5 minute read
An Eventful Life
by Fred Lozano, Jr.
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The sentiment shared by Erin Coulter perfectly describes the feeling you get when you arrive at The Shipyards in Lorain. Home to Monkey Island Coffee, The Boiler Room restaurant and bar, Superior City cocktail lounge, The Shipwreck outdoor bar and grill, and the namesake event center, this building has become a favorite place for everyday life and special occasions.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
Erin has been the event sales manager at The Shipyards going on a year, and she could not be more excited to be here. A native of Olmsted Falls, Erin comes to work every morning with an energy that radiates through the entire building. "I love it here!" beams Erin when asked about working in the city of Lorain. Her genuine adoration for the area is reflected in her passion and dedication to every event she hosts at the complex. Erin knows how meaningful memorable events are to people and treats each visitor as if they are family. From the minute you meet her, her familial aura will make you feel instantly welcome. Moments later, you will swear you are dealing with a long-lost cousin who just happens to be your grandmother's favorite. This approach to her profession has entrusted Erin with an ever-growing schedule of events, large and small.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
Adapting to the restrictions and regulations set forth during the pandemic, The Shipyards provided a safe, socially-distanced area for a variety of smaller events during the height of the pandemic. The open industrial space on the second floor allowed for weddings to remain a staple of the event center when many businesses did not have the versatility to adjust. The scenic views of the waterfront and vintage architecture became a popular backdrop for the area's best wedding photographers and most active social media users. Whether a breathtaking summer sunset over Lake Erie or the serenity of the snowcaps on the calm winter waters, Erin takes full advantage of the picturesque nature of the area. "It's pretty all the time," she states matter-of-factly.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
Erin is the best kind of busy with restrictions lifting and life returning to some semblance of normalcy. "The floodgates have opened," she says with elation. With graduation parties, baby showers, and weddings in full swing, Erin makes sure to maintain a diverse range of events at The Shipyards year-round. Comedy shows featuring some of Lorain's best local talent and yoga classes conducted by Bottoms Up Yoga provide unmatched variety in the area. Incredibly, events are only a small portion of what Erin and The Shipyards event center has to offer.
photo by Jen Navarro
The Boiler Room Taphouse, a restaurant and bar that features local brews and unique meals such as the Polish Hammer, Wreck burger, and classic favorites like pizza and wings, is located on the ground floor of the event center. A favorite spot for impromptu birthday dinners and small goingaway parties, The Boiler Room offers spacious indoor seating and a one-ofa-kind outdoor patio area. Erin makes sure there is no shortage of fun and inclusive events in The Boiler Room.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
Wednesday nights kick off with karaoke entertainment from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. and offers a midweek mood changer that leaves friends laughing and singing for three hours of unbridled enjoyment.
photo by Jason Shaffer
On Thursdays, some of the area's more skilled musicians will provide live music for the patrons from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. So whether you prefer a burger and a breeze, baseball by the bar, or birthday brews with buddies, The Boiler Room is happy to have you.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
If cocktails and quiet conversations are more your speed, Superior City cocktail lounge is your little slice of paradise. Located adjacent to The Boiler Room, Superior City features handcrafted cocktails, opulent wines, and shareable plates so tempting that you might not share. It is a perfect spot for a first date or your 50th anniversary, where the sunset views will leave your heart as full as your belly. Erin points out the newly created doorway, which allows servers to more effectively and efficiently serve the patrons who choose to take in the panoramic views from the outdoors while still enjoying the creative cocktails from Superior City.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
Then, The Shipwreck at The Shipyards is the newly added outdoor bar and grill that is sure to add some panache to the soon-to-expand patio with stunner marina views and tropical coastal vibes. This area is definitely something to check out if you have not yet.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
"It's nice to have people in house," reveals Erin. After a year of limited capacity, the new faces are a welcomed sight.
What has been a pleasant surprise to Erin are the familiar faces who return to The Shipyards to enjoy the other amenities beyond the event space. Unlike many other event centers, The Shipyards offers the unique opportunity to return to the facility and relive some of your favorite memories from your special occasion while creating new ones. Erin has seen brides having lunch in The Boiler Room while reminiscing about how magical their wedding day was. A family who has a baby shower upstairs can also one day bring in their tots to enjoy the tasty tater tots. The opportunities are endless, and Erin's creativity and careful consideration are beyond measure.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
The list goes on for how your memories can develop and grow with you at The Shipyards. Whether you are looking to skip the drive-thru line by stopping in Monkey Island Coffee for your morning latté or arriving by boat to one of the four dockside, transient boat slips, take a few minutes to walk through the area and let the vacation feeling take you over. Then, plan on spending some time letting Erin help make your life more eventful.
For food, drink, and event lists, and to get in touch with Erin to help plan your special occasion, please visit theshipyards.com or call 440-230-8481.
photo courtesy of The Shipyards
