The daffodils are peeking out of the dirt, college kids have gone and come back from spring break and you’re just plain tired of being stuck inside the office or house. So you need a break? But again this year, pre-summer gas prices have climbed way past your budget for a serious road trip and when gas prices go up, we know what airfare does…up, up and away it goes! Here at the Lake County Visitors Bureau we’re hearing whispers of “staycations” and folks not planning to travel far from home for the summer vacation season. But none of this means you need to give up on a summer adventure. You can still have a pleasant getaway in Northeast Ohio – just fill up the gas tank once and head toward Lake County. Here are summer plans you may enjoy…
Headlands Beach State Park - Mentor, Ohio
1. Be a bum Sounds easy right? You could do that at home, but let’s face it, you’d just end up doing laundry and watching an unhealthy amount of reality TV so pack a bag for the weekend and become a beach bum instead. Spend the weekend in the sun at Headland Beach State Park where you can swim, hike the trails and even fish – all at the same park. And just a stone’s throw away is the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse where you can climb all 69 steps to the top of the lighthouse and catch a birds-eye-view of Lake Erie. Since you’re there, stroll down to the beach and try something new; rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from the Lake Metroparks at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach.
Vintage Ohio Wine Festival - Kirtland, Ohio
2. Plan around an event Summer is definitely our busy time of year in Lake County so there is never a shortage of events to peek visitor’s interest. Consider planning a trip around a Lake County event such as the Civil War Encampment and Re-enactment at the Lake county History Center July 14-15. As Ohio continues to remember the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this event is not only educational, it’s full of fun and good food! If that’s not your thing, consider an August trip for the largest wine festival in Ohio – Vintage Ohio. Need we say more than samples of wine from over 20 of Ohio’s best wineries?! And one more event worth planning a visit for is Painesville’s annual Party in the Park. July 20 – 22 Ohio’s largest free music festival brings 30 acts from around the country and Ohio to center stage for a weekend of music.
Downtown Willoughby, Ohio
3. Calm and quiet
Sometimes vacation should just be a relaxing period of nothingness…a break from routine, no sightseeing or racing around from one stop to another. If that’s the case, we suggest packing your bags and heading to one of our many peaceful bed & breakfasts in the area. Then set afoot and stroll the streets of one of our quaint downtown districts such as the Downtown areas of Willoughby, Painesville or Madison. Dinner at any one of Lake County’s one-of-kind restaurants can stir you from the usual routine. Or perhaps you’d prefer to visit a Northeast Ohio winery where a tasting is just never enough! Summer is the perfect opportunity for a winery tour and relaxing evening with a beautiful view of rolling vineyards.
But if you just want to mix up your own fun, request a Lake County Ohio visitors guide and events calendar and discover why a getaway to Lake County Ohio is a great idea. We hope you can visit us this summer, but most of all, we hope you can enjoy the summer ahead!
MARCH 10 THROUGH MAY 13 Lake Metroparks spring art show: Woven from NatureNatural and recycled materials will be the focal point of this year’s spring art show at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Who knew recycling could get so creative?
MARCH 10 Garfield National Historic Site celebrates first ladies To celebrate Women’s History Month this March, James A. Garfield National Historic Site is preparing a special program – “The Second-Toughest Job in the World: First Ladies of the United States.”
FRIDAYS, MARCH 2, 9 & 16 A Winter Glow The Winter Glow progressive wine and dinner event is a kick-off of sorts for the highly anticipated Ice Wine Festival that comes around each March in the winery district of Northeast Ohio.
MARCH 17 AND 18 Railfest train show returns to Kirtland
Each March Lakeland Community College’s fitness center is transformed into one of Ohio’s largest two-day model railroad shows. Railfest is an event families and serious train lovers must see!
MARCH 24 AND 25 Great Lakes Mall KidShow The Lake County KidShow at Mentor’s Great Lakes Mall is the longest running free kids event in Northeast Ohio. This weekend-long event features hundreds of opportunities for kids to be kids!
APRIL 9 Easter Monday Egg Roll Easter egg hunts are a traditional way of celebrating the spring holiday with children, but most likely they have never experienced a traditional Easter egg roll. This April 9, the Garfield National Historic Site invites kids of all ages to step into history to do just that.
Bluestone Perennials, a Madison, Ohio family-owned nursery, is a nationally renowned nursery which ships over one million plants each year to gardeners all over the country. Bluestone Perennials is one of many nurseries still remaining in Northeast Ohio from the era when part of Lake County was known as the nursery capital of the world.
The nursery has introduced its new Coco Pots. What are Coco Pots? Coco Pots are the newest method of nursery potting that eliminates plastic pots in favor of a natural container. Made from coco fiber and husks, the pot allows plants to grow larger with more air exchange. Roots grow out, instead of being cramped by plastic containers and the plants finish faster and healthier. Best of all, the pots are 100 percent biodegradable.
