Black River Landing in Lorain
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eems that every time I pay attention to Lorain, I’m surprised at all they have going on. Last year I was impressed by all the weekend partying going on at Black River Landing at the north end of Lorain’s downtown on the east side of the Black River. This year I’m intrigued by the idea of making my getaway to a Lake Erie island on the Jet Express from Lorain rather than driving all the way to Sandusky or Marblehead.
Jet Express leaves Lorain at 9:30AM on both Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend and leaves Put-in-Bay at 7:30PM for the 75-minute return trip. The boats arrive and depart from both Kelley’s Island and Put-in-Bay. Take advantage of these special trips on Saturdays through Labor Day, with additional evening trips to the islands during July and August, and departures back the following day at 1PM in the afternoon. The cost is $58 for adults and $12 for children on the Jet Express. The Jet Express also takes passengers into downtown Cleveland for certain Indians games and hosts special events, like wine tastings and lazy late-afternoon cruises. More information can be found at http://www.jet-express.com.
Black River Landing is also the departure point for evening cruises on the Black River, which leave the Jackalope Restaurant’s guest deck on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 and 7:30PM. Call 440.204.2273 for more information. Before or after your cruise, the Jackalope Restaurant sports excellent Lake Erie views from its many windows and serves what you would expect of a lakeside watering hole—lobster and blue crab bisque, Prince Edward mussels, steaks, tiger shrimp, crab legs, and Lake Erie perch (http://www.jackalopelakeside.com).
You don’t want to miss Port Fest 2010. During the weekend of July 16th and 17th, the Lorain Port Authority celebrates its waterfront during Port Fest on the banks of the Black River. Rousing children’s rides and games, nautical art and apparel, music, and food will be available from 6-11 on Friday and 12-11 on Saturday. Browsing the event is free. Nashville recording artist Sarah Wilson entertains on Sat 7/17 (Click here).The Black River Historical Society hosts its annual A Taste of History from noon until 9PM on Sat 7/31, and will feature 7 local wineries, with tickets for five tastings at $10. This festival features antiques, music, arts and crafts, wine tastings, and vendors. Proceeds benefit the Black River Historical Society.
Lighthouse Tours, sponsored by the Lorain Foundation, Inc., will navigate the mouth of the Black River during the months of June through August. Since the dates are so varied, you should look at http://www.LorainPortAuthority.com/calendar for specifics. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance. Call the Black River Historical Society (440) 245-2563 to arrange your tour from Riverside Park or Black River Landing. Mickey VanWagnen, one of those who restored Lorain’s lighthouse after years of disuse, reports that the lighthouse was home to birds until it was restored in recent years. VanWagnen’s fondness for the lighthouse was borne in his love of photography; sales of his now-famous lighthouse photos supported the Port of Lorain Foundation, Inc. and can be viewed at http://www.LorainLighthouse.com.
As a compliment to the other boat tours, Black River Nature Tours begin at the Black River Landing Dock located near the International Flagpoles on Wed 6/23. The tours are co-sponsored by the Lorain Port Authority and Lorain County MetroParks. Shuttle boats embark Wednesdays and Thursdays in June, July and August at 6:30PM from the Black River Landing Dock. Lorain Port Authority staff and Lorain County MetroParks naturalists provide information on wildlife, flora and fauna, and landmarks of interest during the cruises for $12/person. Private tours may be booked by calling the Lorain Port Authority at (440) 204-2273.
Lorain’s not about to miss out on the public’s passion for farm-fresh produce. The Black River Landing Farmers Market operates from 9AM until 1PM on Saturday mornings starting on Sat 7/3 and running through Sat 9/25. In addition to fresh local produce, expect to find honey, herbs, baked goods, and florals, as well as cooking demonstrations. While in Lorain, scope out the riverfront development, the renovated 1928 Palace Theatre, and the historic Antler’s Hotel for insight into Lorain’s past and future.
Summer’s last hurrah Labor Day event is appropriate for the city built on industry and shipping at the mouth of the Black River. Local Unions present the Family Fun Festival on Sun 9/5 from noon until 8 pm. Enjoy entertainment, games, raffles, prizes, and 25 cent hot dogs.
More information on all these cool things can be found at http://www.lorainportauthority.com/calendar/.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller, whose passion for words has led to creation of the Lakeside Word Lover’s Retreats, an outgrowth of her work with Skyline Writers.
Her favorite foods are red wine, salmon, ice cream, and chocolate. She loves to read, write, tour wineries, ride her bike, ease into yoga, and cook gourmet meals for friends. Find her at http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.