Back Roads and Beaches Blog

Just another day along the Back Roads and Beaches Route...

2008-05-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

...Although some of the bicycles were a little different today, at Oberlin's Big Parade. Spirits weren't dampened by the rain.

Solaluna Yoga

"Wild Things"

The Living Machine

The Recycled Products Co-op

The George Jones Farm

Upcoming Events along Back Roads and Beaches

2008-04-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

April 26–27: Herb Fair, Vermilion River Reservation, 10am–4pm. Herb growers and gardening tips. 440.967.7310. Lorain County Metroparks website

May 3–4: Breuer Pottery Spring Open House and Sale, 47361 West Hamilton Road, Oberlin, 12pm–5pm. Fine one-of-a-kind pottery, wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Breuer Pottery is located directly off the Lorain County Metroparks North Coast Inland Trail. You can find them just beyond the entrance of the trail on Hamilton Avenue in Oberlin. Click here to find out how to get there on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route.

May 3, Oberlin’s Big Parade: Oberlin, 11am. Celebrate art, spring, the community, and fun with Oberlin College students. 440.774.6262 | www.oberlin.org

May 3, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to Oberlin City Hall, Oberlin. 9am–1pm. Locally grown, organic and prepared foods opens for the season once again! 440.775.2423

May 6–June 29th: Paul B. Arnold “Homages: Tributes to the Masters” Color Woodcuts, FAVA Gallery, 39 South Main St., Oberlin.

Afrost-Won't be so frosty!

2008-04-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Don't forget: Sunday, April 20, 2008, 9am: Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen. The ride will depart the Nordson Depot, Franklin St., in Amherst. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 64 miles. Registration will be from 8–9:30am. What a great way to get inspired and get an early kick-start to the season if you haven't already!

Earth Day in Oberlin

2008-04-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day in Oberlin and what a perfect day for it.
Temps in the 70s and all the trees in bloom.
There's nothing like the smell of magnolias in bloom on Tappan Square!

Cyclists and runners are out and about.
This morning was also the annual Earth Day 5k run in Oberlin.

Here, the first runner across the finish line accepts his award.

Allen Memorial Art Museum

Oberlin College Finney Chapel, Oberlin College Campus

Earth Day vendors and participants enjoy the spring weather.

Oberlin is a great place to hang out, take a break from the bike
while you get a bite to eat along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route.
You never know what you'll see!

SIGNS of Spring

2008-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

The grass is greening up and soon the trees will be lush and green as well. But, although there is still a shortage of leaves, there is no shortage of sunshine these days and temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Bikers were out in full force on the Lorain County Metro Parks Inland Trail this evening, enjoying a beautiful sunset. The Back Roads and Beaches Route follows a portion of this great trail. It is the one spot on the route where there is no motorized traffic. The Lorain County Metro Parks will be opening another great trail next month. Stay tuned!

That's not all that's greening up! The Lorain County Engineer's office is currently installing point of interest signage along the Back Roads and Beaches route. This way, great attractions that are along the way—but not directly on the route—aren't missed.

Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation

2008-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Of course, taking in a bike ride is a great way to kick-off the spring season. All along the Back Roads and Beaches route, art galleries, museums and performance spaces are alive with activity that reflects the current season. The Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery at Lorain County Community College is host to the exhibit, “Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation.” Although the gallery isn't right on the Back Roads and Beaches Route, many of the surrounding activities are. On Saturday, May 24, 1–5pm, Common Ground will be hosting an Environmental Art Day. There will be a presentation on the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own art using only objects found in nature. Common Ground is right along the BRaB route so biking to this great event is a great way to heighten the natural experience.

Common Ground: Cindy Nord Center for Renewal

Here are some other great events coming up along the route:

April 5, Art Auction and Wine Tasting, FAVA Gallery, Oberlin, 7–10pm
April 8, Oberlin Orchestra, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm.
April 10, Artist Recital Series, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm. Grammy award winning violinist, Hilary Hahn and Oberlin alumnus, Josh Ritter collaborate in a broad range of original and traditional music.
April 11, Nat Brandt Program and Book Signing, Oberlin Public Library, 4pm. Author of The Town that Started the Civil War will present a program about his newest book.
April 13, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Concert, Apollo Theater, Oberlin 3:30pm.
April 13, Sing for Spring, Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 7:30pm
April 17–20, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College, 8pm, Sun 2pm. Set in a recording studio in 1927, this two-act drama tells the story of blues legend Ma Rainey.
April 20, Pasta Paradise, Jackalope Restaurant, Lorain. Pasta buffet benefits the Black River Historical Society.

