older couple with bicycles

Things To Do In Oberlin

Welcome to Oberlin, Ohio – a “big-minded small town.” Oberlin is rich in history, parks and recreation, and a remarkable array of cultural opportunities that include art, music and theater.  Check out these ideas as you plan your visit.

Oberlin Restaurants: Top Picks

Oberlin offers a lot of great dining destinations. Here are some favorite local spots to try while you’re in the area.

The Feve

This restaurant/bar/escape from everyday life has a loyal fan base that will make you feel at home, no matter what mood you happen to be in. Whether you want a hot coffee or a cold brew, this is the place. And if there was one thing not to be missed, it would be the amazing weekend brunch. The menu changes every weekend depending on what fresh, local ingredients are available.

Lorenzo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

This Oberlin tradition is beloved by young and old alike. For more than 20 years, Lorenzo’s has served the community Italian dishes made with love and know-how. The food here is based on one simple philosophy: “The customers know quality, and if you give them the best product, you will receive their loyalty.” The sauce and dough are made from scratch, and toppings come from the freshest vegetables, meats and cheeses. This Oberlin staple is not to be missed!

1833 Restaurant at the Hotel at Oberlin

Located in the lobby of the Hotel at Oberlin, 1833 Restaurant offers seasonally inspired menus, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and regional artisan products. A cool atmosphere, unique beverage selections, and friendly staff make 1833 Restaurant a fun gathering spot. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, 1833 is open year-round and welcomes both hotel and public guests to enjoy dining overlooking historic Tappan Square.

Oberlin Shopping: Top Picks

Looking for the best places to shop in Oberlin, Ohio? The city boasts a variety of excellent local shops that are perfect for an afternoon outing. From gifts to games to art supplies, you’re sure to find plenty of unique treasures.

Ben Franklin and Mindfair Books

Enter into a world where there is a little bit of everything—from your everyday wants and needs to rare toys, games and other exciting merchandise. Like a kid in a candy shop, you won’t know where to start, and you definitely won’t want to stop! Because Ben Franklin is locally owned, you can find discounts on everything from books of every kind to green products. Supporting local suppliers, as well as the environment, makes Ben Franklin a guilt-free shopping spree.

Main Street Antiques

Here is a large store – two stories and 15 dealers – with an ever-changing selection of items from days gone by. Open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, Main Street offers everything from small antiques to furnishings. As one shopper mentioned, it’s “a hidden treasure here in Oberlin.” A short distance south of downtown, the shop is located at 335 S. Main Street. 

Things to Do in Oberlin

Now that you have experienced some of the best dining and shopping in Oberlin, Ohio, you are ready to move on to the cultural treasures and art scenes the city has to offer. From classical to contemporary and timeless to modern, you will not be disappointed.

Frank Lloyd Wright House

The Weltzheimer/Johnson House, designed by the famous American architect, is also referred to as the Frank Lloyd Wright house. Wright developed the idea of organic architecture — “promoting harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design approaches integrated with its surroundings that they become one unified composition.” He developed what he called Usonia, which refers to his vision for urban living in the US. “Usonian Homes” are small, L-shaped structures made to fit around a garden terrace. Much of the design was meant to stay current with modern times. The Weltzheimer/Johnson House, completed in 1949, was the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is part of another Oberlin gem – the Allen Memorial Art Museum!

Apollo Theatre

A true staple in the Oberlin community, the Apollo Theatre has focused on cinematic delight for viewers of all ages for over 100 years. The single screen has shown everything from thrillers to dramas to family-friendly flicks for as many as 840 moviegoers at a time. 

In 2012, the theater was reopened following extensive renovations to transform the Apollo into a one-of-a-kind modern film and performance space on the first floor. The Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Cinema Studies Center for Media Education and Production is on the second floor.

