So this is Christmas...

Petittis Garden Center in Avon

With less than a month to go now  until the big show, we've outlined some great holiday ideas for you! It's a carry-over from our November blog, encouraging you to "Shop Small" this Christmas season...

One of Lorain County's most popular boutiques is  The Mermaid's Tale, a fashion savvy shop located in historic downtown Amherst. It is well known for its unique jewelry finds, plus incredible fashion accessories! They offer upscale brands such as: Pandora, Spartina 449,  Metalsmith Sterling, Marah Lago, Lindsay Phillips,  Brighton, Bella Etoile, Vera Bradley and more! Special note to men: December 13 is their "Annual Men's Night Out" where they will help you select those special gifts and wrap all your purchases while you enjoy some holiday ale!

Holidays at Ginko Gallery

If you're more into artsy, and truly unique gifts then stop by Ginko Gallery in Oberlin. They offer an awesome selection of paintings, wearables, jewelry, glass, wire, wood and other art media that encompass movement and even themes of nature. The studio also packs for carry-on luggage if you're traveling this holiday season to see family and they'll even ship to anywhere in the world if your gifts need to be sent! That in itself takes a world of weight off of you!

Of course, what's the experience of this holiday season without hearing the regal sounds of Christmas bells? So, grab your calendars and pen down these important concert dates: December 3 ~ "The Festival of Carols" at 7:30pm at Elyria High School Performing Arts Center. The Oberlin Choristers' Youth Chorale joins Elyria, Avon and Clearview High Schools and the Lake Ridge Academy's Upper School at this annual festival to benefit the Lorain Community Music Theater; December 12 ~ "Holiday Lights" at 7:30pm at the Carlisle Visitor Center at Lorain County Metro Parks and December 15 ~ "Songs for the Season" at 7:30pm at Finney Chapel at Oberlin College ($8 general admission and $10 preferred seating).

If you prefer a more nostalgic holiday happening to attend, then mark your calendar for December 7 from 5-8pm at the Lorain County Historical Society's (LCHS) Hickories Museum. This annual Holiday Party features hors d oeuvres, spirits, great company and musical entertainment, all for only $25 per ticket and the proceeds benefit the Historical Society.  You can also view "A Lorain County Presidential Visit" on exhibit now at LCHS through the Presidential Inauguration in January 2013. This exhibit features at least a dozen presidents who visited Lorain County, their pictures and the historical events surrounding their visits. It's a wonderful event for the entire family! In addition, "A Music Box Holiday" is also currently on display there, featuring a dozen original music boxes of cylinder, disc and organette type from 1870 to World War I.

Riverdog Gallery

Now, if you're too tired to trek all the way home after these events, then park your reindeer at the nearest bed and breakfast! In fact, The Riverdog Retreat is conveniently located just five miles west of Oberlin and features a mid-19th century farmstead situated on 20 glorious acres of land overlooking the valley of the East Fork of the Vermillion River. While you're there you can even do some last minute shopping by browsing their Riverdog Gallery/Studio, owned by artists Deborah Banyas and T.P. Speer. If you prefer to be right on the water, and brave the cold with some warm cider, comfort foods and blazing fire, then you must stay at the Lake Breeze Inn. It's a charming new, contemporary, stone-front bed and breakfast with majestic and panoramic views of Lake Erie. Enjoy a glass of wine while basking in the warmth of a hot tub and relax while contemplating the purchase of your Christmas tree!

Oh yes, did we forget to mention the purchase of your annual foliage? Well, no worries...as famed  humorist Larry Wilde once said, "Don't worry about the size of your Christmas tree, in the eyes of a child they are all 30-feet tall!" Petitti's Garden Center will cover all your decorating bases from live and fake furs to ornaments and lights! So, if you're like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation and you just don't seem to have enough Christmas lights for your home, then you don't want to miss their huge selection! You can even dazzle grandma with one of their beautiful poinsettias. With over 10,000 square feet in their Avon store, you can literally "deck the halls" with perennials and unusual plants and also outdoor trees and shrubs.  Oh, and ladies, they even have a full floral department, so be sure to order your holiday table centerpiece now!

And finally, if you're into sending fruit baskets and healthy diversions from cookies and candies, then we commend your commitment to good health in the New Year so be sure to visit Fligner's Market in Lorain. When you enter the market, your eyes will be blinded by the abundant displays of fresh fruits and vegetables they feature year' round! They even carry hundreds of specialty items from Asian to Kosher products and hard to find organic and international foods. You can literally do your holiday shopping from the comfort of  your PJ's by simply logging onto their website. They also cater, large and small size holiday events, so don't hesitate to call them if you're planning an intimate home dinner party or perhaps, a larger company event...either way, their meals are all carefully crafted and made from scratch! Bon Appetit!

