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Adventure and Visitor Info Guide to Lorain County

Visitor Information and Guide to the outdoors, cycling, kayaking, Lake Erie recreation, bird-watching, culinary, wineries, art galleries, museums, events and more. Lodging information included.

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Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison speaks at Oberlin bench dedication

Toni Morrison recognizes Oberlin and Lorain’s significant Underground Railroad history in these short but very poignant remarks.

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News about North Central Ohio and Lorain County events, weather, Lake Erie, arts, wine, culinary happenings, outdoors and little known corners of Lorain County that are just waiting to be explored. Lake Erie is in our nature!

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Visit Lorain County news and blog \| Report
Visit Lorain County's Guide to Holiday Shopping 4 Dec 2009, 10:14 am
Holiday shopping isn’t always easy. That’s why we at Visit Lorain County are providing a helping hand to get you started finding the coolest, unique gifts, and enjoy your Holiday season. First, mark your calender; a savvy holiday shopper wouldn’t miss these fun and festive shopping events: Through December 11th, check out the Winter Fine Art & Craft Exhibit & Sale at Stocker Arts Center on the Lorain County Community College Campus, featuring fine arts and crafts by regional artists and designers. December 4th-6th, visit Avon’s French Creek District for the 30th Annual Christmas Candlelight Walk. Shop for antiques, crafts, and gifts, then relax and enjoy some caroling, a craft show, a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. On December 5th, you’re going to have to allot your time carefully. Three special shopping events can’t be missed: Holiday on the Ridge in North Ridgeville: all-day shopping, craft shows, a tree lighting, and live nativity and theater performances at the Old Towne Hall. Jamie’s Annual Christmas Special: 200 inside vendors, free pictures with Santa Claus and hourly gift certificate drawings. Don Mould’s Holiday Open House: Free refreshments, great deals, and a visit from Kris Kringle, available at both the North Ridgeville and Amherst locations. Don Mould’s And for that friend or family member who has everything, might we recommend some unique gift ideas off the beaten path? Unless you’re a big fan of overcrowded malls, long lines, and jam-packed parking lots, why not try some of these ideas: Pick up a bottle of wine or a gift basket from one of Lorain County’s many local wineries. Browse the pottery, jewelry, and glass, wood, and metal crafts—made by local artists—at Oberlin’s Ginko Gallery. Outfit your family’s nature-lover with outing gear, outerwear, fishing supplies, and hunting equipment at Molnar Outdoor. Stop by Petitti’s Garden Center for Holiday florals, decorations, gardening and other home gifts. Shop the extensive wine cellar and the broad selection of gourmet sauces & food, antiques, and furniture at the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room in Avon (treat yourself to a nice lunch while you’re there). Get ready for baseball season with Lake Erie Crushers tickets and merchandise. Pick up great Lorain Lighthouse gifts at the Black River Historical Society’s Moore House Museum gift shop. Invite a friend to a performance at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center. Check out their schedule here. Visit The Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm in Wellington for home décor, gourmet foods, bath & body gifts, and assorted candles. Give the gift of relaxation with a spa package or spa-related gift from The Kneaded Touch in Amherst. For that art enthusiast you know, make a special trip to FAVA in Oberlin for original works of contemporary art, or to the Art Gallery at Amherst’s Sandstone Center. But we’re willing to bet that even with all these options, you’re still not going to be done. So stumble upon some unique gift ideas of your own by visiting the area’s quaint Main Street shopping districts. Main Street Wellington Main Street Amherst Main Street Oberlin Main Street Vermilion For more information on all the varied types of Holiday happenings in Lorain County this season, take a look at our Calender of Events. Visit Lorain County would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Holiday season! For more information about Visit Lorain County, stop by our Tourist Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH 44001, call us at (440) 984-5282, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Read more >>
Lorain County dining delights 16 Nov 2009, 12:50 pm
