BARNES NURSERY
Huron Garden Center
3511 West Cleveland Road, Huron, Ohio 44839 419-433-5525
Catawba Garden Center
1283 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 arnesnursery.com, 419-797-9797
Transform your garden oasis with whimsical garden art from Barnes Nursery’s unique collections. Add some fun and inspiration to enhance your space!
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 firelandsadventuretours.com, 419-734-9283
Enjoy guided informational, recreational, and historical tours including Wine Tasting, Underground Railroad, Beers & Bourbons, Lighthouses, and many more. Departing daily. Check FirelandsAdventureTours.com for reservations and details.
RUNWAY 406
406 Main St., Huron, Ohio 44839 runway406.commentsold.com
From girls to women’s apparel and accessories. Professional, trendy, or the Weekend Lady! There is something for everyone here on the Runway!
3319 Milan Road, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 ghostlymanor.com, 419-626-4467
Ghostly Manor is the perfect family fun weekend getaway. Attractions include the nationally ranked Ghostly Manor haunted house, XD 4D Motion Theater, VR Gaming, Roller Skating, a 3D interactive black light Mini Golf Course, Bounce Houses, Play Area, Escape Room, Arcade and Laser Maze. Open year round.
MARBLEHEAD SOAP COMPANY
413-417 W. Main St. Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440 419-702-7488
Welcome to Marblehead Soap Company!
We have handcrafted organic soaps & products, local honey, essential oils, candles, canned items, gift items galore, aromatherapy, artists & craft-work from around Ohio, and organic products for our 4-legged family. Check out our new location today!
MARITIME MUSEUM
125 Meigs St., Sandusky, Ohio 44870 sanduskymaritime.org, 419-624-0274
Discover captivating history at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. Dive into immersive exhibits, amazing artifacts, and thrilling tales that’ll make waves in your heart!
Sponsored by
SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO IS ONE OF THE MIDWEST’S
The region between Toledo and Cleveland provides an eclectic mix of historically significant sites, family-fun amusements, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor recreation.
Shop and play at these favorites and follow our blog for additional ideas. shoresandislands.com/blog
It’s the feeling you get when you leave an overly air-conditioned restaurant and a whoosh of humid air envelops and defrosts you. Sure, the days can get too hot, but the nights are just right for staying up late, even if it’s just on your back patio.
But, of course, there are options beyond your own home — and we bring them to you in our cover story (Lake Erie After Dark, page 26). You’ll find adventure, live music and maybe even a glimpse of the northern lights if you’re lucky. Even better, you can make it a magical overnight by staying in the Metroparks Toledo’s Cannaley Treehouse Village.
On page 22, you’ll read about a man having an adventure of his own. That’s because Daryl Jamieson has bought both a lighthouse and an island — and has big plans for both.
Tim Niese, meanwhile, is busy turning South Bass Island into the site of one of the biggest music festivals on the lake. Flip to page 18 to read about his epic Bash on the Bay, which brings huge stars to Put-in-Bay, including Luke Bryan and Pitbull this year.
We’re utterly charmed by the new kitchen Dena Fisher has created to better run her catering and food-delivery service. In an era of all white and gray, her green-and-gold masterpiece is simply joyful. See for yourself on page 10.
Finally, get a taste of our new Lake Erie Waterfront Dining Guide on page 8 or access the whole thing at LakeErieLiving. com/restaurants. Because there’s nothing like a great meal on our great lake.
See you on the water,
P.S. Don’t miss a single story by signing up for our free email newsletter at LakeErieLiving. com/newsletter.
Chairman Lute Harmon Sr.
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Laura Watilo Blake, Linda Feagler, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Jill Sell and Jennifer Webb
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Rayanne Medford rmedford@glpublishing.com
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Julie Bialowas, Nichole Cardinale and Karen Hopkinson
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Colleen Smitek Editor
4550 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 castonyarnstudio.com, 440-984-6063
Your favorite spot for all things yarn!
Destination yarn studio featuring gorgeous specialty yarns from all over the world. Craft supplies + classes all in a charming studio. Find on Instagram & Facebook too!
6419 W. Lake Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 watersedgeonline.com, 440-967-9480
Facebook and Instagram
@cottagesatthewatersedge
Enjoy sunsets over the lake and islands, the lake breeze, and the sounds of the waves. Step back in time to an unplugged vacation on the shores of Lake Erie. Stay here to give yourself time to enjoy all that Vermilion and the surrounding Shores & Islands region has to offer.
5499 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 erieandanchor.com, 440-963-9447
Lifestyle brand and nautical storefront designed for all those who love, live and play on Lake Erie. Shop quality products while giving back! Five percent of total sales goes towards research and initiatives that will protect and save the lake from further damage. Shop and ship available online and in-store.
686 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 tiffanysflowers-gifts.com, 440-967-9996
Beautiful flower, apparel and gift boutique that offers items from Brighton, eNewton, Lakegirl, Duke Cannon and much much more. Make us your first stop during your visit. You will not be disappointed.
685 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 mainstreetvermilion.org, 440-963-0772
Make Main Street Vermilion your first stop! Pick up NEW Vermilion souvenirs and learn all about this beautiful beach front community. Fill your day with sightseeing, shopping, dining, relaxing or adventure! Spend a day at the beach, rent a kayak or paddleboard, take a boat tour and discover all the family fun Vermilion has to offer. There’s history here worth exploring and plenty of new experiences in store.
mywoodloft.com
Shop our unique, locally handmade gifts and timeless heirloom home furnishings. Our products are created with reclaimed Ohio barnwood, retired wine & bourbon barrels, epoxy and live-edge hardwoods. All our furniture pieces are made with durability and longevity in mind, to be enjoyed for years to come. Look to our website for upcoming events & classes.
Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park W. Lake Rd. (Route 6) & Coen Rd. vermilionbeachmarket.com
Be a part of the seventh annual Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park on Friday, August 4 (3 pm-8 pm) and Saturday, August 5 (9 am-4 pm), 2023. Shop by the beach from over 90 vendors for vintage, shabby and chic decor including furniture, architectural salvage, as well as handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing, and art. Beachside wine bar, vintage VW buses and food trucks too!
2901 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH 44089 vermilionfarmmarket.net, 440-967-9659
You already know you can count on Vermilion Farm Market for the freshest produce and finest cuts of meats, but did you know Specialty Sausages are a signature homemade offering? We take our links seriously — and have fun creating mouthwatering recipes that include the classic summer barbecue staples to kick-it-up-a-notch sausage flavors that will impress tailgating guests. We make all our sausages right in the market. Follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ vermilionfarmmarket
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This summer, take time and find a new Lake Erie hot spot. Shop and visit some of these treasures along the Shores & Islands Ohio region.
At only 35 feet tall, the Port Dover Lighthouse is proof that short and squat has a beauty of its own — and a low center of gravity that helps it withstand incoming storms. Time a visit to Port Dover, Ontario, with a performance at the Lighthouse Theatre (lighthousetheatre.com) and you’ve got the perfect summer trip. Even better, make it a road trip by taking a few more stops on the shore to see other lighthouses. You’ll find a guide to them all at LakeErieLiving.com/lighthouses.
Broken glass, cigarette butts, plastic bottles and candy wrappers are no match for Lake Erie’s newest helpers.
First, there’s BeBot, a solar-and-batterypowered robot that can clean 32,000 square feet of beach in one hour. It works by sifting sand down to four inches and collecting items that blight our beaches.
PixieDrone is a water cousin of BeBot, trolling lakes, rivers and harbors for litter, plus an occasional dead fish. It can gobble up 200 pounds of material (even pieces smaller than an inch) in one outing. It also records water data, including temperature.
The new helpers were unveiled last fall but began cleaning in earnest this April — and will continue through October in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. The clean-up is spearheaded by the nonprofit Council of the Great Lakes Region and funded by a $1 million donation by the Meijer grocery store chain.
“Research by Rochester Institute of Technology shows an estimate of 20 million pounds of plastic can be flowing into our Great Lakes every year through different pathways,” says CGLR executive director Mark Fisher. “The Great Lakes represent 84 percent of America’s surface fresh water. We need to build a more sustainable future.”
Four land robots and four water drones are being deployed to Lake Erie and Lake Michigan locations this year. One of each kind will be shared at different sites in Ohio, working in tandem with local park districts and the Port of Cleveland.
“Hopefully, as more people see them in use, more funds will be raised to clean other waterways,” says Fisher, who adds that the units
are intended to act as a supplement to traditionalcleanup crews.
While no one is against the efforts, some interesting questions have been raised.
To start with, what happens to all the stuff that is collected? Most often, the items are sorted and recorded. Any organic items — driftwood, shells, beach glass — are returned to the area. Some beach clean-up projects al low for recycling. That can be important as an estimated 80 percent of litter that washes up on shore is plastic.
And what about the little critters (insects and other invertebrates) that live in the sand and provide food for shorebirds? What hap pens if these small animals get scooped up by a land robot? Or what about the fate of fish that happen to get sucked in by a PixieDrone?
