Harvest Time for Lake & Ashtabula Counties
Both grapes and Perch will be harvested in Ashtabula and Lake Counties this month. As the largest winery district in Ohio, Ashtabula and Lake County wineries will be very busy harvesting grapes for wine production. This summer’s warm weather has resulted in a bountiful crop. Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy the peak activity of the wineries at harvest time.
Perch will be netted and ready to be fried at the Lake County PerchFest™, Ohio’s largest Lake Erie yellow perch fish fry, September 10-12, at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. What a tasty way to welcome fall!
We are giving advance notice to all travelers that fall foliage is spectacular in both counties. Lake County will feature a fall foliage tour with 15,000 acres of public access to a blended canvas of trees and leaves. Lake County’s foliage season lasts longer than most, but that doesn’t mean you should wait!
Ashtabula’s major event this September is the Grape Jamboree, September 25 and 26, in Geneva. The Grape Jamboree celebrates 47 years of the concord grape, the backbone of the startup and growth of this region as a major grape producer.
Lake and Ashtabula Counties are blessed with major fruit farms producing large amounts of fresh fruit, especially apple varieties not seen in other locations. Travel Route 2 to Route 20 of Lake and Ashtabula to discover fresh fruit along with a pleasant scenic ride. Stop for lunch or visit our wineries along the way.
Other events this fall include the Village Peddler Festival at Lake Metroparks Farmpark September 17 and 18 – an unique event drawing crafters and visitors from the region.
The Lake County Captains, are in the playoffs in September. The Captains are a Cleveland Indians Class A baseball team playing in a $27 million state of the art stadium, “Classic Park”. Congratulations! Check www.captainsbaseball.com for ticket and schedule information.
Charter fishing will also be in full force for perch in Lake and Ashtabula this fall. The jumbos are here, in the deeper, cooler waters of Lake Erie’s Central Basin. Call 800-368-LAKE or 1-800-3-DROP-IN for more information on fishing or any local events.
- Bob Ulas, Executive Director, Lake County Visitors Bureau.
Mark Winchell, Director, Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lake County PerchFest™ Frying Over a Ton of Perch
September 10-12, 2010
Last September, 2,500 pounds of perch were sold at the Lake County PerchFest™. So this year the Lake County Visitors Bureau is preparing for more guests with additional fish fryers and additional food vendors.
Enjoying a perch dinner right on a Lake Erie beach is one of the charms of the Lake County PerchFest™, Ohio’s largest Lake Erie yellow perch fish fry at the 25 acre Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park.
Again this year, thanks in part to sponsor Dollar Bank, admission is Free. Free admission allows more visitors attend during challenging economic times to discover the east side of Lake Erie.
Fish fry vendor Chris Bennett uses only Lake Erie yellow perch, coated with a light seasoned breading, fried in canola oil. See the full menu here.
Numerous activities take place during the annual tradition. The Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday, noon – 7p.m. ($3.00 adult, $2.00 youth admission). The 28-foot Lake Erie research vessel, North River, will be on display for tours courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Fairport Harbor Fisheries Station. Live entertainment with new bands will play all weekend. And expanded youth activities like a chalk drawing contest are planned to accompany the popular youth fishing tank stocked with perch, bass, trout and bluegill involving parents and children.
Karaoke (with a $500 total purse), Corn Hole, a perch fishing tournament for youth and adults, Chinese auction and a Classic Car Show (Friday, September 10th) with music by the Samantha Fitzpatrick Band are also scheduled for the weekend.
For further information visit www.perchfest.net or call 800-368-LAKE.
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Madison Bender |
The 29th Annual Village Peddler Festival
The Village Peddler Festival is an outdoor marketplace of crafts, food and music, held on Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, Ohio.
From what I am told craftsmen from all over Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan will travel to participate in the 29th annual event. Enjoy a stroll down shaded paths of this quaint festival visiting craftsmen and artisans selling American handmade arts and crafts in the styles of traditional, country, Americana, Victorian and primitive.
Not only will the air be filled with music but also the aroma of food cooking over open fires, sure to tantalize the appetite. An array of food vendors and a gourmet and harvest market will be on site to please your appetite.
Admission: $7 for adults (12-59), $6 for mature adults (60+) and $4 for children (2-11). Children younger than two are free. Groups and tours are welcome.
9th Annual Mentor Cruise-In
Join the Great Lakes Mall, City of Mentor and local sponsors for the 9th Annual Mentor Cruise In at its new location – Great Lakes Mall. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2–8 p.m. (Rain Date: September 12). The Cruise In features cars and trucks 1985 and older.
The event includes food, music, trophies for category winners, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and more! Registration for cars begins at 11 a.m. This event is absolutely free for spectators; so go and see a great assortment of class cars. For more information call (440) 255-8932.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio/24-Hour Dance Marathon
I learned something new about our area recently, Willoughby is home to a ballroom dance studio – Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Since the spark of interest in social dance recently, I thank popular TV shows, there is a great demand for local opportunities to do what the stars do on TV each week.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio there are many options for anyone interested including singles or couples (no partner necessary!), private and group lessons, wedding choreography, and social and competition dancing. The programs encompass all styles of ballroom dance both American and international.