With the month of November our thoughts often turn to indoor and culinary delights. This month you can find a wide variety of options for dining and trying out some fine, local wines. While you’re out shopping and enjoying the holidays here are a few restaurants and wineries to check out: Aroma: Chef Mario Marotta brings his hometown of Laurino in the Campania region of Italy to Avon Lake through his Italian Cuisine. Over 50 boutique wine labels. This month Chef Mario features Sunday cooking classes. Call 440.570.9817 for details. Fratello’s: Delicious Italian dining in Avon Lake. 10% Tuesdays! Every Tuesday evening in 2009 Fratello’s hosts a promotion to assist a different local charity. 10% of dine-in food sales go to a different cause. November’s charity is the Neighborhood House Association (NHA) located in Lorain County. Jefferson 150 Restaurant: Critics and diners alike rave about this southern kitchen, featuring flavorful cuisines from around the world in a casual, charming setting, prepared by Chef Shawn Grieves, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Popular specials this month include $12 steak night on Tuesdays and $7 dinners on Sundays. Enjoy live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. And while planning for the holidays, keep in mind Jefferson 150 can cater your holiday function. Nemo Grille, Avon: Globally influenced American cuisine in the historic 1850 Alten House. The varied menu is creative, seasonal and made with the freshest ingredients. Click here to sign up for weekly specials throughout the holiday season. Oberlin Inn-Garden Restaurant: Country Western Murder Mystery Dinner. November 21, 2009. $78 pp based on double occupancy. Package includes overnight accommodations, chicken and ribs BBQ buffet, fun-filled murder mystery dinner theater. Cash bar. For reservations: 440.775.1111 Dining on the water If you’re looking for a good Lakeside dining option try the Rose Cafe at Lakeview Park. The Rose Cafe has gorgeous views of the Lorain Lighthouse and Lake Erie. Brunch is a wonderful holiday time treat! Another popular Lakeside dining experience is the Jackalope Restaurant. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, it offers wonderful views of the marina and the historic Lorain Lighthouse. Shop and Dine Here are a few options if you are out in one of our many quaint shopping districts: Old Avon Village: The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room is located in the restored Alten-Casper House built in 1850. The tea room features an array of fine salads and sandwiches, unique soups and scrumptious desserts. Downtown Wellington shopping district: Bread-N-Brew serves sandwiches on freshly baked breads; gourmet coffee, tea, and espresso; hearty soups and refreshing salads. Breakfast and lunch. If your shopping brings you to Main Street Amherst or into Avon Lake -Bring the kids and grab some pizza at Donatos on N. Leavitt Road in Amherst or on Walker Road in Avon Lake. Shopping at the Midway Mall in Elyria? Check out Eat’n Park on West River Road, a casual, neighborhood restaurant featuring a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. You can print out a coupon for Eat’n Park from the Adventure and Visitors Guide by clicking here. On page 37 you will find a great 20% off coupon good until Jan. 31, 2010. Thanksgiving Dining Mr. D’s Restaurant at The Holiday Inn in Elyria, 12pm and 1pm seatings. Chef carved country ham, New England style pot roast with gravy, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, sweet buttered corn, Green Beans Amandine, fresh Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows, homestyle bread stuffing and bounties of salads and desserts. children 4–12 years-$7.95, Seniors 60+-$15.95, Adults-$17.95. Guestroom rates start at $59 plus tax for the week of Thanksgiving. Reservations: 440.324.5411. Oberlin Inn, Thanksgiving Feast, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11am–4:30pm. Garden tossed salad, acorn squash soup, slow roasted turkey, pork tenderloin with cranberry, sliced roast beef with mushroom sauce, battered fried white fish, homestyle green beans, Corn O'Brien, dill bettered carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, herb sage stuffing, pan dripping turkey gravy, marshmallow sweet potatoes, fresh vegetable crudites, Waldorf salad, cranberry sauce, marinated artichoke & mushroom, tri-color pasta salad, pea salad, assorted pies and cupcakes. Children 6–12-$9, Seniors 60+–$20, Adults-$22. Thanksgiving Served Dinner: 11am–4:30pm, Roast Tom Turkey $16 served with tossed salad, marshmallow sweet potatoes, herb sage dressing, dill buttered carrots, rolls, butter & pumpkin pie. Call for reservations 440.775.1111 Quaker Steak & Lube, Vermilion: Thanksgiving Buffet, Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:30am–5pm. All your holiday favorites including chef-carved turkey, roast beef, ham, drunken sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, shrimp linguine, Lube wings, New England clam chowder, wedding soup, salad bar, dessert patch and more. Children-$5.99, Juniors-$11.99, Seniors-$15.99, Adults-$17.99. Call 440.967.3724 for reservations. Sugarcreek Restaurant, Elyria: Traditional Thanksgiving dinners served 11am–7pm. Turkey, roast beef, roast