There is a good chance you never heard of the Shores and Islands, a touristic destination loosely located between Toledo and Cleveland on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. It's unique appeal to both the family and the party-goers - yes, both of them as the same time - should raises you interest.
I was particularly intrigued with how all the restaurants, bars and winery have their staple and usually unique food or drink that you absolutely have to try but would never know if you were not visiting the area with a local. Luckily for me, that is exactly what I did and you will have access to all the insider's tips I got.
The Shores
Cedar Point
The area is probably best known for Cedar Point, a 364-acres amusement park in Sandusky. Opened in 1870, it is the second oldest amusement park in the United States. The park features a staggering 72 rides (highest number in the world) including 16 roller coasters (second highest in the world). It is without the shadow of a doubt the thrill seekers' Mecca.
The most impressive ride is the Top Drill Dragster. I dare you to try it. First, you go from zero to 120 MPH in four seconds. Then, you go vertically up 420 feet in the air, and back down through a spiral. All of that in a mere 17 seconds. Yes, the whole ride lasts only 17 seconds. It is so impressive that they installed stands so the ones who are too chicken to try it (that would be me) can sit and watch. Amazing, you will not believe your eyes.
The park also hosts 6 venues for performance ranging from Broadway-style musical to extreme biking stunts.
Maybe because I am used to fairs that move from one city to the other where all you see are rides lined up in a huge parking lot, but I really loved how they made the place looks like the downtown of a small city. The place is huge, but it feels like you are strolling the small boardwalk of an ocean-front city.
Insider's tip: The park is filled with food vendors, of course. Two of them, The Hot Potato and The Happy Friar, offers a special French fries. Try it old school with vinegar for a special treat.
Just off the park, I experienced 20 minutes up in the air at North Coast Parasail & Water Sports. If you are like me, all you know about parasailing is the clips on Funniest Home Videos where someone runs from the beach or some kind of deck to eventually fall, not able to start flying. Fear not. They will bring you to the lunching boat where you will start the ride sited and you will land back on the boat, on your feet, safely, without even touching the water. It amazingly quiet up there and the view is magnificent. Just do it.
The Wine Vault
After a long day at Cedar Point, drive 30 minutes East and try The Wine Vault (5581 Liberty Avenue
Vermillion, Ohio), a place that opened just weeks ago. The small 30 seats restaurant is located in what used to be a bank, and they uses the vault as the wine cellar - hence the name.
I went with the Streak and Potatoes: a grilled hanger steak, roasted shitakes, portabella “fries” and potato purée. The steak was cooked to perfection, one of the best I ever had. I am not a big fan of mushrooms so I switch them for actual fries and they where delicious. The chef really knows what he is doing: How can a potato purée be so good?
Insider's tip: As you wait for your main course, you absolutely need to try the cheese board. The assortment comes with the Purple Haze, a Californian goat cheese lightly dusted with lavender and bee pollen. I cannot stress it enough: It is to die for. The three of us almost fought for the last bite. Ohio is filled with locally made craft beer and the Great lake Dortmunder gold lager is a good fit with the cheese plate.
Cheese Haven
Speaking of cheeses, Port Clinton is home to an amazing store called Cheese Haven (2920 E Harbor Rd, Port Clinton). In all my trips, I discover a store that is so unique that I just wish I had one in my home town. For this trip, it would be Cheese Haven. A family business since they opened in 1949, they offers a selection of more than 200 cheeses. Most of them are locally made, but many are imported from Ireland, Greece, England, France, and Italy. If you don't know what to buy, you can try many of them as samplers before you decide. We where particularity impressed with the very strong Humboldt, the tasty Truffle tremor, and the peppery Horseradish. This one was pretty unique to me.
We strongly recommended to Lisa, the co-owner, to get some Purple Haze. By the time you visit, you might be able to buy some.
To go along your cheeses, they also offer a wide range of locally made craft beer and wine.
Insider's tip: Can you handle a 17 years old cheddar? Crumbling as you touch it with a strong parmesan smell and taste, a 17 years old cheddar is a pretty unique experience.
African Safari Wildlife Park
Just a mile from Cheese Haven is the African Safari Wildlife Park (267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH). It is the kind of park where you drive your car and the animal comes to eat the carrots you give them. Nothing new here, but the kids will love it and they offer a couple of things that will make the experience different than other parks offering the same concept.
For instance, you will be able to feed a humongous scottish highlander cattle and the only White Zebra in the United States. Other animals include Alpacas, camels, bisons, bongos, giraffes, guanacos, kudos, llamas, and sika deers.
Before you do the drive-thru, you can stop for the "Walk-Thru Safari". In a more traditional zoo setting where you will see, among others, some impressive warthogs (they look so badass!), a very rare white alligator, and the amazingly funny gibbons.
Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve
After exploring the shore, you will want to explore the islands. But before taking the ferry, try Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve early morning, just East of Sandusky. First, you will be alone to enjoy the area so early and, most importantly, it is then that the wildlife roams to get some food. If you are lucky, some friendly close up encounters might happen.
The Islands
You can explore the islands by car, or you can rent a golf cart or a bike once there. Either way, you will need to take the ferry. Depending of which island you are going and how fast you want to get there, you will use the Jet Express, the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line or the Miller boat line ferry.
Kelleys Island
The first island we visited was Kelleys Island. The place is very laid back. What can you expect in a place where you cross more golf carts than cars?
The Village Pump
Just off the ferry landing, you will find The Village Pump (103 State Route 575 Kelleys Island, OH). You can come with the family to eat, or you can sit at the bar to have a drink. If you make a beeline for the bar, you must be prepared. The tradition is that the owner comes and high-5 you. The decor is typically "american-tavern", nothing fancy. I had a burger with a side of French Fries. I never envisioned so much fries and such a big burger.
