Itinerary: Lorain County History

Lorain County is truly an Ohio gem! As we prepare to produce our 2011 Adventure and Visitor Info Guide, we've decided to coordinate the timing with a suggested trip through Lorain County! Whether you are a life-long North Central Ohio resident or a welcomed out-of-state guest, we’ve prepared some day-trip and long weekend itineraries!

History buffs will find an abundance of interesting, significant Lorain County history. Start your tour in Elyria at the Lorain County Historical Society and Hickories Museum. The Hickories Museum is an 1895 mansion built by Arthur Garford, the Elyria industrialist who invented the padded bicycle seat. Exhibits highlight the home's original architecture and details the everyday life of an upper-class, early 20th century family.

From Smitty’s website

A lunchtime visit to Smitty’s Place  in Elyria is always a welcome treat!  A family tradition since 1934, Smitty's is renowned for their “Smitty Burger.” This local favorite has even drawn national attention with a visit from President Barack Obama!

From your stop at the Hickories Museum, venture to downtown Lorain's Black River Landing and Historical Society. Lorain‘s legacy is based on shipbuilding, steel and as a departure point for runaway slaves searching for freedom in Canada. The Lorain Underground Railroad Station 100 Monument stands along the banks of the Black River.  

While in downtown Lorain take some time to explore the Lorain Arts Council gallery on Broadway Avenue. Many talented local artists have their works on display such as, watercolor landscapes, photography and custom painted wooden eggs. Exhibits change frequently and highlight all areas of artistic media.  

A visit to Lorain would be remiss without a stop for brunch or lunch at Lakeview Park’s Rose Café.  This beautiful waterfront facility offers spectacular views of Lake Erie and the historic Lorain Lighthouse.  Lakeview Park also maintains a half-mile beach, garden pathways and a lawn-bowling green area. The historic rose garden, officially dedicated in 1932, now displays more than 2500 roses in 48 beds with connecting walkways and paths. Spend some time walking through this Lorain County Metroparks gem and you will see how this has become a favorite place!

The next stop on our historical tour takes us a bit south of Lorain toward Amherst. Along the way, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Lorain County  is a reflective stopping point. This monument honors the 98 Lorain County men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Photo: Jon Fobes

Shortly beyond the Veterans Memorial is the Amherst Historical Society and Sandstone Village. Take a step back in time and learn how Amherst became known as the “Sandstone Capital of the World.”  Explore the Chapel, Blacksmith Shop, Victorian House, One-room Schoolhouse and Stone Carver Workshop. The Octagonal Barn is an interesting and unique 19th century structure. The on-site Art Gallery highlights works by Neal Jenne, artist in residence, and other local artists. 

While in Amherst, restaurant choices include Hot Dog Heaven or Olde Town Pizza.  Moosehead Grill offers an extensive barbecue and dinner menu, along with daily specials. Don’t forget Kiedrowski's Bakery, no trip would be complete without a sampling of their world famous Snoogle or Paczki!

After a day of historical exploration, why not relax and unwind at a nearby winery? Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion Valley Vineyards and Matus Winery are all within a short distance of downtown Amherst. Each offers a variety of local and regional wine samples, impressive tasting rooms, evening entertainment and beautiful scenery! 

 

End your day of historical exploration with a stay at one of our nearby hotels or a luxurious and quaint bed and breakfast. Many of our bed and breakfasts are century homes featuring fascinating history of their own. Get some rest and be refreshed and ready for your next day’s journey...exploring the arts, culture and history in Oberlin! 

A Weekend of Winter Fun!

As January comes to an end, many of us are starting to see the signs of “cabin fever” settling in. Shorter days don’t necessarily mean days without plenty to do! February kicks off with a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. There is so much to see and do throughout North Central Ohio, you’ll wish that winter will never end! Well…at least see the bright side of winter!

News of snowstorms and winter weather wreaking havoc are all around! Take a moment to enjoy winter at any of the Lorain Metro Parks, check out their list of events at www.metroparks.cc. Explore the stunning beauty of the larger than life, natural frozen sculptures at Mill Hollow, Vermilion River Reservations’ Big Icicle Hike, February 3rd from 3-4pm.

Winter Hiking at Mill Hollow

No need to travel to another country to enjoy witnessing the spectacular ice creations often designed for the Winter Olympics! Just take a short trip to downtown Vermilion to enjoy their annual Ice-A-Fair to Remember, Saturday, February 5 from 10:30am-4:00pm. Vermilion's historic downtown Harbour Town will be transformed into an enchanted gallery of illuminated ice art. Dozens of elegant ice creations will sparkle at Victory Park and line Liberty and Main Streets in Vermilion. This wonderful event, sponsored by Main Street Vermilion, is free and open to the public.



Ice Carving Demonstration



Hoping to enjoy browsing through a quaint town and satisfy your sweet tooth? Then plan to attend Wellington’s Chocolate Walk and Wine Tasting, Saturday February 5th. Only 150 tickets will be sold for the Downtown Chocolate Walk, sponsored by Bread and Brew. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the unique stores and restaurants in the Wellington community, while sampling a delicious chocolate treat at each. The Winter Wine Tasting, hosted at Fort’s Old Town Tavern will coincide with the chocolate walk, offering the chance to sample a dozen wines from around the world. Tickets for each event are $10 and can be purchased at Main Street Wellington’s office at 118 Herrick Avenue West, Wellington’s Village Market at 816 North Main Street, and Wellington Implement at 625 South Main Street.

For those of you looking for a chance to get some exercise and embrace the outdoors, check out the 31st Annual Buckeye Trail Winter Hike at Findley State Park. The events start at 10:00am Saturday, February 5th. Enjoy the best hiking day and the best bean soup, with the hardiest hikers in Ohio. Hikes include a 10k, 5k and interpretive lead hikes. Meet at the nature center in the campground. Bean soup is provided by the non-profit Friends of Findley State Park and donations are appreciated. Go to www.findleystatepark.org for additional details.



Buckeye Trail Hike



Interested in an evening of murder, mayhem, and dinner? Make your reservations for the Dinner Murder Mystery at the Rose Café in Lakeview Park, Lorain. This lively and entertaining event will be hosted on Friday and Saturday, February 4-5th at 6pm. Buffet dinner included for only $35! Call 440.233.7272 for reservations.

As you can see, there is no shortage of fun and interesting ways to spend your winter days! If you’re looking to make this a full weekend visit, there are many local hotels and bed & breakfasts that offer special packages! Check out Oberlin Inn; 5 Corners Bed and Breakfast; Hallauer House; or Arbor Lights for lodging and package information. This is just a sampling of the many places to go and amazing events offered throughout Lorain County. For a complete list of daily activities and additional information, check out Visit Lorain County’s event calendar at www.visitloraincounty.com or give us a call at 1.800.334.1673.

As always, send us your photos from any events or spectacular landscapes in Lorain County. Forward them, along with a description, location and the name of the photographer to visitors@visitloraincounty.com. We look forward to seeing you out & about in North Central Ohio!