Christmas in July!

Merry Christmas in July! Celebrate with some special holiday themed outings in the area. All the festive specials and none of the holiday stress, sounds like a plan to me.

Don Mould's Plantation, which has stores in North Ridgeville and Amherst, is having their annual Christmas in July sale! It's your chance to get a gift and treat yourself to something from their beautiful selection of plants and flowers that are buy one get one free.

For the kids, or inner children at least, Sundaes in the Park at Columbia Reservation will be serving up snacks, mini golf and sponsoring movies in the outdoor theater! For this weekend's picture the park will show "The Grinch" featuring Jim Carrey Friday, July 27th.  The show starts at 9pm so bring your chairs and take advantage of the kitchen, which will  be open til 9:30!

Tree House Gallery and Tea Room,
Olde Avon Village

An area really getting in the spirit is Olde Avon Village. The shoppes include Sassy's, an amazing chick boutique with all kinds of great gifts. They are always updating their merch so check their facebook for pictures and sales! Also there's the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room where you can enjoy sales on their unique items, see all their fun antique displays and have meal that's got taste and class. If you are more of an afternoon shopper there's always happy hour/dinner at Strip Steakhouse, definitely one of the area's premiere spots known for their quality ingredients.

Owner Tim Kiedrowski with Snoogles

You can also find some great eats at Kiedrowski's Bakery on Cooper Foster in Amherst where they are rolling out the Christmas cookies. Their cutouts with homemade frosting are definitely crave-able but I don't think anyone would tell if you picked up a signature Snoogle or two while you're at it.

Also your favorite pubs and restaurants kept back some holiday ale with your name on it like Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. You can get the seasonal brew by the pint, tall or tanker today. If you're looking for some other options Moss' Prime Rib and Buffalo Wild Wings have Christmas Ale on tap too!

Jet Express at Black River
Landing by Lorain Port Authority

If you're feeling an adventurous night out you have to go with a cruise on the Jet Express from Black River Landing. This Friday will be a special Christmas in July Cruise to Put-in-Bay. This trip departs at 4:00pm and returns at 12:00am and if your schedule isn't open this week there are plenty of cruise options through October.

Get the details and buy tickets online through the Lorain Port Authority.

Merry Christmas and a happy New...school year?

Bling in the New Year!

Oberlin Inn at night

Don't just ring in 2012 with the same old party...bling in the New Year! Try something with flair Saturday night. There is no shortage of parties to dazzle! Are you are looking for a getaway weekend package, dinner and dancing or a table for two in a quiet restaurant? We've got you covered. Read on...

Stay and Play!

Oberlin Inn New Year's Eve Gala 2011. Enjoy an elegant four course candlelight dinner, open bar from 7:30-1am, party favors, midnight champagne toast, dancing and entertainment by Elegant Entertainment, tastefully appointed guestroom and sumptuous New Year's Day brunch. Only $249 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Call 440.775.1111 for reservations. http://www.oberlininn.com/

Ramada Elyria New Year's Eve Package. This spectacular package includes a fabulous buffet at 7pm featuring carved prime rib and sumptuous desserts! Open bar, hats/noisemakers, champagne toast and balloon brop at midnight. The DJ will have you dancing the night away! Enjoy an overnight guestroom with late check-out on New Year's Day. Book now by calling 440.324.5411 http://www.ramada.com/

5 Corners Bed and Breakfast in Amherst is offering a New Year's Eve Special. Receive all of these exclusive discounts when you stay with them on New Years Eve:
Complimentary champagne and cheese plate; chilled and waiting for you in your room
Complimentary $10 gift card to Cork's Wine Bar
Complimentary appetizer from Olde Town Pizza
Two complimentary gourmet cupcakes from Sweets by Maggie
Complimentary noise makers and hats
Plus toast the New Year with Complimentary Mimosas during their fantastic breakfast. Don't forget - 5 Corners is an easy 2 block walk to Amherst's most popular taverns! 440.984.3084 Use the code NY11 when reserving online. http://www.5cornersbnb.com/


Eat, Dance and Be Merry!

New Years Eve at the Conservatory. Ring in the New Year with a dinner buffet at the Miller Nature Preserve and Conservatory in Avon. Prime rib buffet, shrimp, and more by DeLuca's. Two seatings: 6:30pm and 8:30pm. DJ rings in the New Year at the later seating. Early seating $40 per person. Late seating $70 per person. Call 440.233.7272 for reservations. http://www.metroparks.cc/

New Year's Eve at The Clifton Barn in Avon. Bring in the New Year with renown Elvis impersonator Caesare Belvano. Enjoy a wonderful dinner provided by Strip Steakhouse. $80/individual $150/couple (gratuity not included) Book your reservation now, limited spots available call 440.934.9900 http://www.stripsteakhouse.com/

Celebrate the New Year with Vermilion Valley Vineyards. At 7:30pm they offer a New Year's buffet with stuffed pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, green beans, salad, desert and a glass of wine. Music with Around Acoustic Trio begins at 9pm $40 per person. Reservations Required. Reserve online or call 440.965.5202. http://www.vermilionvalleyvineyards.com/

New Year's Eve Dinner at Matus Winery in Wakeman. Festivities begin at 8pm and includes: prime rib, pork loin, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, shrimp cocktail, roll, and bottle of wine with music by D.J. - M.C. Sound. $40 per person, must make reservation by Friday morning. Call 440.774.9463 http://www.matuswinery.us/

Jackalope Lakeside in Lorain is accepting regular reservations for New Years Eve.We will have our regular dinner menu that evening, with a D.J. Starting to spin the tunes at 9:30pm. Call to reserve your table 440.288.2051 http://www.jackalopelakeside.com/

New Years Eve at Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. No reservations needed, just join the fun from 9pm to 1am with live band the CoCoBeanOs and champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Featuring a steak and shrimp combo for $14.99 www.quakersteakandlube.com/Sheffield_OH/

Church Street Bar and Grille in Amherst is hosting New Year’s Eve “Cheapest party in town!” Includes the following from 7 – 11pm. All domestic draft beer, All well shots, All well drinks, All non-alchoholic beverages, All wings! D.J. playing all night $25 p/person, $45 p/couple. Cash bar after 11pm until close. No reservations necessary. http://www.churchstreetbarandgrille.com/

Stubby’s Pub and Grub New Year’s Eve Party in Elyria. Appetizer and breakfast buffett, D.J. to set the party off at 9pm, champagne toast at midnight. If that isn’t enough, they are offering free rides home! Tickets available in advance or at the door $50 p/p or $90 p/couple. 440.365.7882 www.stubbyspub.com

Intimate, Upscale Dining!

Aroma Ristorante in Avon Lake is taking reservations for three seating times: 5pm, 7pm, and 9:30pm. Offering a special menu for this special night. Call 440.933.4360 http://www.aroma-ristorante.com/

Cork’s in Amherst New Year’s Eve. Dine in style with specials offered, along with their regular menu from 4pm to midnight. Reservations recommended, call 440.984.7430

However you decide to bling in the New Year, we hope that you have a safe and prosperous 2012!

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.