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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

Party like it's 2014!

How are you ringing in the New Year? If you haven't quite decided, we have plenty of Lorain County options for you!

FORMAL

If you are looking for a lavish New Year's Eve package maybe one of these events will catch your eye!

• Cork's and Stubby's is offering a four-course prix fixe menu, music, dancing, and cash bar. This event is pre-sale only, so be sure to make your reservation soon! Cost is $85 per person or $160 per couple.

•  A night at the Oberlin Inn will bring in your year with elegance and style. Come on out for a four course candlelit dinner, open bar, and dancing. Spend the night in a  tastefully appointed guestroom and wake up to a sumptuous New Year’s Day brunch.

• Spend the night at the Ramada after enjoying their New Year's party complete with a grand dinner buffet including open bar and dancing! 

• Main Street Vermilion is hosting their third annual party at German's on the 31st. Doors open at 7:30. $145 a couple. Dinner, dancing, open bar and a chance to win $2014! Complimentary local ride home. Call Larry at 440-653-7097 or German's at 440-967-1770 or order online. Only 100 tickets will be sold!

CASUAL

If you would prefer to bring in 2014 rocking your best jeans at a more relaxed get together, there are going to be plenty of hopping spots!

• In addition to their more formal bash, Stubby's is hosting a separate party with a $20 entry fee that buys you an appetizer/breakfast buffet and music to dance into the new year. 

• Fort's Tavern has a special New Year's menu including a wide selection of premium cocktails. DJ Kit will also be there hosting the party!

• Both Matus Winery and D&D Smith Winery will have music and are hosting pot luck diners. 

UNIQUE

Don't think all we have to offer you is the traditional New Year's Party!

• Bad Boy Bait, Tackle, & More is hosting a New Year's Eve and Archery Fun Shoot! The archery shoot will cost $10 for adults and $5 for teens and youth. The Shoot will be a Lucky Dip Shoot, but you don't have to participate to attend.

• Noon Year's Eve celebrations will be at all Lorain Public Library System locations so the kids aren't left out of the fun. The whole family can come enjoy! Register today at LorainPublicLibrary.org or by calling your local library (list here).

• Ghostly Manor is also hosting from 8-12:30 on New Year's Eve. You can choose a $20 VIP Package that includes admission, skate, scooter or roller blade rental, party favors, arcade tokens, slice of pizza, small drink, and choice of mini golf, motion theater or haunted house. There is also the $10 Special Package that includes, admission, quad skate rental, and party favors. For more info call 419-626-4467. 

After you bring in the new year, stay with us at one of Lorain County's awesome hotels, lodges, or bed & breakfasts! 

'Tis the Season!

Isn't it hard to believe Christmas is only next week?! Don't get so caught up in the craziness of the holiday season that you forget to get out and enjoy time with your family. Here in Lorain County you can enjoy everything from beautiful light displays to nights in the theater. Maybe you'll even start up a new tradition!

LIGHTS

There are a ton of places to check out light displays in Lorain County that give even the Griswolds a run for their money!

• Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation (12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange,OH 44050) also runs until New Year's Eve, excluding Dec. 24  and 25, with a 1/2 mile paved loop with movie themed light displays along the way. The Holiday Express will also run every day through another decorated trail. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays 6-9pm and Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm. Admission is free, but please bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

• Holiday Lights at Finwood Estate (799 North Abbe Road Elyria,OH 44035) will be on display every night until Jan. 5, and after you check out the awesome display you can head inside for hot chocolate and cookies! Guests are asked to bring nonperishable food items that will be donated to the Elyria Hospitality House.

• Miller Nature Preserve (2739 Center Road Avon,OH 44011) is decked out until Jan. 6, excluding Christmas and New Years Day, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

• Lights on the Lake is nightly at 6pm until Dec. 31 at Lakeview Park (1800 West Erie Avenue Lorain,OH 44052).

SHOWS

If you're a fan of the performing arts, maybe checking out one of these great shows in more your style.