The Coco Pots have allowed Bluestone Perennials to improve its shipping method.
Watch this video to learn how:
The entire line of Bluestone Perennials’ superior plants are now grown in Coco Pots. To receive a free catalog call (800) 852-5243 or visit the website to browse and shop.
Bob Ulas, Lake County Visitors Bureau Executive Director
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 1
Rabbit Run Theater brings back musical tribute to Sinatra
In an encore performance, Rabbit Run Theater presents My Way, a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra at Lakeland Civic Theatre. Celebrating Sinatra’s musical career that spanned more than 50 years, My Way opens Friday, March 23 and runs through Sunday, April 1 at Lakeland Civic Auditorium on the grounds of Lakeland Community College.
The show, conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson, is a review of 56 of Sinatra’s greatest hits, including New York, New York, High Hopes and My Way. Although no one actor portrays Sinatra, the score brilliantly presents his lifetime career using the talents of two male and two female vocalists set in a nightclub-like setting. The same four actors who performed in 2010’s nearly sold-out Rabbit Run shows are performing in this encore production.
“While there is no ‘storyline’ the actors do talk about Sinatra and his life,” said Brint Learned, director of the production. “Both the narration and the music touches on major points in his career, including his time as a band singer, his recording years with Capitol Records, his film career and the concerts from later in his life.”
As a special treat, Saturday, March 24, and Saturday, March 31, guests may start the evening with a Sinatra-inspired dinner prior to the show at the Mooreland Mansion also on the grounds of Lakeland Community College. Reservations for the combined dinner and show must be made via phone at 440-428-7092 by Friday, March 9.
Ticket reservations alone may be made online or by calling 440-428-7092, Wednesday through Sunday, 1-7 p.m. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
You don’t want to miss your chance to catch this encore performance so be sure to get your tickets soon! And let us know on Facebook how the show goes – we love photos of folks enjoying Lake County Arts!
MARCH 10 THROUGH MAY 13 Lake Metroparks spring art show: Woven from Nature
Natural and recycled materials will be the focal point of this year’s spring art show at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation – Woven from Nature. Nature offers an endless variety of raw materials in different shapes, colors and textures and that have inspired local artists to get creative with what’s lying around.
This show will capture minds both young and old with the whimsical creations on display from March 10 through May 13 in the Nature Center at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland, Ohio. The center is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
Visitors on March 10 may meet the artists at the free opening reception from noon to 4 p.m. And if you find a piece of art that is too special to walk away from, just take it home! The artwork is available for purchase and proceeds benefit Penitentiary Glen Reservation.
**Image from LakeMetroparks.com
MARCH 10 Garfield National Historic Site celebrates first ladies
To celebrate Women’s History Month this March, James A. Garfield National Historic Site is preparing a special program – “The Second-Toughest Job in the World: First Ladies of the United States.” On March 10, beginning at 1 p.m. James A. Garfield NHS volunteer Andy Curtiss will offer visitors a fascinating look at the first ladies of the United States and the important role they have played in our history.
These women promoted important causes during and after their terms as first lady, went on to serve as elected officials in their own right and even saved priceless White House artifacts from destruction. The program is free and open to all visitors.
The Winter Glow progressive wine and dinner event is a kick-off of sorts for the highly anticipated Ice Wine Festival that comes around each March in the winery district of Northeast Ohio.
Here in Northeast Ohio the Ice Wine Festival is a very special event spanning the first three Saturdays in March. So special, that the local wineries could not wait to get the celebration started. From that excitement the Winter Glow event was created and now is scheduled for each Friday before the Ice Wine Festival.
Winter Glow is a progressive dinner that moves from one winery to another for each course of the meal. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Grand River Cellars Fridays, March 2, 9 & 16 with a delicious soup and salad. Then guests will proceed to Debonné Vineyards for a wonderful main course and finish the night with dessert at South River Vineyards. Wine makers at all three wineries will pair each of the courses with their locally produced wines. The professionally prepared menus will differ from week to week with foods such as grilled beef fillet with a honey grape sauce and Smoky Poblano Soup! (To preview the full menus for each wine event click here.)
Reservations are required and this event will fill up quickly so please reserve your seats now by calling Debonné Vineyards at 440-466-3485.
MARCH 16, 17 or 18 Spring hikes and pancake breakfast at Holden Arboretum
Kick off Holden Arboretum’s annual spring hiking challenge, Hike Holden, with a pancake supper March 16, 17 or 18. This family-friendly tradition encourages explorers to trek through several of Holden’s trails, ranging from gentle slopes to adventurous climbs, to work up an appetite for pancakes!
