Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010 by Laura Blake

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2010 annual

Travel Guide 2010 annual Travel Guide

Great Getaway Ideas for Any Time of Year

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Lake Erie Living readers captured the best of the region including spectacular sunsets, quiet beach strolls and iconic landmarks.

Lake Erie Photo 14

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Western Ohio Dave Lowe of Dayton, Ohio, called this photo “Toes in the Water.” “I was looking for a photo to describe the real peacefulness of the lake and how relaxing it was,” he recounts. “So I got my girlfriend’s little sister and told her to sit down and enjoy herself on the dock. After that, everything fell into place.”

Lake Erie Islands Travel photographer Laura Watilo Blake shot this tangle of branches and shoes on the northwest corner of Pelee Island. “The shoe tree holds the secrets of those who have walked here before,” she says. “I felt a twinge of melancholy when I saw a pair of sneakers on which someone had written ‘1971-2008’ on the soles.”

Album

Eastern Ontario Laura Watilo Blake stumbled onto this Autumn scene purely by accident. “I was looking for a place to park at Niagara Falls, but I didn’t want to pay the high prices,” she says. “I just kept on driving and ended up at this gem of a place called Dufferin Island Park.” Just below the falls on the Niagara Parkway, this quiet, secluded park contains several small islands connected by small bridges and footpaths. “The Niagara River corridor is spectacular in the fall.” LakeErieLiving.com

Crossing the Border U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have a passport, passport card or other compliant document. Children under age 16 are able to cross land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate).

The New U.S. Passport Card Option The U.S. Department of State began offering the passport card to help expedite document processing at the U.S. land and sea ports of entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. For more information or to apply, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Web site (travel. state.gov), or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens must present a valid passport, a NEXUS or FAST card, or other acceptable document when seeking to enter the United States at U.S. land and water ports of entry. Canadian citizens 15 years of age and under only require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 and under who are traveling with a school or other organized group, with parental/ guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone. For more information, visit the Canada Border-Services Agency’s Web site at cbsa.gc.ca.

When Arriving by Personal Watercraft • The INS requires inspections of small vessels and their passengers when entering the U.S. from Canadian soil at a designated U.S. port of entry. Obtain an INS I-68 form in advance by applying at one of the following Lake Erie ports of entry, or call an INS office for more information: Cleveland (216267-3600), Sandusky (419-625-2194) or Toledo (419-259-6474). • The U.S. Customs Service has offices in Ashtabula (440-99820

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

3073), Cleveland (440-891-3800) and Toledo/Sandusky (419259-6424). • Call Canadian Customs at 888-226-7277 for instructions on where to report for a customs inspection on arrival in Canada.

When Arriving by Ferry: • You must have proper identification for all members in a party. Customs offices are located at ferry embarkation points on Pelee Island and in Sandusky. istockphoto.com/korhan hasim isik

Contact:

Jet Express, 800-245-1538, jet-express.com Kelleys Island Ferry, 419-798-9763, kelleysislandferry.com Miller Ferry, 800-500-2421, millerferry.com Owen Sound Transportation Company, 800-661-2220, ontarioferries.com Sonny-S, 419-285-8774, sonny-s.com

Ferry Crossing Information

Most visitors access the islands by ferry. Choose an island below for detailed destination-specific information. Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) Miller Ferry heads to Put-in-Bay from Catawba on the mainland (18 minutes). Jet Express travels to Put-inBay from Sandusky, Port Clinton and Kelleys Island.

laura watilo blake

Pelee Island Between April and October, the Owen Sound Transportation Company offers travel to Pelee Island from Leamington and Kingsville, Ontario, (1 1/2 hours) and from Sandusky (1 3/4 hours).

Kelleys Island Jet Express services Kelleys Island with a direct ferry from Sandusky (20 minutes), plus other departures from Port Clinton and Put-in-Bay on South Bass island. Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line offers service from Marblehead (20 minutes). Boats depart every hour, and there is additional service at peak times. Middle Bass Island Miller Ferry has the only direct ferry from Catawba on the mainland to Middle Bass Island (40 minutes). The Sonny-S provides the ferry link between Middle Bass and Put-in-Bay between May and September (10 minutes).

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Southeastern Michigan

My Own Way

Michigan’s Swedish shopping spree by Laura Watilo Blake For many people, Ikea is more a destination than simply a home furnishings store. It has die-hard fans who drive hours to visit, its impact on consumers has spawned research that one Harvard professor calls the “Ikea effect,” and it was responsible for at least one marriage, which I witnessed. When Ikea first came to Canton, Mich., and became Travel the closest store to me, I naturally heralded its arrival Token: with a visit during its opening weekend. What a crazy The Jorun day that was; I’m pleased to say the crowds have since died throw set me down — a little. A couple times a year, the big blue box calls back only $7.99. my name. On the most recent trip, I went with my friends Susan and Jeff and their two children. Walking through the front doors, we were greeted with the aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls that subconsciously say, “I am home.” That’s exactly how you’re supposed to feel as you try out the various living spaces on the second level of the 311,000-square-foot store, full of kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. The Marketplace features smaller home organization items, lighting, rugs, plants and more. And then there’s the in-store restaurant that serves up Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and lingonberries. An added benefit for families is the free supervised play area for kids who are potty trained. Unfortunately, my friends’ kids did not qualify, so more time was spent chasing them around the store and changing diapers than anything else. Susan and Jeff still managed to fill the two cars we came in with new shelves and other household items but forgot to commemorate their first meeting, which took place almost exactly 10 years earlier at another Ikea store. Things have certainly changed since they first locked eyes on each other, but the Ikea lifestyle — based on stylish and functional goods at affordable prices — endures. 41640 Ford Road, Canton, Mich., 734-981-6300, ikea.com

Field Trips Flower Power: Westcroft Gardens, located on Grosse Ile in the middle of the Detroit River, has been, in some form or another, around for more than 230 years, earning the distinction of being the oldest farm in Michigan still owned by the same family. In addition to the farm’s retail nursery that specializes in azaleas and rhododendrons, there is a petting zoo, and a botanical garden that is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. The best time to see the flowering bushes is usually late spring to early summer, Throw: Laura Watilo Blake

but there’s something to see year round. 21803 W. River Road, 734-676-2444, westcroftgardens.com Milk it For All it’s Worth: Hoof it over to Calder Dairy & Farm where the “girls” each produce nearly eight gallons of utterly delicious milk per day. Milk is the key ingredient for making the 37 flavors of farm-made ice cream that is dished up at the on-site store. Other farm residents include ducks, geese, donkeys, miniature horses and a potbelly pig. The farm is open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but the best time to visit is at 4 p.m., when the cows are being milked. 9334 Finzel Road, Carleton, 734654-2622, calderdairy.com

Region at a Glance

Wayne County The most populous county in Michigan

MAJOR CITY Detroit: Home to the American automobile industry and Motown, the city features world-class cars, culture, gaming, music and sports.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau 211 W. Fort St., Ste. 1000 Detroit, Mich. 800-DETROIT, visitdetroit.com

Monroe County Named for President James Monroe in anticipation of his 1817 visit to Michigan Territory, the county is now the “Golf Capital of Michigan.”

MAJOR CITY Monroe: One of the most historic cities in Michigan

TRAVEL INFORMATION Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau 103 W. Front St. Monroe, Mich. 800-252-3011, monroeinfo.com

News David Does Detroit Former Talking Heads front man David Byrne chronicles his bike-riding adventures in his new book Bicycle Diaries (Viking, $26). He says his bike ride through urban Detroit was one of the best and most memorable rides he’s taken.

Connect the Dots Detroit artist Tyree Guyton’s Heidelberg Project is a unique outdoor artscape that began 24 years ago when he transformed an abandoned crack house on Heidelberg Street with discarded objects and remnants of urban life. Today, the Heidelberg Project (heidelberg.org) is the third most visited tourist site in Detroit.

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Southeastern Michigan Comerica Park

Regional Events Feb. 26-28

Autorama: Cobo Center in Detroit. Feature cars, hot rods, customs, motorcycles, tuners, BMX stunt shows, unicycle shows and rockabilly bands. autorama.com

May 22-23

Five

Great Attractions

2. Music

Detroit is home to the Motown Historical Museum (2648 W. Grand Blvd., 313-

875-2264) and its world-famous Studio A, which launched the careers of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and the Jackson Five. Detroit is also the birthplace of techno music, which is celebrated each Memorial Day Weekend with the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. Other landmarks include the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum

(18301 W. McNichols Road, 313-592-0017) and Fifty-four Sound (1525 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale), which is Eminem’s recording studio.

3. Sports

Even if it’s not a game day, Tigers fans can head to Comerica Park (2100 Woodward Ave.) for a photo with the gigantic stone tiger that guards the entrance. Red Wings

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

June 18-20

Belleville National Strawberry Festival: Main Street in Belleville. Two midways, music and concerts, bingo, craftspeople, pageants, food and more. 734-697-3137, nationalstrawberryfest.com

Aug. 14-15

1. Cars

The Detroit Historical Museum (5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-833-1805) traces how Detroit workers moved from frontiers to factories. The Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum (5020 John R St., 248349-7223) showcases more than 40 racing and high-performance vehicles. The Automotive Hall of Fame (21400 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, 313-240-4000) celebrates the creative people who have left their mark in the auto industry. And the Walter P. Chrysler Museum (1 Chrysler Dr., Auburn Hills, 248944-0001) showcases the company’s antique, custom and concept cars.

Promenade Tecumseh: Tecumseh Historical Museum. Historic homes, a civil war encampment, horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, cemetery tour and antique show. 888-261-3367, tecumseh.mi.us

9th Annual River Raisin Jazz Festival: St. Mary’s Park in Monroe. The biggest names in Jazz music. riverraisinjazzfestival@ monroeinfo.com

Sept. 3-6

Detroit International Jazz Festival: Hart Plaza - Campus Martius Park. Six stages and 100 acts. detroitjazzfest.com

Sept. 4-6

The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village

fans can stop by the Hockeytown Café (2301 Woodward Ave., 313-965-9500) for a burger and brew in the midst of a remarkable collection of Red Wings memorabilia. If you have a large group, Ford Field (2000 Brush St., 313-965-7824) offers tours of the stadium, where you can peek into an NFL locker room, walk down the tunnel to the field and stand on the turf for a player’s view of the stadium.

4. History

The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn,

313-271-1570, hfmgv.org) features the bicycle shop where the Wright Brothers invented their flying machine, the city bus on which Rosa Parks challenged segregation and Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, where he perfected the filament for the light bulb.

5. Natural Resources

Michigan’s first urban state park, the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor, has

a marina, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and viewing areas where visitors can spot foxes, muskrats and birds.

Arts, Beats & Eats: Royal Oak. Fifty restaurants, 200 music performers and 155 art exhibitors. artsbeatseats.com

Oct. 4-10

12th Annual Custer Week Celebration: Monroe County Historical Museum in Monroe. Exploration of Custer and the Civil War. 800-252-3011

Oct. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village: Dearborn. Follow an endless path of hand-carved jacko-lanterns, feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations. thehenryford.org

December

(exact dates to be announced)

Noel Night: Detroit’s Cultural Center. Horsedrawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities, music, theater and dance. detroitmidtown.com

Dec. 3-4

28th Annual Christmas in Ida: Downtown Ida. Craft shows, Santa’s Zoo, ice sculptures, the world famous St. Joseph Catholic Church Creche, downtown music, entertainment and more. idacivicclub.org

Dec. 10-11, 17-23, 26-27

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village: Dearborn. Candlelit paths, live entertainment, costumed presenters, carriage and Model T rides, delightful holiday shops, Santa and live reindeer, ice skating and fireworks. thehenryford.org

Jan. 16-24

North American International Auto Show: Cobo Center in Detroit. Sixty new vehicle premiers including some of the automotive world’s most anticipated. nais.com

Wake up in the place you dream about. Check out great deals at cedarpoint.com/resorts. Cedar Point has more than enough fun to fill a day, so stay the night. We’ve got four hotels, as well as cabins, cottages, and a campground. You’ll wake up to 17 amazing coasters, Planet Snoopy, fantastic live shows, and a beautiful beach. Plus experience the new Shoot the Rapids, a family thrill ride that sends you shooting through 2,100 feet of rushing water, including two huge drops. And since all overnight guests enjoy Early Entry, an extra hour on select rides, you’ll have more time to enjoy everything. With all the fun we have to offer and all the wonderful packages and discounted tickets we have available, you’ll definitely have a great stay. So book your Cedar Point family getaway today.

419.627.2106 cedarpoint.com/resortsÊUÊ-> `ÕÃ Þ]Ê"

Western Ohio

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Western Ohio Region at a Glance

Lucas County Located at the westernmost edge of Lake Erie, the county has historical treasures, big-city assets and thousands of acres of natural areas to explore.

MAJOR CITY Toledo: The center of the region, the city is recognized as the Glass City because of its long history of glass manufacturing.

Toledo Zoo

Five

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Great Animal Attractions

1. Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky

The Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with Wild, a special exhibit comprising a menagerie of the most unusual carousel animals of the past. On loan from collections throughout the country, this twoyear exhibit features some animals that have never been on public display. Such rare specimens as a bison and an alligator will stand alongside goats, horses, cows, tigers, fox, lion, deer and a rabbit. Ride the antique carousel, watch woodcarvers breathe life into new horses, and learn the history of carousels and carousel art. 301 Jackson St., Sandusky, 419626-6111, merrygoroundmuseum.org

2. Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Castalia

The hatchery offers limited lottery-style fishing on a portion of Cold Creek, a legendary waterway fed by a massive underground aquifer. The property, which features a “blue hole” with a visible depth of 22 feet, is also a perfect retreat for birders and shutterbugs. Open year-round, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. 7018 Homegardner Road, Castalia, 419-684-7499

3. African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton

More than 50 species of rare, exotic and

Laura watilo blake

endangered animals roam through this 100acre park that bills itself as a drive-through safari — the only one of its kind in the Midwest. Each car receives a bucket of animal food, but most visitors soon find out that one is not enough when they encounter the bevy of friendly beasts looking for a handout. Open daily March through November. 267 Lightner Road, Port Clinton, 800-521-2660, africansafariwildlifepark.com

4. The Toledo Zoo

There’s now one more reason to visit the zoo with the recent opening of Nature’s Neighborhood, which connects children with nature using play-based activity and allows them to interact with goats, raptors, guinea pigs, exotic birds, turtles and much more. Open year-round. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, 419-385-5721, toledozoo.org

5. Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Oak Harbor

Birders from all over the world flock here in May to see warblers and other migratory songbirds. One of the best spots for birdwatching is the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, which makes it easy to have up-close encounters with songbirds and to view bald eagles from the handicap-accessible walking trail. 13551 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor, 419-8984070, bsbobird.org

Greater Toledo Convention & Visitors Bureau 401 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, OH 43604-1067 800-243-4667, dotoledo.org

Ottawa County Ottawa County offers bustling nautical villages, bountiful roadside farm markets and island-hopping adventures.

MAJOR CITY Port Clinton: One of the gateways to the Lake Erie islands, Port Clinton has world-class fishing, boating, beaches, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Lake Erie Shores & Islands (Ottawa) 770 S.E. Catawba Road Port Clinton, OH 43452 800-441-1271, shoresandislands.com

Erie County The region became known as The Firelands after being settled by Connecticut landowners whose property had burned during the Revolutionary War.

MAJOR CITY Sandusky: Another jumping-off point for the islands, the city is Ohio’s water park capital and home to Cedar Point amusement park.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Lake Erie Shores & Islands (Erie) 4424 Milan Road, Suite A Sandusky, OH 44870 800-255-3743, shoresandislands.com LakeErieLiving.com

Western Ohio

News New Wineries The history of winemaking in Ohio can be traced back to the early 1800s. Prior to prohibition, Sandusky was one of the largest wine-producing regions in the Midwest. The Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail, which celebrates that heritage, comprises 15 Northwest Ohio wineries, four of which are relatively new: Paper Moon Vineyards (2008 State Road, Vermilion, 440-967-2500, papermoonvineyards. com) opened February 2009; Vermilion Valley Vineyards (11005 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, 440-965-5202, vermilionvalleyvineyards.com) opened October 2009; D&D Smith Winery (401 W. Main St., Norwalk, 419-5770242, ddsmithwinery.com) opened late 2009; and Quarry Hill Winery (8403 Mason Road, Berlin Heights, 419-7068005, quarryhillwinery.com), currently a tasting counter in a farm market, will debut a new facility in April 2010. Visitohiowines.org for a complete list of wineries on the trail.