Insider's tip: Perch and walleye are local specialties, but the Brandy Alexander is the real staple here. They serves the alcoholized beverage by the glass, but you might want to order a full pitcher just to be sure…
Bag the moon Saloon
Just beside the Village Pump is Bag the moon Saloon (109 W Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island), a family restaurant during the day and a tavern at night. I can't really talk about the food. We stayed about 5 minutes so I can try their staple product...
Insider's tip: The strawberry shot. Priced at just $2, they dig a hole into a big strawberry to make a "glass" out of it. They fill it with a secret drink and top it with whip cream. You eat the whole thing in one bite. Fantastic!
Glacial Grooves
One of the main attraction of the island is the Glacial Grooves. The deep grooves and markings date back from the glacial period as a heavy glacial wall moved and carved out island limestone with rocks and boulders embedded in its base. You will not believed it is not man-made.
Just North of the Glacial Grooves is a nice and small sandy beach where you can spend quality time with the family.
Put-in-Bay
Finally, we also visited South Bass Island. It is locally known and referred as Put-in-Bay, the only village on the island. A tad smaller than Kelleys Island, it is recommended to use a golf cart there as well: you can go from one end of the island to the other in less than 10 minutes.
If you are vacationing with the family, Put-in-Bay has a lot to offer. You can bring your tent for some camping, you can rent a kayak, if only to see the Benson Ford Shiphouse, a huge house made out of a freighter ship that is best seen from the lake, or you can visit the Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial.
Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial
The 352 foot monument, who also happens to be the world's most massive Doric column, was finished in 1915 to commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812 and to celebrates the lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States that followed the war. An elevator will bring you to the observation deck where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding. It is so hight, I was actually able to pick up my canadian cell phone provider's network.
Goat
Just off downtown, the Goat (820 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH) is a family restaurant in a nice setting. Eat inside or on the covered patio. Goat offers a very interesting selection of pub food and appetizers. I would totally have a whole meal just mixing and matching them. I particularly liked the reuben ball: corned beef, sauerkraut and swiss cheese, breaded and fried with a side of thousand island dressing.
Insider's tip: I was not able to try since it is only offered for dinner but, as strange as it sounds, the meatloaf is one of their staple food. To drink, the basil Mojito, made with fresh basil from their garden, is another staple you want to try.
Heineman's winnery
Founded in 1888, Heineman's winery (978 County Road 215, Put-in-Bay, OH) produces a variety of wine that you can buy or taste directly on site.
Insider's tip: It is a tradition to stop by in the afternoon, buy a ten dollars bottle of Pink Catawba, and drink it on their backyard. With such a cheap price, I was not expecting much of this wine but it was surprisingly sweet and easy to drink. Our stop at the winery was nice and relaxing. A tradition is a tradition, so try it.
Put-in-Bay's nightlife
Remember when I was explaining how the Shores and Island is a perfect getaway for the family AND the party goers? This is where the party part begins.
The Islander Inn
If you plan to spend a night or two in Put-in-Bay and camping is not for you, the Islander Inn is a good place to use as your base of operation. The Caribbean Style resort offers pirate-ship bar, a swim-up bar called SPLASH! (apparently the largest in the world), 4 pools including a 30 persons Jacuzzi. Of course, you can enjoy the bars even if you don't have a room there.
The Islander is centrally located downtown from a walking distance to the other establishments detailed below.
The Keys
A nice spot by the marina (227 Bay View Ave. 43456, Put in Bay, OH) where you can drink some cocktails on a patio? I think you understand where the name of this nice little place comes from.
Insider's tip: Try the Miami Vice, "The Perfect Blend of Strawberry Daiquiri and Pina Colada with a rum floater".
Put-in-Bay Brewing Company
Located on Catawba Avenue, the Brewing Company is a dance club. We did not arrive late enough for the dance part, so we sat at the bar to enjoy one of their craft beer. They where not in operation yet when I visited, but they also installed rum still to make their own rum.
Insider's tip: They have a nice choice of appetizers, but the one you have to try is the Mac & Jack Brewery Bites: Macaroni, jack cheeses and bacon wrapped in a beer batter, fried and served with ranch for dipping. Amazing presentation. Amazing taste. I want more.
Mojito Bay Tiki Bar
Just beside the Brewing Company, you will find the Mojito Bay Tiki Bar. This is one of the place that makes Put-in-Bay so unique. Sit on one of the swings, your feet in the sand, and enjoy the nice weather and some live entertainment.
Insider's tip: What is the name of the place again? Oh yes! Mojito Bay. A mojito would be the staple drink. You guesses that correctly.
T & J Smokehouse
We sat on the patio. We played corn hole. I rode the mechanical bull. We had a blast. Yes, there is a video of me riding the bull. No, you don't get to see it. T & J Smokehouse (198 Delaware Ave Put-in-Bay, OH) is a country western restaurant and bar. We arrived after dinner so I can't really talk about the restaurant but the place is great.
Insider's tip: There is two unique things to try at T & J. Ask for a shot of Tequila and they will bring you two glasses. The second one is a shot of pickle juice that you chug immediately after your shot of tequila. It sounds weird but trust me: it is pretty nice. After a shot or two, ask for a Gazebo Lemonade. The waiter will bring you back a huge Mason jar filled with Vodka, triple sec, sour mix, Sprite, a bit of sugar, and two half lemons squeezed into it. At only eight bucks, it's a steal.
Put-in-Bay… Will I ever see you again? I really hope so.