By Lisa Russell
If you're visiting Ohio in the winter, you're in luck. There are plenty of fun activities and events for every member of the family. In December, the historic village of Lyme in Bellevue offers a lantern tour of 19th century homes and log cabins, as well as a pioneer Christmas Service in the log church. In January, the Mohican Winterfest and Snowball dance allow visitors to watch ice carving first hand. Finally, in February, the Chocolate is for Lovers Wine Trail tour is a
romantic way to spend the weekend, relaxing at local vineyards, enjoying good wines and gourmet chocolate.
Christmas Lantern Tour
At the Historic Lyme Village of Bellevue, in December, you can see an entire 19th century village decorated for the holiday. With three log houses, a log church and a one room school, as well as the Seymour house, built in 1836 and the Victoria Wright Mansion built in 1882. Christmas Eve Services at the Detterman log church begins at 11 p.m. and each year the electricity-free lantern tour is a favorite event. Call (419) 483-4949 for more information.
Mohican WinterFest and Snowball Dance
Visit downtown Loudonville for the WinterFest, featuring ice carving competitions with Olympic Ice Carvers. Most of the events occur at Central Park, but the carvings are displayed throughout downtown. Of particular interest are the speed carving demonstrations, winter hikes, ice-skating and carriage rides. To close out the event, the annual Snowball dance at the American Legion Hall is a favorite. For more information, call (419) 994-4789
Chocolate is for Lovers Wine Trail
During the last weekend in January and the first weekend in February, wineries from Conneaut to Cleveland celebrate winter with the timeless combination of wine and chocolate. Visitors get a map and a wine glass with their tickets and drive to each winery along the Vines & Wines Wine Trail, sampling the vintage and mouth watering gourmet chocolates. Visit ohiowines.org for more information.
About the Author:
Lisa Russell is an entrepreneur and writer from Washington State, with a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. She's been published in regional parenting publications, homeschooling publications and has published over 10,000 articles online since 1999. She studied Early Childhood Education at Antelope Valley College.