Coming up in October, Fred Astaire Dance Studio will host the 24-Hour Dance Marathon – but fundraising starts now to benefit Dancing Classrooms of Northeast Ohio. For more information on this event or the Fred Astaire Dance Studio please call 440-516-7837 or visit the studio online.
The Willoughby Ghost Walk
Now in its 3rd season!
When it gets to this time of year people start getting ready for spooky tales and frights. Well, the Willoughby Ghost Walk will definitely give you goosebumps! It is a thrilling tour through the Haunted Historic district of Downtown Willoughby, Ohio.
Take an after dark stroll through a downtown full of haunted tales. Explore the shadow-filled streets as you listen to chilling stories of grave robbers, unexplained happenings and haunted houses that will have you checking over your shoulder and asking “what was that noise?” Visit the cemetery and hear stories of intrigue, sadness and ghostly sightings.
The Willoughby Ghost Walk covers approximately 12 blocks and takes almost 2 hours. Tours operate Friday evenings May-August beginning at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings September-October beginning at 8 p.m. Reservations for the Ghost Walk can be made by calling 440-710-4140 or visiting our Web site. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Life-Size Balloon Farm at Farmpark
October 2 – 17, during regular park hours, guests not only can enjoy the regular Farmpark exhibits, but Switfy’s Farm Balloon Art.
Swifty’s Farm, the nation’s largest indoor balloon art sculpture will be displayed at Lake Metroparks Farmpark as a life-size farm-themed walk-through display made entirely of balloons!
Featured this year are a barn, farm animals, pickup truck, chicken coop, garden, orchard, pond, bi-plane, water tower and an outhouse. This awesome display by Master Balloon Artists takes five days (220 man-hours) to create the displays made up of more than 20,000 balloons!
For more information, call (440) 256-2122 or 800-366-3276 or visit the Web site.
The exhibit is included with regular Farmpark admission.
Admission
Ages 2-11, $4
Ages 60+, $5
Ages 12-59, $6
Children younger than two, Free
Farmpark members, Free
New Tastes Brought to Lake County by New Winery
Lake County Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome Bene Vino, a new boutique winery, to Lake County! Located in Perry, Ohio in a converted warehouse on Main Street, the winery focuses on wines not commonly found in this region.
Bene Vino’s owner and winemaker, Benny Bucci, said, “All the wines are made on the premises” and the winery produces nearly “3,000 gallons per year.” The hopes are to expand production in the future.
Bucci is hoping to release four to five Chilean wines in the next few weeks and Californian wines this fall. Bene Vino’s also uses regional fruit to produce wines popular in Northeast Ohio.
Bene Vino’s does not yet have a food license so visitors are encouraged to bring picnics and snacks to enjoy at the winery. Local restaurant menus are also available and orders can be delivered right to your table!
Every weekend, live musical entertainment is on site. Jazz, blues and acoustic performers hit the stage every Friday and Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
The winery is open every Wednesday and Thursday, 3-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon-11 p.m. Buses and groups are welcome. For more information please call the winery at 216-973-2711.
Get the Real Story of Ohio Clambakes!
This September 26 (1-5 p.m.; serving from 1-3 p.m.) enjoy a traditional clambake in the Western Reserve style. While you are there, get the real story on Clambakes in Ohio, explore the museum and historic village and enjoy musical entertainment. Reservations are needed to attend – call 440-639-2945.
Tickets: $28 members; $33 non-members
More information can be found here.
Menu
Ohio’s best clam chowder donated by Hellriegel’s Inn of Painesville, 1 dz. tender long neck clams, corn, sweet potatoes, succulent BBQ chicken, coleslaw, rolls & butter
Kids meals of hot dog & pizza available.
Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show
Tractors, corn maze and fall food favorites are part of Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show September 25-26 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
This is a festival of harvest, food and fun for the entire family, features crafters, antique tractors and engines, harvest activities and demonstrations, 3-acre corn maze, a hay maze for the little ones and live music.
Admission
• Ages 2-11, $4
• Ages 60+, $5
• Ages 12-59, $6
• Children younger than 2, Free
• Farmpark members, Free
Festival Attractions
• Apple butter & cider making & tasting
• Live music
• 3-acre corn maze
• Kids’ hay maze
• Grain threshing
• Antique Tractor Show
• Parade of Power
• Fresh harvest soup
• Name that tool
• Historical encampment
• Craft show
• Pony rides ($3)
• All of Farmpark’s daily attractions
• Food and more!
Call 800-366-FARM for more information or visit the Farmpark Web site.
