LAKEFRONT VERMILION, CENTRALLY LOCATED ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ERIE

Since our son was graduating from Oberlin and the ceremonies would last about a week, we needed a nice cost effective place for 4 family members. Vermilion is a quiet lakeside resort community with a tradition of hosting lakeside vacationers. Vermilion is only about a 15-20 minute drive to Oberlin. Arriving from San Francisco at 1AM the first day and driving along unfamiliar roads, (good for the Garmin update!) we were relieved to see that the front area was well lighted and that parking was convenient. However, we could not see the back yard due to the darkness. The apartment is cabin-like, but large, clean,very well maintained, and all amenities fully functional. The following morning treated us to a fantastic view of an expansive back yard and then an expansive view of a beautiful Lake Erie. Birds singing in the trees, 2 geese and squirrels dancing in the back yard, very idyllic and calming. John and Ellen were great. They are welcoming and very accommodating. We mentioned we would be barbecuing for a few of my son's friends and Oberlin staff, so John set up a brand new large gas grill the next day with two portable picnic tables. Ellen even made a wonderful salad and drove my wife to the nearby fresh and locally grown "Farmer's Market" for additional last minute supplies, since at the time my oldest son was in Oberlin picking up our guests. (There is a Costco is located in relatively near-by Avon, btw.) Later that evening after everyone left, we collapsed in a heap from exhaustion, but took the time, wisely enough to take two chairs out to the edge of the yard to watch the sunset over the horizon. The weather was great and the placid lapping sounds of the water, the sheer expanse of Lake Erie, and the gorgeous setting sun totally relaxed us. Talk about a meditative state! Another thing Ellen did for us was to adjust the wireless router. We went from spotty reception to 4-5 bars, so it was nice having full wi-fi connectivity. The TV and DVD player were great with many channels to watch, but who needs TV when you have a sunset like that almost everyday? Plenty of well lighted reading areas in the living room. You can also read in total relaxation in the back yard. The kitchen area was very functional, dishes, glasses, cutlery provided. Storage was very good. We've been all over the map on vacation, but our Vermilion stay with Ellen and John was definitely one of our most restful and peaceful stays ever. Will definitely recommend to friends.