PLUS
Step inside a Niagaraon-the-Lake boutique hotel designed for overthe-top elegance.
Come along as we sip, play, dine, explore and indulge from Vermilion, Ohio, to Waterford, Ontario.
A TASTE OF BAVARIA ON CATAWBA ISLAND
Immerse
BEST OF LAKE ERIE
In Every Issue
6 Letter From the Editor
8 Lakeside Living
With the help of legendary decorator Lori Morris, a historic Niagara-on-the-Lake colonial is transformed into the posh $500+ a night Scotsman Hotel.
30 Big Picture
An engineering feat solves one of nature’s biggest challenges near Erie, Pennsylvania.
Feature
Best of Lake Erie 2025
Our annual look at the lake takes you to old favorites and new finds. Come along as we hike Kelleys Island, sample salsa in Sandusky, Ohio, and pick perfect pink dahlias in LaSalle, Ontario.
On the Cover
You, the readers, voted Vermilion, Ohio, “best town” in our readers’ poll, and the lakeside community was also recognized on page 11 for its new look, including the opening of Garage Bar & Grill (above) and improvements to Main Street Beach, which is featured on our cover. Both photos were taken by Laura Watilo Blake, who has been shooting and writing for Lake Erie Living since it was launched in 2007.
Chairman
Lute Harmon Sr.
President
Lute Harmon Jr.
Publisher Paul Klein klein@clevelandstudios.com
Editor
Colleen Smitek editor@lakeerieliving.com
Web Editor
Rachel Hagenbaugh
Contributing Writers
Laura Watilo Blake, Lara Busold, Linda Feagler, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Jill Sell, Lynne Thompson and Jennifer Webb
Managing Art Director
Jenny Perdue perdue@clevelandstudios.com
Contributing Artists Erik Drost
Production Manager
Alyson Moutz
Account Managers
Julie Bialowas, Frank Bird and Nichole Cardinale
Operations Manager Corey Galloway cgalloway@clevelandstudios.com
Traffic Coordinator Paige Schuller and Megan Stimac
Director of Digital Strategy
Jacquie Chakirelis
Development Manager
Daniel Klinzing
Subscriber Services 1-800-453-1015 lakeerieliving@emailcustomerservice.com
Chief Financial Officer George Sedlak
Finance Director
Perry Zohos
Accounts Payable Coordinator Geli Valli
Audience Manager
Kristen Brickner
Events Manager
Jennifer Roberts
IT’S A SHORE THING
Shores & Islands Ohio is a year-round destination, just a short drive away. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island, zip though miles of woods and explore natural trails, enjoy quaint downtowns and museums, and experience the beauty of the changing seasons across the region.
Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
The Best From the Editor
In the last few weeks, I’ve had the chance to sit in the sun, sipping wine and listening to guitar-strumming musicians both on the south and north sides of Lake Erie.
In Harrow, Ontario, there were long sweeping views of the lake from Viewpointe Estate Winery. Little kids skipped through the grass for a closer look at the water. An older lady with a striped, wide-brimmed hat and flared sleeves alternated between dancing and chatting with those around her.
In Marblehead, Ohio, the scene was just as lively at Rocky Point Winery where Adirondack chairs are grouped around an outdoor stage and smash burgers (excellent) are cooked on an open flame. The scene is even better in the fall (page 18) when firepits keep it cozy long into October.
Keep up to date with fall and winter events around the lake at LakeErieLiving. com/events.
My point? People head to the water to set their worries aside and have fun, giving Lake Erie a vibe that feels familiar whether you’re in Vermilion, Ohio, or Erie, Pennsylvania — or even across the border in Ontario. And that’s the spirit we strive to capture in our annual Best of Lake Erie issue (page 10).
What’s more, the Lake Erie community has evolved over the last decade. Whether it’s because they’re retired or can work from home, people who just used to stay by the lake in the summer are making it their year-round home — and a bunch of shops and restaurants are following suit by keeping their doors open long past Labor Day (you can read about two of the best on page 16).
Although this is our last physical issue of the year, the good times do not stop here for us either. We’re already working on stories that’ll come out in October and throughout the winter months. Follow us on Facebook (Facebook.com/LakeErieLiving) or Instagram (Instagram.com/ LakeErieLiving) or sign up for our free email newsletter (LakeErieLiving. com/newsletter) to have them delivered right to your inbox.
Hot summer nights will turn into crisp autumn days and then into frosty mornings, but they’re all beautiful in their own way when set against the backdrop of the water — and that’s truly the best thing about our Great Lake. Thanks to all of our readers for another great summer and, as always, we’ll see you on the lake.
Colleen Smitek Editor
LAURA WATILO BLAKE
Fall in love with the North Coast.
As temperatures chill and vibrant colors emerge in the foliage, discover a naturally relaxing escape at Sawmill Creek Resort. Wake to picturesque views, explore the surrounding woodlands and enjoy tastings at local wineries and breweries. It’s the cozy fall getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
Start planning your weekend getaway at SawmillCreekResort.com.
Lakeside Living No Rules, Pure Elegance
With the help of legendary decorator Lori Morris a historic Niagara-on-the-Lake colonial is transformed into the posh $500+ a night Scotsman Hotel. By
Lynne Thompson
Brenda McArthur always wanted to own a bed and breakfast. The Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, resident believed the picture-postcard town — a quieter vacation-destination alternative to nearby Niagara Falls — “could use a beautiful B&B, something much more luxurious than what’s here,” as she told her investment-company-owner husband Blair.