• "The Nutcracker" will be performed at LCCC's Stocker Arts Center by Ohio Dance Theatre, Northeast Ohio’s professional ballet company on Dec 20 at 10am, Dec 20 & 21 at 7:30pm, and Dec 22 at 2pm. For tickets call Stocker Arts Center Box Office at 440-366-4040 or visit their website.

• Songs for the Season will be performed by the Oberlin Choristers at Finney Chapel in Oberlin, Ohio at 7:30 pm on Dec. 21.  

• The TrueNorth Christmas Concert will be celebrating the season with their Chorale, Symphony and Big Band at Avon Lake United Church of Christ (32801 Electric Boulevard Avon Lake,OH 44012). Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.

•  The Lorain Palace Theater ( 617 Broadway Lorain,OH 44052) presents Charles Dickens’  ”A Christmas Carol”  December 20 & 21 at 7pm. Adults tickets are $10, children are $7. 

OUT AND ABOUT

We still have you covered even if a holiday show isn't your cup of cocoa! Check out these other great events going on in and around Lorain County!

• Christmas on the Farm with Bonnie Brae Elk Farm is on Dec. 21 and 22 is sure to be a great time for you and your family. Wagon rides to go out and feed the elk are $10 for all ages. Call (440) 647-3232 or (440) 647-4593 for your reservation. 

• The historian in your family will be excited about the Burrell Christmas program and tour on Dec. 21 from 12 pm-3 pm. The scheduled shuttle transport every 20 minutes beginning at the French Creek Nature Center. Drop-in activities at the Nature Center will be ongoing.  Preregister for tours at www.metroparks.cc or call 440-458-5121 by Dec 20.

• The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is in the holiday spirit with their 3D Winter Wonderland Christmas Walk-Thru starting every day in December at noon. Enjoy the light show, XD Motion Theater Movie “Sleigh Ride”, Roller Skating Rink, 3D Blacklight Mini Golf, Bounce Houses, 3-level Play Area, Haunted House, and Arcade for a fun filled afternoon!

SANTA

You can't go the whole season without visiting the man in red himself! Here's where to find him this year. 

Miller Nature Preserve & Conservatory from LCMP

• Santa will be at Lakeview Park for brunch on Dec. 21 from 10 am-2 pm. Tickets are $15 per person ($5 or kids 5 & under) and include a carriage ride around Lakeview Park, breakfast buffet, one family photo with Santa, a craft, and a chance to shop at Santa’s gift shop.

• You can catch him at Finwood Estate while you're there for the holiday lights!

• On December 23 from 11:30 am- 1:30 pm Santa will be at Petitti Garden Center (33777 Chester Road Avon,OH 44011) hanging out with kids aged 5 and up. Tickets are $10 and will include a sack lunch (hotdog, chips, cookie, drink), a visit with Santa, story time, and a craft. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Bereavement Program at Stein Hospice.

Shop small and score big...

Don Mould's Plantation

Visit Lorain County is a great place to start when looking to shop small and score big this Saturday or any day of the year! Lorain County boasts unique and quality shops to suit anyone on your holiday list. From a walk about Main Street in one of our many eclectic villages and towns, to a country drive to a fantastic out of the way shop that you have yet to discover.

With a simple click of our shopping link you will discover great shopping options. Many having those great deals you are hunting for this weekend and as a bonus, many Main Street Organizations have holiday events kicking off this Saturday making it the perfect day to explore our city centers and enjoy the festivities and shops all a-glow.

While you are out and about you are sure to work up an appetite! You are in luck, you are another click away from a palate pleasing experience. With so many dining options from which to choose, you can plan breakfast, lunch and dinner with ease and maybe a wine tasting in between!

Cork's and Stubby's 

Discover too much for just one day? Thought so! No worries, we have a couple clicks for that too...hotels, bed & breakfasts and lodges throughout the county await.

Small Business Saturday is a great excuse to get out there and shop small in a big way!

Gobble up a local Thanksgiving feast!

Looking for a no muss no fuss scrumptious Thanksgiving Day feast...a few Lorain County restaurants will serve up a great meal with all of the trimmings this Thursday! 

