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MARINALIFE AT PORT LORAIN
CONTENTS » 3 Marina Map & Rates 5 Rules & Regulations 6 Team Bios & Port Personality 8 Helpful Info & Local Area Map 10 Port Lorain Marina Port Lorain: The Center of It All
All photos: Rona Proudfoot
15 Events & Activities
Welcome to Port Lorain Welcome to Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain. We are thrilled to have you here!
At Port Lorain, we are committed to making your stay as enjoyable as possible, while also delivering the essential amenities you need to enjoy your time in the marina. The facilities offer our boaters a world of great activities, many of which are just steps from the docks. We encourage you to explore this wonderful neighborhood and are happy to assist you any way we can.
Our premiere destination is about midway between Cleveland and Sandusky, and provides a protected harbor for quick access to Lake Erie fishing, sailing, pleasure boating, and viewing the historic Lorain Lighthouse and spectacular sunsets. Lake Erie offers 11,000 miles of shoreline, which affords boaters a world of fun and numerous places to explore. You find plenty of space at our marina that boasts 600 slips, a fuel dock, on-site restaurant and gift shop.
Marinalife at Port Lorain Magazine gives you a guide to our facility, including a marina map and description of the amenities we offer on-site for our guests. Any time during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask us for help or let us know how we can make your visit memorable. It’s our goal to make sure you have a remarkable time while you’re here. Best Wishes,
Dan Cowens President, Oasis Marinas
OASIS MARINAS AT PORT LORAIN 301 Lakeside Ave. #1 Lorain, OH 44052 440-822-3160 portlorainmarina.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Elnicki Wade ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alexa Zizzi PUBLISHER EMERITUS Joy McPeters EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Liyana Ido DIRECTOR OF SALES Natasha Lee-Putnam 860-227-9190 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tom Couteau, Undertow Creative, LLC
MARINALIFE, LLC
125 West Street, Suite 201 Annapolis, MD 21401 410-752-0505 www.marinalife.com info@marinalife.com Marinalife at Port Lorain Marina is published by Marinalife, LLC, 125 West Street, Suite 201, Annapolis, MD 21230 410-752-0505
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marinalife.com | Port Lorain Marina
MARINA MAP & RATES
PORT LORAIN MARINA RATES Transient Slip Pricing Weekday: $2.25 per foot Weekend: $2.25 per foot Holiday & Special Events: $3.00 per foot Off-Season: $2.00 per foot Daily electric applies.
Power Pricing (flat) Single 30 / $10 per night Double 30 / $15 per night
Annual/Seasonal Prices may vary. Book longer term stays up to 90 days via Snag-A-Slip. Closed Easter, Christmas and New Years.
Standard Cancellation Policy We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel within the 48-hour window, you may be eligible for a credit toward a future stay.
Special Event and Holiday Cancellation Policy We have a 72-hour cancellation policy for all special events and holidays including, but not limited to, Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th, Labor Day Weekend, etc. In the event that you need to cancel within the 72-hour window, you may be eligible for a credit for a future stay.
Port Lorain Marina
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MARINA RULES & REGULATIONS
Port Lorain Rules & Regulations 1. Swimming is strictly prohibited on the docks. 2. Fish cleaning is not to take place on the docks. 3. Pets must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. Bags are available for your convenience in the office. 4. Navigation: All boats must adhere to U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations. All vessels must operate with no wake inside the harbor. 5. Noise: Music and other noises must be limited to a range of 50 feet. Marina quiet hours during the weekday are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and during the weekends from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Power tools such as, but not limited to, buffers, sanders and saws may only be operated between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. 6. Gates: Do not prop open gates or allow any unauthorized access. If gate malfunctions, please contact the marina office immediately. 7. Outside Contractors are permitted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Contractors are not permitted to schedule work on the weekends, although emergency
circumstances do exist. All contractors must check in with marina office and provide evidence of insurance. Boaters are not to provide a personal key fob to contractors. 8. Type of work: Spray painting, fiberglass work, heavy engine service, or any other work that results in debris entering the water, docks, or neighboring vessels is prohibited. 9. Sewage: Absolutely no overboard discharge of sewage, including treated sewage treated with Type I or II MSDs. 10. Hazardous Materials: Flammables, toxins and pollutants must be properly stored and disposed of by owner. Absolutely no dumping in the marina garbage or storing on docks. Nearest disposal is the Lorain County Collection Center at 540 S. Abbe Rd. Elyria, OH 44035. Speak with the marina office for assistance with making arrangements. 11. Grills: Charcoal grilling is not permitted. Electric grills may be used on the docks but must be attended. 12. Heaters: Unattended space heaters are not permitted.
