Located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, Oberlin College was founded in 1833 by utopian abolitionists. Always ahead of its time, it was the first college to admit students regardless of race, and the first to offer women degrees alongside men. Today, Oberlin is home to just under 3000 students and comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music considered one of the best undergraduate music schools in the country. The school is an integral part of the town of Oberlin, a community of about 8,600 residents that Ohio Magazine named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns. The campus is within walking distance from town, with everything an Oberlin student could need including locally owned restaurants, fast food eateries, coffee shops, and quaint shops and galleries.

Visitor Information: Tour Oberlin

Transportation: All major airlines fly into Cleveland’s Hopkins International Airport, less than 30 minutes by car from campus. There are Amtrak Stations at Elyria, 30 minutes from Oberlin (platform only) and Cleveland Station Building, further at about 45 minutes, but with a waiting room and staff. Taxis are available at both stops. 

Stay: The Hotel at Oberlin (formerly the Oberlin Inn) is the newest building downtown, overlooking picturesque Tappan Square. If you’re staying in town, this is by far the best choice, but there are many bed and breakfasts in the area, plus smaller hotel chains. For a comprehensive list of area accommodations click here. Cleveland is less than an hour away, and many families choose to stay in the city. Hotels we like are the Kimpton Schofield, Westin, The Ritz-Carlton and the boutique Metropolitan at the 9. 

Coffee: Fuel up at Local Coffee and Tea or The Slow Train Café,  both in town serving a selection of baked goods to go with your latte. 

Breakfast: 1833 restaurant at the Hotel at Oberlin has become many visiting families morning go to, also a popular choice for weekend brunches. Black River Café, serving breakfast all day has its fans and is a good lunch spot as well.

Lunch: Lively and fun, with all food sourced locally head to The Feve. For great hummus and other Middle Eastern fares Aladdin’s Eatery is your place. Lorenzo’s Pizzeria is an old school pizza and sandwich joint well suited to its college town location.

Dinner

Casual: Fresh ingredients make Tex-Mex Agave Burrito Bar one of the most popular spots in town. Staying in Cleveland? BBQ is trending right now, try Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ or Smokin' Q's BBQ and Beer House. Choose any three fruits and create a unique margarita at Momocho, a modern Mexican cantina decorated with colorful Lucha Libre masks and dimly lit candles. The menu features inventive twists such as guacamole with jicama, pineapple and mint or crab and smoked trout tostadas. For something a little different, fun and interactive you can't beat The Boiler 65’s seafood in a bag. 

A Step Up: One of Cleveland’s best streets to get a feel for the city is on East 4th street, home to Jonathon Sawyer’s Greenhouse Tavern and Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lola, two of the hottest tables in town. For two local’s takes on where to eat now click here and here. 

Sweet Bites:  Cowhaus Creamery serves artisan ice cream and frozen yogurt, try one of the unusual flavors like black sesame or the more traditional mint chip made with a chocolate variation that took two years of experimenting to perfect.

Local Attractions: Thanks to an NBA win, the Republican convention and some star chefs contributing to a hot food and drink scene, Cleveland has witnessed a rebirth these last few years. There’s a lot to do that’s worth the drive from Oberlin. Enjoy one of the many museums including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, or The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Foodies don’t miss a stop at Cleveland's huge indoor West Side Market.