There’s something magical about a hot summer night.

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.

President

Lute Harmon Jr.

Publisher

Paul Klein klein@glpublishing.com

Editor

Colleen Smitek editor@lakeerieliving.com

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Rachel Hagenbaugh

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Samhita Chitturi

Contributing Writers

Laura Watilo Blake, Linda Feagler, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Jill Sell and Jennifer Webb

Managing Art Director

Rayanne Medford rmedford@glpublishing.com

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Megan Rosta

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Jennifer Roberts

Colleen Smitek Editor

Cast On Yarn Studio

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!

COTTAGES AT THE WATER’S EDGE

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.

ERIE & ANCHOR

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.

TIFFANY’S

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.

Main Street Vermilion

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.

My Wood Loft

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

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!

Vermilion Farm Market

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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