A Little Inspiration

2008-03-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Now that the temps are rising and warmer air is blowing, here are a few images to serve as reminders of the Back Roads and Beaches Route that might be nice to get you going…

Spring!

2008-03-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

OK, well... maybe it's still a couple days away but the snow is melting and I've seen a few hearty souls bundled up and pedaling like mad (or like a mad cyclist playing catch-up!) on Lorain County's roads. I actually saw two people in Oberlin riding in the midst of the snowstorm we had a couple weeks ago too. This time of year, it's obvious cyclists feel the call of spring because we start to see tuned-up bikes out once again, despite the dwindling snow piles that are melting on the sides of the road. And why not? After all, this year is a big year for cycling and cycling events in Lorain County. Got to get mind, body and bike in shape, despite the weather! Only one month until the unofficial “season opener” ride, Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen, this year's Ohio Spring Tour will begin on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 9am. The ride will depart the Nordson Depot, Franklin St., in Amherst. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 64 miles. Registration will be from 8–9:30am. What a great way to get inspired and get an early kick-start to the season!

We have some great state-wide events coming to Lorain County this year as well. As we've previously reported, GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) will be coming and utilizing part of the southern Back Roads and Beaches route. GOBA is still taking registrations and will begin in Wellington on June 14. One exciting development is that the GOBA planners are organizing what they hope to be the world record for the largest bicycle parade in the world. On, Saturday, June 14 there will be a traditional bicycle parade and costume contest that will begin at the Lorain County Fairgrounds. Even if you aren't participating in the week-long ride, you can participate in an awesome parade and maybe be part of the Guinness Book of World Records. A great way to get kids involved and interested in cycling!

XOBA, not to be confused with GOBA, will also be visiting this summer. Taking a cue from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Cycling Tour that began last year, XOBA has chosen to explore part of the intense and riveting Underground Railroad Route. They will be exploring the Underground Railroad in one of the only ways to truly experience it in an outdoor-only fashion. Although no-one in this day and age can truly know what a fugitive slave experienced; traveling the Underground Railroad by bike does bring a rider closer to the experience by being outdoors and relying completely on muscles and resolve to reach the destination. XOBA will depart Maysville, Kentucky on July 19th and arrive in Oberlin, on July 25.

Even if you can't do a week-long tour, there are still many great events coming up. Keep checking this blog for info throughout spring and summer. We'll provide info on upcoming triathlons and events like the Dog Days Wine Tour on August 16 and the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon on August 17. These are just a sampling of upcoming outdoor events in Lorain County. We'll be reporting on the events and the great things going on in and around the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route!

Winter's not so bad

2008-02-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's February and you're probably itchin' to get out there and get moving. It's been COLD here in north central Ohio! BUT, the good part is, there is still a lot to do outside. Take a hike in one of Lorain County's fine Metro Parks or Findley State Park. Findley is a great place to cross country ski, snowshoe or take a winter hike.

Or, attend one of the Lorain County Metro Parks great winter events. The French Creek Nature Center will be the site of a distance learning program, "Meet the Musher," on February 27, from 2–3pm. A real-life musher will describe what it's like to be part of a sled dog race and how to get the dogs ready for a race. For information, call 440.949.5200.

Got a long holiday weekend? Combine your outdoor experience with one of the following things to do along the Back Roads and Beaches Route:

Lorain

Lakeview Park Photo: ©Mark Teleha

Lakeview Beach: Lake Erie's beautiful winter landscape from here can be stunning. Frozen views of the Lorain Lighthouse are spectacular. The new Rose Cafe is now open. From here you can enjoy a meal or Sunday brunch from the warmth of this cozy new hot spot.

Jackalope Restaurant: Another great spot to get in out of the cold and warm up with awesome views of Lake Erie and the Lorain Lighthouse.

Oberlin
Back Roads and Beaches is all about combining outdoor adventure with the arts, history and culture. This weekend is an especially good time to experience all these in Oberlin.

February 5–March 23: Carroll Dunham Prints
Oberlin College Allen Art Museum, Ripin Gallery.
Carroll Dunham (b. 1949) is one of the most prolific printmakers of his generation. This survey exhibition of Dunham's graphic work is drawn entirely from the holdings at the Addison Gallery of American Art and documents the artist's engagement with printmaking from the mid-1980s to the present. A prolific and inventive draftsman and painter, Dunham combines abstraction, biomorphism, and cartooning in a lively and playful way to explore a wide range of images that he adapts to the special demands of the printmaking medium. Dunham's graphic vocabulary is broad and the present exhibition includes lithographs, etchings, wood engravings, screenprints and recent monotypes. Dunham will be on campus during February to lecture and work with Oberlin College students.