13. Storage: Dock boxes are permitted and should be kept off the concrete docks. Triangle shaped dock boxes are preferred, with rectangular boxes acceptable as long as they do not impede foot traffic onto the wooden finger slip. No homemade dock boxes are permitted. Storage of furniture, equipment, plants, bicycles, watercraft, fuels and other chemicals is prohibited. All areas are to be kept free of tripping hazards and clutter. 14. Stairs: Must meet the following criteria and be approved by the marina: must not exceed 24 inches (61cm) in width, must not restrict access to any part of the docks or slips, cannot be affixed to the dock or slips, and cannot double as storage. 15. Docks: No items are to be permanently attached to the docks or slips by nails, screws or bolts. 16. Laundry: There will be no hanging of laundry on the rigging, lifelines or other parts of the exterior of the vessel. 17. Commercial Activity: All commercial activities must be approved in writing by the marina. 18. Signage: Vessels for sale are permitted one sign, limited to 18” x 24” (46 cm x 61 cm) and hung on the transom or aft deck. All other signage is prohibited.
Port Lorain Marina
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TEAM BIOS
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Wil Grzelak
Josh David
Wil has always loved the lake and everything marine related. He aspires to study at the U.S. Naval Academy once he graduates from high school. This is his second year working at the Port Lorain Marina, and he has loved every minute of it. At St. Edward High School, Wil spends his free time wrestling, playing rugby and doing Model United Nations. Outside of school, he is very active and enjoys playing with his dog, hanging out with friends and being outdoors.
Josh has grown up around the water, making this the perfect job for him. He has worked at the Port Lorain Marina since April 2020 when his high school switched to fully remote learning due to COVID-19. This is the best job he has ever had, and he enjoys spending time walking the docks. Every day at the marina is made even better, because he works alongside his cousins Wil and Colin and friend Connor. Josh is currently at University of Kentucky where he is working on a business management degree while also playing rugby.
Connor Geary
Colin Cockburn
Connor has loved the water his entire life and been on boats ever since he could walk. Working at the Port Lorain Marina is his first step toward entering the maritime industry. He hopes to continue his passion for boating by attending a maritime college. Connor loves this marina, because the boaters are always friendly and happy, and he considers his coworkers to be his brothers. He has many great memories on Lake Erie and is excited to work on the docks again this summer.
Colin, also known as Frodo, is returning for his second summer of working alongside his cousins Josh and Wil at the Port Lorain Marina. He grew up by the water, and at 19 years old, he has been around boats and jetskis for most of his life. Colin always enjoys chatting with the friendly boaters who dock at the marina. He is excited for another great summer out on the docks!
marinalife.com | Port Lorain Marina
PORT PERSONALITY
ALEX AMATA GENERAL MANAGER
Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain, Lorain, OH
What do you enjoy doing on your day off? On my days off I spend time at a local fitness center and play an occasional round of golf with friends and colleagues. What’s the best safety tip you can give to a new boater? Stock your boat with required USCG gear. A life vest, satellite radio and fire extinguisher are the most vital, as these all have life-saving implications for you and your shipmates onboard. How do you keep busy in the off season? I’ll be working on renovation projects and detailed planning for improvements for the next season at the marina. Where is your favorite place to visit by boat? The U.S. Virgin Islands or anywhere in the Caribbean. The views and the people there are like no other. What is the most fun part of your work?
What makes your marina special or different than other marinas? The location on Lake Erie is perfect. We are a short distance from the islands in Sandusky and downtown Cleveland. The staff we have at our property is what really makes our marina different than others. What book do you believe every boater should read? U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules & Regulations Handbook What is the one thing that everyone should do or see at your marina?
The overall atmosphere at our marina. Every day is different, but there are constant stories from our boaters and fun projects to tackle as a team. What is the oddest watercraft you’ve seen cruise into the marina? Paddle King 4400. It is a smaller vessel that is powered by the captain using his feet to paddle. The day this vessel was in our marina it was rather windy, and this captain was stuck in our fairway for 30-45 minutes trying to paddle to the lake.
