This driving adventure, designed to get you into the holiday spirit, uses State Route 2, which runs east and west across Ohio, as the main route. Designed to begin in Port Clinton and end in Oberlin, you can follow in whatever direction or order you’d like. Use the directions to and from St. Rt. 2 as guidelines. With so many unique stores to visit, you might consider a shopping weekend! For lodging information log on to www.MyLakeErie.com

Begin your Holiday Shopping Adventure on St. Rt. 2. In Port Clinton, exit St. Rt. 2 at St. Rt. 163 west.  Follow 163 into downtown Port Clinton and turn left at Madison Street.  Mary's Blossom Shoppe will be on your left.

Shopping for someone who loves beautiful home decor and unique seasonal items? Mary's Blossom Shoppe, in the heart of downtown Port Clinton, is not to be missed! From the always imaginative storefront window displays to the year-round Christmas shop nestled inside, a visit to this cozy shop is a must. Aromatic fresh-cut flowers, beautifully created floral arrangements, artful gifts, potpourri, candles, gourmet treats and sauces, and much more fill this warm shop.

This shop also has many unique items for the home. Owner Mary Dziak can almost always be found there, usually creating beautiful arrangements and decor. She or any of her friendly staff will be happy to assist you with gift ideas, wrap and more! Browse Mary's Blossom Shoppe and you'll lose yourself in so many beautiful things!

Mary's Blossom Shoppe
125 Madison St.
Port Clinton, OH 43452
419-734-4442
www.marysblossomshoppe.com

Return to St. Rt. 163 and go east to St. Rt. 53. Turn left (north) on to St. Rt. 53. Turn left onto Wine Cellar Road and proceed to Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery.

Is someone on your gift list a wine connoisseur? Mon Ami Winery Gift Shop, located at the beautiful Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery, is a favorite stop for visitors to the Port Clinton/Lake Erie Islands area. Constructed in 1872, this beautiful stone building and its surrounding grounds are not to be missed!

Sample the full line of local wines and juices from Catawba to Cabernet Sauvignon at the wine bar. While you’re there, learn how and when to serve each one! Then select your favorite bottles to take home for gifts and holiday entertaining. Be sure to check out the large assortment of wine accessories, gifts, glassware, jewelry and clothing. Put together a gift basket for that special someone – include a few bottles of wine or juice, a nice corkscrew, some beautiful wine flutes and pretty wine-related towels or napkins!

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery Gift Shop
3845 E Wine Cellar Rd.
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
419-797-4445, 1-800-777-4266
www.monamiwinery.com

Return to St. Rt. 53, turn right and head south to St. Rt. 2. Take St. Rt. 2, heading east. Exit St. Rt. 2 at U.S. Rt. 6 (Rye Beach Rd., Huron). Turn left on to Rye Beach Rd. and then turn left on to U.S. Rt. 6 at the stoplight. Head west on U.S. Rt. 6 for about 1/2 mile to the Sawmill Creek Shops, which will be on your right.

Does someone on your gift list love unique and fashionable clothing and accessories? Sawmill Creek Shops feature a wide variety of upscale men’s and women’s clothing and accessories – all in a restored barn. The lofts are filled with interesting selections of practical and unique gifts. In addition to clothing by Tommy Bahama, Cutter & Buck, and French Dressing, the Shops feature Vera Bradley bags and jewelry by Brighton and Pandora.

You can also pick up gourmet food and kitchen items, skin care essentials, collectibles, children’s toys and books, Red Hat Society items and so much more. Open 10 am daily, gift certificates to this fun shop are also a great idea.

Sawmill Creek Shops
200 Sawmill Creek (off U.S. Rt. 6)
Huron, OH 44839
419-433-5402
www.sawmillcreekresort.com

From Sawmill Creek, turn left on to U.S. Rt. 6. Turn right on to Rye Beach Rd. and then left on to St. Rt. 2, heading east. Exit St. Rt. 2 at St. Rt. 61. Turn right, heading south, towards Berlin Heights. Drive approximately 3 miles; turn right on to Mechanic Street. The Berlin Fruit Box Company will be on your right.

Know someone who’s a collector? A limited edition 2005 Christmas Basket, from the oldest basket maker in Ohio and the second oldest in America, will be a sure hit! The Berlin Fruit Box Company, maker of Samuel Patterson baskets since 1858, makes special baskets each Christmas. The Christmas Basket features an inset porcelain tile hand-painted by internationally renowned, Ohio artist Jan Fegley and uniquely designed “reversible lid” for year-round basket use. After the holidays, reverse the lid to conceal the Christmas artwork and it becomes a stylish Sewing Basket. The baskets are numbered and limited to 2,500 pieces nationwide in American Black Cherry ($89, Father Christmas art) and 2,500 pieces in Hardwood Maple ($75, evergreen tree art.)

