5 Corners Blog

Kayaking has grown in popularity and what better place to kayak, whether your a veteran or a amateur, is Lake Erie thanks to the new Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail.

With 8 points of entry, you can travel 27 miles from Mill Hollow up the Vermilion River, across the Lake Erie shoreline and down the Black River.  Stop along the way and rest at one of the area’s great beaches and enjoy a picnic lunch.  See wildlife along the riverbeds.  Enjoy all nature has to offer!

Need a kayak?  No worries!  You can rent kayaks from Great Lakes Kayaking in Lorain by the day or hour.  Not sure how to kayak?  Attend the Kayaking Symposium on May 21 at Lakeview Park from 10-4 to learn the basics.  You’ll even be able to try out different types of kayaks and canoes in the beach’s swimming area.  The Backpacker’s Shop in Sheffield is also a great place to visit to learn more about kayaking the water trail and what supplies you’ll need.

For more information:
Lorain County Metroparks:  www.metroparks.cc
Great Lakes Kayaking: (440) 244-5370 or (440) 787-8720
Backpackers Shop: (440) 934-5345

Congratulations to the Oberlin College Class of 2015!  If you’ve completed early decision, you’ll want to visit campus during All Roads Lead to Oberlin.  This orientation for both students and parents will be held April 8, 11, 15 and 18, 2011.

To reserve a stay at 5 Corners Bed & Breakfast during this exciting time, please click here or give us a call at (440) 984-3084.  The inn is located just 15 minutes north of the Oberlin College campus in historic downtown Amherst.

For more details regarding All Roads Lead to Oberlin, please visit www.oberlin.edu for registration and activity information.

Accommodations are available for Oberlin College Conservatory Auditions held February 11, 18 & 19, 26 and March 4 & 5, 2011.
Situated 15 minutes north of Oberlin, 5 Corners is conveniently located just minutes from the Ohio Turnpike, Interstate 80, Interstate 90 and State Route 2.  Also enjoy the many restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance from the inn.

The staff of 5 Corners will work with you to provide the best accommodations possible during this very important audition.  Have an early audition?  Try one of our breakfast-to-go’s.  They are included in the room rate along with off street parking, complimentary WIFI, snack basket and soft drinks.

As always, please call if you have any questions.

Tired of being cooped up inside during these cold winter months?  I know January and February can be down right depressing in northern Ohio.  Here are a few suggestions as to how you can cure your cabin fever:

Try an Ice Wine – Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake, OH are makers of a fantastic Ice Wine.  Sip its sweetness slowly and let it tingle on your tounge.  Ice Wine is very sweet and can take the place of dessert.  Share a bottle with the one you love.  http://www.klingshirnwine.com/

Wear a New Pair of Shoes – The Lorain County Metroparks offers free classes in Snowshoing.  Classes are held throughout January, February and March.  The shoes are even provided!  Visit http://www.metroparks.cc/ for more information.

Enjoy Soup for the Soul – Laurel Run Cooking School in Vermilion, OH offers several cooking classes throughout the winter months featuring easy to make soups and breads.  View their class schedule at http://www.laurelruncookingschool.com/

See a Show – Winter is a great time to enjoy a live stage show; whether its a full blown stage production at Playhouse Square or a one-man show at your local community theater.  Locally, Amherst features Workshop Players.  This renowned theater troupe offers several different shows throughout the year.  Visit http://www.workshopplayers.com/ for their performance schedule.  Oberlin College also offers fantastic theater and music performances, sometimes with little or no charge.  View their schedule of events at http://www.oberlin.edu/

While the holiday season is a very busy time of year, its sometimes nice to take a step back and enjoy a quick drive to see some local lighting displays.  Here’s a quick list of some local displays that are FREE (or close to free):

Downtown Amherst:  On Friday, December 3, Main Street Amherst lights up the front yard of Town Hall with lights.  Enjoy a parade down Park Avenue along with caroling by members of the Amherst High School choir.  Many of the businesses and restaurants stay open to welcome you.  Starts at 6pm.  www.mainstreetamherst.org

Christmas in the Village (Amherst Historical Society) – Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Christmas past.  At 4pm join visitors for carols in St. George’s Chapel.  2-5pm on Sunday, December 5.  www.amhersthistoricalsociety.org

Light Up Lorain:  Thousands of lights strung along Broadway.  Enjoy a display timed to music in front of City Hall.  Stop by 637 Broadway for pictures with Santa and a holiday craft.  Visit www.downtownlorainchristmas.com for more information and hours.

Lakeview Beach (Lorain County Metroparks) – Drive thru this lighted display along Lake Erie.  Free and open every night from November 28 till December 30.  www.metroparks.cc

Carlisle Visitors Center (Lorain County Metroparks) – Walk the short loop trail at the Visitor’s Center and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season!  Light refreshments available for a small fee.  Please bring one non-perishable food item for donation.  Sunday – Thursday 6-9pm and Friday & Saturday 6-10pm.  www.metroparks.cc

Have a wonderful, and bright, Holiday Season!