Every visitor to the marina should see the Fourth of July fireworks show at the end of our mile-long pier. It’s an unforgettable sight. What is the most important item to always keep on a boat? The essential item to keep on board is a life vest, because in an emergency it could save your life. Describe the perfect meal. What would you eat and where would you be? Without a doubt, I’d most like to dine on surf and turf on the beach in the Caribbean. Port Lorain Marina
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HELPFUL INFO
Port Lorain Helpful Info Port Lorain’s premiere destination is about midway between Cleveland and Sandusky, and provides a protected harbor for quick access to Lake Erie. The marina offers 600 slips, a fuel dock, restaurant and gift shop.
Marina Hours May 1 – Labor Day Sunday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Amenities • Restrooms and shower facilities • Restaurant onsite
• Ship store and provisions • Security
• Winter storage
• Disability access • Pump out
Labor Day – October 31 Sunday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Laundry
November 1 – April 30 Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday through Monday
• Water taxi
41° 28’ 21.5076’’ N 82° 10’ 24.9312’’ W Hail on 16 440-882-3160 portlorain@oasismarinas.com
• Hotel/lodging nearby • Retail nearby • Pet friendly • Ice
• Parking
• Bars/clubs nearby and onsite • Floating docks
• Medical facilities nearby
• Convenient slip-booking online with Snag-A-Slip
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marinalife.com | Port Lorain Marina
LOCAL AREA MAP
Port Lorain Marina
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LORAIN: At the Center of It All By Richard Kern
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marinalife.com | Port Lorain Marina
Lorain, OH, is on the upswing, and the city’s waterfront — including Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain — is an integral part of that resurgence.
R
eal estate experts say three things matter most when it comes to a property: “location, location, location.” That’s certainly true of Lorain. The Lake Erie port sits exactly halfway between Cleveland and Sandusky, as well as 12 miles north of the college town of Oberlin, offering easy access to big-city amenities, top-notch recreation and amusement venues, and university-style culture. Lorain is, figuratively and literally, at the center of it all. But Lorain is more than a good starting point. The city has its own action and allure — a rich ethnic heritage, a storied blue-collar industrial history, access to beautiful parks and outdoor recreation, and a burgeoning restaurant and brewpub scene that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palette. And Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain is right in the middle of it, adjacent to the famed Mile Long Pier and steps away from downtown.
Wikimedia Commons
THE INTERNATIONAL CITY Located on the Black River, Lorain made a name for itself as an industrial center in the late 1800s with the Nickel Plate Railroad, Hayden Brass Works and Lorain Thew Shovel Company. Later, the Johnson Steel Rail Company, American Stove Works and American Ship Building Company all stoked the city’s growth, attracting scores of immigrants to work in factories and mills and providing the basis for Lorain’s nickname, “The International City.” Port Lorain Marina
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Jason Shaffer Photography
The Grove Site Project is developing a multi-use park along the riverfront area next to Broadway and across from Black River Landing that will host the International Festival and other events.
With more than 70 different nationalities continuing to call the Lorain area home, you can imagine that translates into a dizzying array of food, drink and cultural activities. For 50+ years, Lorain’s International Festival has celebrated the city’s rich heritage, attracting thousands of attendees from all over the region to Black River Landing for a weekend of ethnic food, crafts and entertainment.
SUNRISE IN LORAIN Sunsets on Lake Erie are legendary. And since a spectacular sunset often signals that an equally spectacular sunrise is on the way, this daily display offers fitting analogy for the sunny outlook that Lorain’s citizens have about their city’s resurgence in recent years. Of course, Lake Erie is the real focal point here, and Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain is perfectly positioned to take advantage of all the lake has to offer. Fishing aficionados can angle for perch, walleye, steelhead and bass, and kayakers will find a lot to like about the area too, whether they’re a beginner or an experienced paddler. Other top sights and sounds along the waterfront include the Rockin’ on the River concert series, which runs from
Rona Proudfoot
Downtown, the recently completed Broadway Streetscape Project has given the city’s main thoroughfare a $4 million facelift and breathed new life into dozens of businesses, including Union Town Provisions, Speak of the Devil, Brass & Bronze Foundry Bar, the Palace Theater, Fresco Bistro, Borikén Juke Joint, Broadway Mary’s and the new Ariel on Broadway Hotel.