The menu for the pancake supper is stuffed with everyone’s favorite breakfast items including Holden’s sustainably produced maple syrup. Gluten-free pancakes will also be available again this year. Friday night’s supper is especially for Holden Arboretum members, but Saturday and Sunday’s activities are open to the public and reservations are being taken now.
The guided hikes taking place throughout the weekend will not only prepare you for a large supper, they will also count towards the Hike Holden Challenge. The challenge is simple…hike six of the designated Hike Holden trails before spring is over and win a Hike Holden pin to proudly represent your completion of the challenge. (And to use for bragging purposes!) Hike Holden passes can be purchased for $18. Regular gate fee is $6.
So what do you say? Put on your boots and get hiking! We’d love to see photos of some of your hiking experiences too. Share them on our Facebook Page.
MARCH 17 AND 18
Railfest train show returns to Kirtland
Each March Lakeland Community College’s fitness center is transformed into one of Ohio’s largest two-day model railroad shows. Railfest is an event families and serious train lovers must see on March 17 and 18!
Not only will Railfest supply a large number of model railroad dealers and experts, but there will also be many operating model railroad displays running throughout the event and an ongoing flea market as well.
Visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information please call 440-357-8890.
MARCH 24 AND 25
Great Lakes Mall KidShow
The Lake County KidShow at Mentor’s Great Lakes Mall is the longest running free kids event in Northeast Ohio. This weekend-long event features hundreds of opportunities for kids to be kids!
March 24 and 25 the mall will be a kids’ wonderland with bouncing inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes, roaming costume characters and displays from some of the area’s most kid-friendly organizations. Both days will be filled with entertainment by magicians, dance groups and musicians, but Saturday’s visitors will receive a surprise; the first 500 families to register on Saturday will receive a free goody bag!
So if you’re looking for a way to cure cabin fever (or a way for the kids to release some energy!) this show may be just what you need. The show will be open Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information please call 440-974-1198.
APRIL 9 Easter Monday Egg Roll
Easter egg hunts are a traditional way of celebrating the spring holiday with children, but most likely they have never experienced a traditional Easter egg roll. This April 9, the Garfield National Historic Site invites kids of all ages to step into history to do just that.
Kids will race one another down the lawn of the Garfield home rolling wooden eggs – much like the tradition that still takes place in Washington D.C. today. After the egg roll relay, kids will be able to play games and learn about the tradition of the event through original memorabilia from White House Easter egg rolls of the past.
Festivities begin at 1 p.m. and admission is free the day of the egg roll. Please call 440-255-8722 for more information.
Come on…get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter woodlands on a guided nature hike with Lake Metroparks naturalists. What could be better than a hike, campfire, warm food and music to cure your cabin fever? Winter Hike activities will begin at Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 19.
Now all we need is a little extra snow to really make this a winter adventure!
There are four hikes, varying in length and terrain, from which hikers may choose:
An interpretive hike about three miles long with a few stops along the way
A shorter and easier hike for novice hikers
Fast walkers who want to get some fresh air and enjoy the park
A self-guided short trail option for families with young children or more limited mobility (Easy-to-follow trail maps are available in the Nature Center)
After adventuring all day you may want to relax and listen to live folk music while enjoying hot soup and beverages served inside the Nature Center. Outdoors, the warmth of a roaring campfire will be ready with s’mores for everyone. All participants will receive a Winter Hike patch and an add-on year patch.
Hiking boots are recommended as the trails maybe snow- and/or mud-covered. Remember to dress in warm, comfortable layers. Learn more about the Winter Hike and hiking safety tips from Lake Metroparks.
Registration Information:
Pre-registration is required for participation in the Winter Hike at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Register online or call 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. The program fee is $8 per person, all ages welcome (under 18 with an adult, please).
Today’s post comes from guest blogger Dan Maxson. He shares how Lake County’s love for the outdoors began.
A ‘Hike’ into the past - Gildersleeve Mountain, Halle Ravine and Gully Brook Local residents of Lake County have always been familiar with the scenic and spectacular local natural areas that surround them. Essays published by naturalist John Burroughs influenced a group of local area men to meet and form a Burroughs Nature Club in circa 1916. This club featured speakers and club explorations to places throughout Lake County. These places included Gildersleeve Mountain (Chapin Forest), Halle Ravine (Penitentiary Glen Reservation), Mentor Headlands and Mentor Marsh as well as Gully Brook.
