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

Party like it's 2014!

How are you ringing in the New Year? If you haven't quite decided, we have plenty of Lorain County options for you!

FORMAL

If you are looking for a lavish New Year's Eve package maybe one of these events will catch your eye!

• Cork's and Stubby's is offering a four-course prix fixe menu, music, dancing, and cash bar. This event is pre-sale only, so be sure to make your reservation soon! Cost is $85 per person or $160 per couple.

•  A night at the Oberlin Inn will bring in your year with elegance and style. Come on out for a four course candlelit dinner, open bar, and dancing. Spend the night in a  tastefully appointed guestroom and wake up to a sumptuous New Year’s Day brunch.

• Spend the night at the Ramada after enjoying their New Year's party complete with a grand dinner buffet including open bar and dancing! 

• Main Street Vermilion is hosting their third annual party at German's on the 31st. Doors open at 7:30. $145 a couple. Dinner, dancing, open bar and a chance to win $2014! Complimentary local ride home. Call Larry at 440-653-7097 or German's at 440-967-1770 or order online. Only 100 tickets will be sold!

CASUAL

If you would prefer to bring in 2014 rocking your best jeans at a more relaxed get together, there are going to be plenty of hopping spots!

• In addition to their more formal bash, Stubby's is hosting a separate party with a $20 entry fee that buys you an appetizer/breakfast buffet and music to dance into the new year. 

• Fort's Tavern has a special New Year's menu including a wide selection of premium cocktails. DJ Kit will also be there hosting the party!

• Both Matus Winery and D&D Smith Winery will have music and are hosting pot luck diners. 

UNIQUE

Don't think all we have to offer you is the traditional New Year's Party!

• Bad Boy Bait, Tackle, & More is hosting a New Year's Eve and Archery Fun Shoot! The archery shoot will cost $10 for adults and $5 for teens and youth. The Shoot will be a Lucky Dip Shoot, but you don't have to participate to attend.

• Noon Year's Eve celebrations will be at all Lorain Public Library System locations so the kids aren't left out of the fun. The whole family can come enjoy! Register today at LorainPublicLibrary.org or by calling your local library (list here).

• Ghostly Manor is also hosting from 8-12:30 on New Year's Eve. You can choose a $20 VIP Package that includes admission, skate, scooter or roller blade rental, party favors, arcade tokens, slice of pizza, small drink, and choice of mini golf, motion theater or haunted house. There is also the $10 Special Package that includes, admission, quad skate rental, and party favors. For more info call 419-626-4467. 

After you bring in the new year, stay with us at one of Lorain County's awesome hotels, lodges, or bed & breakfasts!