Saturday, February 16, 8pm: Evening of Song, Oberlin College. Mezzo-soprano Keri Alkema will present a program of songs by Mozart, Rossini, Turina, Ravel and others. Warner Concert Hall, 77 W. College St., Oberlin. Tickets are $5 and available by calling Oberlin's Ticket Service at 440.775.8169

February 17–March 28: Six-State Photography show. This Sunday, join the staff of FAVA at the opening reception at the FAVA Gallery. For more information call, 440.774.7158

Sunday, Feb 17, 12pm–5pm: Conversational Tour of the Weltzheimer-Johnson House (Morgan St., Oberlin). The Weltzheimer/Johnson House at Oberlin College is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House that sits on a 3 acre lot several blocks from campus. Designed in 1948 and completed in 1950, it is the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public.

For more information, visit http://www.oberlin.edu/amam/flwright.html

Check out the following wineries which have a variety of special events such as Lenten fish frys, live entertainment and Valentine dinners:
Matus Winery,
Single Tree Winery

While in town, check out fine galleries, shops and restaurants.

If that's still not enough to keep you moving this month, keep in mind, in a few short months, you'll want to be in great shape for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure in June and the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon in August. Both will be utilizing portions of the Back Road and Beaches Route. So keep checking back for more information and updates. As the weather warms up, so too will the activity along BRaB!

Happy New Year! Time to get outdoors!

2008-01-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

What a perfect way to ring in the New Year...outdoors! The conditions are perfect for cross country skiing. We found Findley State Park as well as several of the Lorain County Metro Parks in perfect condition!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

So, it's snowing and chilly here in North Central Ohio today. Not the best weather for cycling. But that doesn't mean foregoing the outdoors. For the time being, best to put away the bike and grab the cross country skis or snow shoes and explore our scenic winter wonderland.

Here are some great spots for cross country skiing along the Back Roads and Beaches Multi sport route.

Findley State Park. Great scenic trails through the forest and around Findley Lake.

Lorain County Metro Parks. Lorain County's system of parks has many spots great for cross country skiing or snow shoeing. And don't forget the sledding hill at Vermilion River reservation . The new Lakeview Park bath house facility in Lorain offers spectacular views of Lake Erie's winter landscape.

Winter is a great time to get breathtaking views of Lake Erie. So bundle up and get out there! There's so much to see and do! And when you're done outside, warm up inside at one of our local wineries, shops or art galleries.

Are you riding GOBA for 2008?

2007-11-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

If so you can find travel information at www.visitloraincounty.com
For Lorain County cycling photos you can visit the Back Roads and Beaches Flickr site.

Less than seven months to go!

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure to come to town in 2008

2007-11-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

2006 Goba photos by Fetchy

The 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) 2008 tour, June 14-21, will feature the northern section of Ohio. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday. Some of the many attractions featured on this tour include Roscoe Village; Monticello Canal Boat; world-class bike trails; Amish areas; Historic Woodward Opera House; Lake Shore Railway; Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum; Johnson-Humrick House Museum; Orrville Railroad Heritage Museum; Brownella Cottage; Simply Smuckers; and other historic sites, covered bridges, and nature areas. The fun-filled week will include the traditional bicycle parade and the gala opening ceremonies in downtown Wellington, two layover days with bicycling options of 50- or 100-mile loops leading to Zoar Village and quaint Sugarcreek, family-oriented entertainment each night, options for bus excursions, watching professional bike races, and the ever-popular GOBA Song Contest. "To celebrate our 20th Adventure, the towns of northern Ohio are spreading out the welcome mat and are working to make the 2008 tour an experience that will be long remembered,” Van Winkle stated. This will be the twentieth year for GOBA. The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world. Over the past nineteen years GOBA has been instrumental in generating more than $9 million in tourism revenues in the towns along the route, as well as in providing access to Ohio's rural treasures to people from all over the country. "GOBA riders are constantly surprised at what a wonderful state Ohio is for bicycling. Our wonderful back roads, charming communities, and great parks and historical sites make it perfect for bicycle touring,” Van Winkle stated. Those interested in receiving registration information and tour details can request a brochure by calling 614-273-0811 or by visiting the website at www.goba.com. Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and many bicycle shops. Application deadline is May 14, 2008.

This weekend around the Back Roads and Beaches route

2007-11-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Although the weather is getting colder, there is still lots of activity along the Back Roads and Beaches of North Central Ohio. There is still a lot to do to keep active!

