Home to more than 8,000 people, the city was named one of the 5 best intergenerational communities in the United States. During the school year, 3,000 young adults are in town, attending classes at Oberlin College. Almost 15 percent of the residents are ages 65 or older, many who call the Kendal at Oberlin retirement community their home.
In addition, people with diverse ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles have chosen Oberlin as their home. And it’s only a short, 45-minute drive to the big city attractions and amenities of Cleveland.
Having a prestigious liberal arts college like Oberlin College and its Conservatory of Music in the neighborhood offers lots of cultural and other opportunities for residents. Musical performances, lectures, plays and more, many of them free, are held year-round.
The Conservatory, the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the U.S. and home to more than 200 Steinway Grand Pianos, holds more than 400 concerts a year.
The college’s nearly century-old Allen Memorial Art Museum is recognized as one of the 5 best college and university art museums in the United States. Since its beginning, the museum has been free for everyone.
The museum also oversees the Weltzheimer/Johnson House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1949. The house was the first Usonian house in Ohio and is one of the few in the nation open to the public.
The streets are lined with an eclectic mix of restaurants, offering a special experience for visitors of all tastes and interests. For coffee, tea and sweets visit the Slow Train, The Local or the Blue Rooster Bakehouse. For lunch, dinner or a drink, try the Black River Café, the Feve or Lorenzos.
Opening in early 2016 is The Hotel at Oberlin, which will feature a signature restaurant with locally grown foods.
Shopping is a mixed bag too. You can buy books and music, jewelry and gifts, clothes and groceries. A range of services are available, including a post office, library, banks and salons, and newly released movies are shown at the Apollo Theater.
The North Coast Inland Trail winds through Oberlin, offering a scenic, paved path for biking, walking, cross-country skiing and bird watching. For leisurely walks, visit Tappan Square, and for hiking, camping and canoeing head south about 12 miles to Findley State Park.
For indoor activities, the Splash Zone features a swimming pool, exercise equipment and classes for all levels. Oberlin residents are eligible for discount memberships.
The city also has a yoga studio.
With world-renowned museums, first class dining and Broadway theater, Cleveland has something for everyone. And it’s only 45 minutes from Oberlin.
If you’ve experienced Oberlin, OH what was your favorite place to enjoy the arts and grab a bite to eat? Share below!