Newly opened venues such as The Shipyards, which incorporates the Superior City cocktail lounge, Monkey Island Coffee shop, a large event space and the Boiler Room, a self-described “beer-centric bar and restaurant,” illustrate the positive change that Lorain is currently undergoing. “Everything is transforming,” says Shipyards Events Manager Jennifer Kopf. “The more there is [downtown], the more people there are. It gives you a reason to come.”
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A Variety of Victuals: Lorain’s Food & Drinks
Wikimedia Commons
The recent resurgence of downtown Lorain and its waterfront has sparked the opening of several new restaurants and reinvigorated old favorites. Here’s a list of choice places to sip and sup near the Oasis Marina.
May to September each year; the Mile Long Pier, originally constructed in the mid-1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers and a favorite fishing spot; and the Lorain Lighthouse, built over a century ago and considered “the Jewel of the Port.”
American Slovak Club
Back in the 1950s, the American Slovak Club Women’s Auxiliary started holding fish fry dinners every Friday, originally charging 80 cents for an 8-oz. portion of perch, French fries and coleslaw, prepared with a special breading. That recipe is still used today, and if you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Friday, you can partake in this American classic and the best fish fry in town. The famous perch dinner will set you back about $20 bucks these days, but it’s worth it! (440-245-5146)
Ardick Seafood
Less than a mile from Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor down Colorado Avenue, you find Ardick, a fresh seafood market and take-out joint with a few outdoor tables. Open seasonally, Tuesday to Saturday, Ardick offers some of the best Lake Erie perch and walleye anywhere — sandwiches, dinners (with fries, coleslaw and roll), or two-pound buckets. Shrimp, scallops, oysters, chowder, bisque — you name it, Ardick has it. (440-288-0454)
“The Lorain Lighthouse and the sunsets here are amazing,” says Seth Tatem, Assistant General Manager at Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain. “It’s a great atmosphere for boaters. We have a fantastic restaurant on site (Erie Steak & Seafood Co.), secure docks, recently renovated facilities — and you don’t want to miss the Fourth of July fireworks display!”
Boiler Room at the Shipyards
Part of the Shipyards complex that also houses the Superior City cocktail lounge and Monkey Island coffee shop, the Boiler Room offers an extensive menu of sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, soups, salads and specialties such as Shepherd’s Pie, pierogies and meatloaf. But the real star here is the beer — more than a dozen regional and craft brews on tap, as well as a selection of ales, ciders and seltzers in cans and bottles. Down at the end of California Avenue, a short walk from the marina. (440-230-8481)
Jason Shaffer Photography
Borikén Juke Joint
This speakeasy-style restaurant is tucked away in the basement of the Duane Building at 401 Broadway Avenue, offering a Puerto Rican take on ramen, tacos, burgers and more. Inspired by owner/chef Joe Adorno’s travels and made with local ingredients, Borikén’s unique entrees include fried Cornish hen with honey hot sauce, steak with salsa roja, marinated fish and grilled short ribs. (440-281-4048) (more on p. 14) Port Lorain Marina
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Lukas of Pexels
RIGHT NEXT DOOR
Erie Steak & Seafood Co.
Formerly known as Jackalope, this dockside establishment is located at Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor, offering a seafood-and-steak-centric menu featuring Lake Erie perch and walleye, ocean specialties, prime cuts of beef and a selection of “Stern Favorites” — pasta, chicken and salads. But guests really swoon over the spectacular view of all the boats and lighthouse at sunset. (440-288-2051)
Mutt & Jeff’s
A couple miles south of the lakefront on Oberlin Avenue you find Mutt & Jeff ’s, a rare combination of great live music and great food. The menu lists a dozen appetizers, as well as burgers, sandwiches, wraps, steaks, ribs, brisket and chicken. Opt for one of the daily specials: Wednesday, Italian; Thursday, Chicken Paprikash; Friday, the requisite Lake Erie Fish Fry. Live music — country, classic rock, dance, pop, modern — plays seven days a week. (440-282-4080)
Speak of the Devil
Here, it’s all about craft cocktails. Whiskey drinkers think they’ve died and gone to heaven, as they select from 100 different brands, ages and proofs. The cocktail menu features stalwarts like the Manhattan, Sidecar and Old-Fashioned, but you also find more exotic concoctions such as the Black Rose and 5th Street Finisher. SOTD doesn’t have a proper kitchen, but you have several options nearby to grab a bite. Or try some of their signature bar snacks while you sip your favorite libation. (440-434-4286)
Union Town Provisions
UTP’s motto is “Eat - Drink - Shop – Learn,” and this downtown restaurant delivers on that promise with art exhibits, music and events supplementing its eclectic menu of breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, burgers, boards and small plates. Co-owner and chef Shawn Grieves ensures that the menu is continually evolving, adding unique specials such as mussels in white wine pesto, frittata with homemade sausage, and pan-seared walleye. (440-654-4040) 14
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If your appetite for adventure isn’t satisfied by all Lorain has to offer, consider a side trip about 30 miles west to Cedar Point, the world-class amusement park located just outside Sandusky. One of the park’s key draws is its 17 roller coasters — the second-most in the world — as well as nearly 60 other rides. Other attractions include a milelong white sand beach, indoor and outdoor water parks, an outdoor sports complex, and several nearby resorts. Oberlin, the historic town located 12 miles south of Lorain, is home to Oberlin College, the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States. In 1835, Oberlin became one of the first colleges to admit African Americans, and in 1837 it was the first to admit women. Graduates include three Nobel Laureates, nine Pulitzer Prize winners and 12 MacArthur Fellows. Less than 30 miles east, Cleveland offers scores of things to do and see if you’re on an extended trip, including the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Flats entertainment district.