And so, this is Christmas, and what have you done?
Well, I'd say plenty!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Countdown to Christmas...

Holidays in Lorain County

Twas the month before Christmas and all through the house, everyone was stirring, even the mouse! There's so much to do, presents to buy, cookies to bake, cards to send out and trees to decorate! In fact, there's way more to be done than the average holiday, so let's cut to the chase and get things underway...

First on our list that doesn't pale, is some much needed and very appreciated, “holiday ale!”

So, call up your family and friends (and a designated driver if needed) and enjoy the brews of the season at some of Lorain County's most popular eateries... in fact, Great Lakes famous Christmas Ale is now on tap, along with several other specialty holiday ales at:  Jackalope Lakeside in Lorain;  Churchstreet Bar and Grille and Cork's and Stubby's in Amherst; Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield Lake; The Feve and Oberlin Inn in Oberlin, Nemo's Grille in Avon and Moss's Prime Rib and Spaghetti House and Smitty's in Elyria.

But if you're more into wine, then you'll want your sleigh to stop by Paper Moon Vineyards for some homegrown wines and live entertainment, on both Friday and Saturday nights in December, from 6-9pm (until Christmas Eve). They even feature an outdoor heated patio for guests so no need to fret over snow! After all, Benjamin Franklin is the one who said, “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, fewer tensions and more tolerance.” So be sure to check out some other vineyards including Matus Winery in Wakeman with fire pits, and D and D Smith Winery  who offers free Wi-Fi (for sending those Christmas ecards) in Norwalk. In fact, many of these wine-makers, including Heineman's Winery on Put-in-Bay also offer an amazing selection of wines for purchase online, making holiday gift-giving much more palatable when you need to send something special to your great uncle in Florida!

Amherst Historical Society’s Christmas in the Village

If you truly enjoy sampling the tastes of the holiday season, then be sure to check out Amherst's Christmas Village, sponsored by the Amherst Historical Society. On December 1 and 2 from 2–4pm, you and your entire family can enjoy the sights and delicious smells of Christmas past - 1800s style! Even Santa will be on hand so be sure to bring plenty of film for those cute Facebook photo ops! There's also fabulous bakery from gingerbread cookies to pies on sale, so be sure to bring some “extra dough” and stock up on holiday treats for your kids and house guests. From 4–5pm there will even be Christmas Caroling in St. George's Chapel so feel free to bring your own American Idol voice and sing along!

And, since holiday shopping can be awfully stressful at times then you may need to take a quick break. Feel free to take some time out just for yourself and enjoy a well-earned massage at Kneaded Touch Massage  in Amherst. Literally, reduce your anxiety levels by volumes this holiday season and improve your overall energy too by having an hour long massage. Honestly, you'll leave feeling much more relaxed, refreshed and renewed as you embark on the rest of your “holiday to-do list!” And don't forget, they also offer gift certificate specials that make great stocking stuffers!

Jamie’s Flea Market in South Amherst

Speaking of to-do’s! You may want to make some unique purchases at Jamie’s Flea Market, the largest flea market in Northern Ohio, where hundreds of vendors gather every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am–4pm to display thousands of collectibles. Vendors feature one-of-a-kinds (crafty and homemade wares) and vintage and antique collectibles at rock-bottom prices, even seasonal produce is available for holiday entertaining. So, for that aunt who has everything, this is the perfect solution for solving that holiday gift-giving crisis. Besides, admission is free and with over 200 vendors weekly, you’re bound to find something on your list, even if it’s something for yourself!

And most importantly to mention as we jet-start the Christmas shopping season, is that between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Saturday, November 24 is now known as Small Business Saturday® and last year, over one hundred million people came together to “Shop Small”  in their communities.... Main Street Amherst is one of those communities rallying support with over 25 businesses, restaurants and shops that are extending their hours this holiday season to give you more time to shop local!  Download your shopping guide and map and head to downtown Amherst on Thursday evenings till 8pm and Sundays from 12–5pm.  You'll  be sure to find unique and treasured items for everyone on your list!

So, if it’s shopping, eating or enjoying a night out with friends, be sure to embrace Lorain County small businesses this holiday season...until we meet again!