“We haven’t seen any of that to be an issue yet,” says Fisher, “but we are obviously pay ing close attention. The last thing we want to have is a negative impact on the environ ment by using these devices. If we learn of any problems, we can work closely with the drone manufacturers and provide feedback to them. There might be some adjustments we can make to minimize impact.”
Fisher says the ultimate goal, of course, is to “create a future where there is no waste, no litter and no need to have these devices on our beaches.”
“But for now, they are serving a role,” says Fisher, “giving us information about what is happening so we can stop it from happening.”
– Jill Sell
in beautiful Lakeside- Marblehead, Ohio, caressed by the cool waters of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay,
•
Handcrafted Organic Soap & Body Products
Local Honey & Delicious Pantry Items
All Natural Items for Four-Legged Friends
Art and Craft-work from Around Ohio
Soap Company 413-417 W. Main St. Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440 419-702-7488
GTs
on the Beach
Located at Dobbins Landing, the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is at the heart of Pennsylvania’s Riviera. Its Bayfront Grille capitalizes on this location with floor-toceiling windows and a large outdoor patio. Order the Presque Isle Manhattan before dining on dishes like filet mignon, panseared barramundi and Faroe Island salmon. Erie, Pennsylvania, facebook.com/sheratonerie
The Village Pump has been the island’s go-to watering hole since 1983. Cool off with a classic Brandy Alexander (its specialty) before digging into homemade lobster chowder, walleye bites or perch tacos. Kelleys Island, Ohio, villagepumpkioh.com
Sit inside or out — either way, Lago 210 offers sweeping views of Lake Erie. The food can hold its own, too. Start with shareables like octopus or nachos before moving on to mains like Buffalo Chicken and Waffles. Better yet, stop by for brunch and indulge in Bananas Fosters pancakes or short rib hash. Hamburg, New York, lago210.com
GTs on the Beach stands out as Ontario’s largest beachfront patio — and host of both sand volleyball and live entertainment. The menu features Lake Erie perch, as well as plenty of plant-based options. Cool off with a red or white sangria, icy margaritas or cold craft beer. Reservations are recommended as this hot spot fills up fast. Port Stanley, Ontario, gtsonthebeach.com
The casual atmosphere at Jolly Roger’s Seafood House can’t be beat. Hang out on the patio and enjoy a menu filled with everything from fish dinners and tacos to peel-n-eat shrimp and salmon power bowls. Go big and opt for a perch or walleye boat — an entire pound of Lake Erie’s finest filets. Port Clinton, Ohio, facebook.com/jollyrogerseafoodhouse
– Rachel HagenbaughYou don’t even have to get out of your car to see a bald eagle in Ohio’s Ottawa County. Just park in the large lot by the lake at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and look up to see two nests. And if you take Ohio state Route 2 into the area, you’ll see about 25 nests along the way.
Ottawa County has about 100 nests, the largest number of any county in the state, followed by Sandusky. Ohio has about 900 nests total. That number does not count birds that are too young to breed, which could number in the hundreds.
That’s a far cry from 1979 when only four breeding pairs were known in Ohio. “All indications showed those were the last bald eagles on the Great Lakes,” says Black Swamp Bird Observatory research director Mark Shieldcastle.
Shieldcastle, a legend among conservationists and birders, headed the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ eagle recovery efforts until his retirement in 2009. Government protection, a fostering program for young birds and the elimination of DDT and other toxic pesticides helped bald eagles get back on their talons.
Eagle nests can weigh up to 500 to 1,000 pounds — and widespread logging of big trees destroyed many potential nesting spots. So Shieldcastle began a program to make nests for the birds.
“I have a lot of respect for the eagle,” he says. “It took our crew of five or six people all day to just get started on a nest.”
But Northwest Ohio, of course, is not the only place to see bald eagles on Lake Erie.
“You can see a bald eagle anywhere along the Lake Erie shoreline in western New York,” says Marcus Rosten, an environmentalist and educator for the Buffalo Ornithological Society, which offers eagle watches almost every Saturday.
The best place to spot them?
Strawberry Island, an uninhabited state park in the Niagara River owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “The island is in the middle of the river, which helps keep them from being disturbed,” Rosten says, adding that Dunkirk Harbor and Sturgeon Point are also good places to eyeball eagles. “Today you can even see a bald eagle flying over the City of Buffalo. It’s the symbol of our country, our freedom.”
Shieldcastle said part of the eagles’ recovery around the Great Lakes has been their ability to adapt. Researchers have determined eagles do not need the exact conditions of a pristine marsh and now can nest even in people’s backyards.
Although no longer classified on the federal endangered species list, bald eagles are still under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
But Shieldcastle also worries that, be cause the bald eagle is not being monitored as frequently as it was in decades past, “we could mess up again” and harm the birds with different hazards.
That list includes PCBs, which are banned carcinogenic chemical compounds still found in the food chain. In addition, avian influenza is a real threat. Last year, about 20 eagles in Ottawa County were lost to a new strain.
“But the population is going in the right direction and for the time seems secure,” says Shieldcastle, adding that the attention to the plight of the bald eagle also helped in the protection of other endangered or threatened animals including the Allegheny woodrat and the timber rattlesnake.
“Until you actually see a bald eagle, you don’t realize what this bird is really like — its size, the way it carries itself in the air or on the ground,” he says. “It catches people by surprise and they get mesmerized.”
Jill Sell
Dena Fisher was an excellent cook — and everyone knew it.
The suburban-Cleveland resident had made a habit of dropping off delicious meals to friends and neighbors coping with an illness in the family or some other life challenge. In 2017, shortly after Fisher left her job as a familymedicine research project manager at Case Western Reserve University to become a stay-at-home mother, a recipient of that generosity decided to take permanent advantage of those culinary talents.
about the idea, they didn’t laugh. “They were both like, ‘Oh, my gosh! I would pay you to make me dinner every day of the week!’ ”
So Fisher began posting a weekly menu every Thursday for a Facebook group she called Dinner In and invited six busy friends to place orders for pick-up dinners Monday through Thursday.
By Lynne Thompson“My good friend and neighbor across the street said, ‘Hey, why don’t you tell me what you’re making for dinner this week, and I’ll just buy dinner from you? You can make extra for me,’” Fisher recalls. “I thought, well, that’s hilarious.” But when she told her sisters-in-law
Six years later, that group has grown to 300 members who regularly order her hot meals, all prepared with locally sourced organic produce and pasture-raised meats. The menu offers everything from pork carnitas with corn salsa to lasagna layered with her own pasta to pan-seared salmon with roasted red potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
The success of the resulting business, Dena’s Table, was one of the reasons Fisher and her physician husband, Dr. Cory Fisher,
When Dena Fisher turned her passion into a business, she knew she needed a kitchen that was as efficient as it was beautiful.
moved to a farm near Vermilion, Ohio, in June 2021. The 7-acre property, which they named North Ridge Farm, provided the land necessary to grow produce and raise chickens for eggs, a three-stall horse barn perfect for hosting four-course pop-up dinners in the summer, and a pool for their three children.
The only problem? The kitchen in the 1948 farmhouse, although remodeled a decade ago in white cabinetry and gray laminate countertops, simply didn’t function for her.
“I didn’t have enough counter space,” she recalls. “And it was closed off from the rest of the house. Our kids are teenagers. When I was in the kitchen cooking, they could just disappear almost anywhere in the house.”
The view of the backyard from the window over the sink was obstructed by the mud room, part of an addition built by a previous owner. And the stainless-steel refrigerator at one end of the U-shaped workspace “stuck out like a sore thumb.”
The couple hired Jeremy Lake of Lake House Design to transform the 220-squarefoot kitchen into a place where Fisher could prepare up to 40 meals a day while supervising
the kids. The window over the sink was walled up, and a new stainless-steel Kohler Stages sink — “It has a stainless-steel ledge where I can prep meats or fish or vegetables and then just rinse directly into the sink” — was installed beneath an existing east-facing window with a better view. A walk-in pantry with a large second sink and icemaker was created in the space once occupied by a table. And the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated, a move that flooded the former with light from a bay window in the latter and precipitated rebuilding one side of the U-shaped workspace as a long
The 7-acre property, which they named North Ridge Farm, provided the land necessary to grow produce and raise chickens for eggs, a three-stall horse barn perfect for hosting fourcourse pop-up dinners in the summer, and a pool for their three children.
“The day of the dining room is gone,” says Bucky Kopf.
Kopf, the owner of Kopf Builders in Avon Lake, Ohio, says open floor plans remain in demand for the homes he builds — including the Harbor’s Edge development on Catawba Island in northwest Ohio — and they usually feature a big, airy kitchen, with lots of windows to bring the outside in.
Lauren Glinn is sales manager for Wayne Homes, which works throughout the region and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. She says most of their floor plans are built with the idea of a large island that offers seating and dining space for residents and guests.
The standard microwave above the stove arrangement is being replaced. As kitchens become a showpiece, many stoves have hoods above them instead. “It gives it a more ornate look,” Glinn says.