Legends in the Making The new American Legends Park located across from Kalahari Resort, is a multimillion dollar project aimed at bringing thousands of youth baseball players and their families to the region each year. The complex, which is due to open in April, features ball fields, dormitories, retail shops and meeting space. “It’s basically a Disney World type experience based around youth baseball,” says Rich Schnippel, director of team sales. “We’re raising the ‘gold standard’ for youth travel baseball tournament complexes.” The park’s Main Street will have restaurants, an arcade, an ice cream parlor, a pizza shop, a sub shop, a gift store and more. “There will also be a playground, but aside from that, the attraction is the baseball,” Schnippel adds. americanlegendspark. com, 877-995-3436 28

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

My Own Way Sailing with class by Laura Watilo Blake I’m sailing on Lake Erie on a gorgeous summer day. And for once, I’m at the helm, and the vessel is truly under my command. It’s invigorating. Just 24 hours earlier, I knew nothing about sailing, but I wanted to get a taste of what it was like to sail into the proverbial sunset. I decided to sign up for a women’s sailing clinic at Harbor North in Huron, Ohio, which turns out to be a lot like Girl Scout camp for grown women, but without the badges. At night, we sleep aboard boats in the marina and Harbor North’s sailing school manager, T.J. Wright, cooks out on the grill. I learn how to trim sails, dock a boat and perform man overboard drills. Better yet, I meet an amazing group of women, who all have their reasons for being here. Penny Johnson of Parma, for example, has dreams of selling her personal possessions and sailing around the world with her husband. In the meantime, she’s seated next to me learning how to tie square reef, clove hitch and bowline knots under Wright’s watchful eyes. Wright, who lives on his boat in Huron year-round, recruits other experienced sailors to expose students to different teaching styles. When captain Jill Hautzenroeder takes charge, she encourages us to conquer our fears while at the helm. “So many women have fears, but don’t tell anybody,” she says. “My goal is to get more women out on the water by making them more comfortable.” I tell her that my biggest fear is causing harm to the boat. “You get behind the wheel of a car every day,” she says. “If you get into an accident, you take the car to the body shop, so why should a boat be any different? It’s fiberglass; it can be fixed.” From that point forth, it’s smooth sailing, and I eventually head back to the marina and dock the boat without a scratch. 419-433-4906, harbornorth.com

Field Trips Log On: The Berlin Fruit Box Company got its start more than 150 years ago making fruit and vegetable baskets. Since that time, the company has expanded into the production of decorative baskets for the home made from maple, cherry, walnut and, now, native Ohio buckeye wood. Visitors can watch the basketmaking process unfold, learn about log veneering and even weave their own basket (call first for an appointment). 51 Mechanic St., Berlin Heights, 888-905-1858, samuelpattersonbaskets.com Take a Peach to the Beach: With three locations around Port Clinton and Marblehead, it’s hard to miss Bergman Orchards when you are in the area. Those

who do stop are rewarded with fresh apples, peaches, pumpkins and a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables. Visit in fall to wander the pumpkin patch, pick your own apples or take a hay wagon ride. Open daily. 4562 East Bayshore Road, Port Clinton, 419734-4272, bergmanorchards.com A Slice of Rural Life: The historic Sauder Village recreates pioneer life from the 19th and early 20th centuries through such demonstrations as sheepshearing, planting, harvesting and preserving. Events include hymn-singing, demonstrations of old printing techniques, oxen-working or broom-making. The Village is open late April through October, but the restaurant, inn, bakery and retail shops are open yearround. 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 800-5909555, saudervillage.org laura watilo blake

Western Ohio

Shoot the Rapids Cedar Point’s newest thrill It’s the kind of adventure you probably haven’t been on lately. You board your boat inside the crystal rock bottling company and then head down the river. Things get interesting when you find illegal moonshine and encounter some wild feudin’ and fightin’. Well, that’s the description Cedar Point Amusement Park provides of its newest ride — Shoot the Rapids. With a price of $10.5 million, it’s the most expensive water ride in the park, and it boasts some pretty swanky technology. The coolest feature is described as climate control by Cedar Point director of public relations Robin Innes. If it’s 95 degrees out, you’ll get soaked. But if it’s a 55-degree day in May, you’ll emerge considerably less wet. The highest hill on the ride is 85 feet, the same elevation as the Blue Streak. That makes it one of the tallest water rides in the world, according to Innes. A rider height requirement has not yet been set. Shoot the Rapids is located along the Frontier Trail, but the threeminute ride travels to Millennium Island before returning and ending in “a big splashy, grand finale,” says Innes. It’s a big year for Cedar Point in other ways, too. The park is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Millennium Force and the 60th anniversary of the Peanuts characters. Missing this year is the Demon Drop, which has been dismantled

Regional Events April 3-5

The Biggest Week in American Birding: Crane Creek-Magee Marsh Region. Workshops, warblers, half-day trips and keynote speakers. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com

Apr. 30-May 2

Catawba Island Boat Show and Wine Fest: Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton. In-water sail and powerboats and Northern Ohio wine. 440-899-5009, catawbaislandboatshow.com

May 8

Lakeside Daisy Festival: James Park in Marblehead. Celebrate the blooming of this endangered flower with a pancake breakfast and more. lakesidedaisy.com

May 8

International Migratory Bird Day: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Oak Harbor (419-898-0960, friendsofmageemarsh.org) and Old Woman Creek Visitor Center in Huron. (oldwomancreek. org)

May 22-23

May Days: Sandusky Maritime Museum. Model boat building, boat rides, Underground Railroad trolley tourspirate shows and the Blessing of the Fleet. 419-624-0274, sanduskymaritime.org

June 15-20

Holland Strawberry Festival: Community Homecoming Park in Holland. Rides, parade, rib

Cedar Point’s Shoot the Rapids

and moved to Dorney Park in Allentown, Pa. Its former site, right on the midway, will sit empty this year, but Innes promises the park will make good use of that prime real estate. “When we do put something there, we want to make sure it’s a very popular, good addition to the park,” says Innes. “At the end of the day, when people leave the park, whether they’re 6, 35 or a grandparent, we want everybody to say ‘Wow, let’s do it again.’ ” 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, 419627-2350, cedarpoint.com.

eating contest, entertainment, bingo, pageants, strawberry bake-off and more. 419-865-1859

June 26-27

45th Crosby Festival of the Arts: Toledo Botanical Garden. Juried art show.419-936-2986

July 4

Red, White and Blues Bang: Huron Boat Basin & Amphitheater. Top blues artists from the area and fireworks. 419-433-8487, huronparks.org

July 10-11

Toledo Harbor Lighthouse 106 Year Festival: Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. Island music, fireworks, sand castles, food, boat rides around the lighthouse, nautical arts and crafts and more. 419-836-1466, toledoharborlighthouse.org

Aug. 14

Toast of Ohio: Sandusky Bay Pavilion. Wine, entertainment and gourmet foods. 419-624-0274

Aug. 20-21

Maumee Summer Fair/Taste of Maumee: Maumee. Food and desserts from 20 area restaurants. Live music. 419-794-1090

Aug. 27-29

German American Festival: Oregon. German music, food, entertainment, children’s look-alike Hummel contest, glockenspiel, soccer games and children’s rides. Volkswagen raffle! 419-6914116

Sept. 4-6

Milan Melon Festival: Town Square in Milan.

Antique car show, baby contest, Queen’s contest and parade. Famous watermelon and muskmelon ice cream. 419-499-3254

Oct. 9

Lakeside Marblehead Lighthouse Festival: Wesley Lodge in Lakeside. Marblehead Lighthouse tours, entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, pie contest, children’s games and more. 419-734-9777, lakesideohio.com

Oct. 10

Grand Rapids Applebutter Festival: Downtown Grand Rapids. Apple butter making, farm exhibits, military re-enactments, juried crafts and foods such as bratwurst, steel kettle bean soup and apple creations. 419-748-8238

Oct. 30

Tombstone Derby — Motorized Casket Racing: Depot Park in Elmore. Live bands, a hearse and car show, magic show, Halloween games and motorized casket races. 419-260-1282, villageofelmore.com

Dec. 31

Toast of the Town New Year’s Eve Gala: MerryGo-Round Museum in Sandusky. Carousel rides and a silent auction. 419-626-6111, merrygoroundmuseum.org

Dec. 31

Walleye Madness at Midnight: Port Clinton. Heated tents, food, games for children, entertainment and fireworks. 419-732-1111, walleyemadness.com LakeErieLiving.com

Western Ohio

La Vida Local If you’ve noticed the Ohio license plate with the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse on it, then you’ve seen the work of nationally known artist Ben Richmond. His paintings often depict nautical themes in which Lake Erie figures prominently. But the quaint village of Marblehead — where he and his wife,

Wendy, live and run Richmond Galleries (417 W. Main St., Marblehead, Ohio; 419-798-5631; richmondgallery.com) — is closest to his heart. “I find the Marblehead Peninsula offers one of the most beautiful seasonal experi-

ences anytime,” he says. We asked Ben to share his favorite local pastimes: Site or attraction: “The Marblehead Lighthouse is a great place for anyone

— local or out-of-town.” It’s also the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Take a guided tour of the lighthouse. Open May 26 to Sept. 4. 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead, 419-798-1490, dnr. state.oh.us/parks Activity: Go on a fishing charter with the legendary Jack Tibbels to learn the secret for attracting perch. You’ll find him at the Tibbels Marina & Charter Service, one of the oldest family-owned fishing charters on Lake Erie. 6965 E. Harbor Road, Marblehead, 419-734-1143, tibbelsfishing.com Restaurant: “Our favorite eatery is Marina Del Isle, wth a view like no other.” 6801 East

Harbor Road, Marblehead, 419-732-2816

Entertainment: “No visit to the North Coast is complete without taking in a Pat Dailey concert.” patdailey.com Favorite spot for watching the sunset: “East Harbor State Park, in my mind, gives the visitor a unique sunset experience, with ... the beach to the east and vistas across the fields to the west.” 1169 North Buck Road, Marblehead, 419-734-4424, eastharborstatepark.org

Bowling Green Services

tourism resources

Green Convention  Bowling & Visitors Bureau Celebrate 100 years of education at Bowling Green State University in 2010. Visit the BG Convention & Visitors Bureau website at visitbgohio.org today to make plans to celebrate with us!

119 E. Court St. Bowling Green, OH 43402 800-866-0046, visitbgohio.org info@visitbgohio.org Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Lake Erie Islands

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Lake Erie Islands Region at a Glance There are at least 36 islands on Lake Erie, and 23 of them make up the Bass Island Archipelago, located north of Sandusky, Ohio. The following islands draw the majority of visitors:

Middle Bass Island Originally named Ille de Fleurs (Island of Flowers), here visitors can find beautiful lake views, beaches, marinas, a historic district, a wildlife refuge and an Ohio state park.

South Bass Island Commonly referred to as Put-in-Bay, this popular island destination is considered the “Key West of Southern Lake Erie.”

TRAVEL INFORMATION Lake Erie Shores & Islands (Ottawa) 800-441-1271 shoresandislands.com

Kelleys Island The largest American island in Lake Erie has lush forests, fragrant vineyards, historic homes and a 676-acre state park.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Lake Erie Shores & Islands (Erie) 800-255-3743 shoresandislands.com

Pelee Island Situated on the same latitude as the best wine regions in the world, the island has a rich viticultural history. Not only is it the largest island in Lake Erie but also the southernmost populated point in Canada.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Convention & Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island 800-265-3633 visitwindsor.com

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

A Week Away on Put-in-Bay Sunshine, some tunes and five days of vacation time — that’s a pretty uncomplicated formula for a week of fun at Put-in-Bay. But if you want to do more with your time, here’s where to look: One of the best ways to get to know the island is by taking the narrated Tour Train (419-2854855, put-in-bay-trans.com) from the depot on Toledo Avenue. “It’s cheaper than renting a golf cart, and you can get on and off all day long,” says Lauren Krueger of Bay Village, Ohio, who brings her kids every summer. Two of the stops on the Tour Train give visitors the chance to go beneath the surface of the island, which is dotted with underground caverns. Nearly 30 in all have been discovered, but only two offer public tours: Perry’s Cave and Crystal Cave. Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center (979 Catawba Ave., 419-285-CAVE, perryscave.com) grew up around the cave that, in addition to being an Ohio Natural Landmark, is the oldest attraction on South Bass Island. The limestone cave has a rare underground stream that rises and falls with the water levels of the lake. Across the street, beneath Heineman’s Winery (978 Catawba Ave., 419-285-2811, heinemanswinery.com) is the world’s largest recorded geode. As part of the winery tour, visitors descend 47 steps into an underground room covered with celestite crystals, discovered while digging a well. “They look like quartz, but they are not as hard,” says Michael Bianchi, the winery’s assistant manager. “And if you look closely, you’ll notice they have a bluish tint.” Crystal Cave is one of the reasons Heineman’s Winery — the oldest winery on South Bass Island — survived Prohibition. The laws forbidding the sale of alcoholic beverages damaged Put-in-Bay’s brisk wine trade and shuttered nearly 17 wineries in the early 1900s. But tours of Crystal Cave helped the Heineman family pay the bills during that dark period. These days, a tour includes a glass of wine that can be enjoyed (legally) in the wine garden. Meanwhile, a new winery has cropped up on the island: the Put-in-Bay Winery (392 Bayview Dr., 419-285-3343, dollerhouse.com). Located next to the Doller House, which is home to the Museum of Island Life, the new winery has a collection of memorabilia related to the wine-growing history of the islands. Visitors can buy a selection of local wines and taste Put-in-Bay Winery’s most popular creation: blackberry wine. Laura watilo blake

Lake Erie Islands

Put-in-Bay

The Crew’s Nest

Insider Tips

• From Sunday at 3 p.m. till Friday at noon, day memberships are available for purchase at The Crew’s Nest, a private club with fit-

ness facilities, a pool and clubhouse. $25 per couple, $30 for a family up to six. 460 Bayview Ave., 419-285-3625, thecrewsnest.com • Late-night cravings? Cameo Pizza delivers via golf cart until 3 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends. 438 Catawba Ave., 419-285-4444, cameopizza.com

Kelleys Island Insider Tips

• Erie Island Coffee Co. opens at 6 a.m., so you can get a 96-ounce

Thermos box of coffee for your fishing trip. Caddyshack Square, 419-746-2150, erieislandcoffee.com • After a long day of exploring, hire someone to massage away your aches and pains in an adorable third-floor room at Water’s Edge. Just ask owner Beth Hermes about open time slots. 827 E. Lakeshore Drive, 419-746-2333, watersedgeretreat.com • Sandy Beach is easily accessible, but for a more secluded day by the shore, take the 10- to 15-minute hike down the boardwalk just east of the public beach and you’ll emerge at a sandy beach off the beaten path. • Don’t make Inscription Rock a priority event; the inscriptions have been scrubbed away by years of exposure to the elements. • When the Kelly Miller Circus comes to the island in early August, the ferry boat resembles Noah’s Ark. Crowds gather as the animals are unloaded and fed, then watch as the elephants help raise the big top. It’s almost as interesting as the show itself. Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, 419-746-2360, kelleysislandchamber.com • Kelleys Island State Park has two luxury waterfront yurts, each with a furnished living space, kitchen, bath and sleeping quarters for four. Make reservations well in advance. 866-644-6727

Gibraltar Island

South Bass Island Lighthouse (419-2851800).

One Day a Year

Pelee Island (Canada)

Gibraltar Island, across from Put-in-Bay’s harbor, is a stone’s throw away, but the island is owned and operated by Ohio State University’s Stone Lab and Aquatic Resource Center. The public can visit once a year, and in 2010 the date is Sept. 11. Free events will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including tours of the 36

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Coming Ashore By Ferry: Pelee Island Transportation (800-661-2220, ontarioferries.com) car and passenger ferries depart from Sandusky and Leamington or Kingsville, Ontario, and

A yurt

arrive on the west side of the island. By Boat: Boaters can use the municipally owned Scudder Marina (519-724-2377) at the north end of the island or Dick’s Marina (519-724-2024) at the south end. Getting Around: The island’s main road stretches around the perimeter, providing an excellent route to walk or cycle. There are no golf carts to rent, but Comfortech Bicycles (519-724-2828), located across from the ferry terminal and behind the Westview Tavern, rents bikes for $20 a day. laura watilo blake

Enjoy spending the the day with your friends & family

From sightseeing to shopping or simply enjoying a bite to eat, there is something for everyone at Put-in-Bay.