Gildersleeve Mountain: Settled in 1808 by S.A. Gildersleeve, this Kirtland property is situated 1,163 feet above sea level and less than seven miles from the shores of Lake Erie. It is also the start of the Allegheny Plateau. While the landscape, foliage and diversity is impressive, it is the scenic vistas that make this area noteworthy. Gildersleeve Mountain is only 18 miles from downtown Cleveland and on a clear day it is possible to see Avon, Ohio (Western Cleveland) and beyond. Another fascinating part of the park is Quarry Creek Ravine near the Old South Church property. It was the site of the Stannard Quarry Company which provided the stones for the Kirtland Temple. The State of Ohio acquired the property in 1949 and Frederick Chapin and others used the site for forestry research. In 1966, the Lake County Metroparks assumed control of approximately 60 percent of the original holdings and today maintains the trails of what is now Chapin Forest Reservation.
Halle Ravine:
Settlers founded this area of Lake County in the 1880’s and discovered deep gorges divided the property in two. Samuel and Blache Halle, of the Halle Brothers Company in Cleveland, established a summer estate and working farm in the gorge area in 1912. The Burnett family was hired as the caretakers of the farm and Maude Dolittle, a Massachusetts teacher served as the summer naturalist for the Halle children. Today the original horse barn is all that remains of their estate and is used today as the Penitentiary Glen Reservation nature center by Lake Metroparks, which assumed control of the 424 acres in 1974. Halle Farm artifacts and photo albums are on display inside the center as well as gorge related nature experiences. Over 7.5 miles of trails are open to the public for hiking or snowshoeing.
Gully Brook: Gully Brook was well known as early as 1916 when local Willoughby residents/naturalists set about to conserve the area. By 1925 a public call for a natural woods preserve was mentioned and as the construction of I-90 in the 1950’s diverted many streams and altered the landscape and watersheds in the Gully Brook property, attention again was focused on the issue. The tributaries, hemlock ravines and carpeted wildflower landscapes of Gully Brook Park are now preserved for future generations as the early calls for a wooded nature preserve were finally answered last year. Gully Brook Park opened in 2011 as a Lake Metroparks site for visitors to enjoy.
The New Year has just begun where resolutions and pledges are soon broken. A resolution that can easily be kept is this: Take a hike (Or a winter snow shoe adventure) at each of the mentioned properties and reconnect or rediscover the natural history that a group of citizens helped preserve for you and the generations to follow.
-Dan Maxson – Curator/President, Fairport Harbor Historical Society
Spend a cozy winter afternoon at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center learning all about winter birds at the Winter Bird Open House on Sunday, January 29, in Kirtland, Ohio.
Relax with a hot drink, watch the birds at the feeders in the award-winning Window on Wildlife and ask a naturalist all your bird and bird feeding questions. Chat with guides about the different styles of bird feeders, the ins and outs of binoculars and identifying the top ten birds in your backyard this winter.
Activities include:
· Short presentations on common winter birds
· Lessons about binoculars, feeders and bird field guides
· Bird scavenger hunts and quizzes
· Help us count the birds at our feeders for Project Feeder Watch
· Drawings for FREE bird-related items
· Displays of bird-related merchandise by local vendors
Other regular Nature Center activities include the sights and sounds of wildlife at the interactive Nature Calls exhibit. Guests can also visit indoor and outdoor native Ohio wildlife ambassadors at the Wildlife Center, take a hike on more than seven miles of trails (open year-round) or sign-out a kids X-Plorer Pack filled with hands-on activities that help you discover nature in the park. Snowshoes are also available for rent (weather permitting). Admission is free for all ages. No registration required.
Welcome to the Lake County Visitors Bureau Blog. Celebrate your valued getaway time in Lake County, Lake Erie's Coastal Getaway Oasis. Enjoy our magnificent vistas with calming Lake Erie breezes, a New England ambiance close to home but out of this world.
The nursery has introduced its new Coco Pots. What are Coco Pots? Coco Pots are the newest method of nursery potting that eliminates plastic pots in favor of a natural container. Made from coco fiber and husks, the pot allows plants to grow larger with more air exchange. Roots grow out, instead of being cramped by plastic containers and the plants finish faster and healthier. Best of all, the pots are 100 percent biodegradable.
In an encore performance, 
Natural and recycled materials will be the focal point of this year’s spring art show at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation – 
The Winter Glow progressive wine and dinner event is a kick-off of sorts for the highly anticipated Ice Wine Festival that comes around each March in the winery district of Northeast Ohio.
Kick off Holden Arboretum’s annual spring hiking challenge, 
March 24 and 25 the mall will be a kids’ wonderland with bouncing inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes, roaming costume characters and displays from some of the area’s most kid-friendly organizations. Both days will be filled with entertainment by magicians, dance groups and musicians, but Saturday’s visitors will receive a surprise; the first 500 families to register on Saturday will receive a free goody bag!
Easter egg hunts are a traditional way of celebrating the spring holiday with children, but most likely they have never experienced a traditional Easter egg roll. This April 9, the 