Mentor is home to Lawnfield Inn & Suites; imagine part B&B part modern hotel and Lawnfield is what you get. This locally owned and operated inn has a homey feeling. Take the front porch rocking chairs, the fireplaces or the warmly decorated lobby and parlor. Lawnfield Inn & Suites offers comfort and quality to all guests at an affordable rate and is more than just a local hotel.
Lawnfield is a 50 room boutique inn, located in the historic district in Mentor, Ohio. Originally built in 1861, all the rooms are large, comfortable and have the latest amenities for your comfort. Suite information can be found here.
Lawnfield is the perfect getaway accommodation for your next special occasion. Stop by and ask them what they can do for wedding parties, school reunions, family gatherings, and business meeting. Take a virtual tour now!
This month, Lawnfield has a fantastic entertainment opportunity for guests and the local community as well. Vocalist and pianist extraordinaire, Freddy Cole (Nat’s Brother), with his All-Star Quartet will be bringing jazzy melodies to Lawnfield Inn & Suites Friday September 3 at 8 p.m. Cole will be performing music from his new High Note CD “The Dreamer in Me”. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased by calling 440-205-7378.
More information about Lawnfield Inn & Suites
Oktoberfest and Train Show at Railroad Museum
Mentor, Ohio is home to the best model railroad museum you could imagine. The Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum may be tucked behind some industrial buildings off of State Route 2, but the museum is well on its way to filling its massive convention and museum located on Justin Way.
This September 25 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and September 26 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) visit the museum for its Oktoberfest Fall Open House and Train Show. Admission to the museum is always free, and the train show is a separate $7 special event admission fee. Come out and enjoy an afternoon at the largest model railroad museum of its kind with 25 different scales on display and 11 different operating layouts- even stop by the train show at the convention hall attached to the museum.
The live music of the “Erie Heights Brass Ensemble” will play from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. Children can get their faces painted for free from noon-3 p.m. on Sunday. Food and soda will be available in the museum Café catered by Mama Roberto’s. More information can be found on their Web site or by calling 440-251-0350.
Family Friendly Perry Fall Festival
On September 11 and 12 (Noon-8 p.m. Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday) the Perry Fall Festival will take over Perry Village Park and transform it into a quaint hometown festival. As fall comes around don’t miss one of your last opportunities for a Lake County festival filled with vendors, games, food and entertainment, all weekend long; even a Chinese auction with the drawing taking place Sunday at 4 p.m. The festival is free, so bring the family down! Call 440-259-5140 for additional information.
Treasures of Lawnfield: The Museum Collection at James A. Garfield NHS—A 30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m. the James A. Garfield National Historic Site will host the last of four 30th Anniversary events celebrating the site’s preservation efforts led by the National Park Service.
Visit Lawnfield in Mentor, Ohio to get a close-up view of restored objects and spaces in the Garfield Home, led by the curators who performed much of the work. This final 30th anniversary program will trace the restoration of several key family artifacts in the Garfield Home. See before, during and after images of the work done to return these objects to their original appearance.
Eighty percent of the artifacts on display at James A. Garfield NHS are original to the Garfield family and this collection is one of the country’s most complete collections of presidential artifacts. Free of charge. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 440-255-8722.
Kites on the Lawn – Debonne Vineyards
The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites will be at Debonné Vineyards September 25, to showcase some of their highly sophisticated kites. The event takes place 1-5 p.m. weather permitting.
Sunday, September 19, take the family and the family dog to Holden Arboretum for the 2010 Woofstock Furry Walk-A-Thon and Family Festival. Individuals and families are encouraged to run or walk with their dogs for fun and for the cause. The Walk-A-Thon will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by canine games, an agility course, a kids’ activity area, festive live music and a chance for participants to visit many related vendor booths. Bring your favorite canine and join the fun at this popular event. More information can be found by calling 440-946-4400 or visiting Holden Arboretum online.
Lake County Published in International Magazine
Freelance writer Stacey Wittig’s article about Northeast Ohio wineries has been republished in TravelWorld International Magazine.
The article was originally written for a contest for The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The writer who submits the best story about the yearly conference’s host city wins a grand prize provided by the CVB.
In 2009, the host city was Cleveland, Ohio.
Originally published in Lake Erie Lifestyle Magazine, TravelWorld International Magazine has now reprinted the winning article – Take the Guys on This Girls’ Getaway.
Read why Lake County is a fascinating and ideal location no matter what getaway you’re planning!
History comes alive any time the RamRod Busters make an appearance in Lake County. September 4-5 (Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) the Chagrin River Rendezvous will demonstrate many aspects of 18th and 19th century American life and culture.
The event takes place at Daniels Park in Willoughby, Ohio and will feature an American history rendezvous open encampment 1775-1865 and live firing range.
The encampment is free, but there is a charge for the firing range. Call 440-951-4813 for more information.
HARVEST TIME FOR LAKE & ASHTABULA COUNTIES