Visit us on the web to learn more about our Island Attractions.

www.putinbayislandresorts.com

Lake Erie Islands

NOW OPEN

Kelleys Island Venture Resort is located on the south shores of Kelleys Island, Ohio. Kelleys Island is the perfect retreat for any season. Our luxury hotel offers all the amenities of a first-class resort including:

• Lake Front • Private Balconies/Decks • Private Baths • Microwaves/Coffeemakers • Refrigerators • Pool/Hot Tub • Free Internet Access • Conference Center • Lofts (Upper Levels Only) 441 West Lakeshore Drive Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438 419-746-2900 Lindsay@kiventureresort.com www.kiventureresort.com

La Vida Local Chuck Schodowski is best known as one half of Big Chuck and Lil’ John, a long-running, late-night Cleveland television show, which featured campy comedy sketches that he wrote and directed. After decades on the air, the show ended in 2007. When he’s not promoting his latest book, aptly titled Big Chuck! — now in its third printing — he escapes to Kelleys Island every chance he gets with his wife, June, his kids, grandkids, extended family and their pets. His family’s summer retreat on Division Street consists of two homes, one of them a cottage that once served as a Sohio gas station. We asked Big Chuck to share his favorite local pastimes: Site or attraction: “The Glacial Grooves are an awesome sight. I like to tell visitors a little bit about how they were formed during the Ice Age. The background really helps people appreciate them more. There are others, but few are as good.” A trough of glacial striations 400 feet long, 35 feet wide and nearly 10 feet deep remains at Glacial Grooves State Memorial, which is located north on Division Street, across from Kelleys Island State Park. Village Pump most often. I

Entertainment: “I have my own jukebox at home, but if we are entertaining guests, we might head down to West Bay Inn to listen to a band.” 1230 E. Lakeshore Drive, 419-746-2597

Shopping: “I don’t do a lot of shopping, but Vi’s has really unique and good-quality

Favorite place to watch the sunset: “Some things you can only see from the water, so I like to take people on a boat ride around the island. I usually time it so that we end when the sun is setting. Then, I play “Amazing Grace” by flutist Hubert Laws, which is seven minutes long, and we all sit silently as the sun disappears. It’s like going to church, and the experience is utterly unforgettable.”

Restaurant: “We go to The

love its brandy Alexanders; they are made with ice cream.” The restaurant also serves Lake Erie perch dinners with a signature homemade sauce. 103 W. Lakeshore Drive, 419-7462281, villagepump.com

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

items. We have a clock that plays different songs on the hour that June got there.” Vi’s Island Treasures, 125 Division St., 419746-2268

laura watilo blake

Axel Harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waterfront Grille PUT-IN-BAY, OHIO

unparalleled waterfront dining in a casual upscale atmosphere. serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. boaters docking at the adjacent put-in-marina will enjoy discounted dining privileges as well as complimentary coffee and danish in the morning!

harryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hideaway upstairs lounge has a stunning view of the island & harbor

the freshest seafood, steaks, appetizers and salads, classic cocktails, and unique wine selection for reservations call: 419-285-2572

Lake Erie Islands

Pelee Field Trips Despite its size, Pelee Island is one of Lake Erie’s wellguarded secrets. Only a few miles from Put-in-Bay, it might as well be on the other side of the planet rather than just over the border. We enlisted Ann Marie Fortner of Explore Pelee (519-325-TOUR, explorepelee.com) to show us around. Turns out, there’s an outing for every interest. • History — The keepers of Pelee Lighthouse had their work cut out for them. The recently restored lighthouse was built in 1833 to guide ships through the treacherous Pelee Passage, where more than 275 ships went down. One of the most noteworthy lightkeepers was James Cummins, who was awarded a gold watch by the Dominion of Canada for his heroic efforts in rescuing people from two shipwrecks. • Nature — The prickly pear cactus is native to the island. The eastern prickly pear grows in sandy areas with no shade and blooms in late June and early July. The best place on Pelee Island to see Canada’s largest cacti and other rare plants is at Fish Point Nature Preserve, a sandspit that extends into Lake Erie on the southwestern tip of the island. The preserve is also an important stopover for migrating birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. • Art — Where there is natural beauty, there are bound to be creative types. Pelee Art Works (982 East West Road, 519724-9916) features the works of many talented local artists, jewelry makers, photographers and potters. • Food and Drink — All roads lead to the Pelee Island Winery (455 Seacliff Drive, 800-597-3533). By far the most popular attraction on the island, the winery has a charming outdoor pavilion that is an ideal spot to end a bike tour. On any given summer afternoon, the pavilion plays host to families cooking on the do-it-yourself barbecues. Huge wine barrels open to reveal eating nooks, and folks can sample wines made from the 44 grape varieties grown on the island, including cabernet franc and cidal, which are used to make ice wine. 800-597-3533, peleeisland.com

Pelee Island Insider Tips • The biting flies can be irritating. Bring the bug spray. Useful products include Deep Woods Off!, Skin-so-Soft and teatree oil. Also, recommended doses of B12 taken in advance could be helpful in boosting the body’s ability to resist the effects of insect bites. • To learn more about the island before you get out and explore on your 40

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

own, visit the Pelee Island Heritage Center first. “That way, when you see the historical sites, you have a better understanding of why they are important,” says Melissa Strickler, pavilion manager for the Pelee Island Winery. 1073 West Shore Road, 519-7242291, peleeislandmuseum.ca • If you’re interested in the Annual Pheasant Hunt, reserve your hunting license early. Organized by the Township of Pelee, the hunt has been a tradition for the past 75 years. Up to 700 hunters

Pelee Art Works

from around the world descend upon the island to take their shot at the nearly 25,000 pheasants released for the event, which takes place on Thursdays and Fridays during the last two weeks in October and the first week in November. Call 519-724-2931 to reserve a hunting license, and call 800-661-2220 or 519326-2154 to reserve the ferry. pelee.org laura watilo blake

Lake Erie Islands

Canada’s Middle Island Middle Island was under private American ownership until 1999, when the Nature Conservancy of Canada, with the support of Parks Canada, purchased the archipelago at an auction in Cleveland, Ohio, for $1.3 million. The uninhabited island is now part of Point Pelee National Park, ensuring the protection of the island’s fragile habitat, which includes many species of plants and animals that are rare in Ontario. Although not open to the public, visitors can explore Canada’s southernmost land mass at Pelee Island’s Heritage Centre or online at the Virtual Museum of Canada (virtualmuseum.ca) or Carolinian Canada Signature Sites (carolinian.org).

Middle Bass Insider Tips

• The ruins of Lonz Winery are visible on the west side of the island from South Bass Island. The winery opened during the Civil War, and by 1875 it was the largest wine producer in the United States. Countless dignitaries, including five American presidents, visited the castle-like structure when it was operational. The winery closed in 2000, and the property is now owned by the state of Ohio with the intention of one day establishing a state park. • Visit “The Marsh,” as the islanders call it. Located on the northeast tip of the island, Kuehnle Wildlife Refuge is a wetlands area home to snapping turtles and a variety of birds, such as herons and nesting eagles. Watch for the monarch butterflies that travel between Mexico and Canada twice a year. They are especially visible in late August and September.

LakeErieLiving.com

Lake Erie Islands parade, costume contest and canon firing demonstrations. visitputinbay.com

Regional Events May 9-15

Nest With the Birds: Kelleys Island. Guided bird walks and afternoon lectures. Kelleys Island has numerous nature trails where 135 species of birds have been recorded. Bird banding will take place on Long Point. 419-746-2258, kelleysislandnature.com

June 13

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center’s 36th Annual Jose DeRivera Founder’s Day Heritage Celebration: DeRivera Park on Put-in-Bay. A celebration of the founding of the island village by Jose DeRivera. visitputinbay.com

June 10-13

16th annual Phlocking of the Phaithful: The Commodore Resort on Put-in-Bay. About 1,000 “Parrotheads” will descend on Put-in-Bay. phlocking.com

June 19

Lake Erie Islands Browns Backers’ Rib Burnoff: The Skyway on Put-in-Bay. Meet Cleveland Browns players Felix Wright and Jerome Harrison along with The Bone Lady, Big Dawg, Mobile Dawg and Brownie the Elf. Music, food, autographs and door prizes. visitputinbay.com

June 25-28

Pirate Fest: Put-in-Bay. Learn the history of pirates on the Great Lakes and sail on the U.S. Brig Niagara. Pirate marketplace,

July 20-24

Return of U.S. Brig Niagara to Celebrate Commodore Perry’s Birthday: Put-in-Bay. A weekend of tours and five-hour sails around the island. visitputinbay.com

July 23-25

Islandfest: Various locations on Kelleys Island. The weekend kicks off with a street dance and is followed with a parade, a waterfront craft fair, live entertainment, food, beer and fireworks. 419-746-2360, kelleysislandchamber.com

Aug. 6-8

Pelee Fest: Pelee Island. Arts and crafts, children’s games and activities and a festival tent with live entertainment. 519-818-5511, pelee.org

Aug. 21

Homecoming: Kelleys Island. Music by the North Coast Band, nature exhibits by Back to the Wild, food, beverages, games and a shoppers market. There is also a pretzel eating contest, kids games, a parade and pet competition. 419-746-2360

Aug. 28

Key West Days at Put-in-Bay: Island entertainers who perform on Put-in-Bay in the summer and Key West in the winter will participate in this third annual event. visitputinbay.com

Sept. 10-12

Historical Weekend: Perry Memorial on Put-inBay. A parade, cannon firing demonstrations, classic cars and more. visitputinbay.com

Sept. 11

Art in the Park: DeRivera Park on Put-in-Bay. Area and regional artists, photographers, potters, painters, silversmiths, fabric artists, glass artists and stained glass artists. visitputinbay. com

Sept. 18

New Year’s Eve at the Bay: Put-in-Bay. Holiday festivities and Monte Carlo street games downtown on Delaware Avenue. visitputinbay. com

Sept. 25

Half-Way to St. Patty’s Day at the Bay: Put-inBay. Irish Bagpipe and snare drum band will lead the parade and perform throughout the day at Hooligan’s on Catawba Avenue. visitputinbay. com

Oct. 2

7th Annual Island Wine Festival: DeRivera Park on Put-in-Bay. Sample more than 250 wines from across the U.S., food, grape-related merchandise, silent auction and more. 419-2852832, put-in-bay.com

Kelleys Island Listed #9 America’s Healthiest Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau

Lakefront and Beach Getaway.

Located just four miles off the Ohio Coastline, beautiful Kelleys Island is a world apart, offering a vacation ambience unlike any other. Come and explore the island by bike, golf cart or take long walks along our pristine shores, and step back in time to a more leisurely pace. Escape to the beauty that abounds on our special island.

ber.com kelleysislandcham 419.746.2360 42

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

» June 13

5K & 10K Run

» July 23 - 25

ISLANDFEST 2010

» August 2 & 3

KELLY MILLER CIRCUS

» September 11

TREASURE ISLAND DAY

Services

Shopping

Marinas

Apparel Mariner’s Locker

Lake Erie Islands

204 Hartford Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-7005

Misty Bay Boutique 210 Delaware Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-7925

 Put-in-Bay Marina Put-in-Bay Marina offers convenient downtown dockage steps away from Perry’s Monument, Island Bike & Cart Rental and the heart of Put-in-Bay. Free Wi-Fi. CH 71. 227 Bayview Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-2571, putinbaymarina.com dock@putinbaymarina.com

Put-in-Bay T-Shirts 196 Hartford Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-7006

Country House 246 Delaware Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-3104

Sites & Activities historical/educational sites

scenic tours

 Put-in-Bay Tour Train Offers public tours daily during summer, departing frequently from the downtown Depot, stops at Perry’s Cave, Butterfly House, Heineman Winery and Perry’s Monument, plus others. 154 Delaware Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-4855, putinbaytrans.com tourpib@putinbaytrans.com

Cave  Perry’s Family Fun Center Celebrating 140 years of Family Fun! A cave, butterfly house, mini-golf, maze, rock wall and snack shack will fill your whole day! 979 Catawba Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-CAVE, perryscave.com fun@perryscave.com

wineries

tourism resources



Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

Plan your island vacation online at visitputinbay.com. Download our free 56-page Put-in-Bay Island Visitor Guide, featuring discount coupons, maps, lodging, attractions, dining, entertainment, shopping and transportation. 148 Delaware Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-2832, visitputinbay.com questions@visitputinbay.com

House &  Doller Put-in-Bay Winery Experience island life as it was in the 1800s at the Doller House Museum of Island Life & Put-in-Bay Winery. Featuring wine tastings, estate tours and a relaxing setting with a beautiful view of the bay. 392 Bayview Ave. Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-3343, dollerhouse.com manager@dollerhouse.com manager@putinbaywinery.com LakeErieLiving.com

140th St

Central Ohio

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Central Ohio

Five

Great Pieces of History

John D. Rockefeller, the world’s first billionaire, started his career in Cleveland. Rockefeller Park Greenhouse (750 E. 88th St., Cleveland, 216-664-3103), near University Circle, houses an impressive collection of exotic and native plants. Afterward, pay respects to Rockefeller with a visit to the beautiful Lakeview Cemetery (12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-421-2665, lakeviewcemetery.com), where a 70-foot obelisk marks his grave.

Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed is credited with coining the term “rock and roll” in the 1950s. Today, more than 50 exhibits at the Rock and Roll Hall

of Fame and Museum

explore the history of the music through thousands of artifacts, such as Bruce Springsteen’s outfit from the cover of Born in the U.S.A. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 888-764ROCK, rockhall.com

From its founding in 1833, Oberlin College conducted “joint education of the sexes,” and within two years it accepted African-Americans. Learn more

Field Trips The Apple of My Eye: Sir Isaac Newton developed his gravity theory under the shade of an apple tree. Have your own eureka moment at Hillcrest Orchards, where you can pick a peck from September to October. Other activities include an activity barn, corn maze and wagon rides. 50336 Telegraph Road, Amherst, 440-9658884, hillcrestfunfarm.com courtesy positively cleveland

about this progressive Ohio college town at the Oberlin Heritage Center. 73 1/2 S. Professor St., Oberlin, 440-774-1700, oberlinheritage.org

Cleveland participated in the first-ever Major League Baseball game on May 4, 1871. Today, Cleveland Indians baseball, played at Progressive Field, is one of the city’s favorite pastimes. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4200, cleveland.indians.mlb.com

After pursuing famous gangster Al Capone in Chicago, Eliot Ness served as Cleveland’s public safety director. Check out his contributions to law enforcement at the Cleveland Police Museum (1300 Ontario St., 216-623-5055), then head to the Great Lakes Brewing Company (2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404) for an Eliot Ness Amber Lager. Ness is reputed to have frequented the bar when it was known as the Market Tavern and, according to popular legend, was responsible for the bullet holes still visible in the bar. Rocky Mountain High: Bonnie Brae Farms, which began in 1896 as a horse-training facility, is now home to a herd of Rocky Mountain elk. Throughout the year, special events offer the opportunity to feed the animals and take wagon rides around the property. The farm’s venison shop, which specializes in healthful and lowcholesterol elk meat, is open daily. 27717 Quarry Road, Wellington, 440-647-3232, theelkfarm.com

Region at a Glance

Lorain County Here you’ll find miles of rolling, rural roads with beautiful scenery ranging from pastoral farmland and forests to the nautical flavor of the Lake Erie shoreline.

MAJOR CITY Lorain: Known as the International City, this port city offers abundant recreation, festivals and events throughout the year.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Visit Lorain County 8025 Leavitt Road Amherst, Ohio 800-334-1673 visitloraincounty.com

Cuyahoga County Named after a Native American word meaning “crooked river,” this county is the most populous in Ohio.

