So this is Christmas...

Petittis Garden Center in Avon

With less than a month to go now  until the big show, we've outlined some great holiday ideas for you! It's a carry-over from our November blog, encouraging you to "Shop Small" this Christmas season...

One of Lorain County's most popular boutiques is  The Mermaid's Tale, a fashion savvy shop located in historic downtown Amherst. It is well known for its unique jewelry finds, plus incredible fashion accessories! They offer upscale brands such as: Pandora, Spartina 449,  Metalsmith Sterling, Marah Lago, Lindsay Phillips,  Brighton, Bella Etoile, Vera Bradley and more! Special note to men: December 13 is their "Annual Men's Night Out" where they will help you select those special gifts and wrap all your purchases while you enjoy some holiday ale!

Holidays at Ginko Gallery

If you're more into artsy, and truly unique gifts then stop by Ginko Gallery in Oberlin. They offer an awesome selection of paintings, wearables, jewelry, glass, wire, wood and other art media that encompass movement and even themes of nature. The studio also packs for carry-on luggage if you're traveling this holiday season to see family and they'll even ship to anywhere in the world if your gifts need to be sent! That in itself takes a world of weight off of you!

Of course, what's the experience of this holiday season without hearing the regal sounds of Christmas bells? So, grab your calendars and pen down these important concert dates: December 3 ~ "The Festival of Carols" at 7:30pm at Elyria High School Performing Arts Center. The Oberlin Choristers' Youth Chorale joins Elyria, Avon and Clearview High Schools and the Lake Ridge Academy's Upper School at this annual festival to benefit the Lorain Community Music Theater; December 12 ~ "Holiday Lights" at 7:30pm at the Carlisle Visitor Center at Lorain County Metro Parks and December 15 ~ "Songs for the Season" at 7:30pm at Finney Chapel at Oberlin College ($8 general admission and $10 preferred seating).

If you prefer a more nostalgic holiday happening to attend, then mark your calendar for December 7 from 5-8pm at the Lorain County Historical Society's (LCHS) Hickories Museum. This annual Holiday Party features hors d oeuvres, spirits, great company and musical entertainment, all for only $25 per ticket and the proceeds benefit the Historical Society.  You can also view "A Lorain County Presidential Visit" on exhibit now at LCHS through the Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. This exhibit features at least a dozen presidents who visited Lorain County, their pictures and the historical events surrounding their visits. It's a wonderful event for the entire family! In addition, "A Music Box Holiday" is also currently on display there, featuring a dozen original music boxes of cylinder, disc and organette type from 1870 to World War I.

Riverdog Gallery

Now, if you're too tired to trek all the way home after these events, then park your reindeer at the nearest bed and breakfast! In fact, The Riverdog Retreat is conveniently located just five miles west of Oberlin and features a mid-19th century farmstead situated on 20 glorious acres of land overlooking the valley of the East Fork of the Vermillion River. While you're there you can even do some last minute shopping by browsing their Riverdog Gallery/Studio, owned by artists Deborah Banyas and T.P. Speer. If you prefer to be right on the water, and brave the cold with some warm cider, comfort foods and blazing fire, then you must stay at the Lake Breeze Inn. It's a charming new, contemporary, stone-front bed and breakfast with majestic and panoramic views of Lake Erie. Enjoy a glass of wine while basking in the warmth of a hot tub and relax while contemplating the purchase of your Christmas tree!

Oh yes, did we forget to mention the purchase of your annual foliage? Well, no worries...as famed  humorist Larry Wilde once said, "Don't worry about the size of your Christmas tree, in the eyes of a child they are all 30-feet tall!" Petitti's Garden Center will cover all your decorating bases from live and fake furs to ornaments and lights! So, if you're like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation and you just don't seem to have enough Christmas lights for your home, then you don't want to miss their huge selection! You can even dazzle grandma with one of their beautiful poinsettias. With over 10,000 square feet in their Avon store, you can literally "deck the halls" with perennials and unusual plants and also outdoor trees and shrubs.  Oh, and ladies, they even have a full floral department, so be sure to order your holiday table centerpiece now!

