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.

3rd Annual Kayaking Symposium May 20, 2012

Kayaking Symposium at Lakeview

Looks like another beautiful weather weekend around BRaB! Saturday and Sunday's forecast calls for sunshine with temps in the 80s. Perfect! The Lorain County Metro Parks will again host their annual Kayaking Symposium at Lorain's Lakeview Park and Beach. Symposium will run from 10am–4pm. We will be there handing out our brand new Back Roads and Beaches Map. Stop by the Visit Lorain County table to see us. The Lorain Port Authority, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Swerve Bike Shop and the Division of Watercraft will also be on hand.

Ohio Division of Watercraft and Coast Guard Auxiliary will be
inspecting boats at the Kayaking Symposium

Demo Schedule:
10am – 2pm The Backpackers Shop will be hosting a “Kayaking Clinic”. Cost is $20. Pre-register by calling the shop at (440) 934-5345.

10am-4pm West River Kayak and Great Lakes Kayaking will be hosting free on-water kayaking demos. Open to ages 16 and up.

2-4pm Kayaks from the “Kayaking Clinic” will be open to the public to demo, ages 16 and up.

Program Schedule:
10:30-11:15am Division of Watercraft Safety Talk (behind Beach House)

11:30a-12:15pm Flares Program (on beach)
Learn more about types of flares and bring expired flares to test on beach.

12:30-1:15pm Packing a Kayak (behind Beach House)

1:30-2:15pm Backcountry Cooking (behind Beach House)

2:30-3:15pm Hull Design (behind Beach House)

3:15-4pm 10 Tips in 30 minutes (on beach)

Bring your boat to the event for a safety inspection by the Division of Watercraft and Coastguard Auxiliary. Receive a boat decal for passing the inspection!

Contact Jannah at (440) 967-7310 for more information.

Vermilion River Kayaking Trip/Shuttle This Weekend

Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County Metro Parks

We've seen cyclists along the Vermilion River shuttling themselves by bike between their parked cars and the end point of their paddle. Although this can be a lot of fun (for some--see photo), many paddlers are always looking for shuttle opportunities. Well, this weekend's weather looks like a stunner AND we have shuttle opportunities! West River Kayak will be leading a Vermilion River kayaking trip this Saturday, May 12, 2012. Meet at the carriage barn at the Vermilion River Reservation and take a shuttle to Schoepfle Garden where you can board and paddle back.

Pre-register by calling 440.670.4781. Make it a great weekend for Mother's Day. Lovely accommodations are available minutes away from the trip at Riverdog Retreat. A quick check of the Riverdog site shows they may still have availability for the weekend. Also located minutes away are Vermilion Valley Vineyards, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards. And of course, this is all on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route so don't forget your bike, especially if you're making a weekend of it!

Thorn Mountain Bike trail already in great shape

Because of the terrain, the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park usually takes shape later in the season. This year is different however. The drier April and May have presented great conditions for happy riders. The North Coast Mountain Bike (NCMB) club has been working on the trail, cutting weeds and generally making sure it's at its best. NCMB leader, Nab has sent us this great video of trail highlights.


The Thorn Trail is located on SR 58 just south of downtown Wellington. If you find yourself with an empty stomach after riding, check out Bread and Brew in downtown Wellington for a hearty sandwich. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 22. The 331 Power Series MTB race will return to Findley.