Microwaves might now be found in a cabinet on the island — “You’re reaching down now instead of reaching up,” Kopf says — or the microwave and stove might be together in a self-contained cabinet, Glinn says.
The most popular choice for kitchen floors remains luxury vinyl flooring, though it’s also popular for bathrooms, and even in some living rooms and bedrooms.
Clare Opfer of S&H Blinds and Floors in Sandusky, Ohio, says that laminate floors remain durable and low-maintenance, but printing technology has advanced to the point where they can look like wood planking or even marble.
“There are so many lines that give you a realistic feel,” she says. “The options are really endless.”
A lot of kitchens are still done in white, but cabinets are now trending toward wood grain, mostly light, Glinn says, but not entirely. And granite countertops are still the most common choice, Kopf says, but not the only choice, noting that some clients prefer quartz or marble.
Experts weigh in with tips for the heart of the home.
peninsula where the kids could eat breakfast and do homework.
“We knew, based on the size of the kitchen and the layout, that we probably weren’t going to be able to have a large kitchen island,” Fisher says.
The couple opted to replace the woodlaminate flooring with white-oak engineered hardwood stained to match the open kitchen and pantry shelves, a durable and affordable alternative to solid hardwood that workers laid throughout the first floor.
The appliances were equally impressive. A Bluestar Platinum range was installed in the area once occupied by the sink, and a Thermidor Column refrigerator was hidden behind cabinetry panels on the newly built pantry wall opposite the remaining window.
Fisher chose to paint the custom cabinets Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green, outfit them with brass hardware, and top them with a honed Carrera marble that approximated the worn stone she might find in a French bistro or patisserie.
“I just wanted a really bright, clean finish,” she says. “And I just wasn’t finding that in
engineered hard surfaces.” She admits that the material, although sealed, is vulnerable to etching and staining.
“But the difference between my marble countertops and, say, quartz that’s made to look like marble is that my countertops can be sanded, buffed and refinished,” she says. “Quartz cannot.”
The countertops flow into a backsplash of Daltile’s Arctic White matte porcelain tile grouted in pale gray. “A farmhouse kitchen wouldn’t have a glossy, high-fashion tile. It would be very simple and mostly functional,” she explains.
Outside, the family’s projects continue to supply Fisher and her kitchen with the freshest possible ingredients.
“Soon, we’ll have honeybees,” she says. “And actually, this past winter we tapped about 30 maple trees — we have maple
syrup.” The fruit trees are still too young to produce apples, pears, plums and cherries. But any peaches from the lone peach tree will end up in a client-favorite entrée, the recipe for which you’ll find on the next page.
“It’s the perfect summer al fresco dinner,” Fisher declares.
For information on Dena’s Table pop-up dinners and happy hours, check @denas_table on Instagram.
Serves 4 as a main course, but can also be served without the fish and with crusty bread as an appetizer.
4 ripened freestone peaches, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pint garden cherry or sungold tomatoes (or a mix of both)
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
4 6-ounce halibut fillets, skin on (walleye can also be used)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 ounces fresh burrata cheese, at room temperature
Generous drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
Flake salt
4 large basil leaves, torn Optional: 12 ounces linguine, cooked al dente with olive oil, salt and pepper and grilled crusty bread
Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat; heat oven to 400 degrees. Brush each side of peaches with a tablespoon of the olive oil and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until peaches have deep grill marks and begin to soften and caramelize. Transfer grilled peaches to a dish and tent with aluminum foil.
Spread tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the other tablespoon of olive oil over tomatoes and season with kosher salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 10-20 minutes, until tomatoes begin to blister and burst. Remove and set aside. Keep the oven on.
In a nonstick, oven-safe pan, prepare the fish. Melt two tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Salt and pepper fillets and sear, skin-side down, for 4-6 minutes. Once the skin begins to crisp, turn to cook other sides. Add rest of butter and transfer pan to oven for 4-6 minutes or until fish easily flakes with a fork.
In a large shallow bowl, place burrata, peach halves and tomatoes. Arrange fish around the cheese, peaches and tomatoes, then drizzle entire dish with reduced balsamic vinegar or glaze. Sprinkle with flake salt, a few turns of freshly cracked pepper and basil. If desired, serve with pasta and crusty bread.
Waterfront hotel, shopping, delicious dining, 700 ft. dock, pool and live entertainment ...
Lakeside has been a family vacation destination on the Lake Erie shoreline for 150 years. As one of the original Chautauqua communities, Lakeside has been a center of spiritual renewal, education, cultural arts and recreation. Make this the year you experience all Lakeside has to offer. Celebrating 150 years
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This walk- and drive-through safari is practically a rite of passage for generations of families, and now the eclectic Port Clinton, Ohio, wildlife habitat is showcasing Dinosaur Takeover, a display of 20 different dinosaurs. You’ll probably recognize the usual suspects: T-rex, triceratops and stegosaurus. But the custom-fabricated collection also includes the obscure bird-like oviraptor, known as an egg snatcher. Learn about extinction and check out other animals on site, too. You’ll find no less than a kangaroo, camel, rare albino alligator, giraffes and zebras. africansafariwildlifepark.com
Fly through the treetops of Vermilion, Ohio, on a 2½-hour adventure through the river valley with views for miles. The experience includes seven ziplines, two spiral staircases, two aerial bridges and a floating staircase before you careen through a final sweeping rappel. Never ziplined before? Common Ground’s mission to foster exploration in youth and adults is a great jumping off point. commongroundcenter.org
Head for the hills. This four-season ski resort packs in recreation, relaxation and “something to do for just about everyone,” says Dash Hegeman, spokesperson for Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, New York. Specifically, the property’s Sky High Adventure Park is the state’s largest aerial park and third in the country.
Navigate suspended bridges, climb into treetops and fly down ziplines with levels ranging from yellow (beginner) to double black diamond, with its boundary-pushing obstacles tucked into the trees more than 40 feet high. Kids aged 7 and up can navigate
the three entry-level courses with an adult. The even-younger set can explore a Climbing Forest — and Gem Mining is fun for the whole family.
“It’s set up to be an old-fashioned panning for gold experience,” Hegeman says. “You dump the contents of a gem bag into a funnel system with continuously running water that washes away the sand. You are left with a collection of gems and fossils you can identify with the guide that is included.”
Another cool Sky High feature for anyone 8 years old or at least 54 inches tall is the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster. Think Mario Kart with zigs, zags and spirals down the mountain and through the trees. Riders control the
speed of their own cars — so you can take it easy or accelerate the thrills.
“Summertime at Holiday Valley is an endless adventure,” Hegeman says, pointing to the many ways guests can experience the four-season ski resort. Relax poolside, hike the hills, mountain bike or play a round of golf. “Combine all of that with the experience of the Village of Ellicottville and you’re bound to make memories that will last a lifetime.” holidayvalley.com
KALAHARI
Sometimes, bigger is just better. Kalahari opened its 3-acre Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark this summer — the largest of any at its four resorts, spanning 15,000 square feet. Make a splash or get splashed with fountains galore. Or just dip your toes in and lounge on one of the three tanning ledges. Most of the pool is a kid-friendly 42 inches deep. Plus, renovations to the park’s zipline include a new, 50-feet freefall jump tower. (Don’t worry, there’s a jump belt involved.) kalahariresorts.com
LONG POINT
ECO-ADVENTURES
Budget-friendly and nature-based Long Point unrolls a choose-your-own itinerary of experiences for families, groups and anyone looking for a getaway rooted in the outdoors. Take Fungi Foraging, where you’ll join an expert who teaches how to identify and forage mushrooms in Ontario’s Carolinian Forest. Spend a day in the life of a beekeeper with an apiary pro. Or crank it up a notch with some group axe-throwing and get in touch with your inner lumberjack. (This one’s reserved for ages 10+.) You won’t have to “forage” far for eats and drinks with a patio
bistro, winery and brewery on property. Plus, there’s paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, hiking and plenty of other ways to pour your energy into summer. lpfun.ca
It’s the only skydiving center that circles Niagara Falls, offering stunning views of the water — as well as three cities (Buffalo, Toronto, Niagara), two countries, and three bodies of water including Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. It’s a full Trip-Tik.
Sky Dive the Falls is ranked among the top 10 in the world for skydiving along with destinations like Fiji and New Zealand, says instructor and co-founder Jason Berger. “It’s the experience of a lifetime, and we are lucky with our location and private airport,” he says.
Tandem parachutes outfit an instructor and passenger “who has been doing this every day for years,” Berger explains. You’ll watch a training video and do some hands-on prep before taking off from Shear Airport. Each airplane holds 14 people. You must be 18 and provide a valid I.D., no passport necessary even though the flight crosses over the border.
What separates Sky Dive the Falls from other outfits, aside from the falls views, is the altitude. Most skydiving operations hover at 10,000 feet or less, but this experience scales up to 14,000 feet — and that equates to a full 60 seconds of fall time. (Trust us, it’s a long
time to feel the rush.) You’ll land safely in a field at the company’s headquarters.