pork. Reservations required for parties of five and more. Features Amish-style cooking. Vineyards and Wineries Our seven wineries always have great special events going on. Here are a few for the month of November: Matus Winery: Here you can enjoy premier wines while relaxing with picturesque views of the vineyard and countryside. This month, enjoy “Friday Night Dinners” served at 5:30. The dinners feature a variety of different cuisines and restaurants. Other November events at Matus include: Ladies night, Thursday, November 19th. Personalize your own hand-painted wine glass. Call to reserve your spot Open House, Sat, November 28th, 12noon–6pm. Kick off the holiday season. Enjoy some wine and a variety of snacks. Choose from ready made gift baskets or place and order for customized gift baskets. Entertainment at 8pm: Roadhouse. Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion. Just off Rd. 2, in the historic harbor town of Vermilion, Paper Moon Vineyards serves a selection of regional and vinifera wines. The tasting room offers a view of the vineyards, pond, woods and an occasional bald eagle. This month: Live music every Saturday evening. November 28: Paper Moon will be decorated for the holidays. Open from 4–7 featuring harpist. Single Tree Winery in Amherst, is located in a beautiful country setting, dedicated to providing customers with the finest quality wine. Check out their website for November events. Vermilion Valley Vineyards: A new vineyard and winery set in tranquil surroundings featuring a variety of fine wines, locavore menu items, gallery, tasting room with loft for parties and meetings. Check out their website for upcoming entertainment and featured events. Here are more Lorain County wineries to sample and enjoy: John Christ Winery, Avon Lake JW Dover Heartland Vineyards, Westlake Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake Read more >>
Halloween in Lorain County 12 Oct 2009, 3:08 pm
Check out all the spooky-scary tricks and family-fun treats happening in Lorain County this October! As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to turn, the ghouls and goblins of Lorain County come out to play. For all you thrill seekers out there, here’s where to go to find them: Terror in the Field: Vermilion’s Old Haunted State Street School presents a 1/3 mile corn maze at Novotney's Farm Market, across from Friendship Gas Station in Vermilion, and all too close to Lake Eeeeerie. October 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, and 31st. Halloween Fair: From 5–7 this autumn fair at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor’s Center is family friendly; the bewitching hour begins at 7. The fair includes a spooky trail (see pic below) music, games, and food. October 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st. North Ridgeville’s Spookville: From 4 to dusk it’s all fun and games in Spookville, with face painting, crafts, applesauce making, and pumpkin carving. But after dusk the 1/4 mile Haunted Trail opens and the terror begins. Located in South Central Park, October 17th. Ghost Watch at the Moore House: The Moore House, location of the Black River Historical Society, invites unbelievers to view a REAL ghost hunt conducted by a team of experts from the Ohio Researchers of Banded Spirits (don’t believe this exists, do you? Check out their website. Crazy!). Adults only, $25 Limited tickets. During the ghost hunt, cemetery tours, food, and a bonfire will be available outside for Halloween lovers of all ages. October 24th. If blood-curdling, teeth-chattering terror isn’t your style, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the season in Lorain County. For instance, check out: Pumpkin Land: While you stock up on cider and apples at Miller’s Orchard, let your kids roam this fun, autumnal play area. Two hay mazes, one well-lit and one dark, scarecrows, farm animals and plenty of pumpkins. Open through Halloween. Halloween Campout: Findley State Park is getting in the holiday spirit with this festive campout festival. For only the regular camping fees, campers of all ages can enjoy movies, games, a costume pet parade, trick-or-treating, hay rides, a scarecrow contest and delicious pot-luck soup. October 9th and 10th. Fall Hay Wagon Rides and Corn Maze: Come to the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center for the quintessential fall experience. Traditional, horse-drawn hay rides leave every 15 minutes until 3:30 PM. The Corn Maze measures a whopping 4 acres. October 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th. North Ridgeville Tot-Trick-or-Treat: Bring the kids to North Ridgeville’s City Hall for a night of safe trick-or-treating. Lots of candy to be had. October 30th. Halloween at Jamie's Flea Market: Start your Halloween day off right with a trip to Jamie's Flea Market. Trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under and scavenger hunts for a chance to win Jamie’s Gift Certificates. And finally, let these special events attest