The Lorain County Metro Parks always has a full calendar of outdoor activities throughout the year. This weekend there will be a brisk walk into the wilds of the Copper Hollow Loop Trail at the Vermilion River Reservation.

For swimming and working out, check out the Splash Zone at the Lorain County Metro Parks. The facility is located in Oberlin, right along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

Oberlin Opera Theater will be presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Hall Auditorium, Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at 8pm, and Sunday, November 18th at 2pm.

Saturday evening, November 17, Single Tree Winery will be having a steak fry from 5–8 pm. Cost is $20 per person. There will be live music from 7–11pm. (Single Tree photo by Mark Teleha)

The Weltzheimer-Johnson House, will be open Sunday from 12–5pm. The Weltzheimer Johnson house is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House several blocks from Oberlin College campus.

This weekend, the FAVA gallery opens its Holiday Show with an opening reception, Sunday, November 18th from 2–4pm. This show presents works of the FAVA members. Silk painter, Susan Socotch will be demonstrating during this event.

Beautiful, crisp, autumn day greets riders and runners

2007-11-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

This morning found Oberlin to be packed with cyclists, marathon runners and well-wishers. Hundreds of cyclists came to ride the Red Flannel, the annual fall invitational sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen and run the Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk. Red Flannel riders chose from either a 33 mile or 67 mile course. Part of the course was along the Back Roads and Beaches route, then headed west to Milan and Wakeman. Riders stopped at Mill Hollow, a Lorain County Metro Park and BRaB sponsor. Everyone seemed to be having a great time making the most of the awesome fall colors and cool weather. Below are some scenes from today's activity. Click here for more Red Flannel and marathon shots.

At left: Lorain Wheelmen register over 300 riders and pass out Lorain County Visitors Bureau bags, Back Roads and Beaches info and water bottles. Below: Riders wait to take off, scenes from the route, marathon runners and cyclists share the path. Click here for more photos of today's events.

Upcoming fall rides, races, walks, events

2007-10-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 4, the Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk will take place starting at Murray Ridge School, 9750 Murray Ridge Rd., in Elyria. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Murray Ridge Levy Committee.

Also on November 4th, the Lorain Wheelmen will be hosting their annual Red Flannel Bike Ride (see below).

Fall Folaige Update

2007-10-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

The leaves are peaking here in Lorain County. Here are some views of the Back Roads and Beaches route from October 25.

Fall mountain biking at Findley State Park

2007-10-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

Neil Baker and Jim Stedman from Wadsworth, Ohio traveled to Findley State Park in Wellington today to ride the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. The weather and trail conditions are ideal for mountain biking. Fall colors still have a few weeks yet to peak.

Lorain Wheelmen love Ohio cycling

2007-10-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

While out checking for fall photo ops on the route, I came across a group of Lorain Wheelmen on one of their weekly rides. Ron Cicerchi (left), Arthur Petro (center) and Pete Paslawski (right) were out getting in a quick 25-miler before sunset. The Lorain Wheelmen are getting ready for their biggest invitational ride of the year, the Red Flannel. Typically hundreds of cyclists ride what has become the traditional end of season ride for many. This year's ride will be held on November 4. The ride can be done as either a metric century (67 miles) or half century (33 miles). The start and ending point will be the Oberlin Community Center.

Locals looking for people to ride with might want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen. Members are of all ages and riding ability and the Wheelmen's calendar features a variety of rides, locally and all over Ohio.

Have you ridden the Red Flannel? Please post your comments and experiences here.

Lorain Wheelmen tackle the hills along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

Where's Charlie?

2007-10-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a familiar face along Back Roads and Beaches. Avid cyclist Charlie Young, from Elyria, has ridden 11,683 Ohio miles so far for 2007. (This doesn't count all the miles he does on his indoor trainer when the weather isn't suitable to go out) So it's a good chance you'll spot him out on the route.

Charlie is closing in on his last year's total of over 15,000 miles. He does it just for a sheer love of cycling. Great job! I wonder how many tires he goes through in a year?!

Back Roads and Beaches Bike route spectacular autumn weekend

2007-10-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Not only is there a weekend full of art, architecture and bikes (see post below) but we've learned that there will also be a firewalk this Saturday evening, October 6th, at Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Common Ground is located on Baird Rd. in the northwest part of the route.

The weather report is predicting temps to be in the 80s this weekend, and with the leaves continuing to turn brilliant reds and golds, this is the perfect time to bring your bike for a visit and a trip into rich art, culture, history and transformational experience.