And finally, if you're into sending fruit baskets and healthy diversions from cookies and candies, then we commend your commitment to good health in the New Year so be sure to visit Fligner's Market in Lorain. When you enter the market, your eyes will be blinded by the abundant displays of fresh fruits and vegetables they feature year' round! They even carry hundreds of specialty items from Asian to Kosher products and hard to find organic and international foods. You can literally do your holiday shopping from the comfort of  your PJ's by simply logging onto their website. They also cater, large and small size holiday events, so don't hesitate to call them if you're planning an intimate home dinner party or perhaps, a larger company event...either way, their meals are all carefully crafted and made from scratch! Bon Appetit!

And so, this is Christmas, and what have you done?
Well, I'd say plenty!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Classic Cars Coming out This Weekend!

Model A car at Visit Lorain County's
Visitor's Center 

Restored and ready to ride! Cars that are a blast from the past are all over Lorain County this weekend.

Our very own Visitor's Center on Leavitt Road was the first stop for the Flying Quail Chapter of the Penn-Ohio Model A Club. They picked up some great info and on Saturday plan to stop by local restaurants and historical sites including the Spirit of 76 Museum in Wellington, the Oberlin Heritage Center and Quick and Delicious Restaurant in Oberlin. You can also catch them in Amherst Sunday when they visit the Sandstone Village; so keep your eyes peeled for this fantastic vintage convoy.

Of course one of the most popular car shows around is the Cruisin' Car Show at Mill Hollow, Vermilion River Reservation. Thousands of cars will motor into the park this Sunday Aug 12th starting at 10am! All the excitement is fee free for both spectators and participants.

Vintage Bel Air at Mill Hollow

If you are planning on bringing a car to show remember, it needs to be at least 25 years old. Food vendors, raffles and music by a live DJ will come together to make this 14th edition of the show an all out festival. Then, at 6:30, enjoy your favorite tunes from the 50s and 60s played by Final Approach.

Cruisin' car show at Quick and Delicious

Then, Monday Aug 13th, look forward to another Cruisin' Car Show at Quick and Delicious Restaurant in Oberlin 4pm to close. The antique cars make it out every Monday through the end of the month if you can't make it out next week so be there same time same place!

Lighting Up Lorain County: Fireworks 2012

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and that means festivals, fireworks and family fun.

Wellington Town Hall

First up is the Wellington Celebration in the Park, be entertained the evening of July 3rd on Wellington's Town Hall lawn with the Patriots Community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social. Then, get over to the Lorain County Fairgrounds at dusk for some can't-miss fireworks!


Wellington keeps the party going Wednesday with festivities at Howk Park including games, food, music and a parade at 3pm.

Also July 3rd Avon Lake celebrates at Weiss Field on Webber Rd. with music and festivities at 6:30 and fireworks at dusk.

Another option for the 3rd is North Ridgeville's Party in the Park hosted by Victory Park. Admission is free! Gates open at 5pm with music, dancing and kid's bounce houses at 7pm, then some fantastic fireworks at dusk.

 View of Lorain Port Authority's
Lady Charleston from Black River Landing

The 4th is of course Port Fest at Black River Landing in Lorain from 2-11pm. Look forward to celebrating with food, music and activities for kids. Featured artist, Rare Earth, will play at 8:30pm and fireworks start at 10pm but check the full schedule for all the entertainment details.

You can also head out to All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon on the 4th of July and see the Lake Erie Crushers take on the London Rippers at 7:05pm. Then stay after the game for a special Fireworks Spectacular!

A community with a great history celebrating Independence Day is Rochester with their 93rd annual Homecoming Festival at Eagle St Park and fire station. Food tents open bright and early at 8am. The only parade you can see twice starts at 10:30! The parade goes through town and turns around for another pass. Stick around the rest of the day for contests, rides, the Firefighter games and more all leading up to fireworks at the end of the evening.

You can see fireworks in Grafton's Willow Park on Main St. on the 4th too beginning at dusk.

And lets not forget to say congrats to all the donors who made fireworks in Oberlin happen. Come out and see them at dusk on the 4th at the Hamilton Recreation Complex.

Have a safe holiday and enjoy!