Weekend full of events around Back Roads and Beaches

Big Parade, Oberlin 2008. Before you hop on your own, check out the groovy bikes
that always show up at the Big Parade in Oberlin!

This is a great weekend to add some flavor to your workout. Take the whole weekend, enjoy some great riding and multi-sport activity and experience some unique events along the way. Here are just a few options that include a healthy dose of the arts, great cuisine, events and history. The following events are right on or just by the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

May 1–2, Freedom’s Light: A Stop on the Underground Railroad, an original play about the Underground Railroad. French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 7:30pm. $10

May 1-2, Oberlin Dance Company, Premiere of new works by contemporary choreographers. Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College. 8pm.

May 2, The Big Parade and Festival, Tappan Square in Oberlin. The parade will be followed by festivities in Tappan Square. 11 am–4pm

May 2, Oberlin Farmer’s Market opens. Next to the Oberlin City Hall. Fresh produce, grass fed meats, baked goods, honey and more. Organics and locally grown. 9am–1pm

May 2, (Cinco) Dos de Mayo. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo a few days early with the folks at Matus Winery. 15674 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman. 5:30pm (Matus Winery is a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches route). Check the southwest portion of the map for specific directions.

May 2, Live music from 4–7 and Kentucky Derby Day at Paper Moon Vineyards. Open 12–10pm. (Paper Moon Vineyards is located a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Check the northwest portion of map for specific directions)

May 2, Art Exhibit and Auction presented by Common Ground-The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Rose Café at Lakeview Park in Lorain. 7pm. Tickets $10.

May 2-3, Breuer Pottery spring open house. One of a kind pottery, wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 47361 West Hamilton St., Oberlin. Breuer Pottery is just west, around the bend from the entrance to the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. You can see their backyard from the bike path. Noon-5pm.

May 3, Cinco de Mayo celebration at Lakeview Park, Lorain. Crafts, games, music. Food vendors. 4–6pm

To find accommodations, dining and other points of interest along the route, click here.