The Oberlin Inn is dishing up their feast by buffet or a served dinner. Seating every half hour between 11 and 4.  The Buffet Feast includes: slow roasted turkey, pork tenderloin with cranberry, sliced roast beef with mushroom sauce, battered fried white fish, 15 traditional side dishes and salad favorites, dessert table. The served meal includes a tossed salad, marshmallow sweet potatoes, herb sage dressing, home-style green beans, rolls and pumpkin pie.

Oberlin Inn reservations required call 440.775.1111.

Or choose The Lube! Quaker Steak & Lube in Sheffield and Vermilion; both are serving a great menu of your holiday favorites buffet style: chef-carved oven roasted turkey, chef-carved slow roasted beef sirloin, honey glazed ham topped w/pineapple, sweet potatoes in butter rum sauce, homemade stuffing, whipped potatoes & gravy, award-winning wings, green bean casserole, shrimp pasta in golden garlic cream sauce,  penne pasta w/bolognese sauce, New England clam chowder, Italian wedding soup, full salad bar, harvest dessert patch featuring pumpkin and pecan pies, and sugar free selections. 

Call for reservations Sheffield: 440.934.9464 Vermilion:440.967.3724

Want to burn off some of that meal with a family activity? Head to Rebman's in Lorain for family bowling from 5 to midnight.

Or take in a movie before or after dinner at the Apollo in Oberlin. Catch Frozen between 1pm and 9:30pm and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire between 12:30pm and 10:15pm.

And at the Lorain Palace Theater, THOR The Dark World is in 3D at 7pm!

Lastly, if you would like to step out and toast your family.... Fort's Tavern in Wellington will be open at 8:30pm. They have a spiced apple martini and 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale on tap.

Click here for a cornucopia of fun! Plenty of events happening over the holiday weekend! 
And if your house is as stuffed as your turkey for the holidays...your problem is solved with nearby lodging! 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This weather is for the birds! Literally!

The month of November has blown in with gusto!  Often times when the weather is not great for us, it can be a great opportunity for bird watching...the winds can drive birds inland and right into view.

Lorain County is a fabulous birding destination. With more than a dozen birding locations in the Huron & Lorain Loop of the Lake Erie Birding Trail you will find a plethora of options to see various species of birds. So bundle up and grab your binoculars and camera and step out into nature!

We visited a couple areas on the Lake Erie Birding Trail this week and, WOW, the color in our fall foliage is a tremendous backdrop for bird watching.

Inland at Lorain County Metro Park's Sandy Ridge Reservation in North Ridgeville birders marveled at the majestic Bald Eagles. The area attracts about 250 species through out the year. The wetlands at Sandy Ridge provide a safe haven for shorebirds in the fall and the beautiful wooded areas draw songbirds during fall migration.





Our fall foliage is peaking and our birding along Lake Erie is as well. November through early January, or whenever Lake Erie freezes, marks prime time for birds to flock to the Lorain Harbor. See flocks of gulls, from the common to the rare seeking shelter.                

Just east of the beautifully renovated Mile Long Pier overlooking the harbor is a perfect spot to enjoy songbirds in migration. A newly constructed platform extends out over the water for optimal viewing.



We have given you a glimpse at birding in north central Ohio, now it's up to you to get out there and step into nature. And when you need to warm up, stop in at Jackalope Lakeside for a bite to eat, located at the base of the Mile Long Pier. Or select from a number of dining options around Lorain County. And since you can't complete the birding loop and take in our picturesque fall foliage in just one day, you can cozy up in one of our B&B's or a nice hotel room. If you would like assistance in planning a bird watching adventure don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.334.1673.

Just down the road...

   Taking in the new fall season has definitely been easy...these past few days have been beautiful. As I drove along some of our back roads today I noticed some crimson leaves and realized autumn adventures for me and my family were "just down the road" - literally!

Dean Rd. along Back Roads and Beaches Route

   It seemed almost every country road I peered down was preparing its own taste of fall. Whether it was a store front with specials, a field transforming into an autumn festival or hay getting stacked and made ready for hayrides. Farmers markets with stands being stocked with fresh produce.