MAJOR CITY Cleveland: Also called the Forest City, Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the nation’s most concentrated square mile of cultural, medical and educational institutions.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Positively Cleveland’s Downtown Visitor Information Center 100 Public Square, Ste. 100 Cleveland, Ohio 800-321-1001 positivelycleveland.com

Back to the Barnyard: The Stearns Homestead is a well-preserved slice of rural Ohio. This 48-acre facility is operated by the Parma Area Historical Society and features two historic homes and a barn full of four-legged friends. The farm is open to the public free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays between May and mid-October. 6975 Ridge Road, Parma, 440-845-9770, stearnshomestead.com

LakeErieLiving.com

Central Ohio

My Own Way

Regional Events

Going with the flow

Annual Buckeye Trail Winter Hike: Findley State Park in Wellington. 10K, 5K and interpretive hikes, followed by bean soup and corn bread. 440-647-5749, findleystatepark.org

by Laura Watilo Blake

Feb. 6-14

Bobbing up and down in Lorain Harbor, I feel a bit like Goldilocks. A motorboat chugs by, belching smoke in my direction. Too noisy, I think to myself. A sailboat glides by gracefully. Too much upkeep. But this kayak I’m in is just right, and I’m not alone in feeling this way. Over the past decade, the number of registered kayaks and canoes in Ohio has increased 60 percent. When a friend tells me that kayaks are available for rent on the Black River, I decide to check out the newly designated Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail with my husband. This 27-mile path, or “blueway,” is the fourth of its kind in the state. It begins in the Vermilion River Reservation, heads downstream to Lake Erie, goes 11 miles east to Lorain, then makes its way upstream to the Black River Reservation in Elyria. The trail map (dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/4/ pdfs/access/verm-lorainwt.pdf ) notes various launch sites, trail heads, restaurants and other attractions along the route. We start at Black River Landing in Lorain, where Great Lakes Kayaking (440-396-5887, greatlakes kayakingandadventures.com) rents single or tandem boats from May to November. Just upstream, stoic great blue herons wade in the shallows, beavers build dams, and birds of prey nest in the trees along the riverbank. The Lorain Lighthouse stands guard in the harbor, and beyond it the wide-open spaces of Lake Erie beckon. After a quiet paddle to some wetlands just south of our launch site, we turn around and head for the harbor, which buzzes with activity. We stop at Lakeview Park, which has a new bathhouse and restaurant — the Rose Café — overlooking the beach. You couldn’t ask for a better excursion. It was just right. 48

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Feb. 6

June 25-27

Lorain International Festival and Bazaar: Black River Landing in Lorain. More than 50 food vendors serving ethnic food and desserts from many cultures. 440-244-6808, loraininternational.com

June 26

The Great Big Home & Garden Expo: Highend exhibits and garden displays. 216-5291300, greatbighomeandgarden.com

Ohio Scottish Games: Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Competitions, food, entertainment and activities. 440-8359794, ohioscottishgames.com

Feb. 20

July 7-11

An Ice-A-Fair to Remember: Downtown Victory Park in Vermilion. View ice sculptures, enjoy an ice-themed coffee or lunch, sip ice wine and take a carriage ride around town. 440-963-0772 mainstreetvermilion.com

Feb. 27-28, March 6-7, 13-14

Maple Sugaring: Carlisle Visitor Center in LaGrange. Hands-on activities and demonstrations. Pancake breakfasts on Sundays. 440-458-5121, loraincountymetroparks.com

March 17

143rd Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Downtown Cleveland. Bands, floats, drill teams, marching units and novelties. clevelandsirishparade.org

March 18-28

34th Cleveland International Film Festival: Tower City Cinemas at Tower City Center in Downtown Cleveland. 290 films originating from 60 countries. 216-623-3456, clevelandfilm.org

April 24-25

Herb Fair: Vermilion River Reservation. Vendors selling herbs, flowers, garden plants, arrangements, herbal products and more. 440-967-7310, loraincountymetroparks.com

May 8

Gazebo Garden Walk: Howk Memorial Park in Wellington. Unique antiques and gardening items. 440-647-3987, mainstreetwellington.com

June 11-12

Juneteenth: Tappan Square in Oberlin. Celebrate the date that the last slaves were freed. Music, children’s activities, contests, historic re-enactments and more. 440-9350201, juneteenthoberlin.com

June 12

Parade the Circle: Wade Oval in University Circle. Entertainment, food and hands-on activities. Parade at noon. universitycircle.org

Tall Ships: Downtown Harbor in Cleveland. These spectacular vessels represent maritime history from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and more. 216-556-8637, tallshipscleveland.com

July 9-11

Old-Time Jamboree: Downtown Amherst. Food, historical activities, crafts, contests, children’s games, live musical entertainment and a parade on Sunday. amhersthistoricalsociety.org

July 16-18

Port Fest 2010: Black River Landing in Lorain. Live music, helicopter rides, children’s entertainment, festival foods and fireworks. 440-204-2273, lorainportauthority.com

Aug. 6-8

Twins Day Festival: Twinsburg. Open to all multiples — identical, fraternal, young and old, twins, triplets, quads — and their families. 330425-3652, twinsdays.org

Aug. 9-15

Cuyahoga County Fair: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. Fireworks, demo derbies, motocross, arts and crafts, thrill shows, woodcarver, hall of flowers, junior fair, kritter korral, down-home music, unicyclist and square dancers. 440-243-0090, cuyfair.com

Aug. 23-29

Lorain County Fair: Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Agricultural event with worldclass entertainment, tractor pulls, live animals, demo derby, horse racing and more. 440-6472781, loraincountyfair.com

Aug. 24-26

Ingenuity Festival of Art & Technology: Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland. An urban festival that entertains, educates, advocates and celebrates art and technology. 216-241-6000, ingenuitycleveland.com

Sept. 3-6

June 18-20

Festival of Fish: Downtown Vermilion. Games, activities, vendors, 5K run and Lake Erie perch sandwiches. 440-967-4477, discoververmilion.com

Cleveland National Air Show: Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. Features a host of death-defying aerobatics, interactive displays, music and more. 216-781-0747, clevelandairshow.com

June 18-20

Sept. 3-6

Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival: Veterans Memorial Park in Avon. Rides, food, games, entertainment, as well as duct tape sculptures, crafts, fashion and activities. 440-933-6195, avonducttapefestival.com

The Labor Day Oktoberfest: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. Authentic German food, beer and entertainment. 440250-8600, bereaoktoberfest.com

June 19

17th Annual Holiday CircleFest: University Circle in Cleveland. Activities, music, shopping and skating on the ice rink of Wade Oval. 216791-3900, universitycircle.org

Oberlin Chalk Walk: Downtown Oberlin. Watch professional artists recreate works from Allen Art Museum, or create a masterpiece of your own. 440-775-2423, oberlinchalkwalk.org

Dec. 5

laura watilo blake

Central Ohio Avon

Lorain

Accommodations

Sites & Activities

resort/hotel/motel

arboretums/gardens

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Historic Rose Garden at Lakeview Park

39050 Colorado Ave. Avon, OH 44011 440-934-7445

Dining Fine Dining

Subscribe to the Good Life on a Great Lake Today!

ONLY $12.95

1800 West Erie Ave. Lorain, OH 44052 440-245-1193

for one year

Events by Rona Proudfoot

Nemo Grille

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36976 Detroit Rd. Avon, OH 44011 440-934-0061

Shopping mall/shopping centers

issues of Lake Erie Living plus the Lake Erie Living Travel Guide and two issues of LongWeekends.

Olde Avon Village 36840 Detroit Rd. Avon, OH 44011 440-934-1636

Avon Lake Dining

 Lorain International Festival Lorain International is an annual series of events, including a festival and parade held the last full weekend in June celebrating world cultures and nationalities. Lorain, OH loraininternational.com

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2010 annual

Ideas Great Getaway Year for Any Time of

Fine Dining Aroma Ristorante & Wine Lounge 33481 Lake Rd. Avon Lake, OH 44012 440-933-4360

Oberlin Accommodations (

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resort/hotel/motel

Fratello’s Restaurant

Oberlin Inn

32085 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, OH 44012 440-933-3380

7 North Main St. Oberlin, OH 44074 440-775-1111

Elyria

Wellington

Accommodations

Sites & Activities

resort/hotel/motel

Country Inns & Suites 645 Griswold Rd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-0099

Holiday Inn of Elyria-Lorain 1825 Lorain Blvd. Elyria, OH 44035 440-324-5411

sports/recreation

Findley State Park 25381 St. Rte. 58 Wellington, OH 44090 440-647-4490

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Eastern Ohio

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Eastern Ohio Region at a Glance

Lake County It may be the state’s smallest county, but it offers countless recreational choices, including beautiful sandy shores and some of the region’s finest cultural and entertainment facilities.

Harpersfield Road Bridge

My Own Way

Cross that bridge when you come to it. by Laura Watilo Blake Let’s face it: Bridges are often taken for granted. But not today. I’m on my way to see the famous covered bridges of Ashtabula County. It’s one of the best places in the country to learn to appreciate the form and function behind these wooden structures. There are 17 new and historic covered bridges in all, and one of them, the new Smolen-Gulf Bridge, is the longest in the United States. Located on State Road, about Travel Tip: three miles north of I-90’s exit 228, the truss bridge spans The best time to visit the 613 feet across the Ashtabula River. covered bridges is during My husband and I start our tour at the Harpersfield Covthe annual Ashtabula ered Bridge Metropark, just a few miles south of The Lodge County Covered Bridge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, a 6-year-old, 109-room lakefront Festival (Oct. 9-10, 2010) hotel that makes a perfect base for exploring the area. Unthough it’s easy enough til the Smolen-Gulf Bridge was completed in 2008, the to see them on your own Harpersfield Road Bridge was the longest covered bridge in with the help of a selfthe state, and it remains every bit as picturesque, making it a guided tour map that can favorite spot for picnicking, fishing and canoeing. be requested online at Located nearby, the Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge coveredbridgefestival.org. is believed to be the oldest bridge in the county, dating to 1867. It starts to sprinkle, but we stay dry under its roof — one more reason to appreciate covered bridges. This is the perfect opportunity to steal a quick kiss; after all, covered bridges were known as “kissing bridges” in the 19th century because young couples could sneak kisses while passing through. After a bit, we run across the street to the Grand River Manor (1153 Mechanicsville Road, 440-466-9229), which happens to be the oldest tavern in the area (pre-dating the bridge by 20 years). A sign outside promises “good food, cold beer and lousy service,” but we are pleasantly surprised to find out the latter is not true at all. The rest of the day is a blur of one bridge after another, punctuated by wine tastings. But just when we thoroughly exhausted our desire to see anymore covered bridges, we find the Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor (6541 S. Main St., North Kingsville, 440-224-2252). The food is good, and the bridge isn’t half bad either.

Travel Token While the majority of the bridges on the tour are named for the road on which they are located, the Olin Bridge is named for the family that has owned the mark andersen

property next to the bridge since it was built in 1873. Just east of the bridge is Olin’s Museum of Covered Bridges, which has a collection of memorabilia and souvenirs, such as hand-sketched Christmas ornaments ($12),

MAJOR CITY Mentor: The largest city in the county has 800 acres of parkland and the restored estate of President James A. Garfield.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Lake County Visitors Bureau 35300 Vine St. Eastlake, Ohio lakevisit.com

Ashtabula County Known for its covered bridges, the county is also home to a number of wineries and Ohio’s first summer resort town, Geneva-on-the-Lake.

MAJOR CITY Ashtabula: The historic harbor town is home to the Great Lakes Marine & Coast Guard Museum and the popular Ashtabula Arts Center.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1850 Austinburg Road Ashtabula, Ohio 800-337-6746 visitashtabulacounty.com

to commemorate your visit. The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from June to October, and by appointment at other times. 1918 Dewey Road, 440-992-7401, coveredbridgemuseum.org LakeErieLiving.com

Eastern Ohio

Winding Your Way — Through Mentor’s Lagoons The first time kayaker Cheryl Polak visited Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, she was struck by the natural beauty that coexisted with the surrounding community. “You pass homes and nice boats, and then you’re surrounded by nature,” she says. The preserve, which encompasses 450 acres of bluff forest nestled along nearly two miles of Lake Erie shoreline, is a haven for hikers, bikers, nature lovers and boaters. But it came close to being destroyed. In 1924, real-estate developers planned to build a community that would be known as the “Venice of the North” here. A system of lagoons was dredged, but further development was halted by the stock market crash in 1929. The city of Mentor acquired the land in 1997 to prevent�� further development in the lagoon’s wetlands, home to rare dune plants, migratory birds and butterflies. It’s now open to the public during daylight hours and features three miles of marked�� hiking� trails�� and a water trail for paddlers�� . �� “You can paddle all the way to Headlands Beach if you want,” Polak says. 8365 Harbor Drive, Mentor, 440�� -�� 974-5720

Regional Events Feb. 15

Discovery Days II: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Make ice cream, bread, paper and more. Watch sheep shearing and learn the art of roping. 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve

Perennial Favorite: Lake County’s optimal growing conditions earn it the nickname “Nursery Mecca of Ohio,” and Bluestone Perennials is well-known because of its nationally recognized mail-order supply business. 7211 Middle Ridge Road, Madison, 800-852-5243

July 19

Sept. 18-19

July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20

Sept. 25-26

The Willoughby Art Fest: Public Square in Willoughby. A juried fine arts and crafts show. 440-942-1632, willoughbyareachamber.com

Quilts 2010: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. More than 200 quilted works on display. 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Mar. 13-14

Aug. 6-7

Maple Sugaring Weekend: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Witness the entire maple process. 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

April 24

Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race: Harpersfield Dam. An 8.5-mile canoe and kayak race on the Grand River. 440-256-2110, lakemetroparks.com

June 27

30th Wildwood Fine Arts & Crafts Festival: Wildwood Culture Center in Mentor. More than 70 artists. 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

July 1-5

Fairport Mardi Gras: Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. Rides, games, food, parade and fireworks. 440-352-0806 54

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Shear Enjoyment: Far from the high Andean plains from which they originate, alpacas are bred for the superiority of their fleece. Learn more with a visit to the Grand River Alpaca Farm and its large herd of huacaya alpacas. Farm visits can be scheduled by appointment. The on-site gift shop, which sells alpaca-sourced products, is open Saturdays and Sundays. 982 Mechanicsville Road, Rock Creek, 440466-9385, grandriveralpacafarm.com Down on the Farm: Named one of the top 10 sites to learn about farming by USA Today, Lake Metroparks Farmpark gives visitors the opportunity to milk a cow or watch such daily demonstrations as shepherding and honey cultivating. 8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-2562122, lakemetroparks.com

City of Mentor’s 7th Annual Old Village Market: James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor. Fresh farm produce, homemade refreshments, juried arts and crafts, children’s activities and strolling performers. 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

Feb.12-Mar. 24

Field Trips

Vintage Ohio: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Regional wines, fine cuisine and musical talent. 800-227-6972, visitvintageohio. com

Aug. 28-29

Wine and Walleye Festival: Walnut Beach in Ashtabula. Local wines and a fishing tournament. 800-337-6746

Sept. 10-12

Lake County PerchFest: Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. Ohio’s largest Lake Erie Yellow Perch fish fry. 440-975-1234, perchfest.net

Village Peddler Festival: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Artisans, craftsmen, music, delicious food and wagon rides. 440-466-8414 Grape JAMboree: Downtown Geneva. Free street festival with music, rides and food. 440466-JAMB, grapejamboree.com

Oct. 9-10

Covered Bridge Festival: Ashtabula County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. Crafts and a driving tour of covered bridges. 800-337-6746, coveredbridgefestival.org

Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

Halloween Hayrides: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Family-oriented thrills, chills and adventure. 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Nov. 6-7

Dryland Sled Dog Races: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. 440-285-5790, lakemetroparks.com

Dec. 3-23

Country Lights: Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. Horse-drawn wagon rides through a winter wonderland. 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Lagoon: Laura watilo blake • bird: carl a. stimac

Eastern Ohio Alpacas

Ashtabula Sites & Activities Events

County’s  Ashtabula Lights on the Lake Visit the largest holiday light display on Lake Erie! Experience over 70 displays on Lakeshore Park’s 54 acres of rolling hills and majestic Lake Erie backdrop. $5/vehicle, $1/person for buses. Fri-Sun following Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Eve. 6-9:30 p.m. Lakeshore Park, 1700 E. 1st Street Ashtabula OH, 44004 aclotl.com

Park  Lakeshore Annual Rib Burn Off September 17-19. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie in Ashtabula County “Home of the Longest Covered Bridge in the US.” National Ribbers and concessioners. Free live entertainment daily. Classic car show on Sunday. Free! 1700 East First Ashtabula, OH 44004 440-964-3819 lakeshoreparkashtabula.org lakeshore1@windstream.net

LakeErieLiving.com

Eastern Ohio

ESCAPE

4/ '%.%6! /. 4(% ,!+% Take a well-deserved break with our all-inclusive Wine Country Package and experience the tranquil shores of Lake Erie any time of year.

Austinburg

Sites & Activities

Services

parks

tourism resources

Wine Country Package Includes: s /VERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS s DINNER VOUCHER s "OTTLE OF WINE AND KEEPSAKE GLASSES s 3ELF GUIDED AREA WINERY MAP s "REAKFAST FOR THE FOLLOWING MORNING

Starting from $179* Book your package today at www.TheLodgeAtGeneva.com or call 866-890-1832. * Valid through 12/30/10. Seasonal rates apply. Based on double occupancy. Black out dates may apply. Subject to availability. Taxes not included.

County Convention  Ashtabula & Visitors Bureau Ashtabula County … our lake awaits! Seventeen wineries, 17 covered bridges, “Home to America’s Longest Covered Bridge,” greenway trail, 19 museums, hotels, campgrounds and lakefront lodge. 1850 Austinburg Rd. Austinburg, OH 44010 800-337-6746 VisitAshtabulaCounty.com visitus@visitashtabulacounty.com

 Headlands Beach State Park Our 125-acre State Park boasts a milelong sandy beach - Ohio’s longest! Swim, picnic, hike and fish. Public restrooms, concessions, pavilions and playground. Open dawn to dusk. 9601 Headlands Rd. Mentor, OH 44060 216-881-8141 dnr.state.oh.us OhioStateParks@dnr.state.oh.us

Live

the Good Life

Sites & Activities Theatres

Rabbit Run Theater 5648 W. Chapel Rd. Madison, OH 44057 440-428-7092

Mentor For even more reasons to enjoy the Good Life on a Great Lake, subscribe to our Lake Erie Living newsletters. They’re your guide to what’s new and happening across Lake Erie.

