A Historic Holiday Weekend in Oberlin

Traditions are great especially when it comes to holidays. Why not step outside the backyard cookout and start a new tradition with a ride into Oberlin, one of BRaB's most eclectic towns. Old and new always seem to be meeting in Oberlin, especially with new graduates and alumni descending on the town making it even more of a holiday weekend with commencement and reunions.

This is great whether or not your involved with the college because it means loads of special events including extended hours at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on North Main St. from 10am–7pm this Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday. Even if you are familiar with the museum it's still a great time to go and take a tour led by graduating Oberlin College students to gain new insights and see student art.Catch a tour at 11am or 3pm on Saturday.

Artist as Quiltmaker 2012, FAVA

There is also an on-going quilt exhibit at FAVA. Experience the unique collection Saturday 11am–5pm or Sunday 1pm–5pm. This 15th edition of The Artist as Quiltmaker exhibit only happens every other year and will run until July 29th so don't miss out!

Another opportunity to step out of the heat on Saturday would be dropping by the beautiful Weltzheimer-Johnson (Frank Lloyd Wright) House. Special tours of this 1948 Usonian home will start on the hour from 10am– 4pm and admission is $5 for adults but free with an Oberlin College ID.

It's a big weekend for Underground Railroad historic sights like the soon-to-be Oberlin Underground Railroad Center on South Main Street. They'll be letting you sneak a peek at the historic Gasholder building currently undergoing restoration from 10:30 am–2pm and again from 2:30pm–5pm Saturday. The building will house Underground Railroad artifacts and information as well as serve as a park and ride facility.

Oberlin Heritage Center's "Freedom's Friends" walking tours begin
at First Church in Oberlin.

Take a full tour of one of the Oberlin Heritage Center's three historic buildings at 10:30am and 1pm on Saturday. Admission to these tours is $6 for adults and there will be a variety of history walks Saturday and Sunday as well, so check the Heritage Center's site for full schedule and details.

If you are in town and don't have your bike in tow, no worries...stop by Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin and rent a ride.  Be sure you don't miss out on all the great events offered through Oberlin College - check the full commencement weekend schedule.

Don't forget to take time out of all this activity to fuel up throughout the weekend starting with brunch at The Feve from 9:30am–2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Or a great meal at the Oberlin Inn's Garden Restaurant or Brewsters. Quick and Delicious Restaurant (immediately south of the Gasholder Building) serves up a great cup of coffee, pancakes and other great local fare.

It'll be a toasty weekend but still a good time to make an adventure of it by taking the North Coast Inland Trail into Oberlin. You can surely cool down with a scoop of artisan ice cream from Cowhaus Creamery. So get yourself a taste of history, culture, food, friends and fun this weekend in Oberlin! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.