“When all is said and done, it’s the best feeling you’ll ever have,” Berger says, adding that after 4,000 jumps since 2007, “it never gets old.” skydivethefalls.com
Try kiteboarding or wind foiling. Check out a stand-up paddleboard or kayak excursion — or join a Hobie Cat sailing tour. You choose your own adventure with SUP Erie in Chautauqua County’s Irving, New York. There are also options to Zen out with SUP yoga or crunch your core with some Pilates on the board. Dry-dockers can take to the coastline’s trails. superieadventures.com
Pools, hot tubs, Ellicottville Oasis Spa, John Harvard’s Brew House ... EVERYTHING you need is at the Tamarack Club! In
A huge country music festival on a small island? Tim Niese made it happen, drawing the likes of Toby Keith, Kid Rock and — this year — Luke Bryan to play at Bash on the Bay.
BY LYNNE THOMPSON
Tim Niese with his collection of signed guitars from musicians who have performed at the Put-in-Bay music festival he runs.
Tim Niese sat in his white Lincoln Navigator, waiting to drive onto a Miller Ferry to take him to South Bass Island and the village of Put-in-Bay. The entrepreneur had been working to stage a day-long countrymusic festival on the island for five long years, an almost insurmountable challenge for a fledgling independent promoter of a new event in a location many people outside the region didn’t even know existed.
But the opportunity to book the essential major headlining act had come quickly, unexpectedly. While in Detroit scouting local and regional bands to play at his Put-in-Bay bars, Niese met a sound engineer who knew country superstar Toby Keith’s tour manager, Dave Milan. A meeting in Nashville with Keith’s agent followed.
Six months later, in September 2016, Milan was sitting beside him in the Lincoln Navigator, ready to check out the festival venue.
Niese had his pitch prepared, was ready to address any question or concern Milan might voice. He didn’t have to say a word. A view of the island, 3 miles away from the shore, was all it took to sell Milan on the idea of Keith performing there.
“When we pulled up to the Miller Ferry, he looked at me, and he said, ‘We’re doing this show,’” Niese recalls.
Milan’s conviction only increased after they reached the island and Niese drove the halfmile to Put-in-Bay Airport.
“He’s like, ‘What’s this?’” Niese recalls. “I said, ‘This is where we’re doing it.’ And he’s like, ‘Oh, hell! Are you kidding me? You’re going to shut this frickin’ airport down? We’re
doing this show!’ [Then] he was on the phone talking to Toby’s personal manager saying, ‘We’re doing this show!’”
That Aug. 31, 2017, show was the first annual Bash on the Bay, an event that drew 10,500 people and put Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island on the map for music fans and a growing list of national and international artists. This year’s Aug. 23-24 festival is co-headlined by country star Luke Bryan and rapper Pitbull.
Brian Waymire, who books country and classic-rock acts into music festivals and similar events throughout the Midwest for the venerable Creative Artists Agency headquartered in Los Angeles, observes that it is “extremely rare” for a festival to be this successful from its very inception.
“There are plenty of examples out there … of independent festivals that pop up, and they’re gone within a year or two,” he says.
He credits the success of the Bash and 614 Events — the business Niese started with longtime significant other Sammie Arnold, a former high-school principal, and son Josh to run it — to an ability to move goods and people on and off the island efficiently and safely, a willingness to spend what is necessary to obtain top acts and a dedication to “making them feel at home.”
“Word travels fast in the business about that kind of stuff,” Waymire says.
Nashville-based talent buyer and consultant Fran Romeo, who booked Pitbull, concurs, singling out Niese’s attention to detail.
According to Shores and Islands Ohio tourism bureau president and CEO Larry Fletcher, the Bash generates approximately $16 million in economic impact annually, filling hotel rooms, bed-and-breakfasts, campgrounds and marinas on South Bass Island, neighboring Middle Bass Island and the mainland from Port Clinton to Sandusky at a time when summer vacationers are typically heading home.
“Fifty percent of these people coming to these shows have never been to this island,” Niese says.
“Tim has an impeccable reputation, which is really hard to get in this industry,” she says. “People usually are trying to cut corners in areas. Tim does everything right. He does everything to get the public behind the concert, but also to get the artist behind the concert. And that’s a piece of the puzzle a lot of promoters miss.”
Niese, for his part, attributes it all to sheer determination.
“If I say I’m going to do it, I do it,” he says in the matter-of-fact tone of a self-made everyman who built his businesses from the ground up.
He does everything to get the public behind the concert, but also to get the artist behind the concert.
Tim Niese booked his first show in the mid-1990s, while he was a Sandusky, Ohio, police sergeant. The northwest Ohio native somehow tracked down a phone number for his favorite comedian, Gallagher, called it, and asked if he’d be interested in performing at the 1,500-seat Sandusky State Theatre. Gallagher agreed. Niese negotiated contracts with the performer and venue. The show sold out in three hours. Niese called Gallagher and told him he’d be playing to a full house.
“He said, ‘Add another show!’” Niese recalls. “We did — and we did the same thing.” But at the time he assumed his foray into promoting was over. “I’m a cop; I got a family. I just did this for the fun of it. I mean, we got great press off it and the whole thing. And then it pretty much went away.”
In 1997 Niese retired from the police force and turned his attention to developing hospitality-and-leisure businesses in Put-inBay, where his father Eugene “Tipper” Niese owned the landmark Beer Barrel Saloon, along with a grocery store and restaurant. Over the next decade he built the Caribbeanthemed Islander Inn, purchased the neighboring Grand Islander Hotel and put two swim-up watering holes and a pirate-ship bar between them. A nightclub, pizza shop and yet another bar followed.
By 2011, Niese was thinking of developing a festival big enough to not only attract the people to make it profitable but benefit Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island economically. As a country-music fan, he’d found that “there’s a lot more artist availability for festivals for country than, really, any other genre.” Those artists, he adds, generally draw more orderly, willing-to-travel festival patrons.
He asked the director of the Put-in-Bay Township Port Authority, the body charged with running the airport, about the possibility of closing it and literally renting the runway for a concert. The two men began looking at the end of August, when the number of planes landing at the airport dwindles to an average eight per weekday. The port authority board approved the proposal and, together with Niese, completed the copious paperwork required to request the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval.
Unfortunately, the process stalled.
“The third layer of approval, the guy passed away, and it laid on his desk at the FAA in Washington, D.C.,” Niese recalls.
But the idea was revived five years later, after the FAA approved a request to use the airport as a venue for the Put-in-Bay Road Race Reunion, a tame revival of a 1950s auto race on the island’s roads.
Niese and the port-authority board began considering the logistics of staging a major concert: ferrying tour buses, semis full of stage equipment, food trucks, vendors and thousands of concertgoers to and from the island and accommodating their needs while
the rest of the island continued to function.
“You can’t make an error there,” Niese says. “We don’t have a Home Depot down the street.” He wasn’t fazed by the challenge, though. He’d been ferrying supplies for his businesses from the mainland for years. “It’s no big deal for us.”
The success of the 2017 Bash on the Bay made it relatively easy for Niese to book Rascal Flatts, a trio chosen because of their Columbus, Ohio, roots, to headline the
festival the next year. He notes that artists were smitten by the island’s natural beauty and downtown Put-in-Bay’s late-19thcentury charm when the sheriff chauffeured them around the place in a golf cart.
“Jake Owen took off on a golf cart by himself — he was on the bill last year,” Niese remembers. “He rode around the island and came back to get the rest of his band. He said, ‘You guys want to come see this place!’”
But the festival’s location made getting Kid Rock, a Detroit native locals and visitors alike were requesting to headline the 2019 Bash, a months-long process.
“I had been involved with some festivals in some pretty remote locations,” says Waymire, who was responsible for booking Rock. “But I don’t recall being involved in one — in the U.S., anyway — that was on an island.”
Niese was able to allay Waymire’s concerns with his detailed procedures for transporting talent, crew and equipment over the water. All 15,000 tickets sold in nine minutes. And Waymire recalls that the festival, from setup to tear-down, “ran pretty much like a welloiled machine.”
“The feedback that I got from the artist was great,” he adds. “They were really well taken care of.”
Waymire ended up booking another highprofile CAA client, Keith Urban, to headline the 2020 Bash, which Niese planned to extend to a second day featuring Blake Shelton. When COVID restrictions canceled the event, Urban and Shelton were rebooked for the 2021 festival. (Shelton upped the event’s star power by bringing now-wife Gwen Stefani onstage with him.) The Zac Brown Band and Brad Paisley topped the bills in 2022.
“That year, Spectrum News 1 did their news from the Put-in-Bay Airport,” Niese says.
Niese is open to diversifying the bash’s country-flavored lineup, as Pitbull’s upcoming set illustrates. He’s also expanding his reach beyond South Bass Island. He recently brought Walker Hayes — the country singersongwriter who recorded “Lake Erie Love” for a 2014 Shores and Islands tourism campaign — to the University of Notre Dame for an April 15 performance as part of the South
Bend, Indiana, institution’s annual Idea Week tech celebration. He’s also planning shows in Columbus, Ohio, and scouting venues in Naples, Florida.