Services Marinas

.com

We offer a public marina and boat ramp with direct lake access. Kayaks and canoes can also be rented to use within the protected waters of the lagoons. 8365 Harbor Dr. Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-3625 or 440-974-5720 cityofmentor.com parks@cityofmentor.com

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Visit our 450 scenic acres with seven miles of trails and a 1.5-mile shoreline. Perfect for hiking and birding. Electric carts and bikes are available for free, on first come basis. 8365 Harbor Dr. Mentor, OH 44060 440-974-5720 cityofmentor.com parks@cityofmentor.com

 Mentor Lagoons Marina

» Sign up at

 Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve

Pennsylvania

LakeErieLiving.com

Pennsylvania Region at a Glance

Erie County Pennsylvania’s only Great Lake port of call, Erie County is rich in maritime history while the surrounding countryside boasts charming towns, covered bridges, orchards, wineries and historical sites, such as the only known statue of George Washington in British uniform.

MAJOR CITY Erie: Pennsylvania’s fourth largest city is located on beautiful Presque Isle Bay, one of the world’s best-protected harbors.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Visit Erie 208 E. Bayfront Pkwy., Ste. 103 Erie, Pa. 800-524-ERIE, visiteriepa.com

Presque Isle State Park

My Own Way Soak up all that Erie has to offer.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Erie News

by Laura Watilo Blake

Pardon the Dust

Each time I come to Erie, I make it a point to do two things, no matter what else might be on the itinerary. One involves consuming a lot of calories, and the other is meant to burn them off. It wasn’t always like this, though. At one point in my life, I might have been content spending the day surrounded by the natural wonders of Presque Isle State Park, which is known for its ecological diversity and world-class recreational opportunities. I could spend hours biking the paved trails, photographing the scenery and wildlife, and searching for beach glass. And then I discovered the sponge candy at Romolo Chocolates (1525 W. 8th St., 888-799-7797). The affair began innocently one cool autumn morning when a friend and I were looking for a coffee shop and found Romolo’s Travel Token: Cocoa Café. “Try our famous sponge candy,” the woman behind

The Erie Art Museum (411 State St., 814459-5477), located in the Greek revivalstyle Old Customs House, is undergoing a $9 million renovation and expansion project that will make it the first certified green building in Erie. The finished space will include four major galleries, a number of smaller galleries, a 250person performance space, a meeting space at a new unified entrance, improved space for conferences and lectures, indoor and outdoor public space, a cafe and a gift shop. The museum’s main galleries are open to visitors during the renovation from Tuesday to Sunday (free on Wednesday).

Facelift Complete: Millcreek Mall (654 Millcreek Mall, 814-868-9000, millcreekmall.net), Erie’s largest shopping center, recently completed renovations to include skylights, a food court and a children’s area with a new ceiling design and Italian porcelain flooring. The building features new street-front shopping on the west side. The Millcreek Mall complex was built in 1975 and houses more than 160 shops, restaurants and specialty stores with numerous plazas surrounding the main concourse. 58

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Romolo Chocolates the counter told us. I had never heard of this light, crispy, chocoSponge Candy late-covered honeycomb confection that melted effortlessly in my 5-ounce bag $4.75 mouth. A free sample later, and I was hooked. 1-pound bag $13.50 Now when I head to Erie, I stock up on sponge candy and try to have enough willpower to make it last as long as the summer sun that I like to watch disappear below the horizon from Presque Isle’s Sunset Point. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to enjoy everything else that Erie, Pennsylvania’s fourth-largest city, has to offer, either. You could spend a week exploring Presque Isle State Park alone. A stop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, 814-833-7424), located on the right hand side before entering the park, helps visitors get acquainted with the 3,200-acre peninsula that is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Climb 131 steps to the top of the center’s 75-foot-high observation tower for rewarding views of the park and Lake Erie, not to mention a good workout for chocoholics, such as myself. Once the call of the wild has been satiated, I like to take advantage of the bay city’s other assets, such as its tax-free clothes shopping, unique boutiques, sports teams, amusement parks, vibrant nightlife and cultural gems. When it comes to food (other than the sponge candy, of course), Erie has more than 250 establishments. Don’t leave without trying the pepperoni balls at Arnone’s Bakery & Italian Deli (564 West 18th St., 814-453-5866) or the fried pickles at The Brewerie at Union Station (123 West 14th St., 814-454-2200). laura watilo blake

Pennsylvania

Five

Great Rides

1. Sail aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara in Erie

When you board the U.S. Brig Niagara, the official flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you step back nearly 200 years in maritime history. But this is no ordinary sightseeing vessel. A day-sail program offered through the Erie Maritime Museum (150 E. Front St.) is designed to give participants hands-on experience with the wooden, square-rigged ship. The five-hour adventure includes a detailed explanation of the ship’s history, demonstrations of various tasks and maneuvers, and the opportunity to walk away with the halyards to hoist the topsails. For more information, visit flagshipniagara.org or call 814452-27744 for sailing schedules and available tour dates.

2. Ride in a race car

Experience the thrill and excitement of racing from inside a stock car at Lake Erie Speedway (10700 Delmas Dr.) — a NASCARsanctioned racing facility. Sign up for one of the speedway’s Ride & Drive packages to join a professional driver doing laps around the 3/8-mile oval, and then put the pedal to the metal yourself. Participants can choose between a street stock and a real Sprint Cup vehicle. For prices and available dates, visit lakeeriespeedway.com or call Jason Scanlon at 814-725-3303, ext. 230.

3. Bike in Presque Isle State Park

The Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail makes a 13.5-mile circuit of Presque Isle, a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie near the city of Erie. This paved trail is popular not only with bicyclists but also in-line skaters and joggers. For visitors without their own set of wheels, the Yellow Bike Rental Company, located at the Waterworks Pumphouse, rents single-rider and tandem bikes, four-wheeled surreys and tricycles, plus in-line skates and paddle boats. Rentals are offered from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during May and September, weather permitting. Call 814835-8900 for more information. tubing: istockphoto.com/Wojciech Gajda

Cycling near the Perry Monument at Presque Isle State Park

4. Tube at Mount Pleasant of Edinboro

Snow tubing is a wintertime activity, similar to sledding, that gives even non-skiers the opportunity for a downhill fling. At Mount Pleasant of Edinboro, a small ski resort 20 miles south of Lake Erie, visitors can try out the tubing phenomenon at the Polar Blast Tube Park. Riders choose between four snow-lined chutes from which they descend the equivalent of six stories. The tube park is open Thursday to Sunday during the winter. For more information, visit skimountpleasant.com or call 814-734-1641.

5. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Erie

Learn about Erie’s proud past set to a soundtrack of hooves clopping and bridles jingling when you sign up for a narrated horse-drawn tour offered by the Erie County Historical Society (417 State St.). The “Millionaire’s Row” Tour, offered at 7 p.m. on Thursdays between June and September, winds through sites in the West Sixth Street Historic District. The guided tour ends at the beautifully decorated Watson-Curtze Mansion (356 W. 6th St.). Visit eriecountyhistory.org or call 814-454-1813 for details. LakeErieLiving.com

Pennsylvania

Edinboro Accommodations Resort/hotel/Motel

Field Trips Fun on the Farm: Get a taste of country life at the family-friendly Port Farms, which opens in mid-September when the pumpkins are ready for the taking. Hop on the All You Can Carry Pumpkin Wagon, and prepare to pick as many pumpkins as you can poise for one low price. The current record holder went home with 11. Kids will enjoy the many farm activities, such as the corn maze, pumpkin slingshot, trike track and mountain slide. The farm also sells Christmas trees during the holidays. 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford, 814-796-4500, portfarm.com

Ripe for the Pickin’: Nothing says summer better than a freshly plucked, juicy vineripened strawberry. The store-bought stuff has nothing on Mason Farms, which has a pick-your-own operation that runs from 9 a.m. to dusk daily from early June through October. Well known for its strawberries, the farm also grows peas, beans, cucumbers, greens, tomatoes, grapes, squash and pumpkins that can be picked right from the fields, guaranteeing the freshest, finest quality produce available at substantial savings. 8603 West Lake Road, Lake City, 814-7748592, masonfarms.net

Regional Events

July 23-25

April 10-11

Asbury Woods Maple Festival: Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie. Maple syrup making, historical tours, arts and crafts, maple-flavored foods, music and more. 814-835-5356, asburywoods.org

May 15

Erie Zoo Parade: 18th and State Streets in Erie. Nearly 100 units will parade down State Street to Perry Square. 814-864-4091, eriezoo.com

June 2-5

20th Erie Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival: Perry Square in Erie. Numerous vendors compete for the title of Best Ribs. Food, musical entertainment and family fun. 814-899-5177, performanceandeventmgmt.com

June 25-27

Erie Area Summer Festival of the Arts: Liberty Park in Erie. Live entertainment, juried art show, face painting, storytelling, arts and crafts. 814838-0971, goerie.com/artsfestival

July 13-17

North East Cherry Festival: North East. Celebrate the 58th anniversary of the North East Cherry Festival. Family entertainment includes amusement rides, games, delicious foods and cherry pies. 814-725-5616, nechamber.org

July 15-17

Roar on the Shore: Various locations in Erie. Thousands of motorcycles and enthusiasts ride with a roaring caravan through the streets of Erie. Musical entertainment, food and more. 800-815-2660, roarontheshore.com

July 16-18

Waterford Community Heritage Days: Waterford Park in Downtown Erie. More than 100 crafters, a parade, historical re-enactments, live entertainment, food and concessions. 814796-6105

July 22-24

Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival: Edinboro University in Edinboro. A wide variety of music at many venues, the haunting sound of massed pipe bands marching, food, athletics, beautiful dance, kids’ games, and an array of gift and clothing vendors. 800-526-0121, edinboro.edu 60

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Discover Presque Isle Days: Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Art area, children’s games and activities, beach volleyball, music, bonfire and more. 814-833-6050, discoverpi.com

Aug. 5-8

Dan Rice Days: Downtown Girard Borough. This event commemorates the life and times of the most famous clown in history. Food, arts and crafts. 814-774-9683

Aug. 7-8

Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival: Frontier Park in Erie. National, regional, and local blues and jazz entertainment on one professional stage. 814-459-5477, erieartmuseum.org

 Comfort Suites New, all suites, luxury hotel. Located off I-79 at Edinboro. Indoor heated pool, spa and fitness room. Complimentary hot breakfast. Wireless Internet throughout. Fabulous packages available. 1007 Market Place Dr. Edinboro, PA 16412 814-969-7000, edinborocomfortsuites.com edinborocomfortsuites@yahoo.com

Sites & Activities Arboretums/Gardens

 Goodell Gardens & Homestead A horticultural and historical treasure, the Goodell Heritage Garden features beautiful and unique perennials and tree species. Event offered throughout the open season: May-Oct., Wed.-Sun., 11am – 5pm. Located 2.8 mi. east of 1-79 exit # 166. 221 Waterford St. (Route 6N) Edinboro, PA 16412 814-734-6699, goodellgardens.org ggh_info@velocity.net

Erie Services Golf courses

 Whispering Woods Golf Club

Aug. 30-Sept. 4

WWGC is the premier golfing experience in Northwestern Pennsylvania. WWGC offers the complete package for golfers of any level who desire simply the best! Call for a tee-time today. Specials available.

Erie County Fair: Erie County Fairgrounds in Wattsburg. Top entertainers, rides, truck and tractor pulls, horse pulls and lots of fun. $5 admission includes rides. 814-739-2232, paeriecountyfair.com

7214 Grubb Rd. Erie, PA 16506 814/838-9942, whisperingwoodsgc.com wwgcproshop@verizon.net

Sept. 11

Sites & Activities

Aug. 19-22

Celebrate Erie 2010!: Downtown Erie. Fourday extravaganza that infuses downtown Erie with a unique spirit of pride and possibility. celebrateerie2009.com

Erie Heritage Festival: Liberty Park in Downtown Erie. Erie Philharmonic performance, fireworks and historical re-enactments — all to celebrate Erie’s maritime heritage. 814-4541813, erieheritagefest.com

Amusement/water parks

Sept. 24-26

Wine Country Harvest Festival: Gravel Pit Park in North East. Wine tasting, arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and winery tours. 814-7254262, nechamber.org

Oct. 7-10:

Eerie Horror Film Festival: Warner Theatre in Erie. A showcase of independent horror films featuring celebrity guests, vendors and workshops. 814873-2483, eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com

Dec. 3

Downtown d’Lights: Erie. Downtown Erie comes alive with light for the holiday season. 814-455-ERIE, eriedowntown.com

Park  Waldameer & Water World A family fun amusement and water park featuring over 75 rides, slides and attractions with free musical shows throughout the day and free parking. 220 Peninsula Dr. Erie, PA 16505 814-838-3591 • Fax: 814-835-7435 waldameer.com info@waldameer.com

Pennsylvania

casinos

take home a TREASURE from the LAKE  Presque Isle Downs & Casino With 2,000 of your favorite slots and the excitement of LIVE thoroughbred racing, you get the thrills of Vegas… just a short drive away! 8199 Perry Hwy. Erie, PA 16509 866-ERI-EFUN, presqueisledowns.com pidinfo@pidowns.com

Shopping gifts/flowers/candy

3835 West 12th Street

JEWELERS

Beach Glass Studio & Gallery

Erie, PA 16505 (3/4 mile east of Erie airport) Phone (814) 836-1827 Shop online: www.relishinc.com

Inc. Jewelers  Relish, Studio & Gallery Flower Power! By combining sterling silver and genuine sea glass, we’ve created a line of beautiful and affordable jewelry. 3835 W. 12th St. Erie, PA 16505 814-836-1827, relishinc@relishinc.com relishinc.com

North East Services tourism resources

East Area  North Chamber of Commerce

Tucked in the northern corner of Pennsylvania, hugging the shores of Lake Erie, a small piece of America still thrives. Visit our quaint town with its unique shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts. Home to ten wineries each with their own special blends of wines. 21 S. Lake St. North East, PA. 16428 814-725-4262, nechamber.org

LakeErieLiving.com

Western New York

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Western New York Region at a Glance

Chautauqua County Home to the Chautauqua Institution and the oldest and largest Concordgrape-growing region in the world.

MAJOR CITY

Drew Cerza, founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival

Erie County

By Laura Watilo Blake When in Buffalo, you must do as the Wing King does and head to Gabriel’s Gate for a plate of Buffalo wings. I arrange to meet the king himself — Drew Cerza — so he can show me the ropes. The founder of the National Buffalo Wing Festival, Cerza knows a little something about wings. He’s served more than 2 million of them at the festival since 2002, beat Bobby Flay in a Buffalo wing throwdown and most recently appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial promoting its WingStreet menu. “You never bread your chicken wings,” he told Bobby Flay. “In Buffalo, New York, that’s a misdemeanor.” The original Buffalo wing is thought to have been invented, and is still served, at Frank & Teressa’s Anchor Bar (1047 Main St.), but Cerza says the wings at Gabriel’s Gate (148 Allen St.) are his favorite. A heaping plate, slathered with a thick and tangy barbecue sauce, arrives at the table, and we dig in. I slowly savor a juicy wing that has been flash-fried to give it a crispy outside. Able to knock back three wings to my one, Cerza deftly demonstrates how he eats his wings. Holding the bony end in his fingers, he deftly places the entire wing in his mouth, clamps down with his teeth and spins it until the meat falls off. A few seconds later, only the bones remain. “Everyone has their own eating style,” he says. “The only confusion is over when to wipe your hands. Do you do it after each bite, wait until the very end or lick your fingers in between?”

Grape Escape: Chautauqua County has 20,000 acres dedicated to grapes, making it the largest grape-growing county in the nation outside of Napa Valley. Visit the Brick Village Gourmet at Red Brick Farm for Concord Grapeseed Vinaigrette laura watilo blake

TRAVEL INFORMATION Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1441 Chautauqua, N.Y. 866-908-4569 tourchautauqua.com

Wing It

Field Trips

Jamestown: Once a hub for the furniture industry, the city is now best known as the home of comedian Lucille Ball.

Salad Dressing, Grapeberry Gourmet Jam, Concord Grapeberry Dessert Topping and a Grape Medley Chutney. 5031 W. Lake Road, Mayville, 716-753-3375 Know Your Wool: The 633-acre Knox Farm State Park offers a gift shop featuring items affixed with the names and photos of the sheep who donated them. 437

Erie County covers 1,058 square miles. It’s the most populous county in New York outside of New York City’s metropolitan area.