According to Oberlin College’s Associate Professor Geoff Pingree, there is no other liberal arts institution that he knows of where students can study and make media, then take what they’ve learned and share it with the surrounding community.  What’s more, it’s all from a home base that’s a grand, historic theater from the era of silent movies.

older adult creating art

Ginko Gallery & Studio

The intimate Ginko Gallery & Studio features more than 250 artists, each with their own captivating character and talent. Not only will you find works of art on canvas, but you will find pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, metal, weavings and all sorts of other materials manipulated to form inspiring art. There are even whimsical figurines made from natural objects, like acorns, twigs, and seeds, painted in a “magical” way. Each work brings its own distinct personality to the space.

What truly sets this gallery apart? There are five working studios where resident artists actually create the art you were just peering at on the other side of the wall. Seeing something beautiful actually coming to life gives the world of art a whole other eye-opening perspective.

Oberlin Conservatory of Music

With more than 200 Steinway Grand Pianos within its walls, the Conservatory of Music is the largest collection of Steinway & Sons pianos outside the Steinway factory. The Conservatory is also the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. Residents of Kendal at Oberlin, as well as many community members, attend concerts and recital performances throughout each academic year. Check out On Stage for upcoming performances.

Conservatory students appreciate the opportunity to perform for a diverse and critical audience. These students are among the best young musicians in the world. More than 1,400 students apply from around the globe for a freshman class of only 120. Alumni often see their names in lights on Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera and The New York Times bestseller list. There are also award-winning composers, conductors and musicians.

These are only a few of the cultural experiences awaiting you in Oberlin. Make sure to get out there and discover your own. Or you could change it up with a short drive to metropolitan Cleveland

Cleveland Dining & Hot Spots

With a variety of great eats and interesting venues in downtown Cleveland, there’s something to please even the most discerning and experienced tastes.

Dante

Some say Cleveland is transforming into one of the latest modern fine dining cities, and Dante stands out as one of the best restaurants in town. When you’re looking for classic cuisine with a twist in the historic Tremont district, enjoy some of the unique plates from Chef Dante Boccuzzi. For something new to wet the palette, try the grilled seafood trio including prawns, scallops, and squid or Hawaiian tuna steak with braised daikon and bok choy. Dante’s signature restaurant in a former bank building boasts a traditional, comfortable atmosphere with a beautifully designed interior featuring local art. Relax with a five-course tasting menu or order a la carte.

Playhouse Square

With 10 separate performing arts venues, downtown Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is the second-largest theater district in the country. You guessed it – second only to New York’s Broadway. 

Enjoy a huge variety of offerings, including well-known Broadway shows, as well as programs like Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University Department of Theatre and Dance, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C JazzFest. Playhouse Square is truly Cleveland’s cultural gems. 

West Side Market

If fresh produce and novelty treats tantalize your taste buds, then you can’t miss the premiere indoor market in historic Ohio City. Rain-or-shine, the market is home to some of the best and freshest food in Ohio. The market offers dairy, produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, organics, specialty items, and more from more than 100 family-owned businesses. You can even find ready-to-eat treats like candy and nuts. Since 1840, tourists and food show hosts have flocked to the West Side Market. If all the great choices are a little overwhelming, take the New Shopper Tour from an expert and find out where all your new soon-to-be favorites are. The tour is available the last Saturday of the month, lasts less than an hour and includes a Market shopping bag.

Tucked in the corner of the main building is the Market Café, offering food crafted with ingredients straight from the West Side Market.

Around the Corner: Destinations Near Oberlin

When residing in Oberlin, the nearby cities and towns bring a variety of cultural excitements in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. Perhaps when you think you’ve seen it all, just a short drive in any direction can take you to wineries, performing arts centers, restaurants, shopping, and more. So discover some of the top picks, all less than an hour from the heart of Oberlin!

Stocker Arts Center

Lorain County’s hidden gem features quality performances, art, education and events in Elyria, as part of Lorain County Community College. For drama or culture, this tops the list as one of the top performing and visual arts venues in Ohio. After its 1980 founding, the first 25 years of the Stocker Arts Center welcomed more than a million visitors to its more than 1,000 performances, art galleries, films and cultural offerings.

