple vegan and vegetarian choices

Granny Joe's Ice Creamatorium
5598 Liberty Ave., Vermilion
(440) 967-3663
Perch Sandwich, Perch Dinner

Jackalope Lakeside
301 Lakeside Ave., Lorain
(440) 288-2051
Perch Sandwich, Perch Dinner

Moosehead Grill 
7660 Leavitt Rd, Amherst
(440) 985-7429
Salmon, Walleye, Tilapia

Mr. D's Restaurant & Bar at Ramada Elyria
1825 Lorain Blvd., Elyria
(440)324-5411
Perch Sandwich, Lake Erie Perch Dinner, Shrimp Basket

Nemo Grille
36976 Detroit Road, Avon
(440) 934-0061
Fine Dining: Sea Scallops, Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass, Perch, Tuna

Garden Restaurant at Oberlin Inn
7 N. Main St. | Oberlin
(440) 775-1111

Smitty's Place, Elyria

Typically offers a Fish Fry special each Friday

Smitty's Place
368 E. Bridge St, Elyria
(440) 323-9708
Perch Sandwich, Perch Dinner Combos

Strip, A Steakhouse 
36840 Detroit Rd., Avon
(440) 934-9900
Fine dining: Salmon, Ahi Tuna, Catch of the Day, Chilean Sea Bass

Stubby’s Pub & Grub 
114 Antioch Dr., Elyria
(440) 365-7882
Lake Erie Perch Dinners, crabcakes

Click…for a complete list of dining options.

And be sure to check out Fligner’s Market Facebook page weekly to see what great special they are offering on Fridays. You will likely see fish lunch specials.

Fall in love with Lorain County!

Fall in love with Lorain County this Valentine's Day! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a dinner for two or fun with friends, there is something for everyone.

Getaways

5 Corners Bed & Breakfast Valentines Day Special 

Stay Feb. 8 through the 17th and recieve:

 Complimentary split of Champagne

Free Gift from Amherst Party Shop

Complimentary Appetizer from Olde Town Pizza

Complimentary Paraffin Hand Treatment for her from A Beau Monde Salon

Be within walking distance of many restaurants and taverns

Delicious Two-Course Breakfast

Stay two nights or more and receive a $25 Gift Card to Corks & Stubby's

Call for reservations 440.984.3084

Oberlin Inn Romance Package

Complete with Murder, Mystery and Mayhem

Feb. 15th Package Includes:

Superior Overnight Accommodations 

Lavish Buffet with Prime Rib and Chicken Piccata 

Fun-filled Jovialities Murder Mystery 

Cash Bar available

$79 per person plus tax & gratuities based on double occupancy.

Call for reservations:440.775.1111

Ramada Elyria’s Valentine’s Day Party 2014

Italian & Seafood Dinner Buffet and DJ 7pm – 12:30am.

Valentine’s Day package:

$75/person – single rate $125/couple rate or $60 /person for groups of 4 or more

Sleeping room for $65.99 rate – 2pm check-out Saturday

Request a 2-top table or eat in a group.

6:30-7:30pm Appetizers, 7-8:30pm Dinner, 7pm-12:30am DJ, 7:30pm-12am Open Bar

Chocolate Fountain, Photo Booth

Call 440-324-5412 for reservations.

Valen-Wine's Happenings

Northcoast Grapevine Valentine's Day Winery Tour Special

The special will include a tour to 4 wineries along the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail. Tastings at each winery are included as well as chocolates and a delicious lunch at a designated winery. For info email info@northcoastgrapevinetours.com, or call 440.282.6598, 

Matus Winery Valentine's Dinner

Feb. 14th 5:30-7:30pm. $25.00 per person. Strip Steak, Shredded Cheesy Potatoes, Salad, Roll, Butter & Dessert! Includes one glass of wine. Prepay Reservations Only. Live music at 8pm open to all. Call 440.774.9463 or email matus_winery@yahoo.com.

Paper Moon Vineyards Valentine's Day Wine & Appetizer Pairing

Feb. 14 5-7:30PM, $30 per couple, limited to 25 couples (pre-sale only).  Enjoy five appetizer and wine tasting stations.  You'll be given a taste of wine with each of the appetizers.  Feel free to take your own pace; the event will be open for you to enjoy anytime between 5-7:30PM.  The appetizers include a caprese salad (fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil), petite quiches, heart-shaped 4 cheese ravioli with a Beurre Blanc sauce, marinated meatballs with a pepperazzi pepper, and a decadent chocolate fountain with fruit and snacks for dipping.  To make a reservation, please call 440-967-2500.  All reservations are non-refundable.  The winery and kitchen will remain open to everyone even if you're not attending this event.

Dinner for Two - Fine Dining 

Tree House Gallery and Tea Room in Avon is offering a special Valentines's Dinner Feb. 14th. $100 a couple and enjoy a free bottle of wine or champagne on us! Call 440.934.1636 for reservations

Cork's & Stubby's in Amherst

Cork's & Stubby's, Amherst

Fratello's in Avon Lake

Jackalope Lakeside in Lorain

Nemo Grille in Avon

Strip, A Steakhouse in Avon

Wood & Wine in Avon

Fun with Friends - Casual Dining

Quaker Steak and Lube in Vermilion is offering a Valentine's special Feb. 14-16 with select menu options. 

Aladdin's Eatery in Oberlin                                        

Aladdin's Eatery, Oberlin

Buffalo Wild Wings in Elyria

The Feve Bar & Grill in Oberlin

Fort's Taven in Wellington

Hot Dog Heaven in Amherst

Lorenzo's Pizzeria in Oberlin

Moosehead Grill in Amherst

Olde Town Pizza House in Amherst

Quaker Steak & Lube in Sheffield

Smitty's Place in Elyria

Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria in Sheffield Village

Stubby's Pub & Grub in Elyria

Treehuggers Cafe in  Oberlin

Simply Fun

Chocolate and Jazz at Vermilion River Reservation 

Feb 14th 6-8pm Enjoy an evening of live jazz by fireside and decadent chocolate desserts. Take a stroll on the luminary trail. Call 440.458.5121 to pre-register by Feb 10, pay $5 per person at the door. 

Who, who is flocking to Lorain County?

Snowy Owl  Photos by Dr. Thomas Mahl

I went to Sandy Ridge Reservation to visit with Lorain County Metro Park's resident birding guru, Tim Fairweather, to see what was ruffling everyone’s feathers in north central Ohio. With good reason, everyone is excited over the recent snowy owl sightings around Lorain County.

Birders have flocked to the Lake Erie coastline in Lorain for a photo op with the visiting snowy owls. The normally rare sightings have turned typical in the past few weeks and hopefully for the weeks ahead. Have you caught a glimpse of these beautiful owls?  Tim reported that the snowy owls have been sighted around the Lorain Harbor and as far south as the Lorain County Regional Airport.

Lorain County is a superb birding destination in any season with a variety of habitats, not limited to the coastline of Lake Erie’s central basin. With more than a dozen birding locations in the Huron & Lorain Loop of the Lake ErieBirding Trail you will find a plethora of options to see a wealth of different species. A great example sits just east of the beautifully renovated Mile Long Pier in Lorain. (Pictured below) This wonderful trail overlooking the harbor and Lake Erie is a perfect spot to enjoy songbirds in migration. A newly constructed platform extends out over the water for optimal viewing.

Step in from the elements at one of our area restaurants and, of course, secure a hotel or bed-and-breakfast for your bird watching headquarters. 

If you would like assistance with your birding adventure, we would be happy to help and are a phone call away 800.334.1673