MAJOR CITY Buffalo: The city has a long history of innovation, discovery, creativity in manufacturing, architecture, the arts and culture.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau 617 Main St., Ste. 200 Buffalo, N.Y. 800-BUFFALO visitbuffaloniagara.com

Buffalo Road, #C, East Aurora, 716-655-7200, nysparks.state.ny.us Marketing 101: A Buffalo favorite, the Elmwood Village Farmers Market features fruits, vegetables, meats, juices, flowers and baked goods. 716-881-0707, elmwoodmarket.org LakeErieLiving.com

Western New York

My Own Way

East Aurora transcends the ages. by Laura Watilo Blake Ten cents doesn’t buy much these days, but at Vidler’s Five & Dime in East Aurora, it buys a bag of popcorn. Munching away, I peruse the ageless toys and novelties in this huge emporium at 690 Main St. The town itself evokes an era when simple values governed small-town life, but it is also a thriving decorative arts scene rooted in the Roycroft Arts and Crafts movement — begun by Elbert Hubbard, a Buffalo soap salesman turned printer, writer and philosopher — that got its start here in 1895. I head over to the Elbert

Hubbard Roycroft Museum (363 Oakwood Ave.),

which features Roycroft books and handcrafted furniture. Later, I take a guided tour ($10) of the Roycroft Campus (corner of Main and South Grove streets), which brings Hubbard’s compelling story alive. For the hands-on type, art classes are offered at the Copper Shop, located in the original blacksmith building on the campus. I head across the street to check in at the Roycroft Inn (40 S. Grove St.), which once housed Hubbard’s printing operations. Today, there are 28 guest rooms (starting at $130). With a light rain falling, I eat a gourmet dinner on the inn’s covered porch and settle in for the night. The next day is devoted to the town’s other important sites. Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, once lived here, and you can tour his home at 24 Shearer Ave. East Aurora is home to the Toy Town Museum, located at the Fisher-Price headquarters, which features a working Erector Set and a miniature train that travels through the museum. Upon seeing a large Raggedy Ann doll, my youth snaps into focus. The past is ever present here in East Aurora. And, if anything, the 10-cent popcorn is proof. 64

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Regional Events Feb. 6

Snowflake Festival: Jamestown Audubon Nature Center. Arts and crafts workshops, food, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 716-569-2345, jamestownaudobon.org

Feb. 6-7

Wine and Chocolate Weekend: ChautauquaLake Erie Wine Trail. Sample wine and chocolate pairings at 21 wineries. 877-3266561, chautauquawinetrail.org

largest garden tour in the U.S. 716-879-0123, gardenwalkbuffalo.com

July 26-Aug. 1

Chautauqua County Fair: Dunkirk. Budweiser Grandstand events, Floral Hall, agricultural exhibits and a super midway. 716-366-4752, chautauquacountyfair.org

Aug. 4-8

Gerry Rodeo: Gerry. The oldest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi. 716-9854847, gerryrodeo.org

March 15

Aug. 6-8

“Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Valley Community Center in Buffalo. The parade retraces the original 1913 parade route. 716-823-470,7 thevalleycenter.com

Lucille Ball’s Birthday Celebration: Lucy-Desi Center in Jamestown. Contests, film fests, collectors show, birthday cake bake-off and more. 716-484-0800, lucy-desi.com

March 20-21, 27-28

Aug. 14-15

Maple Weekends: Various locations, Chautauqua County. Maple goodies and free samples. 585-591-1190, mapleweekend.com

April 5

Dyngus Day Buffalo Parade: Broadway Market in Buffalo. Annual post-Lent bash to celebrate spring and show Polish pride. dyngusdaybuffalo.com

April 16-25

The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival: Amherst. A 10-day international film festival. 716-827-3534, buffaloniagarafilmfestival.org

May 28-30

Lucy-Desi Fan Appreciation Days: LucyDesi Center in Jamestown. Contests, outdoor movies, Lucytown Tours, film fests, memorabilia auction, vintage collectibles, food and music. 716-484-0800, lucy-desi.com

June 10-13

Roger Troy Peterson Institute Birding Festival: Roger Troy Peterson Institute in Jamestown. Entertaining and educational workshops, field trips, speakers and remastered Peterson films. 716-665-2473, rtpi.org

June 12-13

53rd Annual Allentown Art Festival: Historic Allentown District in Buffalo. More than 400 juried exhibitors. 716-881-4269, allentownartfestival.org

June 19-20

Juneteenth Festival: Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo. Celebration of AfricanAmerican culture and the ending of slavery. 716-876-6458

Late June

Roycroft Summer Festival: Historic Area in East Aurora. Roycroft Renaissance artisans display and sell at a juried show. 716-655-7252, ralaweb.com

July 2-4

Great Blue Heron Music Festival: Sherman, NY. Roots, rock zydeco, blues, old-time and bluegrass bands. Food, all night dance tent, camping and swimming. 716-487-1781, greatblueheron.com

July 10-11

Taste of Buffalo: Downtown Buffalo. One of the nation’s largest food festivals. 716-6520628, tasteofbuffalo.com

July 24-25

America’s Grape Country Wine Festival: Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk. Food, fun and wine at the second annual festival. 800-965-4834, agcwinefestival.com

Aug. 21

26th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games: Amherst Museum. Celtic music, Scottish food, bagpipers, sheep herding and more. 716-689-1440, amherstmuseum.org

Aug. 21-22

9th Annual International Lighthouse Festival: Dunkirk Historic Lighthouse. Crafts, entertainment, military displays and WWII reenactments. 716-366-5050, dunkirklighthouse. com

Aug. 28-29

The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts: Buffalo. Art and environmental festival. 716830-2484, elmwoodartfest.org

Sept. 3-5

Findley Lake Harvest Festival: Findley Lake. Craft and vendor booths, live music and an Idol Contest. 716-769-7609, findleylakeinfo.org

Sept. 4-5

National Buffalo Wing Festival: Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo. More than 100 different flavors of chicken wings from restaurants throughout the country. 716-565-4141, buffalowing.com

Sept. 18-19

Festival of Grapes: Silver Creek. Grape stomping, rides and a parade. 716-934-3983

Sept. 26-Oct. 31

The Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival: Main Street in Clarence. Pumpkins, hayrides, entertainment and more. 716-759-8483, greatpumpkinfarm.com

Oct. 9-10, 16-17

Peek N’ Peak Fall Festival: Findley Lake. Farmers market, 75 juried crafters, ski lift rides, snow sports equipment swap and kids’ activities. 716-355-4141, pknpk.com

Nov. 27

World’s Largest Disco: Buffalo Convention Center. ’70s retro party. 716-635-8668, worldslargestdisco.com

Dec. 3

Holiday Parade: Third Street in Jamestown. wAnnual parade with fireworks and tree lighting at City Hall. 716-664-2477, discoverjamestown.com

Garden Walk Buffalo: West Side, Buffalo. The laura watilo blake

Western New York

Five

Great Experiential Activities

1. Have a Ball in Jamestown.

Pay your respects to the Queen of Comedy with a visit to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The Lucy-Desi Museum (10 W. Third St.) traces the careers of Ball and Arnaz, and the Desilu Playhouse (2 W. Third St.) features original sets and episode screenings.

2. Grow spiritually and intellectually at the Chautauqua Institution.

Founded in 1874 as a training camp for Sunday school teachers, the Chautauqua Institution now offers a blend of religion, art, education and recreation on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. 716-3576200, ciweb.org

3. Hit the slopes at Peek’n Peak.

Peek’n Peak offers 105 acres of fresh powder from late November

through March thanks to its snow-making towers. The full-service resort has 27 ski trails, 10 miles of cross-country terrain, a kidfriendly snow-tubing arena and three terrain parks that cater to

snowboarders. 1405 Old Road, Clymer, N.Y., 716-355-4141, pknpk.com

4. Follow the wine trail.

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail comprises 21 wineries and follows the Lake Erie shoreline through “America’s Grape Country” from Silver Creek at the northeastern tip of Chautauqua County into Erie County, Pa. chautauquawinetrail.org

5. Walk Buffalo.

The city of Buffalo boasts an extraordinary number of architectural gems, including National Historic Landmarks designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other American masters. The Walk Buffalo guide is available at the Buffalo Niagara Visitors Center in the Market Arcade (617 Main St.) — the first stop on the tour — or at walkbuffalo.com.

What to Enter 2010 Photo Contest

Amateur photographers may submit up to three previously unpublished color or black-and-white images, taken in the last three years and captured somewhere within a 30-mile radius of Lake Erie (both the U.S. and the Canadian sides of the lake). The three contest categories are: nature and wildlife, architecture and the man-made environment, and people. Photos must be at least 300 dpi resolution.

How to Enter Via email: Send your submission to photos@lakeerieliving.com along with your name, phone number, address and a brief description of the photo, including where it was taken.

Via Mail: Entries should be unmounted prints made from the original negative, slide or digital file. Prints should be at least 5 x7, and no larger than 8x12. Images will not be returned. Please include your name, phone number, address and a brief description of the photo, including where it was taken. Send photos to:

Send us your views of the Lake Erie region and enter for you chance to win a $500 gift certificate and other prizes. One grand prize winner will be selected as well as first place winners in each of the three categories: Winning photos will be featured in the March/April issue of Lake Erie Living.

2010 Lake Erie Living Photo Contest Lake Erie Living Magazine 1422 Euclid Ave., Ste. 730 Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Deadline: Oct. 6, 2010 For complete contest rules, prize details and additional information, please visit LakeErieLiving.com and click on 2010 Lake Erie Living Photo Contest. LakeErieLiving.com

Western New York Chautauqua

Jamestown

Niagara Falls

Accommodations

Sites & Activities

resort/hotel/motel

sports/recreation

casinos

 Athenaeum Hotel The historic Athenaeum Hotel overlooks picturesque Chautauqua Lake at Chautauqua Institution. This Victorian treasure is a full-service hotel with the charm of a bygone era. 4 South Lake Dr. Chautauqua, NY 14722 716-357-4444, athenaeum-hotel.com athenaeum1881@hotmail.com

 Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena A world class convention center and dual rink ice facility. The JSBIA offers top entertainment & shows and banquet & meeting rooms. 319 W. Third St. Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-2624 jsbia.com general.manager@jsbia.com

Lewiston Sites & Activities

 Chautauqua Marina Western New York’s largest and newest Boat Rental Fleet, offering Pontoon, Ski Boat and Jet-Ski rentals. Dock or store your boat with us. A full service Marina open daily 8 am–8 pm. Bring this ad and receive $10 OFF your Boat or Jet–Ski Rental.

historical/educational sites Niagara Power Project’s Power Vista

Sites & Activities

sports/recreation

zoo/animal park/aquariums

 Aquarium of Niagara We’re just around the corner! Open year-round! 701 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301 800-500-4609 aquariumofniagara.org aquariumnf@aol.com

historical/educational sites

 Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

A dramatic lakeside setting, the beauty of its architecture, lectures, symphony, theater, opera, visual arts, golf, tennis and more create a vacationer’s paradise.

An exhilarating white water experience aboard 1500 horsepower Jetboats on the Niagara River with awe-inspiring scerery, historical significance, and Class Five Rapids. Hydrate your senses!

1 Ames Ave. Chautauqua, NY 14722 716-357-6230, ciweb.org webmaster@ciweb.org

115 S. Water St. Lewiston, NY 14092 888-438-4444, whirlpooljet.com trips@whirlpooljet.com

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

310 4th St. Niagara Falls, NY 14303 877-873-6322 SenecaNiagaraCasino.com

The admission-free visitors center includes more than 50 interactive exhibits and displays to spark your curiosity and make learning fun for the whole family.

104 W. Lake Rd. Mayville, NY 14757 716-753-3913, ChautauquaMarina.com

Discover a higher level of luxury conveniently located in the Lake Erie area and make your next destination Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel.



5777 Lewiston Rd. Lewiston, NY 14092 866-697-2386 nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm npvista@nypa.gov

 Chautauqua Institution

 Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel

Western New York Ripley

Westfield

Sites & Activities

Accommodations campgrounds

sports/recreation

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 Brookside Beach Campground  Double D.A.B. Riding Stable Scenic trail rides. Enjoy a beautiful horseback ride through miles of trails. Fun for the whole family. Pony and sunset rides. Petting farm, lessons and day camps. 5811 Welch Hill Rd. Ripley, NY 14775 716-736-4418 doubledab.net doubledab@fairpoint.net

Enjoy the many “moods” of Lake Erie and beautiful sunsets right from your campsite. Brookside Beach offers a private beach just for our patrons. 8862 W. Lake Rd. (Route 5) Westfield, NY 14787 716-326-9945 brooksidebeach.com brooksidebeach@hotmail.com

Sites & Activities museum/galleries

Salamanca Sites & Activities casinos

 Portage Hill Art Gallery Shop the best collection of regional art. 200 artists represented. Custom archival framing. Home studio of painter and clay artist, Audrey Kay Dowling. Located on the Historic Portage Trail. 6439 S. Portage Rd., Rte 394 Westfield, NY 14787 716-326-4478 portagehillgallery.com dowlings@fairpoint.net

VISIT THE AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA mpany! o c e v I lo

 Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel Excitement at every turn! Discover a higher level of luxury conveniently located in the Lake Erie area and make your next destination Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel! 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd. Salamanca, NY 14779 877-553-9500 SenecaAlleganyCasino.com

See hundreds of other sea creatures, too: sharks, penguins, sea lions, octopus & fishes galore!

701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls, NY 14301 www.aquariumofniagara.org LakeErieLiving.com

Eastern Ontario

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Eastern Ontario

My Own Way

Region at a Glance

Niagara

Go with the flow in Niagara’s wine country by Laura Watilo Blake

Inniskillin, Canada’s first estate winery

More than 11 million people visit Niagara Falls each year to gaze upon the natural wonder for which the city is named. But once I’ve done the major attractions at “The Falls,” I like to follow the Niagara River out of town and escape to the scenic backcountry, which is easily explored by bike or car. The Niagara Peninsula is recognized globally as an outstanding wine-producing region, and around 50 wineries are clustered in a small area bordered by the historic Welland Canal to the west and the Niagara Parkway to the east. On my first visit to the area, I went from vineyard to vineyard by following the blue-and-white road signs that say “Wine Route” though the Wine Council of Ontario has a downloadable map at winesofontario.org. Most of the wineries have tours and tastings during the day. There is a dizzying number of wines from which to choose: reds or whites, varietals or blends. It’s essential to sample each to determine what suits your taste. My favorite is the ice wine from Inniskillin (1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake), Canada’s first estate winery, which consistently earns high marks for its dessert wine made from frozen grapes picked only when the temperature reaches minus 10 degrees. Donald Ziraldo, one the co-founders of Inniskillin and somewhat of a local celebrity, literally wrote the book on ice wine best practices. Although he sold Inniskillin in 2006, he’s still active in the wine industry and launched his own ice wine last fall (Ziraldo 2007 Riesling Icewine). I ran into Ziraldo having coffee at Olson Foods at Ravine, a bistro and gourmet food store run by celebrity chefs Michael and Anna Olson and located on the Ravine Vineyard, one of the region’s newest wineries (1366 York Road). The unpretentious lunch hangout attracts celebrities, city slickers and local farmers who enjoy a variety of inventive sandwiches, salads and pizzas prepared with locally sourced ingredients and paired with Ravine Vineyard wines. Don’t leave without trying one of Anna Olson’s divine desserts; after all, the host of Fresh with Anna Olson on Food Network Canada is a professionally trained pastry chef. I couldn’t decide between a cupcake, a lemon bar or a slice of pie, so I got one of each to go. It’s a good thing calories don’t count when you’re on vacation. Just in case, I opted for an afternoon bike ride along the nearby Niagara Parkway, which stretches from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. But it’s just as easy to spend the rest of the day splayed out on a blanket in a quiet spot along the river. The point is to go with the flow. laura watilo blake

Home to the internationally renowned Niagara Falls, this region is an important center not only for tourism but also for agriculture.

MAJOR CITY Niagara Falls: Each year, the city hosts more than 11.5 million visitors who come for its namesake waterfall.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Tourism Niagara 3550 Schmon Parkway Second Floor, P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario 800-263-2988, tourismniagara.com

Haldimand The waters of the Southern Grand River meet Lake Erie in this county, making this region great for water recreation.

MAJOR CITY Cayuga: Stroll through the parks on the edge of the Grand River, or indulge your need for speed at the city’s two auto racing venues.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Tourism Haldimand 45 Munsee St. Cayuga, Ontario 800-863-9607, tourismhaldimand.com

Norfolk Wind farms dot the landscape in this county, which also offers beautiful golf courses, farm-fresh produce and trails for walking, cycling, ATV-riding and cross country skiing.

MAJOR CITY Simcoe: Home to many important industries, the city also has a lush park system, many heritage sights, shops and the Simcoe Little Theatre. The Lynne Valley Trail connects Simcoe to Port Dover.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Norfolk County Tourism 30 Peel St. Simcoe, Ontario 800-699-9038, norfolktourism.ca LakeErieLiving.com

Eastern Ontario

Field Trips Niagara: North American ginseng was an important medicine for the native people of Canada, and the root was used as a tonic to strengthen mental abilities and increase fertility. Since its discovery by Jesuit priests in 1704, Ontario has become the largest producer of ginseng in North America. Now, one of the largest ginseng retailers in Canada, Great Mountain Ginseng, offers free guided tours at its Niagara-on-the-Lake location. The tour guide will demonstrate how the plant is grown and describe the history and health benefits of its consumption. Try a free sample or purchase various Canadian-grown ginseng products, such as teas, candies and supplements. 758 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara On The Lake, 866-900-0527 Haldimand: Hagersville is renowned for its community farmers market, which was founded in 1892. The market runs regularly on Wednesday mornings from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. between May and December. The Hagersville community is surrounded by prime agriculture land, providing an abundant supply of fruits, vegetables, flowers and even baked goods at the market. Other notable markets include those in Caledonia (Thursdays) and in Dunnville (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.). Norfolk: Farmer Mark VanGoethem transformed part of his Waterfordarea farm into a spot that yields family fun. The Vango Adventure Farm has numerous activities that are educational and entertaining. Watch pig races, learn about planting crops, take a wagon ride, and feed the resident bunnies, alpacas, goats and miniature horses. The property also has giant checkers, a straw jump, a bounce house, a corn maze that opens in September and a paintball barn (for an extra fee). On warm days, bring bathing suits to cool off on the splash pad. The farm is open seven days a week from the end of May through October. 710 Old Highway #24, Waterford, 519-443-0001 70

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Five

Great Port Pleasures down except to motorcycle traffic. The event, which occurs rain or shine, offers entertainment, activities, shopping and food.