Fun Finder:
Lorain Lighthouse
A well-known local landmark, this century-old structure hosts tours and sunset dinners during the summer. (440-752-8955, lorainlighthouse.com)
Lorain Attractions, Activities & Events
Lorain Palace Theater
This restored 1928 gem, the keystone of the Broadway Streetscape project, hosts a variety of shows, plays, concerts and more. (440-245-2323, lorainpalace.com)
Mile Long Pier
Built in the mid-1960s and completely overhauled in 2007, the pier is a favorite spot for joggers, sunset-watchers and fishing aficionados. (440-204-2269, lorainport.com/facility-rentals/mile-long-pier)
Visitors to the Lorain area find lots of interesting places to go and things to do. Here’s a rundown of local activities and events:
ATTRACTIONS Lakeview Park
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This waterfront park, known for its Historical Rose Garden, spectacular sunsets and views of the Lorain Lighthouse, offers swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, volleyball, bathhouse and café. (440-458-5121, loraincountymetroparks.com/lakeview-park)
ACTIVITIES
Jason Shaffer Photography
Fishing Charters
Lake Erie is renowned for its abundance of perch, walleye and bass. A&C Sportsfishing Charter (440-935-1601, fishingbooker.com/charters/view/12493) and Fish & Fowl Adventures (419-707-1065, lakeeriefishingadventures.com) are just two of the many options available for anglers seeking locals’ guidance.
French Creek Reservation
This 450-acre woodland on the edge of the city is home to a nature center and the French Creek Theatre, along with 4.5 miles of hiking trails and a lovely picnic area. (440-9495200, loraincountymetroparks.com/french-creek-reservation) Port Lorain Marina
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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
EVENTS BrewFest Waterfront District
This mid-August event showcases local and regional craft brews, offering a day of food, beer, games and music at Lorain’s Black River Landing. (440-847-9085, brewfestwd.com)
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Lorain County Fair
Kayaking
Rockin’ on the River
Northeast Ohio’s longest running and best attended outdoor concert series, ROTR features top national, regional and local talent, from classic rock to pop and a whole lot more. Come to Black River Landing on Fridays from May to September. (330-730-7591, rockinontheriver.com)
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Prodigious paddlers will find a lot to enjoy along the Black River and Lake Erie coastline. Try LoCo ‘Yaks for rentals by the hour or the day. (440-249-0590, locoyaks.com)
Established in 1846, the Lorain County Fair is Ohio’s second largest county fair and a northeast Ohio institution. It’s held every year two weeks before Labor Day and is located about 20 miles south of Lorain in Wellington, OH. (440-647-2781, loraincountyfair.com)
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Experience Remarkable oasismarinas.com
Visit batteryparkmarina.com Call 419-625-6142 701 E. Water Street Sandusky, OH 44870
Visit portlorainmarina.com Call 440-822-3160
Visit northcoastharbormarina.com Call 216-485-2030
301 Lakeside Ave #1 Lorain, OH 44052
1020 E. 9th Street Cleveland, OH 44114
Formerly Lakeside Marina
Formerly Rock & Dock
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