If live theater is your thing, check out the box office to see what’s in store for the upcoming season and reserve your seat in the 994-person main theater. Experience beautiful stories come to life and revive your passion for theater, or peruse the Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery, featuring art from professional artists, as well as community, faculty and student pieces. If you’re looking for a little creative inspiration or a renewed outlook, this is the place for you.

John Christ Winery

For a relaxed atmosphere and friendly, rustic vibe, visit John Christ Winery in Avon Lake. The comfy indoors is perfect for playing one of the board games laid out for wine lovers. Or venture to the patio or backyard for a beautiful view of the vineyards.

The 1946 winery makes and bottles the wine on-site, offering award-winning varietal, French American, and vinifera choices. You can order by the glass or bottle. John Christ also welcomes outside food and snacks, which makes it a perfect choice for a friendly gathering. Relax while chatting away with new friends or shop for take-home bottles and novelty wine items in the on-site shop.

The Beck Center

The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood is one of Cuyahoga County’s top performing and visual arts centers. With a large-scale auditorium, it’s a great place for professional theater with a lower-key vibe. The Beck Center showcases a mix of musicals, dramas, family classics, youth theater, and other performances throughout the year. You’ll also find a variety of dance, theater, and art classes, as well as an art gallery.

With two main stages, you can choose the smaller, studio theater for a more intimate show. The Beck Café is a perfect place for a quick coffee or snack, pre- or post-show. While you’re in Lakewood, be sure to explore the quaint city. Historic Lakewood is an idyllic, American town that tops many great living lists. And be sure to make time to visit some of its independent shops or unique restaurants. Players on Madison has some of the best classic dining and pasta in Lakewood with a relaxed but modern atmosphere. Or try Deagan’s Kitchen and Bar is a newer hotspot, famous for unique twists on classics and a wide variety of beers. For upscale dining with a view of Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland in a pristine dining room, visit Pier W. Its fresh seafood, chops and cocktails will hit the spot.

senior and students working

Oberlin College: Lifelong Learning for Kendal Residents

Oberlin College is a well-known Oberlin institution. Kendal at Oberlin shares a special bond with the college. About 37% of Kendal at Oberlin residents are alumni or former faculty and staff, and those who aren’t alumni typically come because they love the college-town atmosphere. This special connection has translated into a host of enriching and educational opportunities for residents.

Many people at Kendal at Oberlin have a keen interest in lifelong learning. And they put that into practice by taking classes at the college, enjoying performances at the Conservatory of Music and working in collaboration with professors and students on energy and environmental initiatives. Students are regular volunteers at Kendal, and some even have the opportunity to live in a Kendal-owned property, exchanging volunteer time for room and board.

Some of the other benefits of the strong Kendal and Oberlin College connection include:

  • Residents can travel via provided transportation to the Conservatory of Music to many of the nearly 500 concerts on campus each year.
  • The college owns the century-old Apollo Theater and hosts everything from blockbusters to foreign and independent movies. And it’s an easy distance from Kendal at Oberlin so during the warm summer months, residents can take a pleasant walk or bike to catch a show.
  • Audit classes for free! With the permission of the professor or instructor, residents can sit in on a class at no cost. Not only is it a great lifelong learning benefit, but it also provides opportunities for intergenerational experience.

Kendal at Oberlin: A Great Place To Live

An Active Life Plan Community in Ohio

With a variety of cultural venues to discover and good eats to indulge in, a short ride in any direction is sure to entice any Oberlin dweller’s penchant for something new. Whether you’re exploring the surrounding area or simply enjoying all the Kendal campus has to offer, you can always find something to do that’s enriching, educational, or simply fun.

Kendal at Oberlin is a retirement community in Ohio, within an easy driving distance of Cleveland. Residents enjoy a full range of services, beginning with independent living cottages and apartments. So when more supportive care is needed, options of assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing are also on-campus. Our mission describes our goals. We strive to offer older people a vibrant, diverse and caring community. We support individual lifestyles by promoting independence, continuous learning, engagement in and service to the wider community, social and intergenerational relationships and excellent health care.

Contact Kendal At Oberlin