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

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.

Spring ahead into a birding adventure

Baltimore Oriole Photo: Tim Fairweather, LCMP 

Birds migrate to Lorain County's lakeside marshes and woodland areas each spring...because they know it's a great place to visit!

As highlighted in the Lake Erie Birding Trail, you will discover different birds at an array of birding spots throughout the county.

Sandy Ridge Reservation in North Ridgeville is one of the most popular birding destinations in Lorain County...be sure to bring your camera to capture the American Bittern and Greater Yellowlegs this spring! You will not be disappointed with an outing at Sandy Ridge in any season!

But don't stop there; a birder can also travel into any number of the Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP) reservations  and experience a wide variety of species. Continue a wonderful excursion on the shores of Lake Erie at Lakeview Park in Lorain, then to the Vermilion River Reservation and Columbia Reservation...to suggest a few more stops in the LCMP.

Other birding hots pots include Miller Road Park in Avon Lake. This area of the lake doesn't usually ice over so you will see a lot of waterfowl activity. The Oberlin and Wellington Reservoirs are also quite popular.

Our fine feathered friends can lead you into springtime and on a great tour of Lorain County. I am sure you will find some great places to wine and dine along the way.

Here is a helpful map for help you find your way to hot spots for birding:


For lodging or dining listings go to www.visitloraincounty.com or call us at 800.334.1673 and we would be happy to help you plan your next great birding adventure!

A North Central Ohio Autumn Adventure for Three Generations

 Picture a beautiful, sunny, north central Ohio Saturday with a clear calendar (meaning—no soccer games, meetings, volunteer commitments etc) and full tank of gas. For our full day itinerary I brought along my 12 year old daughter and 70+ year old mother. What a blast we had! I am going to share our map and itinerary, some photos and add in some suggestions for adults that might not have younger ones in tow. There are still a few of these weekends left — great weather, brimming produce stands, outdoor entertainment and harvest season happenings— to savor. So give some of these suggestions a try. We focused primarily on the eastern part of Lorain County in Avon and North Ridgeville. You can definitely add more to the itinerary.

Our map: First stop:

Miller Nature Preserve and Conservatory
2739 Center Road, Avon, OH 44011
800/526-7275
78 acres of wooded land in the heart of Avon. A Visitor Center is nestled between trees and the winding French Creek and includes a café, the Orchid Room, a gift shop and a demonstration kitchen for cooking classes. The Orchid Room has floor to ceiling windows that look onto the outside patio and gardens. You can have lunch or an early dinner. Open daily 11am - 6pm. The menu includes an array of salads, soups, sandwiches and other delicious dishes made from fresh ingredients. The highlight of this preserve is the 5,000 square foot conservatory, the first in Lorain County. Highlights include the bonsai and orchid collections. There are also desert and carnivorous plants that capture the imagination. While we visited there were seasonal displays of mums and other traditional autumn displays.

Fitch’s Farm Market 
4413 Center Road
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 934-6125
Just down the road from the Miller Nature Preserve is the Fitch's Farm Market. This place was bustling when we arrived! Lots of fresh produce, pumpkins, peppers, broccoli, potatoes and much, much more. The fall season is just kicking off and they will be doing pumpkin wagon rides in October. I bought a big bag of peaches and have been packing them in the kids' lunches and I'm told the other kids are scarfing them down! Everyone loves them... me too!

Sandy Ridge Reservation
North Ridgeville
The marsh area of Sand Ridge Reservation is a favorite for bird watchers. Click here for the latest birding reports from Sandy Ridge. The fields were just awash in beautiful yellow flowers while we were there. Great walking opportunity.

Here are additional great wining and dining opportunities in this general area you can add to your itinerary (also indicated on above map)

Klingshirn Winery, 33050 Webber Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 (440) 933-6666

Klingshirn is a third generation family farm winery. Established in 1935, Concord vineyards were the mainstay for the first fifty years. The first wines included Concord, Niagara and Pink Catawba. 

John Christ Winery, 32421 Walker Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 (440) 933-9672
John Christ Winery has been dedicated to the production of fine quality wine since 1946. Wines are produced and bottled on premises. Visit the wine bar to sample many varieties of fine quality, award winning wines. Retail sales hours: M–W: 10am–6pm; Th: 10am–11pm; Fri: 10am–12am; Sat: 12pm–12am.

Nemo Grille, 36976 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-0061

Globally influenced American cuisine in the historic 1850 Alten House. A hip place to enjoy a chocolate artine at the bar or an exquisite dinner in the renovated historic dining rooms. Creative menu with seasonal, fresh ingredients. Outdoor porch seating.

Strip, A Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-9900
Locally owned and operated Strip is located in Olde Avon Village on Detroit Rd. in the historic Ewers Barn. Innovative menu and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room, 36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH 44011, (440) 934-1636
Also located in the Olde Avon Village, the gallery features an eclectic blend of antiques and collectibles, quality-crafted woodworking, and fold art. Have lunch in the Tea Room which features an array of fine salads and sandwiches, unique soups and scrumptious desserts.

Wood and Wine, 38790 Chester Rd., Avon, OH 44011 (440) 964-9463
Wood-fired pizzas, pasta, steak and seafood along with a great selection of wine.

Want to spend a whole weekend? You can stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites or the Value Place Hotel, both located in Avon.