Holiday Events Beyond Cleveland 2010

I hope you have been taking advantage of the many and varied holiday events in and beyond Cleveland this year. There is something for just about every interest.

And if your wallet is feeling a little thin this year due to the economy, remember the gift of time is priceless, so show your loved ones you really do care and appreciate them with your time and not just a material gift.

Here are a few ideas where to spend some time with your beloved friends and family this holiday season around the  Cleveland area. Happy Holidays and may Peace and Joy be with you all this special holiday season!

Holiday Lights

Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display
1975 Noble Road
East Cleveland, OH 44112
through January 2, 2011

Lorain  County Metro Parks
LaGrange, See map here
through Christmas

Annual Festival of Lights (Dec 17)
Cuyahoga Valley National  Park
3675 Oak Hill Road
Peninsula, OH 44264
5:30pm – 9:00pm
**Enjoy a stroll through candlelit woods, sample the holiday traditions of many cultures and dine in a cozy pine-cone-adorned dining hall. Enjoy a feast which will be served at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required. $25/pp age 12+ older; $7 members; $20/pp age 5-11.

Holiday Themed Tours

Deck the Hall “A Dickens of a Christmas”
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
Through December 22

Wintershow 2010
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
11030 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Through January 2, 2011

Fun Winter Events for the Entire Family

Snow Days at Progressive Field
**The famed Cleveland Indians baseball field has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Go sledding down the bleachers, skate across the iced green field, and more. Now through Jan. 2, 2011. Visit the official Indians site for more details.

Vote for Royalton Automotive on Fox 8′s Hotlist

If you live in the North Royalton area, or even if you don’t but have had your vehicle serviced at Royalton Automotive – then you need to show your appreciation and vote for them on Fox 8′s 2010 Hotlist!

I have taken my Kia Optima to Royalton Automotive exclusively for the past year, and have never been disappointed.

Think auto repair shops are cold, dirty and lacking personal service, think again! This is one local automotive repair shop that blows all the other places out of the automotive repair industry.

When you walk in the door, you’re greeted by a friendly receptionist and a warm welcome with your name on their whiteboard. You can help yourself to fresh, hot coffee while you wait in their cozy waiting room. Watch TV, relax on their leather sofas, check your email on your laptop because they have free Wi-Fi, and say hello to their resident tabby cat.

Vote today…follow the link above and search for Royalton Automotive they’re are listed under “Best Repair.”

Best Fairs, Festivals and Events Beyond Cleveland – July Edition

Happy July! Looking for a community festival, county or art fair, concert or other festivities to attend in July with your family and friends?

Check out these popular events beyond Cleveland, Ohio.

Akron Area

Saturday July 3 – Canal Day Arts Festival and Duck Derby. Time: 11am – 4pm at Cascade Locks Park and Mustill Store. Local artists and crafts people will be selling their wares and entertaining festival attendees all afternoon. The Big Duck Race will start at 1pm, so be sure to purchase your duck (ducks are just $5 or 5 for $20) beforehand, you could be a Duck Derby winner. This festival is open to all ages. This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Mustill Store. Check out CascadeLocks.org website for all the historical information about the Erie Canal locks and ongoing developments as well as to purchase your ducks. You may also call (330) 374-5625 to get more information.

Saturday July 17 -  Sunday July 18 – National Hamburger Festival. Time: 12pm – 11pm at Lock 3 Live! Park. Celebrate with other hamburger lovers; admission is just $5 per day and children  under 48″ are free! This meat lover’s festival will have its own funky burger themed games, live music and more! The Hamburger festival supports the Akron Children’s Hospital. Tickets are sold at the gate located at 200 Main St., Arkon, while food and drinks are sold separately.

Berea

Sunday July 4 – Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Time 1pm – 4pm at the Berea Historical Society Museum, 118 E Bridge St. If you’re looking to do something before the fireworks, take a trip back in time to this Ice Cream Social event. Bring your spouse, boy/girlfriend, kids and everyone to have a dish of ice cream, and a slice of cake or pie at just $1/dish. Enjoy a ride through Berea’s historic district on the Lolly the Trolley for just $3 per seat. The trolley departs at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm (reservations may be required) or take a tour through “The Buel House,” which is an historic Victorian home. This house also has the medical display, “When Doctors Made Housecalls” that features turn of the century medical supplies and services from the 1800′s to mid 20th century.

Friday July 23 – Sunday July 25- 28th Annual Cleveland Irish Festival. Time: Fri. 4pm – 12am; Sat. 1pm – 12am; Sun. 1pm – 10:30pm at the Cuyahoga Fair Grounds, 164 Eastland Rd (off Bagley Rd). It doesn’t have to be St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate the Irish! With a variety of Irish music, step dancers, activities for the kids, theater, Irish food and exhibits, you’ll want to come back everyday of this festival beyond Cleveland! Admission price is just $10, children 10 and under and parking is Free! Check out ClevelandIrish.org to get all the green details!

Concerts

Tuesday July 27 – Lilith Fair – The all female concert festival returns to Cleveland! Blossom Music Center located within the beautiful rolling hills of the Cuyahoga National Forest will host Lilith Fair 2010 and is located at 1145 W. Steels Corner Dr. in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. With a lineup of star studded female vocals that ranges from Pop to Country to Adult Contemporary, concertgoers will surely be entertained from these empowered women of the 21st century. Musicians include Lilith Fair founder, Sarah McLachlan as well as Top 40 stars Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, and Nikki Jean, Lights, Kate Tucker and more! Discounted tickets are still available from LiveNation.com, and 4 pack tickets as well.