Niese acknowledges that it’s hard to break into markets in a big industry with longestablished working relationships. “My way of breaking into these places is [filling] a niche that’s not filled,” he says.
And he’s doing it at the age of 65, when most people are thinking of retiring. Last year he sold the Islander Inn so he could devote more time and resources to 614 Events. He’s motivated by the same challenge that drove him to build his other businesses: providing an attraction, an amenity, a service that he believed was lacking.
“I’m not looking to make this a massive company,” he says. “We’re having a good time. I think when it’s no longer fun, we won’t do it anymore.”
Niese and his partner, Sammie Arnold, pose with musician Walker Hayes, who performed at an event coordinated by Niese.You can’t make an error there. We don’t have a Home Depot down the street.
As lighthouses are auctioned off by the U.S. government, private citizens and nonprofit organizations are finding out just what it takes to restore these shining reminders of the Great Lakes’ maritime history. Daryl Jamieson, the newest lightkeeper for the Detroit River Lighthouse, shares his hopes for the iconic beacon.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LAURA WATILO BLAKE
s loved as lighthouses are, they’re not all that useful anymore.
Take, for example, the Detroit River Lighthouse, which has guided ships in and out of the Detroit River since 1885. After it was automated in 1979, the structure fell into disrepair and was eventually declared excess property by the U.S. government in 2015.
Daryl Jamieson first caught wind of a plan to auction off the Detroit River Lighthouse (among others) in the summer of 2017, while boating around the lighthouse’s crib, or platform, about 2 nautical miles from his lakefront home in Gibraltar, Michigan.
“Boaters are always looking for places to go,” Jamieson says. “We always end up hanging out there all day and staying to watch the gorgeous sunsets.”
On that particular evening, he struck up a conversation with another group of boaters, who told him the black-and-white sparkplug-style lighthouse would be sold at auction. His ears perked up when he was told they sell cheap.
“How cheap?” he asked.
As part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, excess government properties are first offered at no cost to eligible government agencies or nonprofit groups. If there are no takers, the real estate is sold at auction by the U.S. General Services Administration to the highest bidder.
Among the Lake Erie lights that have been auctioned, Ohio’s Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light went for $71,010 in 2011 and the Conneaut West Breakwater Lighthouse sold for $46,000 the same year.
AThe notion of buying the Detroit River Lighthouse nagged at Jamieson. He envisioned restoring it to its former glory with each floor of the keeper’s house decorated in a style from different eras. He also felt it was important that it generate its own income, so the idea of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast or an Airbnb started gaining momentum.
When the bidding opened on July 25, 2017, he wasn’t the only interested party. Six bidders battled nearly three months for the beacon. Just when Jamieson thought it would be his, a rival’s bid would come in at the 11th hour.
“I became very passionate through the bidding process,” he says. “Every time I thought I had won the auction, the other potential buyer pressed the button at the last minute.”
By the time the dust had settled on the contentious bidding war, the selling price was $188,000 — way over the $50,000 he had budgeted at the outset. “It pissed me off,” Jamieson says, “but I’d like to thank that person for solidifying my commitment to saving the lighthouse.”
Buying and preserving the historic structure came with a laundry list of requirements that must be followed to protect and safely preserve the building from further decay. What’s more, the Coast Guard retains the right to access the still-active light and foghorn for maintenance purposes. Before sinking any more money into the lighthouse, Jamieson formed a nonprofit organization called the Detroit Lighthouse Society to start raising funds to defray the cost of restoration, which he estimates anywhere from $500,000 to a million dollars. He says the reason for the vast difference in the dollar figure is because it depends on how much he can do on his own and how much he needs to farm out. He hopes to secure some “passionate lighthouse lovers” who want to work on this project. He
BUYING AND PRESERVING THE HISTORIC STRUCTURE CAME WITH A LAUNDRY LIST OF REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED TO PROTECT AND SAFELY PRESERVE THE BUILDING FROM FURTHER DECAY.
then enlisted the help of the Buffalo-based historic preservation department of ICC Commonwealth, a construction firm with experience working on tall historic structures, including lighthouses.
“For someone who hasn’t done their research, lighthouse preservation can be costly,” says Tyler Finkle, the division manager of ICC Commonwealth’s historic preservation arm. “Jamieson is meeting with the right people. He has some big obstacles in the way, but he’s doing the right things and talking to the right people.”
Finkle, who conducted an inspection of the property, says the priorities should be cleaning out the lighthouse, abating any hazards, such as lead paint, and making it watertight from the top down to prevent further deterioration. But before that gets done, Jamieson
needs to address the challenge of getting people and materials to the lighthouse. In periods of rough weather, it’s nearly impossible to get on the crib. He’s looking into installing a Vshaped docking system for safe offloading.
After a long delay caused by the pandemic, Jamieson hopes to start clean-up this summer. It will involve removing trash, mold, flaking paint chips, plus layer after layer of bird excrement. It could take up to five years before the lighthouse is habitable. Once it is, the bed-and-breakfast will be able to accommodate six to 12 guests who, for a night or two, can live out their fantasies of becoming lightkeepers.
“Progress has been frustratingly slow,” he says. “But the federal government didn’t do anything for 30 years. I’m taking my time because I’m in it to win it.”
As if it isn’t enough work to renovate a neglected lighthouse while simultaneously running a towing business and managing a handful of commercial properties, Daryl Jamieson recently added Turtle Island to his realestate portfolio. The 1.5-acre island in Lake Erie’s western basin at the entrance of Maumee Bay is infamous for being oddly split by the Michigan/Ohio border running through its middle.
Former owner Jim Neumann, featured in Lake Erie Living’s July/August 2019 story “His Own Private Island,” decided it was time to give someone else the opportunity to make something of the island. In 2022, he approached Jamieson, who agreed to purchase it for an undisclosed price.
For now, plans for the island are on the back burner while Jamieson focuses on renovating the Detroit River Lighthouse. He is planning, however, a well-deserved cleanup on the island this summer, and he hopes to add container homes there in the next couple of years, depending on governing agencies.
Only one thing is certain, thanks to an agreement the two men made when closing the deal. “When I die, my ashes will get spread on the island,” says Neumann. “Until then, I have visitation rights.”
There’s a certain something in the air after the sun sets on a hot summer night — and we’re not just talking about humidity. It’s the feeling that anything could happen. We’re here to help make that something happen, whether you’re looking for action, adventure or just a good movie under the stars.
If you’re up for the challenge, this is the ultimate Lake Erie adventure.
See that photo on the cover of this issue? It’s the northern lights, also called the aurora borealis — and it was taken in Ohio.
Yeah, we didn’t think that was possible either.
Even the photographer, who’s been chasing the northern lights in these parts for years, wasn’t certain that was possible.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it made it that good a show in Ohio,” says Matt Shiffler, who lives in Cleveland. “I was blown away that it reached Ohio like that.”
The showing was due to a rare confluence of atmospheric events, according to experts. Specifically, it’s increased sunspot activity sending flares down into our atmosphere.
“When that all collides, that’s what causes the aurora and the lights to show,” Shiffler says.
Shiffler took his photo this April, but he says the northern lights are predicted to be showing even more intensely in the Lake Erie region as we head into 2024.
To be in the right place in the right time, Shiffler turns to, well, his phone.
His favorite app is called Aurora Now — Northern Lights. On the night he took this photo, it showed a 50% probability of the lights being visible along Ohio’s stretch of Lake Erie.
Those were the highest odds he’d ever seen, so he headed out — and stayed out till 3:30 a.m.
“It’s so unpredictable,” he says. “But I would say just get out there and try to experience it. It is a chase. There is a chance for disappointment. That’s half the fun. A night under the stars brings a lot of calm and peace. It’s a beautiful night regardless. Just keep trying.”
EAT, DRINK AND BE MARITIME:
Peer over Presque Isle Bay at Oliver’s Rooftop, atop the Hampton Inn & Suites in Erie, Pennsylvania. It’s named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, known for taking down the British Navy in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. Try the War of 1812 cocktail with Faber citrus vodka, apple juice, fresh lime juice and Monin Desert Pear Syrup. oliversrooftop.com
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MEET YOU AT MOSELEY’S:
The boutique Hotel Kilbourne’s Moseley’s Rooftop Bar overlooks Sandusky, Ohio’s renovated Jackson Street Pier, the bay and Cedar Point. Sip on a margarita or mimosa — or try a craft beer on tap. Regular live entertainment and specialty tacos make the experience even better. facebook.com/moseleysrooftopbar
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FASHIONABLY FALLS:
Lake views and aperitifs abound at Lake Erie’s rooftop bars. Here are three of our favorites. 1
Cabana or barstool? You decide at the Fallsview Rooftop Bar in Niagara Falls, Ontario, perched atop the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. It’s the only pool with views of the falls, and you can reserve a Fireworks Experience that comes with an artisan cheeseboard and bottle of prosecco. fallsavenueresort.com
Lake Erie Canopy Tours, at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake in eastern Ohio, has been offering ziplining over its state park for years now. But, starting this summer, it’s offering a new perspective — the woods at nighttime. The zipline still soars at speeds up to 30 mph from towers as high as 60 feet off the ground, but it’s available exclusively on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and features the back half of the full tour. $89 per person, lakeeriecanopytours.com
Glamping is done with a bird’s-eye view — literally — at Cannaley Treehouse Village in Metroparks Toledo’s Oak Openings Preserve in northwest Ohio.