to the fact that Halloween isn’t just for the younger kids: Monster Mash Bone Bash: The costume party of the year, at Matus Winery in Wakeman. Dress to impress. Previous award winners have included pirates, hippies, and ghosts--but you can top that. October 31st. Masquerade Murder Mystery: The Oberlin Inn presents a murder mystery evening, complete with superior overnight accommodations, lavish dinner buffett, and an entertaining Murder Mystery. Costumes, apropos the holiday, are highly recommended. October 31st. Call the Inn at 775-1111 for reservations. Visit Lorain County wishes you and your family a happy, safe, and sufficiently spooky Halloween! For more information on happenings in Lorain County, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, call us 1-800-334-1673, visit the website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. Read more >>
A Perfect Fall Weekend in Wellington, OH 10 Sep 2009, 4:10 pm
The Village of Wellington, located in the southern portion of Lorain County, OH, is a quaint, small town with lots of spirit. In addition to being known as the Cheese Capital of the World from around 1868 until about 1910, it is also know for its stunning collection of 19th & early 20th century architecture. And of course, for being the home of artist Archibald Williard, while he painted the famed Spirit of '76. Wellington Town Hall Here's a short video of Patti Young of Wellington Implement, talking about her beloved hometown. (Congratulations, Wellington Implement, on your 80th year anniversary!) The weekend of September 18-20th is a great weekend to visit Wellington and take in the local culture. Here are a few of the major events happening around town: Sept. 18-20, 2009 LaGrange Engine Show, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, Fri-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm Sept. 20, 2009 Harvest of the Arts, Wellington Town Hall, 11am-5pm While you're in Wellington, be sure to pick up the brochures for the Walking Tours of Wellington's Historical South Main Street Homes and Historic Downtown District. For more info on these walking tours, contact Main Street Wellington. Other Wellington attractions: Bonnie Brae Elk Farm Bread-N-Brew Clare-Mar Lakes Campground & RV Sales Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm Findley State Park Spirit of '76 Museum Wellington Reservation For more information on Lorain County attractions and hotel and lodging options, visit our website http://www.visitloraincounty.com/ or call 1.800.334.1673 to request a Lorain County Visitors Guide. To stay up-to-date on Lorain County happenings, Follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook. Read more >>
Great Hotel Deals in Lorain County, Ohio 7 Aug 2009, 11:27 am
Ignore all those back-to-school ads and summer clearance sales; summer’s not nearly over in Lorain County! And if you’re planning an end-of-season trip to take advantage of all the awesome events and activities going on in the county, you’re going to need a place to stay. Here’s a list of some special rates, promotions, and packages offered by area hotels: Country Inn & Suites, Elyria: Now offering the “Sweat Deal”—15% off two or more consecutive nights if reserved three days in advance. Motel 6, Amherst: August rates are just $37.99 during the week and only $43.99 on weekends for one person. Kids under 17 stay free! Best Western, Elyria: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. 10%-30% off the lowest regular rates if you make a reservation online. Fairfield Inn & Suites, Avon: A big drop in weekend rates—from $129 to only $89! Comfort Inn, Elyria: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. Free enrollment in the Choice Privileges program, which makes you eligible for free nights nationwide. Red Roof Inn, Elyria: Kids under 17 stay free! Oberlin Inn: Sign up online for the “Free Oberlin Weekend Package for Two Promotion”—one night free plus breakfast. Also, Summer Barbecues and Afternoon Tea in the Garden throughout the month. Days Inn, Amherst: Discounts for AAA, CAA, and AARP members. Save 15% if you prepay. Holiday Inn of Elyria-Lorain, Elyria: Choose from a variety of special offers including the Romantic Escape, the Adventure, and the Premiere Movie packages. Once in the area, soak up those last summer rays on the beaches of Lake Erie, take in a Crusher's game at the brand new All Pro Freight Stadium, explore the Back Roads & Beaches Bike and Multi-Sport Route, or enjoy a few of the county's exciting August events: The North Ridgeville Corn Festival, August 7-9 Ohio Outdoor Quilt Festival, August 8 Vermilion Reservation Car Show, August 9 Vermilion Family YMCA's Bike and Boat Night, August 19 Lorain County Fair, August 24-30 For more Lorain County lodging information, check out the Visit Lorain County website. And for continuous updates on what's happening around the county, follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Read more >>

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