Fitch's Farm Market

 Wagons being hitched to take families and friends out in the orchards and patches to pick their own apples and pumpkins. There are corn mazes and haunted places for all ages and levels of ghoulishness!Cyclists out on the Back Roads and Beaches route and families scattered through the Lorain County Metro Parks many Reservations.

5 Corners Bed & Breakfast  (photo by David Nicely)

 Clambakes and crisp nights by a fire with a glass of wine at a local winery. Open houses at our charming B&B's! So much to see and do in north central Ohio, no matter which way you turn!


Celebrating fall just down the road sounds pretty good to me... I think I will settle right in!

For help planning your fall adventure go to www.visitloraincounty.com

Click here for an electronic version of our printed Calendar of Events guide.

Sights from a day at the Lorain County Fair

It's Fair Week here in Lorain County. Here are a few scenes from Tuesday. 

Food

Wood-fired pizza by Lorenzo's "The Beautiful Flame"

Animals

Midway

Displays and Attractions

Hauntville/Spooky Ranch display

Come out and see us in building 23 at the Fairgrounds. We'll be here all week!

Farewell to the Lorain County Funductors!

Melody (left) and Kaitlin

This summer has flown by! We got to experience so many fun local things while trying to show others how great our county is. Together Melody and I explored Lorain County this summer. We documented our travels here for you, now it is time for us to say goodbye...

Kaitlin

I think that we definitely got the best internship! This summer has been a blast! I think by far my favorite thing was our paddle boarding experience and the blog. I went along on a location scouting session which was awesome! It was great to get to see the kids so excited about paddle boarding and I love the photographs I got from that session. The photo opportunities I've gotten for the blogs really helped me stay in practice! I was so happy to be able to incorporate it into the blogs. I've learned so much about Lorain County in the past three months. It's amazing how much my own hometown has to offer that I didn't know about. The two coolest events that I had no idea we had are the Lorain Lighthouse tours and the Wellington Hot Air Balloon Festival. I regret to say I haven't gotten a chance to experience either of these events but they're both definitely on my bucket list now! I'm sad that the summer is over already and I have to say goodbye to all of the great ladies at Visit Lorain County but I'm so grateful for this awesome opportunity.

Melody

I honestly could not have asked for a better internship. I got the opportunity to do so much! I've sat in on meetings, represented Lorain County at the Ohio State Fair, and done some really fun stuff to write all about in this blog! As excited as I am to go back to The Ohio State University, I'll really miss everyone in this office and all the fun I've had through VLC this summer. It's crazy to me that so much stuff amazing stuff was right under my nose. I hope we've inspired you to get out and see it all for yourself!

To wrap things up, Lorain County is a great place to explore. It doesn't matter if you're a local looking for some new adventure, or seeking a vacation spot. We've got plenty to offer to anyone!

Follow the Fish!

This week Kaitlin and I were out and about in Lorain County, just running a few errands for the office, and it ended up being a really exciting day thanks to Follow the Fish Art and Adventure Trails! This was the first fish we ran across as we were walking in downtown Oberlin. It's right in front of the Oberlin Business Partnership.

Driving through Lorain we came across another fish. This one was quite a bit bigger than the first one of the day, and a lot more colorful! It's right by a stoplight, so when I saw it I excitedly scrambled for a camera from the passenger seat to get a quick picture while we were stopped. Check it and other great Lorain County sights on out Instagram page!

Later as we were making our way down Broadway we were lucky enough to spot the Follow the Fish store front, and a few of their neighbors have fish on display as well! It's such a unique experience to be driving through a city and see a piece of one of a kind locally made artwork directing you towards an awesome local business you may not have otherwise seen!

Our next stop was back to the VLC office where we were greeted by our own fishy friend. He's been hanging out here all summer!

You really never know where you'll come across one of these fish, whether you seek them out or just happen to bump into one like Kaitlin and I did this week or when we were out writing this blog post. We've only shown you a handful of the fish, so you'd better get out there and find some for yourself! You can find the locations online, or stop in to our tourist information center at 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst OH to pick up a copy of the Follow the Fish Art and Adventure Trail guide.

Where have you been seeing fish around the county? Let us know in the comment section!

~Melody