Tucked into the tree canopies, up 10 to 16 feet, are five treehouse getaways. A system of boardwalks connects two treehouses built for a couple of guests, a six-person treehouse and accessible six- and four-person accommodations with a ramp. Or, bring a tent and set up on one of the three platforms with hammocks (reservations required).
The nights are quiet and dark — though you’ll hear the rustling scampers of racoons, deer, squirrels and other woodland creatures. Look up for a starry show and — don’t worry — you won’t trip your way through the boardwalks at night since they are lit.
Metroparks spokesperson Scott Carpenter booked a stay with his wife and grandson on a quiet night in February when temperatures were below zero. “It was toasty warm in the treehouse,” he says, adding that the sky was crystal clear. “It was an adventure, and there is a feeling of being secluded but you’re close to town.”
Each treehouse is equipped with heat and air conditioning, electricity, a refrigerator and
microwave and a grill. Bring your own bedding and cooking utensils. The park provides wood for the generous communal firepit, which is surrounded by swinging benches. A crow’s nest offers a spot for birdwatching, taking in views — or just allowing your mind to wander.
Nearby are three lakes for fishing, 50 miles of hiking trails, a 12-mile mountain bike trail and a skills course for all ages with obstacles you might encounter on the trail. “It creates an active, unique area in the park,” Carpenter relates, noting that it’s the country’s first public treehouse village, open since 2020.
A short walk beyond the park entrance is Heavy, a nanobrewery and coffee shop with entertainment on weekends.
If you plan to go, think ahead. On weekends, treehouses are booked up to a year out, though availability opens up during the week and cancellations occur if you can manage a last-minute getaway. Carpenter advises following the Treehouse Village Facebook page, where they post openings. Also, reservations can be booked online. Rates range from $125 to $250 a night for the treehouses; the tent platforms are $30 a night. metroparkstoledo.com
Skip the air-conditioned theater and see a flick in the fresh air. Here are three venues to try.
MOVIES BY THE RIVER:
Wednesday is free movie night at Huron Basin & Amphitheater in northwest Ohio, beginning July 12 through Aug. 9 at dusk. From Minions: The Rise of Gru to Clifford, a menu of family-friendly flicks for the young and young at heart activate the community’s waterfront gathering place. cityofhuron.org
KELLEYS ISLAND FILM FEST:
Check out box office favorites at Ohio’s Kelleys Island Ball Field off Addison Street. Back-to-back shows start just before sundown and continue with a later showing on both July 22 and 23. kelleysisland.com/events/film-fest/
MONDAY MOVIES:
Twice monthly, gather in Perry Square in Erie, Pennsylvania, for Monday Movies. What to expect? The familyfriendly event includes a different food truck or two per showing, along with a brewery tent. filmsocietynwpa.org
As president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), and executive director of On the Water Ohio (501c3), I am delighted to introduce this special magazine insert dedicated to the awe-inspiring waterways and remarkable experiences at the Lake Erie Islands. Nestled within the Great Lakes, these destinations offer a world of aquatic wonders waiting to be explored.
Within these pages, you’ll discover a wealth of information, inspiration and practical tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, serene relaxation
create unforgettable memories. Explore secluded coves, discover hidden beaches, and experience the thrill of swimming in Lake Eries’s beautiful waters.
This magazine insert serves as your guide to unlocking the full potential of waterbased enjoyment on the Lake Erie Islands. It showcases the remarkable experiences awaiting you and provides essential information to help you find your perfect destination.
On behalf of LEMTA and On the Water Ohio, I extend my deepest appreciation to our partners, contributors and sponsors who
You’ve come to the right place! At Shores & Islands Ohio , we’ve got something for everyone. Sunny beaches and on-the-water family fun. Outdoor dining and check out our Cheers Trail. Miles of natural trails for hiking and biking. And quaint shops and museums waiting to be explored. Whether it’s a short trip or an extended vacation, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more here at Shores & Islands. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
Lake Front Park, Huron
No matter your style — paddle, sail, power, ferry — you’ve got a world to explore in Lake Erie with islands for every way you want to experience Ohio on the water.
LOOKING FOR A DESTINATION TO EXPLORE and ignite your sense of adventure? The Lake Erie Islands, boasting a Key West feel with pre-Civil War history, have you covered. A casual getaway with endless waterfront recreation, the islands offer a diverse and dynamic playground for seasoned and novice boaters and every member of their family or group of friends.
“From the laid-back vibe of Kelleys Island to the more active, entertaining vibe of Put-in-Bay and the more natural focus of Middle Bass and North Bass, you can plan any type of getaway on Lake Erie with ease,” says Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA).
The Lake Erie Islands are a treasure — and perhaps
By Kristen Hampshireuncharted waters for those who have not yet discovered their possibilities. But what makes them an ideal destination is just how easy it is to experience all there is to offer, Burke points out.
“There is so much to celebrate about our islands, from the geologic past and their formation from miles-long glaciers to the centuries-old wine industry,” she adds. “The amazing Ohio parks offer amenities and fun for the whole family. There are so many ways to do the islands, whether you want to dine waterfront with live music or rent a golf cart and take an elevator to the top of the Perry Monument on Put-in-Bay.”
Ready to launch, cast off or get a ferry ticket? We’ve got you covered. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RICH WITH HISTORY and rocking with entertainment, South Bass Island offers something for everyone. Ferry service to Middle Bass Island allows you to explore more. From kayak tours to waterfront dining destinations and plenty of free ways kids can take in the island, here are some highlights you’ll want to build into your itinerary.
TIE UP. Put-in-Bay’s downtown public docks A and C offer daytime and overnight stays, as does DeRivera Park B dock. A quarter-mile west is Peach Point in Oak Point State Park. You may be required to raft off up to four boats in public dock spaces, so plan ahead with extra bumpers. Also on the west side of the harbor, Crew’s Nest provides both daily and overnight dockage in a clean, quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for families. There are multiple options if you’ll be a regular on Put-in-Bay, but a membership to Park Place Boat Club is worthwhile for preferential access to docks at The Boardwalk and The Keys, says Peter Huston, project manager of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance and an island resident. Park Place is next to the C dock.
WATERFRONT EATS. Soak in the sunshine and feel the lake breezes at The Boardwalk, an island staple since 1985 with a harbor view that’s “up close and personal — waterfront and center,” The Boardwalk’s Sara Booker Sheehan says. It’s known for lobster bisque and a menu
that goes from casual burgers to upscale cuisine. Join in the family-friendly sunset flag ceremony, nightly from Fourth of July to Labor Day. Patriotic music fills the harbor as the flag is lowered.
“Everyone stands at attention,” Booker says. “It’s a moving experience to see everyone honoring the flag. And at the end, everyone blares their horns and we have a nautical salute.”
For a Caribbean vibe, check out The Keys and try conch fritters or Mahi tacos. While there, kids can decorate a piece of driftwood at one of the painting stations. The Keys preserves the pieces and hangs them in a growing art installation. “People come back year after year to find their piece of driftwood,” Booker says.
Cool off with a cone at Dairy Isle on the way to Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.
EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY. If you’re a Put-in-Bay first-timer, your first stop must be the Battle of Lake Erie memorial honoring those who fought in the epic battle when “hero of the Great Lakes” Oliver Hazard Perry led a fledgling American fleet to victory against the Royal Navy of Great Britain. The memorial also celebrates the long-lasting peace among Britain, Canada and the U.S. Take the elevator to the top of the 352-feet Doric column — views for miles.
Experienced boaters might cruise toward West Sister Island, about 10 miles off the southeast coast of South Bass. There, a buoy maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard marks the spot where Perry claimed victory. “If you are interested in the island boating scene, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society has great pictures and memorabilia dating back to before 1900,” Huston says. A combination of established and rotating exhibits showcase winemaking, Victorian hotels, the ice industry and more. “It’s a wonderful immersion into the history of the islands.”
WINE DOWN. Heineman’s Winery opened in 1888, capitalizing on the island’s ideal grape-growing conditions. Today, it still produces a variety of reds and whites. Kids can explore the Crystal Cave, which houses the world’s largest geode and crystals up to 3 feet in length. The Put-in-Bay Winery on the Dollar House Estate offers harbor views and an exhibit that explains the winemaking process.