3. Maritime heritage in Port Colborne (Niagara) 1. Watersports in Port Maitland (Haldimand) “The lake is coming into its own as a paddling destination,” says kayaker Ed Sullivan. “With a kayak, you can get into areas you can’t get with a powerboat.” Sullivan, the owner of Grand River Kayaks offers various trips on the Grand River and on Lake Erie, but he recommends navigating the lower Grand from Dunnville to Port Maitland at the mouth of the river. “That way you get a taste of both the river and lake,” he says. While there, try kayak surfing and the fastest-growing watersport in the world: stand-up paddle boarding. Paddle boarding, which has its roots in Hawaii, involves standing on a wider version of a long board and paddling through small waves or even flat water. 2 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, 905-701-6818

2. Friday the 13th in Port Dover (Norfolk)

You have to see, and hear, it to believe it. Thousands of motorcycles roar into Port Dover each Friday the 13th for Motorcycle Mania, better known as PD13. The event started spontaneously with 25 bikers in 1981 and now attracts more than 100,000 two-wheel enthusiasts from all over Canada, the United States and beyond to this quaint lakeside town of around 5,000 residents. The tradition has grown so large that the roads shut

Situated at the southern end of the historic Welland Canal, Port Colborne is home to one of the world’s longest single locks, which can be seen from the Lock 8 Park observation area. Each year, the town celebrates the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival over the Civic holiday weekend ( July 30 to Aug. 2, 2010) with a boat parade, fireworks and tall ship cruises through the canal. The Sunday evening dinner cruise offers a great view of the festival’s fireworks. canaldays.ca

4. Fishing in Port Ryerse (Norfolk)

If you blink, you’ll miss this tiny fishing hamlet just west of Port Dover. Port Ryerse “offers alabaster sand with more driftwood than people,” according to the Toronto Star. Take a secluded walk on the beach or fish from the stone dock that juts into the lake. An important deep-water port in the early 1800s, Port Ryerse is now a quiet cottage community with no commercial business and only 120 residents, many of whom are artists. The best time to visit is during the last weekend in September when they open their doors for the annual Studio Tour.

5. Bird-watching in Port Rowan (Norfolk)

Port Rowan and nearby Long Point are in the direct path of many North American migratory birds, including the popular tundra swans that flock here each March during their northern migration. Birding takes place yearround. bsc-eoc.org

Eastern Ontario

We Tried It Going out on a limb Standing 50 feet above the forest floor, my heart races and my palms sweat. I close my eyes as I step off the platform, and suddenly I am flying through the air like a bird while safely tethered to a zip line. I reach the other end of the line, ready to do it all over again. Open year-round, Long Point Eco-Adventures’ new zip line and canopy tour gets your adrenaline pumping while offering a birds-eye view of Long Point Bay World Biosphere and Turkey Point Marsh. As you glide through the treetops and walk the elevated suspension bridges, you can witness the native flora and fauna or peer across

Regional Events March 13-14

Wildlife Festival & Adventure Show: Norfolk County Fairgrounds. Live animal shows, taxidermy, wildlife paintings, underwater photography and more. Camp-style lunch. 519426-7280, norfolkcountyfair.com

March 27

Better Living Essentials Women’s Expo: Norfolk County Fairgrounds. Products and services for women. Gourmet cafe, on-site spa and fashion show. 519-757-7416, betterlivingessentials.ca

June

Niagara New Vintage Festival: Niagara Region. Internationally acclaimed wines, fresh produce and a culinary experience unique to Ontario. 905-688-0212, grapeandwine.com/newvintage. html

June 5-13

Dunnville’s 36th Annual Mudcat Festival: Wingfield Park. Parade, midway, craft show, fireworks, dances, Bavarian Gardens, magician, motorcycle and car show, strong man contest, duck and canoe races, music and more. 905-7743183, dunnvillechamberofcommerce.ca

July 1

Canada Day Celebration-Caledonia: Downtown Caledonia. Large parade, entertainment, crafts, fun in the park, Steven Young Duck Race and fireworks at dusk. 905-765-0377, caledoniaontario.com

July 1

Canada Day — Dunnville: Various locations, Dunnville. Wonderful family event. Food, entertainment and more. dunnvillechamberofcommerce.ca

July 1-4

Friendship Festival: Niagara, Buffalo and Fort Erie, N.Y. A celebration of the culture and heritage shared by Canada and the U.S. Concerts, crafts, midway and fireworks. 888-3331987, friendshipfestival.com

July 16-18

CayugaFest: Downtown and Riverfront, Cayuga. Parade, river activities, live entertainment, family istockphoto.com/Sergey Tumanov

Lake Erie from your vantage point on a 100-foot ridge. A 40-foot rappel brings you back earth. You can reserve a spot on the Daylight Tour or the Full Moon Canopy Tour (offered three times per month). 1730 Front Road, Port Rowan, 977-743-8687; lpfun.ca

events, artisans, vendors, food and more. 905772-1984, cayugafest.org

July 17-18

Le Tour De Norfolk: Delhi. All rides for the third annual Tour de Norfolk start and end in Delhi. Distances range from 15 km to 160 km. Routes are on quiet, paved country roads. Great scenery. 519-582-1900

July 30-Aug. 2

Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival: Port Colborne. Ship cruises, boat parade of lights, spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, car show and children’s area. 905-834-1668, experienceportcolborne.com

Aug 19-22

19th Annual Jarvis Cornfest: Jarvis Lions Park. Crafts, displays, Friday night concert and fireworks, entertainment, Slo-pitch, antique farm machinery, Saturday night concert, and Sunday car show and church service. 519-587-5676, cornfest.ca

Aug. 21-22

Port Dover Summer Festival: Powell Park. Arts, crafts and antiques, used book table, sidewalk sales, music and food. portdoversummerfestival. com

Labour Day

Festival by the Bay: Various locations, Port Rowan. Two days of shopping at local studios, stores and home-based businesses. Offers, sampling and entertainment. Map available at local retailers or at Web site. portrowanlongpoint.org

Sept. 4-6

Marshville Heritage Festival: Wainfleet. A tradition featuring crafts, car show, dancing and music. 905-899-3646, marshvilleheritage. com/id13.html

Sept. 17-26

Niagara Grape and Wine Festival: Niagara Region. Winery tours and tastings, concerts, cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars, entertainment and street parade. 950-688-0212, niagarawinefestival.com

Sept. 18

Doors Open Haldimand County: Throughout the county. This event highlights 12 cultural heritage properties for community members and tourists. Unique programs, exhibits and activities planned for each site. 905-772-3790

Sept. 30-Oct. 4

Caledonia Fair — 137th Annual: Caledonia Fairgrounds. Livestock, crafts, food, continuous entertainment and the popular demolition derby. 905-765-6861

October

(exact dates to be announced)

Waterford Pumpkinfest: Saugeen Shores, Port Elgin. Fireworks, giant pumpkin pyramid, parade, craft show and more. pumpkinfest.com

Oct. 1-4

Niagara Food Festival: Merritt Island, Welland. Local cuisine, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations by Niagara College culinary staff, busker, children’s activities and musical performances. 905-735-1700, niagarafoodfestival.com

Oct. 8-11

Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Vineland. More than 150 juried artisans, live entertainment, children’s attractions, heritage exhibitions and tours. 905788-3135, conservation-niagara.on.ca

Oct. 16-17

Binational Doors Open Niagara: Various locations, Niagara. Discover the rich historical and architectural treasures of the Niagaras. 716849-5834, doorsopenniagara.com

Nov.-Jan.

Winter Festival of Lights: Niagara Parkway, Niagara. An enchanting route along the Niagara Parkway lit up with more than 100 animated light displays and nearly one million lights. 800-5632557, wfol.com

Nov. 27-Jan. 2

Simcoe Christmas Panorama: Wellington Park, Simcoe. Downtown Wellington Park lights up for Christmas. 519-426-1022, simcoepanorama.ca

LakeErieLiving.com

Eastern Ontario Caleonia Shopping Gifts/flowers/candy

Grand River Dinner Cruises

museum/galleries

Haldimand Museums 45 Munsee St. N. Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0 800-863-9607

36 Brant County Rd. 22 Caledonia, ON N3W 2G9 800-847-3321

historical/educational sites

Cayuga

243 Highway #54 Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0 905-772-0560

Services tourism resources

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

Courtland Sites & Activities sports/recreation GoPher Dunes Inc. 4385 Highway #59 Courtland, ON N0J 1E0 519-842-2781, gopherdunes.com

 Haldimand County

Dunnville

Enjoy a getaway along the Southern Grand River and feel the warmth of Ontario’s South Coast! On Lake Erie, 1 hour from Toronto & Niagara Falls. 45 Munsee St. N. Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0 800-863-9607, TourismHaldimand.com tourism@haldimandcounty.on.ca

Sites & Activities

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

parks

“Muddy” The World’s Largest Mudcat Centennial Park, Highway 3 Dunnville, ON 800-863-9607

sports/recreation

Grand River Kayak 2 Port Maitland Rd. Dunnville, ON N1A 1Y3 905-701-6818

Langton Sites & Activities

wineries Florence Estate Winery-Marshall Fields Restaurant 2790 County Rd. 45 Langton, ON N0E 1G0 866-766-2246, florencewinery.com

Paris Sites & Activities sports/recreation Grand Experiences Canoe & Kayak Outfitter grand-experiences.com 888-258-0441

Port Dover Services

boat charter & excursions Nomada Charters Inc. The Pier on Harbour St. Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0 519-428-6195

Sites & Activities Museum/galleries

Eastern Ontario

Port Dover Harbour Museum 44 Harbour St. Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0 519-583-2660, portdovermuseum.ca

theatres Lighthouse Festival Theatre 247 Main St. Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0 888-779-7703, lighthousetheatre.com

Simcoe Services

tourism resources

 Norfolk County Tourism Come feel the warmth of Ontario’s South Coast. Cruise the scenic villages of Lake-Erie - from Port Dover to Long Point. Beautiful beaches, natural escapes and the best local foods. Contact us for your FREE Map or Experience Guide. 30 Peel St. Simcoe, ON N3Y 1R9 800-699-9038 • Fax: 519-426-9689 norfolktourism.ca tourism@norfolkcounty.ca

Shopping gifts/flowers/candy

Give the Gift

of Lake Erie

Gift Subscriptions always a perfect fit, no matter the occasion.

 Ryerse Garden Gallery Florist/Garden Center with large displays, seasonal products, lots of parking and located on a main street. 777 Norfolk St. N. Simcoe, ON N3Y 3R6 519-426-0711, gardengallery.ca davidnorfolkgg@amtelecom.net

amusement/water parks Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show 172 South Dr. Simcoe, ON N3Y 1G6 519-426-7280, norfolkcountyfair.com

St. Williams

Sites & Activities sports/recreation Long Point Eco-Adventures/Ziplines 1730 Front Rd. St. Williams, ON N0E 1P0 877-743-8687, lpfun.ca

Lake Erie Living subscriptions make great gifts for your family, friends and those who like the Good Life on a Great Lake.

.com LakeErieLiving.com

140th St

Western Ontario

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

EXPERIENCE

Elgin County & ST. THOMAS

Call for your free Experience Elgin & St. Thomas Guide today!

WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM 1-877-GO-ELGIN

HOME OF THE 2010 INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH

Taste for yourself and see what sets us apart.

Kettle Creek Marina Welcome to Kettle Creek Marina - the friendly little marina. Located in the heart of Port Stanley with Guest Dockage for Boats up to 50 ft - power or sail.

Fresh, all natural beers - craft brewed in small batches, using only the finest ingredients with no artificial adjuncts or preservatives.

Store Hours Mon-Wed 11am-6pm Thurs-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 11am-6pm Sun 12-4pm

168 Curtis St., St. Thomas 519-631-1881 www.railwaycitybrewing.com

Fiona & John look forward to seeing you this summer! 519.782.3261 info@kettlecreekmarina.com kettlecreekmarina.com

Western Ontario Region at a Glance

Elgin Elgin County has serene country vistas, exciting events and attractions, and delightful ports and harbors.

MAJOR CITY St. Thomas: Home to the biggest tourist attraction in the province — a statue erected in honor of Jumbo, a circus elephant that was killed by a train there in 1885.

TRAVEL INFORMATION St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association 545 Talbot St. St. Thomas, Ontario 877-GO-ELGIN, elgintourist.com

Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent boasts the most sunshine hours in Canada and offers sandy beaches, natural parkland, worldclass exhibits and national historic treasures.

MAJOR CITY Chatham: Not only does this city have an abundance of retail shopping, it also boasts Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Chatham-Kent Tourism 445 Grand Ave. West Chatham, Ontario 800-561-6125, cktourism.com

Essex Bordered on three sides by water, the southernmost county in Canada has tons of water-based activities.

MAJOR CITY Windsor: Besides being the home of Canadian Club whisky, the city has loads of historical landmarks, gardens, gaming, international cuisine and events.

TRAVEL INFORMATION Convention & Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island 333 Riverside Drive West, Ste. 103 Windsor, Ontario 800-265-3633, visitwindsor.com

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Tourist information center in Leamington

My Own Way

Journey to Leamington, Lake Erie’s north shore port of call by Laura Watilo Blake It’s been said that it’s not the destination but the journey that matters most. And when it comes to a Lake Erie adventure into Canada, there’s no more relaxing way to ease into vacation mode than arriving by ferry. The boat starts to shudder, and the powerful engines roar into reverse, indicating the ferry has reached the north shore just as the sun has begun to set. I take a deep, relaxing breath. I’ve been transported to another place and time. Leamington is a great introduction to the Canadian way of life. MoneySense magazine named it Canada’s best place to live in 2006 for its “long-term happiness” factor, which includes mild weather, low unemployment and good health care. Perhaps the homegrown tomatoes have something to do with it; the aroma seems to linger in the air in late summer, most likely wafting from the Heinz factory, which located here more than 100 years ago. The next day, I head to the giant tomato that houses the tourist information center and honors the town’s title of “Tomato Capital of the World.” Next door, the newly renovated Arts Centre (72 Talbot St. West, 519-326-2711) features rotating exhibits and permanent collections of Lake Erie shipwreck artifacts and H.J. Heinz Company memorabilia. Suddenly, I’m craving a burger and French fries, so I head to Gilligans (26 Erie St. North, 519-322-0032), which has piled-high gourmet beef, turkey and ostrich burgers. Naturally, I douse my wedge fries with a healthy helping of Heinz ketchup, North America’s favorite condiment. There’s much more to see and do in and around Leamington. I spend the weekend exploring miles of spectacular shoreline, sampling local wines, visiting historic sights and hiking in the wilderness of Point Pelee National Park, the southernmost spot on Canada’s mainland. No matter how you choose to pass the time, though, everything boils down to tomatoes in these parts. Don’t be surprised if you have the overwhelming urge to order pizza at midnight. laura watilo blake

Western Ontario

Five

Great Must-See Structures

1. The world’s largest tomato in Leamington

The plump, 14-foot-high and 20-foot-wide fruit, which houses Leamington’s tourist kiosk, has stood ripe for the picking on Talbot Street since it opened on May 8, 1961. Constructed of wood, cement, plaster and fiberglass, the structure honors Leamington as the Tomato Capital of Canada. The area’s bond with the “love apple” dates back to 1909 when the H.J. Heinz factory moved into town to make products from the area’s biggest crop. Visit during the third weekend in August to take part in the Tomato Festival, which features a parade, entertainment and the famous tomato stomp.

2. Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Dresden

A former slave, the Rev. Josiah Henson helped establish the Dawn Settlement, a 200-acre refuge for fugitive slaves acclimatizing to a new beginning in Canada. He rose to international fame after Harriet Beecher Stowe acknowledged that he was the inspiration for the main character in her 1853 anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Visit the cabin on the original Dawn Settlement for a self-guided tour, including the Underground Railroad Freedom Gallery and two cemeteries. 29251 Uncle Tom’s Rd., Dresden, 519-683-2978

3. Jumbo the Elephant in St. Thomas

A life-size memorial to Jumbo the Elephant stands at the west end of Talbot Street in St. Thomas. Standing at 11 feet, 6 inches

Field Trips Distilling Pride: In 1856, Hiram Walker purchased a farm just upriver from Windsor, where he grew grain, milled flour and raised hogs and cattle. Oh, and he built the distillery where Canadian Club whisky was born. While the farm eventually succumbed to the town of Walkerville, Canadian Club is still produced on the same site as the original distillery. The Canadian Club Brand Heritage Centre can be visited Wednesday to Sunday from May through December. A guided one-hour tour educates visitors about Canadian laura watilo blake

tall and weighing nearly 7 tons, Jumbo was a circus elephant in P.T. Barnum’s “Greatest Show on Earth” until he met an untimely demise. As the story goes, Jumbo was struck by a train while trying to save a young elephant. Also, on the northwest corner of Manitoba and Talbot streets, check out the circus mural that features Jumbo. Thanks to the famous elephant, the word “jumbo” is now synonymous with “large” or “huge.”

4. Oil Powerhouse in Bothwell

Upon the discovery of black gold in the 1860s, Bothwell became one of the largest communities south of Toronto. Remnants of the oil boom can be seen at the Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum, where an 1896 powerhouse still operates. Standing on the site of an old oil field, the museum offers a unique glimpse into how oil was pumped at this last original powerhouse in North America. 29785 Concession 7 Bothwell, 519-695-2096

5. The Southwold Earthworks in Fingal

A national historic site since 1923, the earthworks are the only visible remains of an aboriginal village inhabited around 1500 A.D. The Attiwondaronk Nation, which once stretched from Kent County to the Niagara peninsula, made this area their home. The outer earthworks surround the remains of a 2-acre oval-shaped village that may have included up to 24 longhouses. Now under the care of Parks Canada, the site is open to the public for free. 519-322-2365, pc.gc.ca

Club’s history and how it’s manufactured. The tour ends in the tasting room with samples and a souvenir glass to take home. 2072 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, 519-561-5499 Fruits of Labor: Going to the grocery store is a chore, but getting your hands dirty by heading out into the field to pick your own produce equals a day of family fun. Parks Blueberries offers a visitor-picking operation that on most days includes a wagon ride. Don’t know a thing about blueberries? No problem. There are guides on hand who escort pickers to the choice

areas for harvest and provide picking pails and stools to sit on. And each guest receives a booklet of recipes for making all kinds of things with the antioxidantrich fruit. The Parks farm also has its own bakery, country store and charming cafe, which sells homemade jams, sauces, syrups, pies, squares, muffins, cookies and more. Between May 1 and Dec. 24, Parks Blueberries is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Picking season begins in late July. 14815 Longwoods Road North, Bothwell, 519-692-5373 LakeErieLiving.com

Western Ontario Regional Events Feb. 6-7

Ice Wine Festival: D’Angelo Estate Winery in Amherstburg. Celebrating this unique dessert wine. 519-736-7959, dangelowinery.com

Feb. 6-7

July 17

Dutton Dunwich Street Dance and Sportsfest: Dutton Dunwich. Dance in the middle of Main Street in Dutton from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. 519762-3209

July 24

Dutton Services tourism resources

Festival of Ice: Colio Estate Wines in Harrow. An event to celebrate the ice wine harvest. 519-738-2241, coliowines.com

Boblo Island International Jazz Festival: Various locations on Boblo Island. An eclectic mix of national and international sounds. 519736-1111 boblojazz.com

March 7,16,19

July 30-Aug. 1

199 Currie Rd. Dutton, ON N0L 1J0 519-762-2204

Aug. 13-15

Fingal Services

Maple, First Taste of Spring: John R. Park Homestead in Harrow. Make syrup taffy in the snow and see syrup made the pioneer way. 519-738-2029, erca.org

May 21-23

Retrofest: Downtown Chatham. Classic car cruise, movie under moonlight, children’s activities and more. downtownchatham.com

June 5-6

Art in the Park: Willistead Park in Windsor. Art displays and sales by 250 artists and artisans. 519-253-6382, aipwindsor.com

June 11-13

Annual Rosy Rhubarb Festival: Shedden. Craft vendors, poster and baking contests. 519-7642600, rosyrhubarbfestival.com

Port Burwell Tub Daze: Port Burwell. Beach activities include the fire truck pulling contest, volleyball, tub decorating and beach beer garden with entertainment. Fireworks Sunday at dusk. 519-874-4450, bayham.on.ca Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boat Outing: Downtown Wallaceburg. Antique wooden boats; classic and specialty cars; vintage airplanes, fire trucks and military vehicles; entertainment and food; soapbox derby and lawn tractor races. 519-627-1603, kent. net/wambo

August 13-15

Carrousel of the Nations: Various locations in Windsor. International food, bazaar vendors, children’s area and live entertainment. 519255-1127, themcc.com

Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show: Co-An Park in McGregor. Oliver tractors and machinery, operating steam and gas engines, tractor parade (Saturday), working sawmill, balancing act, threshing, steamed corn, bake sale, bean pot, crafts, flea market, antique tractor demonstration and entertainment. 519776-7720, essexsteamandgasengine.com

June 17-July 4

Aug. 14-15

June 11-13, 18-20, 25-27

Windsor Summerfest: Civic Terrace, Festival Plaza, Windsor Riverfront in Windsor. WMidway, parade and entertainment. 519254-2880, summerfestwindsor.org

June 19

Strawberry Social: North American Railway Hall of Fame in St. Thomas. Tea, coffee and locally made ice cream complement strawberries. 519-633-2535, narhf.org

June 19-20

13th Annual Auto Fest: St. Thomas. Rare and classic vehicles. 519-765-3109

Leamington Tomato Festival: Seacliffe Park in Leamington. Parade, live entertainment, car show, children’s village, Tomato-Stomp and Hottest Tomat” contests and more. 519-3262878, leamingtontomatofestival.com

July 9-10

August 26-29

July 16-25

Sept. 9-12

July 16-18, 23-25

Nov. 20-Jan. 3

The Windsor International Fringe Festival: Downtown Windsor. The Windsor Fringe in five venues, as well as several free outdoor events. 519-258-9887, windsorfringe.com A Day Out with Thomas: Elgin County Railway Museum in St. Thomas. Join Thomas the Tank for train rides, activities, entertainment and fun at the Elgin County Railway Museum. 519-6376284, ecrm.5700.org

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

Township of Southwold 35663 Fingal Line Fingal, ON N0L 1K0 519-769-2010

Port Stanley Services Marinas

Aug. 18-22

Aug. 19-22

Tastefest: Downtown Chatham. Sidewalk sale, entertainment and restaurants offering an eclectic mix of food and drink. 519-352-8387, downtownchatham.com

tourism resources

Amherstburg Heritage Homecoming: Toddy Jones Park and Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg. Celebrating the town’s legacy as the final terminus on the Underground Railroad. 519-551-9840, uwindsor.ca/ahh

June 25-27

Windsor Elvis Fest: Dieppe Park and Chrysler Theatre in Downtown Windsor. Elvis tribute artists and a classic car show. 519-254-1108, windsorelvisfest.com

Municipality of Dutton Dunwich

Iron Horse Festival: St. Thomas. Three stages of entertainment, the must-see Iron Chef grilloff, face painting and carnival rides. 519-6332535, ironhorsefestival.com Tecumseh Corn Festival: Lacasse Park in Tecumseh. Entertainment, food, parade, pageant, festival tents, carnival rides, and arts and crafts. 519-735-4756, tecumseh.ca Shores of Erie International Wine Festival: Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg. Wineries, eateries and musicians. 519-730-1001, soewinefestival.com Fantasy of Lights: Lakeside Park in Kingsville. Holiday lights, music, dinner with Santa, Santa Claus parade and New Year’s Eve festivities. 519-733-2123, fantasyoflights.ca

 Kettle Creek Marina Fiona and John welcome you to visit the friendliest little marina on Lake Erie where life is as easy-going as a Jimmy Buffet song. 220 Colonel Bostwick St. Port Stanley, Ontario N5L 1C2 519-782-3261 kettlecreekmarina.com info@kettlecreekmarina.com

Rodney Services tourism resources Municipality of West Elgin 22413 Hoskins Line Rodney, ON N0L 2C0 519-785-0560

Western Ontario South Aylmer Services tourism resources Town of Aylmer 46 Talbot St. West Aylmer, ON N5H 1J7 519-773-3164

City of St. Thomas

Municipality of Central Elgin

545 Talbot St. St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 519-631-1680

450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 519-631-4860

The Municipality of Bayham

Township of Malahide

Box 160, 9344 Plank Rd. Straffordville, ON N0J 1Y0 519-866-5521

87 John St. South Aylmer, ON N5H 2C3 519-773-5344

St. Thomas Services beer/wine/spirits

 Railway City Brewing Co. We are a small craft brewery in the heart of the Railway Capital of Canada. Our beers include Iron Spike Blonde, Copper & Amber, plus our Dead Elephant Ale. Tours and samples available. 168 Curtis St. St. Thomas, ON N5P 3WP 519-631-1881 railwaycitybrewing.com info@railwaycitybrewing.com

tourism resources

of Elgin Economic  County Development & Tourism Where warm waters meet pristine beaches within quaint coastal communities — each with their own unique story. Romance. History. Adventure. Experience Elgin — where passion meets place. 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 1-877-GO-ELGIN • Fax: 519-631-4549 elgintourist.com sightsee@elgintourist.com LakeErieLiving.com

734-289-2715

www.michigan.gov/dnr

Blasdell, NY

Woodlawn Beach State Park, S-3580 Lakeshore Road

716-826-1930

www.nysparks.com

Brockton, NY

Lake Erie State Park, 5905 Lake Road

716-792-9214

www.nysparks.com

Buffalo, NY

Erie Basin Marina Beach

716-851-8501

www.eriebasinmarina.org

Derby, NY

Bennett Beach, off N.Y. 5

716-858-8500

www.erie.gov/parks

Derby, NY

Wendt Beach, 7676 Old Lake Shore Road

716-947-5660

www.erie.gov/parks

Dunkirk, NY

Point Gratiot Park, N.Y. 5 West, near Point Drive

716-366-3905

www.dunkirklighthouse.com

Dunkirk, NY

Wright Park, N. Serval Street

716-366-3905

www.dunkirklighthouse.com

Irving, NY

Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Road

716-549-1802

www.nysparks.com

Irving, NY

Sunset Bay Beach, South Shore Drive

716-934-4847

www.sunsetbayusa.com

Ashtabula, OH

Lake Shore Park, 1700 E. First St.

440-964-3819

www.lakeshoreparkashtabula.org

Ashtabula, OH

Walnut Beach, end of Lake Avenue

Bay Village, OH

Huntington Beach Park, 28649 Lake Road

216-351-6300

www.clemetparks.com

Cleveland, OH

Edgewater Park, 6700 Memorial Shoreway

216-881-8141

www.clevelandlakefront.org

Cleveland, OH

Euclid Beach/Vila Angela State Park, 16301 Lakeshore Blvd.

216-881-8141

www.clevelandlakefront.org

Conneaut, OH

Conneaut Township Park, Lake Road & Grove Street

440-599-7071

www.coastalohioio.com

Fairport Harbor, OH

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, 301 Huntington Road

440-354-4825

www.lakemetroparks.com

Geneva, OH

Geneva State Park, Padanarum Road

440-466-8400

www.ohioiostateparks.org

Huron, OH

Lake Front Park, N. Center Street

419-433-8487

www.huronpark.org

Huron, OH

Nickel Plate Beach, Nickel Plate Drive

419-433-8487

www.huronpark.org

Kelleys Island, OH

Kelleys Island State Park, end of Division Street

419-746-2546

www.kelleysislandchamber.com

Marblehead, OH

East Harbor State Park, 1169 N. Buck Road

419-734-4424

www.eastharborstatepark.org

Lorain, OH

Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave.

440-458-5121

www.loraincountymetroparks.com

Mentor, OH

Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Road

216-881-8141

Oregon, OH

Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Road

419-836-7758

Port Clinton, OH

Camp Perry, S.R. 2 at S.R. 358

Port Clinton, OH Put-in-Bay, OH

X X X

BOAT LAUNCH

Sterling State Park, 2800 State Park Road

MARINA

www.cityoflunapier.com

Monroe, MI

FISHING

WEB SITE

734-848-6495

PICNIC AREA

PHONE

Luna Pier Beach, Luna Pier Road & Lakeside

RESTROOMS

BEACH NAME AND LOCATION

Luna Pier, MI

RENTALS

CONCESSION

CITY/STATE

LIFEGUARD

Your Guide to the Shore

X X

www.ci.ashtabula.ohio.us

X X

www.dnr.state.ohio.us/headlands

www.maumeebaystatepark.org

888-889-7010

www.cplcc.com

Port Clinton Beach, Perry St./Rte. 163

419-734-5522

www.enjoyportclinton.com

South Bass Island State Park, Catawba Avenue

419-797-4530

www.ohioiostateparks.org

Rocky River, OH

Rocky River Park, 20250 Beachcliff Blvd.

440-356-5657

www.rrcity.com/rec

Sandusky, OH

Cedar Point Beach, 1 Cedar Point Drive

419-627-2350

www.cedarpoint.com

Vermilion, OH

Linwood Park, 4920 Liberty Ave.

440-967-4237

www.linwoodpark.org

Vermilion, OH

Main Street Beach, Main Street north of U.S. 6

440-204-2400

Vermilion, OH

Sherrod Park, U.S. 6 & Coen Road

440-204-2400

Vermilion, OH

Showse Park, 3325 Edgewater Drive

440-204-2400

Dunville, ON

Rock Point Provincial Park

905-774-6642

www.ontarioparks.com

Fort Erie, ON

Fort Erie area beaches

905-871-1332

www.forteriecanada.com

Leamington, ON

Point Pelee National Park, 407 Monarch Ln./RR#1

519-322-2365

www.pc.gc.ca

Morpeth, ON

Rondeau Provincial Park, RR#1

519-674-1750

www.rondeauprovincialpark.ca

Pelee Island

519-724-2931

www.pelee.org

Port Bruce, ON

Port Bruce Provincial Park

519-874-4691

Port Burwell, ON

Port Burwell Provincial Park

519-874-4691

Port Colborne, ON

Centennial Park, Vimy Road

Port Colborne, ON Port Dover, ON

B,R*

X X

www.ontarioparks.com

905-835-2900

www.city.portcolborne.on.ca

Nickel Beach, Welland Street

905-834-5722

www.experienceportcolborne.com

Port Dover Beach, end of Walker Street

519-583-1314

www.portdoverbeach.com

Rowan, ON

Long Point Provincial Park

519-586-2133

www.ontarioparks.com

Selkirk, ON

Selkirk Provincial Park, RR#1

905-776-2600

www.ontarioparks.com

Sherkston, ON

Sherkston shores Resort, 490 Empire Road

905-894-0972

www.sherkston.com

Turkey Point, ON

Turkey Point Provincial Park

519-426-3239

www.ontarioparks.com

Port Ryerse, ON

Norfolk Conservation Area, west on Lakeshore Road

519-428-4623

www.lprca.on.ca

Selkirk, ON

Haldimand Conservation Area, west on South Coast Drive

519-428-4623

www.lprca.on.ca

Wheatley, ON

Wheatley Provincial Park, off Hwy. 3

519-825-4659

www.ontarioparks.com

Erie, PA

Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive

814-833-7424

www.dnr.state.pa.us

* B=BICYCLE RENTAL, C=CANOE RENTAL, D-BOAT DOCK RENTAL, J-JET SKI RENTAL, K-KAYAK RENTAL, P-PADDLE BOAT RENTAL, R=RV RENTAL

Lake Erie Living Travel Guide 2010

X K*

KCPB*

X X

C H A U T A U Q U A I N S T I T U T I O N

Inspiring the best in human values 2010 Season: June 26 – August 29

ARTS E D U C AT I O N RELIGION R E C R E AT I O N

Athenaeum The Historic

Chautauqua – A summer center that encompasses the arts, education, religion and recreation; a place, removed from the day-to-day world, where some of the leading thinkers of our time come to speak to the concerns and issues of today; a place where music, dance, opera, theater and the visual arts create the “Chautauqua Mix”

2010 Season: June 26 – August 29

Hotel

The historic Athenaeum Hotel sits grandly on a tree-shaded hill overlooking picturesque Chautauqua Lake on the grounds of the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution in the southwestern corner of New York State. This Victorian treasure is a full-service hotel appointed to make your stay a relaxing respite. Whether it’s a morning round of golf, afternoon boat ride or sunset concert, you can have it all.

that draws over 150,000 people each summer. Chautauqua Institution is a festival for the mind, body and spirit.

Visit us at www.ciweb.org 8 0 0 . 8 3 6 . A R T S C H A U TA U Q U A , N E W Y O R K

Call 800.821.1881 or visit us at www.athenaeum-hotel.com

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