Page 6 - Lake Front News: August 2020 Edition

Page 6/LAKE FRONT NEWS/August 2020
Entertainment & Pastimes
In The Time of Social Distancing
By Catharine Hadley, Arts and Entertainment Editor, catharinehadley@gmail.com
Reveling In Summer’s Swan Song
We’ve all been thinking about new ways (or revisiting old ways) to have fun. I love learning about other people’s creative ideas when it comes to entertainment.
The Bellevue Society for
the Arts is presenting “Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers” Au-
gust 14-15 and 21-22 – in the
parking lot! The performers
will use hay wagons as stag-
es. The audio will be piped
through outdoor speakers. The
audience is invited to bring blankets or chairs, or to stay in their vehicles.
I recently enjoyed a few days of hiking and walking at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I loved the variety of sights – waterfalls, cliffs, fields, a marsh, hills, woods, and, of course, the Cuyahoga River. The park had options for different activity levels. For some, you can park quite close to the major attraction.
The towpath, which stretches the length of the park, is mostly crushed gravel or asphalt – suitable for walk- ing, running, biking, and pushing a stroller. One of my favorite moments was when I saw a woman about my age pushing her mother in a wheelchair. It touched my heart.
Each of the old canal locks has a historical marker, which makes the path that much more inter- esting.
The CVNP offers hikes that are much more challenging than the towpath, including The Ledges and Blue Hen Falls.
Because hiking is my new hob- by, my next little getaway will be to Kelleys Island. I’ve been there several times over the years, but I have not really taken the time to focus on the Scheele Preserve, the North Pond, the North Shore
Alvar, the Glacial Grooves, and the nearby North Shore Loop Trail.
I love guided tours, especially at the beginning of a trip. Hearing about the history and geology of the area gives so much more depth to the experience, and it helps me form richer memories. Island AdvenTours has some great op- tions, including daytime and sunset kayak tours. I’m excit- ed about the prospect of hiking and biking the trails, with bicycles and helmets provided by the company. There are also “Eco Tours” options, where you either hike or provide your own golf cart with room for a guide. You can learn about the history and ecology of the island.
If you also like guided tours, check out the Walk Erie Tours website! Walking tours are offered three times a day on Saturdays. The Port Clinton tour includes Lakeview
View the postcard project in Vermilion
Park, the beach and wetlands, Water Works Park and the lighthouse, the Portage River inlet, and Friendship Park. The Marblehead tour includes Rocky Point Winery, Clem- ons Park, Holy Assumption Orthodox Church and Ceme- tery, the Kelleys Island Ferry, Lafarge Quarry, the Coast Guard station, and the Jamestown Tavern.
In my most recent column, I wrote about the Main Street Vermilion Postcard Project. Each Thursday throughout the end of August, a new mural and its location will be re- vealed on the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages. They really are cool – each one is modeled after a vintage local postcard. Visit the Main Street Vermilion webpage for the locations of the already-unveiled murals. This would be the perfect opportunity for a driving or walking tour!
Also on the topic of driving tours, the Ottawa County Barn Quilt Trail added three more works in July. Check the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council website for the addresses of the quilt locations. The arts council has a save-the-date request for the Oct. 2 fundraiser art party.
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge has Wildlife Drives scheduled Aug. 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30. Follow the
Enjoy Island AdvenTours at Kelleys Island
YOUR LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS MAP GUIDE
Lake Front News www.LakeErieVacations.com