PADDLE THE COAST. Kayak the Bay offers personalized tours if you call ahead — or you can paddle a sit-inside or sit-on-top vessel for up to two hours. For more experienced paddlers, the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous in June is the premier kayaking gathering on Lake Erie. Beginners can take a ferry to the island and paddle the Put-in-Bay Harbor, and there are miles of coastline for intermediate paddlers. The adventurous can begin their rendezvous at the mainland and cross between islands.
LAKE ERIE, CLOSEUP. The Aquatic Visitors Center offers hands-on science activities, live lake species, research exhibits and a look at how the historic hatchery operated. Children under 16 can fish for free at the pier with borrowed gear and some bait provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
ABOUT SEVEN MILES AND 25 MINUTES BY BOAT from South Bass Island is Kelleys Island. You’ll find a slower pace, friendly hometown feel, and acres of woods, preserves and quarries to explore. Still, there’s action. It’s the largest freshwater American island in Lake Erie and loaded with recreational possibilities.
TIE UP. Five private marinas on the island include Seaway Marina, The Casino (located downtown), Portside Marina, Crafts Marina and West Bay Inn. Seaway and Portside include convenience shops with essentials, snacks and beverages.
BOOK A STAY. Kelleys Island has its own version of VRBO called Stay on KI, loaded with vacation rental and lodging, from fully equipped homes to cottages and condos. The island’s bed and breakfasts include Water’s Edge Retreat with sweeping views of the south shore and room for 14 guests, and The Inn, a restored 1876 Victorian housing eight with water views.
WATERFRONT DINING. Located in the heart of Kelleys Island’s quaint downtown, the Casino Bar Restaurant and Dockage has live entertainment every Saturday, and its outdoor dining
THE RICH HISTORY ON JOHNSON’S ISLAND off Marblehead on the Sandusky Bay began during the Civil War when it housed the Depot of Prisoners of War and about 10,000 men were processed into its stockade, most of them Confederate officers. Eventually, the island became home to a couple of resorts and a quarry operation. Today, the private residential island is accessible by a causeway with a $2 cash gate toll so you can visit the Confederate cemetery on site. However, this is the only area of the island that is open to the public.
and Tiki Bar (along with indoor seating) are an ideal spot to watch the water and passing boats. Across the street, longtime watering hole The Village Pump serves up its famous Brandy Alexanders and Lake Erie perch. Kids and adults gravitate to Caddy Shack for its pizza, cold drinks, miniature golf course and rentals (golf carts, bikes).
Dockers at Portside Marina is known for its relaxing vibe and homemade hand-pattied crab cakes. The restaurant offers a weekday dock and dine special — free dock with $15 food receipt. Before you leave, treat the kids to Snack Shack’s oldtime candies, caramel corn and cotton candy, located in the island square.
UP FOR ADVENTURE. Hike, bike or kayak the island with a guide and the equipment you need to explore. Kelleys Island AdvenTours offers two-hour biking/hiking tours that peel back the layers of Kelleys Island history, while learning about the island's unique and diverse habitats. The Treasure Tour takes you through nature preserves by kayak, and the Sunset Tour starts from the North Shore’s state park and ends at West Bay. (Kayakers get a ride back from the crew for this one-way trip.) Call about private group tours.
LOCATED NORTHWEST OF PORT CLINTON and a mile west of Middle Bass, the private Rattlesnake Island is home to the exclusive Rattlesnake Island Club and reserved for members and guests only. The island has its own runway, five-hole golf course (which is also the runway), and club with all the amenities. Occasionally, the island will host a homes tour — no guarantees.
PRIMITIVE AND UNDEVELOPED
NORTH BASS ISLAND is a critical stopover point for migratory songbirds. There are less than two dozen people who dwell there during summers. “It has become sort of a rural outpost where you can bike, walk around — it’s a fascinating getaway,” Peter Huston, project manager of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance, says.
North Bass is open to the public, and accessible by boat, charter or aircraft. There is a dock on the south side of the island where you can tie up for a
IN MANY WAYS, CATAWBA IS A GATEWAY to the Lake Erie Islands as home of the Miller Ferry and the Catawba Island State Park with a public boat ramp if you tow your vessel.
PARK IT. We’re talking about the cliffs-andbeaches Catawba Island State Park beachfront and amenities for boaters, including four boat ramps and a cobblestone entry for kayaks and canoes. If you travel with your watercraft, there’s easy access to Lake Erie and the islands from the Catawba Island State Park, plus there’s a fishing pier.
TIE UP. Catawba Moorings provides transient dockage if you want to slip in and stay for several hours or nights. The same goes for Mid-Way Marina, which is a pledged Ohio Sea Grant Clean Marina (see A Sustainable State of Mind on page 39).
TASTE AND SEE. Soak in the orchard landscape Catawba is known for on a 60-acre farm estate that is Twin Oast Brewing. Forest, home-grown produce, fruit trees — the menu celebrates local flavors that pair with brews like Legitimate Swells, Ship Burner and Old Ohio.
At Gideon Owen Wine Co., formerly Mon Ami, stop in to sip or explore the 150-year-old history with a cellar tour, where you’ll enter the vaults and taste Catawba Island wine.
Orchard Bar and Table handpicks fresh ingredients from the property’s chefs gardens for menu items including a sharable like the Vintners Board, a main plate like seared scallops, and cocktails from the “coop” including Hen House
couple of hours, Huston points out. Or, you can drop anchor on the east side and swim into the bay to go ashore, fish or watch the wildlife.
Biennially, the historical society hosts a tour of the island, including its historic chapel and wine cellars. The next tour is scheduled for 2024. Miller Ferry helps out, transporting guests for the fundraising event; you can rent a golf cart once you arrive. To stay over any time with reservations, the four-bedroom Lake House can host up to 12 guests and includes a slip at the marina.
with Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint, fresh-muddle mint, cucumber,
ISLAND DINING. Live music by the lagoon, lounging by the pool — shop, dine, drink and stay over at J.F. Walleye’s on the waterfront. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, pizzas and of course, walleye bites. The Middle Bass Island General Store houses Uncle Joe’s Pizza serving Italian pies and subs in a full bar. And for overnighters, it’s a convenient spot to pick up a few groceries and other necessities. The Island Grind inside The Press House at the historic Lonz Winery serves fresh-ground coffee and a selection of cafe and bakery goods.
TAKE TO NATURE. Hike the trails and explore Middle Bass Island’s preserves, including the Petersen’s Woods and Kuehnle Wildlife Area with a 20-acre wildlife and marsh area, where you’ll spot songbirds, turtles and salamanders.
GRAPE ESCAPE. Lonz Winery is the island’s oldest and started as Golden Eagle Wine Cellars in 1866, growing to be one of the country’s largest wineries. The Lonz Winery is on the National Register of Historic Places. The iconic tower, building shell and footprint remain as an open-air plaza with historical wine exhibits in its preserved cellar.
A SHORT 15-MINUTE CRUISE FROM SOUTH BASS ISLAND lands you at the docks of the Middle Bass Island State Park and the adjacent St. Hazards with a microbrewery, restaurant, waterfront condos, cabins and transportation. Middle Bass is a serene getaway that Peter Huston says, “really enjoys its quiet charm.” Primitive camping options are available at the state park; campsites are available by reservation only.
TIE UP. Docks on Middle Bass Island are managed by the ODNR, with the exception of the Middle Bass Island Yacht Club. Online dock reservations for the Marina at Middle Bass are required by filling out a form at reserveohio.com/ohiocampweb/#!park/364; and day-use slips can be arranged by phone: 419-285-0311. Ferry over to Middle Bass from The Boardwalk on Put-in-Bay by way of the Sonny S.
STONE LAB, Gibraltar Island is a Lake Erie campus for students and researchers studying critical issues facing the lake. Those include nutrients and harmful algae blooms; invasive species like zebra mussels; microplastics and marine debris; climate change impacting ice and water levels; and emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals. Gibraltar Island is a “complex ecosystem,” says Chris Winslow, director of Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab. The 6.5-acre island is offshore from South
Bass and is part of Put-in-Bay Township, though you won’t find recreational ferry service and marinas open to the public since it is an education and research site. That said, a water taxi from The Boardwalk on Put-in-Bay departs for guided tours of Gibraltar Island on a weekly basis. And more than 3,000 students grade 5 to 12 take field trips there in spring and fall. Some of the excursions are overnight and kids stay in the dorms.
FUN FACT. The island was a summer retreat for Civil War financier Jay Cooke and his family
in the mid to late 1800s. Cooke’s daughter sold it to Julius Stone, who gave the island to The Ohio State University. The lab is named for Julius’ father, who was a naturalist.
TOUR THE ISLAND. Thursdays June 29 to Aug. 17, meet at the Boardwalk Restaurant dock 15 minutes prior to the start time. Tickets are $12 in cash per adult, $6 for children, plus $8 for roundtrip fare to Gibraltar Island, payable to the water taxi driver. Tours run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/gibraltar
SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BOATING includes stewardship — doing your part to do the simple things that keep Lake Erie and inland waterways clean. “As a boater, you are entering the natural environment, and there are positive and negative impacts,” says Sarah Orlando, program manager for Ohio Clean Marinas, a partnership with ODNR and Ohio Sea Grant.
