MIDDLE BASS ISLAND

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.