Make plans to spend the weekend here, pedaling the route and visiting the gallery open houses and architecture tours. You can find bicycle-friendly lodging information here. If you'd like a map based guide of where to stay, click here. As you mouse over the icons, information on lodging and services will pop up.

photo: Cyclist on Baird Rd. in front of Common Ground.

Detour

2007-09-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Until about November 15, riders along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Tour will need to make a slight adjustment in the southern portion of the route. Jones Rd. is closed between Quarry and Pitts Rd. This is in the south portion of the route in the Findley State Park area. So, if you're beginning the route at Griggs Rd by Findley State Park, instead begin by taking SR 58 north to Jones Rd, turn left at Jones and right onto Pitts Rd. to avoid the closed road. If you're coming from the north, at the junction of Pitts Rd and Jones, turn left instead of right. Then make a right at SR 58. This will take you down to Findley State Park.

Occasionally you will find portions of the Back Roads and Beaches route will have been "chip and sealed". Although this is a temporary situation, you may have to adjust your route by taking a parallel road. This usually isn't hard to do along Lorain County's rural roads.

Click here to download a Back Roads and Beaches map with posted detour.

Autumn Shines On

2007-09-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Top Left: Millers Orchards on Vermilion Rd., right: Findley State Park begins to show its colors

Fall Splendor along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route

2007-09-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

The colors of autumn are just starting to appear along the rural roads of the Back Roads and Beaches Route. The great thing about this time of the year is that riders can enjoy the beauty of the season while temps are still very pleasant. In fact, this weekend's weather promises to be absolutely beautiful with sunny highs in the mid 70s.

This time of year is also great for spectacular sunsets along the Lake Erie shoreline. The photo at left is the view from the Jackalope Restaurant.

On Sunday, September 23, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Half Marathon will be taking place begins in Vermilion and heads to Lakeview Park in Lorain. Racers who feel they can't complete the entire 13 miles can enter with four friends and compete as a five person relay team.

Art, Architecture and Bikes

2007-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Next month, riders along Back Roads and Beaches have the opportunity to take in some of the areas finest arts and architecture events while pedaling the scenic, autumn route. The weekend of October 6+7 is an especially good time to visit for arts lovers. There are several, great Oberlin events taking place this weekend. Spend the weekend riding, visiting wineries, and attending these wonderful events. Click here for information on lodging along the route. October is a great time to bike the Back Roads and Beaches route since the brilliant foliage, combined with roadside stands and active gallery open houses and exhibits make it a perfect weekend for biking and sightseeing. Combine these with a visit to two wineries Matus and Single Tree, located in the same vicinity. And don't forget to stop in at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on the Oberlin College Campus to check out all the new exhibits. The following are events taking place October 6:

Oberlin Area Studio/Gallery Open Houses Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, Noon to 5:00

BREUER POTTERY
Chris Breuer and Paula Aghajanian
47361 West Hamilton Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
440.775.2340
Fine one-of-a-kind pottery vessels, bowls, teapots, sculpture and tiles beautifully presented in the artist’s studio/gallery. Enjoy the gardens, wine, hor d’oeuvres and desserts.

RIVERDOG
Deborah Banyas & T.P. Speer
13818 Gore Orphanage Road, Henrietta Township, OH 44889
440.965.8309
Unusual whimsical sculpture and paintings on display in a lovely country setting with complimentary wine tasting. Refreshments and hiking trails.
riverdog@centurytel.net

Both galleries are located in scenic areas of the route. Breuer Pottery is located right at the edge of the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. Riverdog is a bit off — but in close proximity to — the route.
Click here for a link to the Back Roads and Beaches bike map. To find Breuer Potter, just scroll to the bottom of the map and click the Oberlin inset to expand. Roll over the icons to check out the local businesses.
Maps will be available at both studios.

About a mile or two from Breuer Pottery is the Oberlin Heritage Center. Plan to make a reservation soon for
"A Tour of Oberlin's History through its Architecture around Tappan Square" — the Oberlin Heritage Center's new 1 hour and 15 minute guided walking tour accompanied by a wonderful selection of historic photographs. The tour will be offered three times this fall by Oberlin Heritage Center staff member Prue Richards, including Friday, September 14 at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 6 at 1 p.m., and Friday, October 12 at 1 p.m.

Tour fee is $6 per person ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The tour begins at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 South Professor Street. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an e-mail to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. The tour will be canceled and refunds will be made if it is raining at start time.

Know of any other great events for the October 6-7 weekend? Feel free to leave a comment...