Dining & Drinking
If you like burgers, head to Smitty's Place. They are famous for their giant burgers and fantastic food (President Obama is also a fan). If pizza is more your junk food of choice, check out Sambino's Pizza, which Amanda says is "fabulous." For more the casual deli scene, Rubin's Deli and Restaurant is also well-known in the area. For the liveliest nightlife, Wolfey's Bistro & Pub is a great bar with an upscale atmosphere and live entertainment. "It's a great place to meet people and chat for awhile or for a night out," Amanda says. 
 
The Great Outdoors
The Black River Reservation a part of the Lorain County Metro Parks system. It has five and a half miles of trails running through it and is a great place to go hiking, biking, or running your dog.  
 
Cascade Park is on a much smaller scale, but Amanda says it is "breathtaking." The large Cascade Park Falls is surrounded by lush greenery. This park is more geared towards young families, with a playground area for kids.
 
There is a brand-new park located off of Murray Ridge Road that features a large pond with a mile and a half long walking trail that runs all the way around it. People go fishing, walk their dogs, and go running.
 
Shopping & Entertainment
During the summer, the Lorain County Fairgrounds hosts a variety of large events, including the Lorain County Fair.
 
For shopping, Amanda likes Nicole Kay's Boutique, an independently-owned women's boutique located in a plaza right off of West River selling bags, purses, wallets, jewelry, and other accessories. Elyria also has all of the major chain stores like Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Home Depot.
 
One advantage of living in Elyria is the quick and easily accessibility to the freeways. 30 minutes in one direction and you'll be in Cleveland; 30 minutes in the other direction and you'll be in Cedar Point, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States and tied for the second-most number of rollercoasters.