This sixth generation family-run company makes wooden fruit and vegetable baskets for the farm market, and beautiful decorative baskets for the home in Hardwood Maple and American Black Cherry. Join the Berlin Fruit Box Company during their Christmas Open House, November 25 – 27 and December 3 – 4, where you can weave your own basket, take a tour of the workshop (with log veneering demonstrations), children can decorate a basket, enjoy refreshments, and shop for that perfect holiday gift basket.

The Berlin Fruit Box Company – Samuel Patterson Baskets
51 Mechanic St. (off St. Rt. 61)
Berlin Heights, OH 44814
1-888-905-1858
www.SamuelPattersonBaskets.com

Turn left out of the Berlin Fruit Box Company onto Mechanic Street. At St. Rt. 61, turn left and travel north to St. Rt. 2. Turn right on to St. Rt. 2, heading east. Exit St. Rt. 2 at St. Rt. 58. Travel south 3.5 miles and turn right on to St. Rt. 113, heading west. Continue west for a short distance, Jamie’s Flea Market is on the right.

Got someone who’s really hard to shop for? If you need it or want it you can probably find it at Jamie’s Flea Market. Jamie’s is a year round market open every Wednesday and Saturday. 8 am – 4 pm. Over 250,000 people shop at Jamie’s each year. With 200 inside booths and 400 spaces for outside vendors, you’re bound to find what you are looking for or find that thing you were not looking for but wanted anyway. Looking for something unusual? Looking for something old? Looking for a bargain? Look at Jamie’s Flea Market – a perfect way to spend the day.

Join Jamie’s Flea Market for their Annual Christmas Special, Sunday, December 4, 2005 from 10 am – 4 pm. For this special event they will feature antiques, crafts, gift items, new and used clothing, plants, cut and potted Christmas trees, produce, baked goods, and much more. There will be hourly gift certificate drawings and free pictures with Santa from 11 am – 2 pm.

Jamie’s Flea Market
St. Rt. 113 (1/2 mile west of St. Rt. 58)
South Amherst, OH 44001
440-984-4402
www.jamiesfleamarket.com

Turn left out of Jamie’s on to St. Rt. 113. Return to St. Rt. 58 and turn right, heading south. Continue south on St. Rt. 58 for 5.5 miles to The Loom Shed.

Finally, for the artist on your list, consider weaving lessons or a beautiful work of art from The Loom Shed. The Loom Shed, established in 1980, is a working studio teaching weaving. Original weavings by Charles Lermond are always available for sale. Wool rugs are a specialty.

The Loom Shop carries all your weaving needs. They are factory-authorized representatives for Schacht and Norwood. They also have a variety of used looms available. In addition to the standard yarns, a variety of mill end yarns are available. Lessons are available for weavers of all experience levels.

The Loom Shed
13 South Main Street
Oberlin OH 44074
440-774-3500

Did a celebration around a Christmas tree on a bitter cold Christmas Eve in Trenton, New Jersey, turn the tide for Colonial forces in 1776? According to legend, Hessian mercenaries were so reminded of home by a candlelit evergreen tree that they abandoned their guard posts to eat, drink and be merry. Washington attacked that night and defeated them.

The Christmas tree has gone through a long process of development rich in many legends, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, with the Springfield, Illinois Extension Center.

Some historians trace the lighted Christmas tree to Martin Luther. He attached lighted candles to a small evergreen tree, trying to simulate the reflections of the starlit heaven -- the heaven that looked down over Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve.

Until about 1700, the use of Christmas trees appears to have been confined to the Rhine River District. From 1700 on, when lights were accepted as part of the decorations, the Christmas tree was well on its way to becoming a tradition in Germany. Then the tradition crossed the Atlantic with the Hessian soldiers.

Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to an earlier period. Even before the Christian era, trees and boughs were used for ceremonials. Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year -- brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of "life triumphant over death". When the Romans observed the feast of Saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to the fir tree.

To the Druids, sprigs of evergreen holly in the house meant eternal life; while to the Norsemen, they symbolized the revival of the sun god Balder. To those inclined toward superstition, branches of evergreens placed over the door kept out witches, ghosts, evil spirits and the like.

Trees and branches can be made purposeful as well as symbolic. The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and brings into our lives a pleasant aroma of the forest. The fact that balsam fir twigs, more than any other evergreen twigs, resemble crosses may have had much to do with the early popularity of balsam fir used as Christmas trees.

