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. 

Catch of the Day Specials are Off the Hook!

Cork’s and Stubby’s, Amherst

Whether you’re observing Lent or just want to take advantage of all the great seafood this season has to offer, Lorain County has an abundance of yummy options. Check some out below:

Quick and Delicious Restaurant
All you can eat fish Wednesdays and Fridays
Seafood clams, shrimp, catfish are .50 off during Lent.
311 S. Main St, Oberlin
440.774.1973

Smitty's Place
Fridays - perch sandwich - $7.25 and perch dinner  $12.50
368 E. Bridge St, Elyria
440.323.9708

Fish Fries

Matus Winery 
Unky Ray’s Fish Fry – March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29th  5:30pm
Perch dinner includes 1/2lb. yellow perch, french fries, coleslaw & garlic toast $15
1/2 perch dinner (includes fries & slaw) $9
Jumbo shrimp dinner includes 8 jumbo shrimp, french fries, coleslaw & garlic toast $12
Perch sandwich platter (includes fries & slaw) $12
Chicken tenders platter (includes fries & slaw)  $10
Clam chowder $4/bowl
15674 Gore Orphanage Rd, Wakeman
440.774.9463

Paper Moon Winery
Fish Fry - March 1
Perch, fries, cole slaw, roll $13
Reserve by calling 440.967.2500 or online here.
2008 State Road
Vermilion, OH 44089

A few other suggestions:

Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant

On Fridays, check Fligner’s Facebook page to see what great special they are offering. You will likely see fish lunch specials.

Another delicious dining experience with a menu full of seafood and Friday Lenten specials is the Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant. Best to check their Facebook page for current info.

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

Cork's and Stubby's 
209 S. Main St.
Amherst, OH 44001
(440) 984-7430
(440) 984-7432
Fine and Casual Dining: Shrimp, Scallops, Crabcake, Salmon, Catch of the Day, Walleye

The Feve Bar & Grill 
30 S. Main Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
(440) 774-1978
Grouper Basket, Crab Cakes, Multiple vegan and vegetarian choices

Moosehead Grill 
7660 Leavitt Rd
Amherst, OH 44001
(440) 985-7429
Salmon, Walleye, Tilapia

Nemo Grille 
36976 Detroit Road
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 934-0061
Website
Fine Dining: Sea Scallops, Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass

Strip, A Steakhouse 
36840 Detroit Rd.
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 934-9900
Fine dining: Salmon, Ahi Tuna, Catch of the Day, Chilean Sea Bass

Stubby’s Pub & Grub 
114 Antioch Dr.
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 365-7882
Lake Erie Perch Dinners

Bon appétit!

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!

Fourth of July weekend is upon us! Time for picnics, backyard barbeque's, family and friends, and of course FIREWORKS! To make sure you get the most out of your holiday weekend we’ve put together a listing of all the local favorite attractions and their weekend plans.

Friday, July 1^st

There is no better way to celebrate American culture then by gathering the family for exciting evening of baseball! The Lake Erie Crushers take to their home field for a thrilling challenge against the Gateway Grizzlies. The game throws its first pitch at 7:00pm and will conclude the evening with a fireworks display overlooking the field.  With general admission starting at $6 this is an American classic the whole family can enjoy.  For ticket information call 440-934-3636.

Saturday, July 2^nd

The Lorain County Speedway is getting ready to light up the track and the sky! Races begin at 7:00pm with the grandstands opening at 3:00pm.  Experience a rush of excitement from this fast pace event then relax and celebrate Independence Day weekend with fireworks. For ticket information call 440-986-223.

Sunday, July 3^rd

The city of Oberlin is welcoming the fourth with a display of light and color that is sure to brighten everyone’s evening.  Fireworks will be displayed at the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton Street just past Splash Zone. This American favorite will start at dusk. In the case of bad weather, fireworks will be moved to Monday.

Add music to your weekend by visiting the Port Fest at the Black River Landing in Lorain.  The Port Fest starts at 10am on Sunday with a canoe/kayak race.  Spend the rest of the day enjoying the car show, crafts, great food, and games for kids. Music for the evening includes The Drifters (Motown) at 8pm and The Rat Pack (Frank, Dean, and Sammy) at 9pm. Finally, the Black River Landing provides a unique firework show starting at 10:00pm.

Looking for great family fun? The North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation Department is having a Party in the Park! The party is set to occur at South Central Park starting at 5:30pm, and will have food concessions with a full menu. Free family activities including live music, face painting, magic shows and more will occur from 6 to 8:30pm. The party will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk, provided by the North Ridgeville Fire Department. 

ArtsFest is a free outdoor festival celebrating the arts in Northeast Ohio.  The event will take place at Miller Road Park in Avon Lake, starting at 2:00pm. Artists and vendors from the area will be on hand to showcase and sell their art, and there is live music and free entertainment throughout the day. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, so be sure to stay through the end of the evening!

Wellington adds more excitement to Independence weekend with two days of family festivities.  Starting on Sunday evening head over to the town hall lawn for the Patriots community Band Concert and Ice Cream Social.  Stick around for fireworks at the fairgrounds beginning at dusk. 

Monday, July 4^th

Wellington continues their celebrations on July Fourth with food, games, and family activities starting at 11:30am. The celebration in the park will feature the area’s largest Independence Day Parade starting at 3pm. Grab a spot along the curb of South Main Street and experience this patriotic event.

Cedar Point will celebrate the Fourth with two nights of fireworks and other events. 

Happy Independence Day!