Don’t Let The Winter Weather Keep You From Breaking A Sweat

While hibernating by a cozy fire is seemingly always tempting, for those of us who can’t stand being indoors for an extended period of time, we are lucky to live in a county full of glorious winter sports activities. Make sure to dress for the elements and bring plenty of water if you’re looking to get a workout from any of these. No worries about nominal snow—most of these activities will take place no matter what!

Yes, it’s true—snowshoeing is quickly becoming one of the most popular winter sports activities in the world! Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP) generously offers guided snowshoe hikes and free snowshoe rental days at various locations. Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years and is now considered a winter sport—you can burn hundreds of calories in an hour and improve your cardio fitness level! For you first-timers, check out Snowshoe Magazine’s First-Timer’s Guide. Check the LCMP website for dates and times or go out on your own! Also, don’t miss the family-oriented Snowshoeing Games at Lakeview Park on January 22. 

Icicles at Vermilion River Reservation

LCMP also offers guided hikes throughout the season. Learn about the habits of winter animals in the area or gaze at Mill Hollow’s larger than life icicles while you exercise. For a chance of scenery, hike at Common Ground – The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. This gorgeous retreat is the ideal place to refresh your muscles surrounded by calming, beautiful forestry.

No need to travel to Colorado to ski, get your cross-country skiing fix right here in Lorain County! North Coast Inland Trail, known as the skinniest park of the LCMP, is perfect for cross-country skiers with its long straight-aways from Elyria to Kipton. The Bridgeway Trail, another LCMP site starts at Day's Dam in Lorain and ends at the High Meadows picnic area in Elyria. The expansive 4-1/2 mile trail passes through meadows and forest groves, under bridges and over the treetops on a 1000-foot bridge that crosses the river in two places.

Findley State Park offers snowshoeing and skiing, as well, but adds ice skating, ice fishing and sledding hills to their repertoire. Findley’s Annual Winter Hike (February 5) is a favorite among locals.

Buckeye Trail at Findley State Park, Wellington

Speaking of sledding…rumor has it, Lorain County is home to some of the best hills around! Sledding is a great adrenaline rush for kids and adults. Famous sledding hills in the area include Vermilion River Reservation, Carlisle Reservation, Cascade Park in Elyria, behind Philips Gym in Oberlin, South Central Park in North Ridgeville or behind Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst. Do you have the perfect hill you visit each year? Comment below and let us know!

Want the winter recreation without the frozen toes and long-underwear layers? Indoor ice skating at North Park Complex Ice Arena may be your best bet. Don’t hesitate if you’re a new ice skater—there are plenty of instructional classes offered and Open Skate opportunities to practice. If summer can’t come soon enough, indoor kayak lessons at Splash Zone in Oberlin are sure to get your fix. 
We can’t get enough photos of you getting active in Lorain County! Send photos with description, location and name of photographer to visitors@visitloraincounty.com.

Discover a new wintertime adventure just for you—view Visit Lorain County’s Event Calendar!
Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you out enjoying the brisk winter weather!

Make your New Year's Plans in Lorain County-Indoors or Out

Staying local for New Year’s Eve? No plans yet? No worries—here are a few celebration spots for you to choose from in the area.

Grab some friends and bowl in the New Year with Rebman Recreation! Rent-a-Lane from 10am to 10pm at $20 per hour, minimum of 4 per lane with complimentary shoes or for $49.95 enjoy a large pizza and pitcher or pop for 2 hours. Perfect for groups or families.

Feast on fine food for NYE! Matus Winery invites you to New Year’s Eve Dinner by Rotuno’s and entertainment by Minor Adjustment at $40 per person. Dinner includes Prime Rib, Pork Loin, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Shrimp Cocktail, Roll, & a Bottle of Wine. Reservations required, call or email to reserve your seat.

Skate in the New Year at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center & Skateworld in Sandusky! The family friendly New Year’s Eve Skate & Dance Party provides both general and VIP admission options for you including skate rental, party favors and more. Party from 8:00pm through the night. For more info, contact Skateworld at 419-625-0212. 

Start the party early at North Park Arena! Ice skating is open to the public from 1-3:30pm on New Year’s Eve Day. Just $4 for youth and $5 for adults. 

Get a head start on your 2011 workout plan with a morning hike at one of the Lorain County Metro Parks sites. Strenuous and moderate hikes offered on NYE morning at Columbia Reservation and Schoepfle Garden. For more info, check out the LCMP website.

Looking for a mini-getaway for you and your sweetie to celebrate? Two local inns have you covered!

Stay at the Inn of Elyria for their New Year’s Eve Party featuring an All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib Buffet, DJ, and New Year’s Day breakfast. Call 800-321-7333 for reservations. Cost is $219 (+tax) per couple.

Don your party hats at the Oberlin Inn New Year's Eve Gala 2010. Enjoy elegant Four Course Candlelight Dining, Open Bar 7:30-1:00am, 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 & gratuity). Call 440-775-1111 for reservations.

Whether you’re clinking glasses with friends or nestling by a fire with the one you love, bid 2010 farewell and welcome 2011 with anticipation for the coming year!