The mission is three-fold: to drive awareness of rules; to encourage marinas to follow best practices and earn the Clean Marinas certification; and to provide easy clean ways for any boater to participate.
Responsible recreation is what it’s all about.
“There are many reasons to celebrate Lake Erie for the incredible resource it is, and to find balance with getting out on the water, engaging in recreation and doing it in a responsible way,” Orlando relates.
Whether you paddle a kayak, sail a rig or run a powerboat, here are some ways to leave less “wake” as you enjoy the water. — KH
Paddlecraft that is transported from one body of the water to the next can introduce “hitchhikers” like zebra mussels and invasive plants, even fish larvae. “Our simple motto is clean, drain, dry,” Orlando says. “Clean off your vessel, drain all water by flipping it, and use a towel or sham. Ideally, let it air dry for several days before going to a new body of water.”
DON'T OVERFUEL.
Help keep Ohio’s waters clean by remembering not to top off the tank when you’re fueling up. Also, don’t forget to bring along a rag so you can catch any drips that might land in water when removing the fuel nozzle. “You might say a little bit won’t hurt, but with over 600,000 boaters in Ohio, that adds up,” Orlando says.
Single-use plastics add up to a lot of extra waste during a boating season. Rather than a 24-pack of bottled water, bring along jugs and ask guests to participate by toting along their own reusable drinking container. “Think of how much plastic you can divert from landfills,” Orlando points out.
When you’re underway, wind can blow debris off your boat and into the water. “Take a few seconds before you get on your way to tie down anything that might go overboard,” Orlando advises. Paddlers can bring a dry bag for trash. Sailors and powerboaters with room for a trash can or bucket can secure it with a tie or even a rock in the bottom.
When conducting maintenance, the best case scenario is an indoor environment with proper anti-pollution prevention practices in place. “At the very least, put down a tarp and go as far away from the water as possible to do your work,” Orlando says. “Clean up your trash and pick up all debris so when it rains, that material isn’t on the ground to be washed into the water.”
THE 1-2-3 OF SAFE BOATING — factors that can save your life — are wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol and taking a safe boater education course. According to 2021 U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 81% of fatal boat accident victims drowned and of those, 83% were not wearing a life jacket.
“The four things to remember about wearing a life jacket are it has to be Coast Guard approved, the proper size for the intended wearer, in good serviceable condition and readily accessible,” says Walter Hodgkiss, lieutenant, ODNR.
Bright colored vests are always best. “It’s easier for other boaters to see you if you’re in the water, and it makes the chances of finding you better,” he says.
Every child 10 years of age or younger on a boat less than 18 feet long must wear a lifejacket on a watercraft. Life jackets are also mandated for everyone if you are on a jet ski, water skiing or tubing.
What’s the best life jacket? “The one you will wear,” Hodgkiss says.
There are options. Those include inflatable life jackets that automatically fill when you hit the water, and manual inflatables — even belt packs with a
cord you pull to inflate. But Hodgkiss reminds, “They won’t do you any good unless you wear them, and these types are only recommended if you are over the age of 16 and are educated on how they work.”
Read the label.
Accessibility is a common misfire with lifejackets. Stowing them in locked compartments, underneath fishing gear or in the center console does no good. “If your boat capsizes, you have to swim up under to open the hatch to get the jackets out,” Hodgkiss says of the console scenario.
Avoiding alcohol should be common knowledge, but a reminder is crucial. In one-third of fatal boating accidents, alcohol is a contributing factor. “When consuming alcohol, you can really mess up big,” Hodgkiss emphasizes.
Safe boater courses are required if you will operate a watercraft with more than 10 horsepower and were born after January 1, 1982. Every boater of every age benefits. “The more you can do to expand your boating knowledge, the better,” Hodgkiss says. “It can really help raise your awareness and keep you safer on the water.” — KH
Looking for a Lake Erie getaway that keeps your sights on the shoreline? The Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) region has it all, from fishing, hiking, biking and bird watching to swimming, kayaking, camping and more.
“You can visit a whole other country, so close to home,” says Holly Ing, manager of content marketing
Ontario’s southern coast offers exciting challenges for anglers of all ages and abilities. Climb aboard one of the region’s spectacular fishing charters, where captains reveal their love for Lake Erie and lead you on half- or full-day adventures to an abundance of walleye, perch, bass, pike, trout and steelhead. For those looking to troll the shores, head to Rondeau Park, Colchester Harbour/ Beach, White Sands Conservation Area or Long Point Provincial Park, farther down the coast.
“The unique geography of the region attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each spring and fall,” says Ing, giving a nod to Holiday Beach Conservation Area, which is renowned for its birding and has been named an Important Birding Area. This destination also offers large shady picnic areas,
a playground, nature trails, a sandy beach for swimming, observation tower and camping options. During fall, don’t miss the Festival of Hawks, a September spectacle where you can see hawks and owls up close as they prepare to seek warmer weather for the winter. Also keep your eyes peeled during a stroll down
Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Pelee Wings Nature Store offers everything adventurers need to enjoy the great outdoors, from kayaks and paddleboards (for rent and purchase) to astronomy scopes, binoculars and more. Join the staff at Pelee Wings Beach for Friday night kayaking or Saturday night paddleboarding. To discover some of the region’s natural beauty, drop your vessel in the water at Seacliff Beach or Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Or, discover an aquatic wonderland in Point Pelee, where you can meander through channels to explore smaller, lesser known areas of the Marsh Boardwalk.
“Follow the lake, by bike! Windsor Essex has miles of lakeside trails to explore and enjoy,” Ing offers. Cruise the Lake Erie coastline with Wine Trail Ride, which offers cyclists stops at four hot spots along the EPIC Wine Country region, as well as a progressive meal along the way. Or, rent an e-bike or vintage-style cruiser bike from the Grove Bike Co. and head to Boblo Trail, which takes riders on a trek through historic architecture, natural wildlife and magnificent views of the shoreline. For those looking for a leisurely walk with a wonderous backdrop, visit Turkey Point Provincial Park, which offers three hiking trails, along with opportunities for biking, birding, fishing, camping and swimming.
Spend a night among the stars at Point Pelee National Park thanks to oTENTik, which offers a tent/A-frame cabin combo that gives campers a little extra comfort in the wild, including raised floors, a cozy bed and furniture. “Situated on the southern extreme of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats, from jungle-like forest to lush wetlands to open savannah,” Ing says. Bike the 4.5-km trail, taking you deep into the forest, or walk the boardwalk out onto one of the largest freshwater marshes left on the Great Lakes.
Canada’s southernmost destination boasts pristine beaches, nature trails and panoramic views of Lake Erie. Here, step back in time with a tour of Vin Villa, the ruins of Canada’s first commercial estate winery. Next, hike with the lighthouse in sight at Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve. Then, make your way to the southernmost part of the country at Fish Point Nature Reserve before settling down for a glass of grapes and amazing ambiance at Pelee Island Winery Pavilion. Book a ride from the mainland with Pelee Island Ferries, which during summer months also offers rides to and from Sandusky, Ohio.
When the William M. Miller was launched in Lake Erie in 1954, it was an important part of the modernization and expansion of a ferry line that had started humbly a half-century earlier.
In 1905, two South Bass Island men, William M. Miller and Harry Jones, began harvesting ice in the western basin of Lake Erie. Their product was a necessity in the days before refrigerators, when homeowners and establishments depended on iceboxes to keep perishable foods from spoiling.
From their delivery service came a water taxi, which was taken over in the 1940s by Miller’s son Lee, who had big plans. On St. Patrick’s Day 1945, the line’s first car ferry, the South Shore, launched. Built at Stadium Boat Works at the end of West Third Street in Cleveland (near Municipal Stadium, hence the name), the 65-foot-long ferry could accommodate 12 cars — more if they were hauling the small European sports cars that ran annually in the Put-in-Bay Road Races that roared across South Bass Island through the 1950s.
More similar-sized ferries followed. The West Shore was added in 1947, the William M. Miller in 1954 and the Put-in-Bay in 1959. The fleet also included five fishing boats and two 26-foot Lymans, the famed clinker-built boats designed and built in Sandusky, Ohio, specifically to handle Lake Erie’s choppy waters.
Eventually, the side-load ferries were replaced with bigger boats on which vehicles could drive on and off, culminating with the Mary Ann Market, a 140-foot ferry that was put to sail in 2022, capable of carrying more than two dozen vehicles and as many as 600 passengers.
But the old boats still had life in them as well. In 1998, the William M. Miller was sold to Bill Fournier, who brought it to Bay City, Michigan, as part of the new Bay City Boat Lines, renaming it the Princess Wenonah. The Bay City Boat Lines offer music, leisure and history cruises on boats that once took racers, partygoers and other fun-seekers to the Lake Erie Islands.
— Vince Guerrieri