Written by: David Robson Extension Educator, Horticulture Springfield, Illinois Extension Center

Foods to Eat for New Year’s: Since Roman times, beans have been associated with good fortune. This belief evolved into the southern U.S. custom of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. The tiny legumes, which arrived on ships carrying slaves from Africa, often find their way into a good-luck dish called Hoppin' John, a hearty mixture of black-eyed peas, rice, and salt pork or bacon. The hog, and thus pork meat, is also considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many because cabbage leaves are considered a sign of prosperity - being representative of paper currency. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.

Foods to Avoid for New Year’s:
In some cultures, backward-moving creatures such as crayfish and lobster are avoided on New Year's Day, because it's a time to move forward, not back.

Making Resolutions: This stems mainly from the early Christian belief that the first day of the New Year was best spent recalling the mistakes of the past 365 days and resolving to do better in the future. However, some ancient peoples, including the Babylonians, made resolutions as well.

Holding an Open House: The Dutch, who settled New York, brought with them the custom of holding open houses to celebrate the New Year. In the United States, many open houses are held January 1st at midday with brunch served. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.

Watching Parades: The granddaddy of all New Year's Day processions, of course, is the Tournament of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California. Begun in 1890, the festival is now transmitted by radio and television to more than 300 million people throughout the world. It's followed by another New Year's tradition, the Rose Bowl football game that crowns a new college team as champions.

November 25 – 27, 2005 Santa Arrives by Icebreaker during Christmas in Harbourtown Exchange Park, Rts. 60 & 6, Vermilion, Friday & Sunday 1 – 4 pm, Saturday 11 am – 5 pm Join the quaint New-England-style town of Vermilion as it kicks off the holiday season. Santa arrives by icebreaker to the Lake Erie community at 11 am Saturday and will visit with children in his house until 3 pm and again from 4 - 8 pm. Belgian horse-drawn trolley rides will be available from 1 – 4 pm on Friday and Sunday, and from 12 – 5 pm on Saturday. Also enjoy a walk through the Historic District. Peer through the decorated shop windows and be enticed to step inside. Experience sights, sounds, and aromas of an old-fashioned Christmas. For more information call 440-967-4262. November 26 - December 1, 2005 Mulberry Creek Herb Farm Christmas Open House Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, 3312 Bogart Rd., Huron, Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm Lavender and other potted herbs, spice blends, herb gifts and a warmly scented greenhouse await you. For more information call Karen Langan at 419-433-7612.	December 2 – 11, 2005 Gingerbread Art Showcase Competition & Raffle Lorain County Tourist Information Center, 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst, 11 am – 7 pm daily Sponsored by Lorain County Heritage, gingerbread house entries will be on display throughout the event. Categories include: reproduction of a Lorain County building, traditional gingerbread house, most original/creative, children ages 12 and under, and youth ages 13 – 18. Prizes will be awarded in each category. Stop by and vote for your favorite gingerbread house! For more information, contact Lorain County Heritage at 440-984-5282. December 18, 2005 Mooseltoe, A New Moosical Stocker Center, 1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, 3 pm This is a story to see and hear, about a moose who wants to fly with Santa’s reindeer. This hour-long odyssey of self-discovery has unforgettable costumed characters including snobby penguins, a walrus, a talking snowball, elves and Santa himself. Your entire family will embrace and cheer our lovable hero, Mooseltoe. Begin a new holiday tradition with this colorful and whimsical tale! Book and lyrics by Jim Semmelman. Music by George Kramer. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Stocker Center box office at 1-800-995-5222, ext. 4040.	December 31, 2005 Walleye Madness at Midnight Downtown Port Clinton, 8 pm Port Clinton is the “Walleye Capital of the World,” so what else do you do on New Year’s Eve but drop a 20-foot, 600-poind walleye from the sky at the stroke of Midnight? For the past 9 years, thousands have braved the cold and gathered for hours, waiting for the “Madness at Midnight Walleye Drop!” Join this small town with a huge spirit to ring in 2006. Enjoy such culinary specialties as walleye chowder, walleye sandwiches, walleye cinnamon chips, and walleye popcorn. Mon Ami Winery will also serve up special “Walleye White” in honor of the city's walleye fame. Live entertainment, children’s games, a walleye recipe contest and more fill this free, fun-filled, family-friendly evening. An exciting fireworks finale caps off the evening when Wylie Walleye is dropped at Midnight! For more information, call the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-441-1271 or log on to www.walleyemadness.com. For more events and details, visit us online!