Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Memorial Day weekend is always a great time to plan a trip around north central Ohio. There are so many great events going on, especially around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Here are some suggested activities based on your riding style. All of the below suggestions can be found on or just around (within a mile or two) of the route. They can be found on the BRaB map)
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Hammer heads-“I'm just here to soak up the good weather and put in some extra training hours.”
Begin at Findley State Park, ride north and do the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This will give you optimal hill climbing options, especially in the Dean Rd./Sperry Rd. area. Dean Rd. gets to 21%. Really want a challenge? Do some repeats. Once back at Findley State Park, you will have 60 miles in. For an added challenge, bring along your mountain bike and do a loop or two of the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. If you’re out early Saturday morning you’re sure to see others out training on the route.
Dean Road historical bridge
Day two: Combine your training ride with a great upper body workout by hopping in a kayak at the Port Authority launch off Broadway in Lorain and paddle up the Black River to the Lighthouse. Kayaks can be rented here through Great Lakes Kayaking. Turn off into the Lakeside Marina, tie off and have a bite to eat while enjoying great views of the marina and lighthouse at the Jackalope Restaurant.
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
“I want to pedal at my own pace while stopping to see great art, architecture and historical sites. And while I'm at it, I'd like to sample some great local wine and cuisine”
Fortunately for you, there are so many great exhibits, historical events and events going on, the worst part will be deciding what to do.
History:The Oberlin Heritage Center has an entire weekend of events including architecture walks, Underground Railroad walks, history programming and more. Click here for a full list.
Bacon House Museum Tours, Vermilion River Reservation, Sunday 1-4pm.
Art/Architecture:
Right now at FAVA in Oberlin: facets: 14 artists working in glass. Don't miss this exquisite exhibit. You can also see Woodblock/Linoleum Prints by J.K. Mateer through May 26th at the FAVA South Gallery.
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Also in Oberlin right now is Holding, an environmental art exhibit that features live silkworms spinning and weaving their way through sculpture. This exhibit has become a favorite each year with all ages at the Ginko Gallery.
Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Weltzheimer/Johnson House will be given throughout the Oberlin College commencement weekend. Click here for times.
Performance
Since it’s commencement weekend at Oberlin College, there are many performances and events. Click here for a full list.
Wine and Dine
Round out a long touring day in the saddle with great food and wine at these spots that are on or just off the BRaB route.Live Music on the Docks Memorial Day Weekend at The Lube: May 23 - Vermilion's new Quaker Steak & Lube. Catch some live entertainment with C.R.B. (Classic Rock Band) on Saturday from 5–9 pm with great views of the Vermilion River. (This used to be Red Clay Restaurant)
Live Music at Paper Moon Vineyards, Saturday, May 23 4pm-7pm
Matus Winery Celebration Cook-Out, Saturday, May 23 5:30 pm
Single Tree Winery:
Friday, May 22 Live music with Utah Witherspoon and Greg Moore 7-11pmSaturday, May 23 Steak Fry $20 5- 7 pm Includes Steak, baked potato, salad, roll and a glass of wine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
We’ve brought the kids for a little adventure, fun and a healthy challenge for the whole family—what’s there to do for us?For those of you towing little ones (or accompanying your little ones on their own bikes), this is a great weekend for kids. Here are a few must do’s. (from a cyclists with three kids..these are kid tested) Beginning from the southern portion of the trail in
Wellington:
Canoeing or kayaking at Findley State Park; free paddle boats at the Wellington Reservation
Oberlin:
Vegan pancakes at Black River Cafe; Silkworm Exhibit at Ginko Gallery; Swim at the Splash Zone; Explore Underground Railroad history and hear the story of the rescue of escaped slave John Price; Sunday night illumination on Tappan Square with pie and ice cream; pizza on Lorenzo's outdoor patio.
Vermilion:
Lunch or dinner along the Vermilion River at Quaker Steak and Lube; ice cream and putt-putt at Romps Dairy Dock; watch the boats from Main St. beach; River cruise on Mystic Belle out of Don Parsons Marina
Kayaking in Lorain with children
Lorain:
Lakeview Park, it’s the most awesome beach on Lake Erie-’nuff said; burgers on the patio of Jackelope Restaurant with great views of Lake Erie; rent a two-person kayak at Lorain Port Authority boat launch and check out many different bird species, the Lorain Lighthouse along with many other fascinating views along the way; charter (or pier) fishing for perch and walleye.
These are only a few options for a full weekend of fun and adventure. Plan your lodging and more complete list at the Visit Lorain County website.
Labels: 2009, architecture, arts, events, family activities, Findley, Jackalope Restaurant, Splash Zone
Friday, August 22, 2008
Beginning this evening, every corner of the Back Roads and Beaches route will be hoppin’ with events from art openings to county fair excitement.
This evening in Vermilion is the gala opening of Water, Light and Land: Reflections on Inland Seas. Experience the spectacular views of inland seascapes, masterfully rendered in clay by nationally recognized Oberlin potter Chris Breuer at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion. The opening is from 6:30–8:30pm. Artist talk will be at 6pm. The show will run through September 25.
Also in Vermilion this weekend will be the Vermilion Local Market where you can purchase local produce, flowers, herbs, pasture-fed beef, and more. The market is held Saturday afternoons 2–6pm in Victory Park in Vermilion and will run through August 30.
The Lorain County Fair continues to run through this Sunday, August 24.
Carnegie Library, Oberlin College, Tappan Square
While in Oberlin, check out the new exhibit at the FAVA Gallery, Views: Three Landscape Artists featuring the work of John Benton, Amy Casey and Glenn Ratusnik. The show runs through September 6.
For more events taking place around the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as all throughout Lorain County, click here.Labels: architecture, arts, events, History, Lorain County Fair, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, Museums, Oberlin, ohio, Vermilion, Wellington
Friday, June 20, 2008
This evening on BRaB-Underground Railroad Ties
Riding the BRaB route this evening near Oberlin, we found the setting sun was casting a warm glow on this old barn.
Turns out, after talking to the current owner, it is so much more than just an old barn. It happens to be the former farmstead of Hiram Pease, who, according to Oberlin College’s website was the brother of Peter Pindar Pease. Hiram was a colorful and interesting historical Oberlin figure who owned a carraige shop in Oberlin.
Hiram and Lydia Pease paintings: Oberlin College
But what will be of special interest—especially to cyclists following Adventure Cycling’s Underground Railroad Tour who will pass by this property—is that the property was eventually sold to the Copeland family whose father was a freed slave that came to Oberlin because of its anti-slavery resolve and whose son, John Copeland Jr. was hanged for his participation in the raid on Harper’s Ferry.
Click here for a fascinating look into the history of this property and it’s ties to some of Oberlin’s most notable Underground Railroad figures. The property is located just beyond the corner of W. Hamilton and Pyle Road right outside Oberlin. It is privately owned. Labels: Adventure Cycling, architecture, History, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, Oberlin, Underground Railroad
Friday, November 16, 2007
This weekend around the Back Roads and Beaches route
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.
Labels: architecture, arts, autumn, back roads and beaches, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin, Splash Zone, wineries
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Back Roads and Beaches Bike route spectacular autumn weekend
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.
Labels: architecture, arts, back roads and beaches, biking, events, fall
Friday, September 7, 2007
Art, Architecture and Bikes
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 44889440.965.8309
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...
Labels: architecture, arts, back roads and beaches, events, Oberlin, wineries
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Dean Road historical bridge
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Kayaking in Lorain with children