Desire and opportunity met when the Post House Inn went up for sale in early 2020. The 1835 red-brick Georgian colonial was within walking distance of the Shaw Festival Theatre, Queen Street shops and Lake Ontario.
“I knew right away that it was prime location,” McArthur says. “And the look of it was quite charming.”
McArthur envisioned a B&B that reminded her of the Prestonfield House in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish baronial structure, built in 1687 as a private residence, looks more like a country house with interiors curated by generations of an aristocratic family than a five-star boutique hotel.
“I wanted plaid carpets, lots of archways, lots of wallpaper, lots of dark texture, a warm,
velvety kind of feel,” she says. “Scottish elegance — that’s what I wanted. And lots of fireplaces. It was really important to have fireplaces in every room.”
Lori Morris of Toronto-based Lori Morris Design, known for her exuberant, extravagantly detailed interiors, was the perfect person to make McArthur’s vision a reality in the newly christened Scotsman Hotel. She describes her designs as “no rules, pure elegance, layers and layers and layers.”
“When there’s not enough layers, add some more layers,” she says with a smile in her voice, then becomes more serious. “All of my designs have a reflection in the Renaissance value of European design.”
McArthur describes a project that began with replacing mechanical systems, insulating a main floor, refurbishing existing windows and rebuilding a back exterior wall. The first floor was reconfigured into a lobby, sitting room, guests-only lounge, breakfast room and half bath, the second floor into five guest suites with private baths.
“It was a historical building,” Morris notes. “So it certainly had some restrictions. … There
were certain walls, finishes and structures that had to be kept intact.” McArthur gives the exposed brick wall in what would become the lounge as an example.
Morris endowed the rooms with McArthur’s desired archways, along with intricate plaster ceilings, hardwood floors and fireplace surrounds and mantles, some of which might be mistaken for originals salvaged from once-grand homes. She interpreted McArthur’s description of “Scottish elegance” in a series of color palettes that ranged from deep greens to soft pinks, each filled with myriad textures and tied together with metallic gold accents, fluted-brass coffee tables, faux-marble occasional tables and animal-print lamps and rugs.
“It’s all about a different experience [in every room],” Morris says. “It all seamlessly goes together.”
It begins in the lobby 2 — McArthur calls it the champagne room — where guests are offered glasses of bubby when they arrive.
Morris framed the walls in panels painted a high-gloss black; finished them in a deepgreen croc-embossed wallcovering; and
arranged custom black-velvet sofas and chairs piped in gold on a leopard-print rug. A built-in cabinet displays an antique tea service and figurines behind brass-grille doors. McArthur singles out the double-sided fireplace surrounded by a lavishly carved marble mantle.
“I wanted a double-sided fireplace between the champagne room and the breakfast room,” she says.
Morris reinforced the gentleman’sclub ambiance with framed landscapes and animal-print and plaid pillows. A neighboring sitting room1, papered in a dark tartan plaid and dominated by a black-velvet sofa with a channeled faux-fur back, has a similar feel.
grand piano and multiple conversation areas. The latter consists of wooden tables surrounded by gold faux-leather bench seating and chairs upholstered in a mix of black velvet, tiger-print velvet and a blackand-gold check.
The bar is defined by stands of teardrop crystals cascading from the golden branches of two waterfall chandeliers. Morris backed it with a mirrored arch flanked by brassgrill counterparts and separated it from the lounge with an arch that spans the width of the room. Her firm designed the Scotsman Hotel coat of arms applied in gold leaf over a fireplace in a black back-painted glass wall.
The breakfast room is decorated in a style reminiscent of an enchanting European
Upstairs, guest suites were finished in colors ranging from black and gold to intense electric blue. Color-coordinated bathrooms are as luxurious as the bedrooms — Morris’s signature lacquered vanities, distinguished by white medallions intricately framed in gold, serve as a common focal point. McArthur’s favorite is the Prestonfield Room3 , a feminine pink-snake-print papered space with a four-post bed, pink-marble fireplace and clawfoot soaking tub, along with a shower, in the bath.
The Scotsman opened on Valentine’s Day 2024. McArthur concedes that the renovation took much longer than the 18 months she and her husband estimated because of pandemic shutdowns and supply-
“WHEN THERE’S NOT ENOUGH LAYERS, ADD SOME MORE LAYERS.”
1 2 3
The lounge, in contrast, stuns with gold wallcoverings and an array of lighting fixtures.
“Lighting gives you the opportunity to do a piece of art that happens to hang from the ceiling,” Morris says.
From a central plaster-ceiling oval, Morris suspended a golden chandelier resembling a stylized tree. Tiered black-metal lotusshaped fixtures with brass interiors hang from antiqued-brass chains over a baby
bake shop. Morris covered the brass-framed walls in a gold wallcovering and concealed refrigeration under the counter of a pinkmarble built-in that displays decorative serving pieces on overhead shelves. The centerpiece: a custom pink-marble table with curving, high-gloss, pink-painted legs where buffets are laid out under an enormous crystal chandelier featuring Morris’s trademark gold-leaf-trimmed shade.
chain interruptions. But guests’ reaction to Morris’s opulent interiors and McArthur’s finishing touches — floral arrangements, Volare and Tiffany mugs, crystal glasses, diffusers scenting the first floor with Dr. Vranjes Firenze Oud Nobile — has made the wait worthwhile.
“They’re still blown away by its beauty and the attention to detail,” McArthur says. “It’s over the top.”
CREATING A TIMELESS, YEAR-ROUND VACATION HOME
ALONG THE COAST OF LAKE ERIE, you can still find plenty of true summer homes. But you’ll also find more people who are committed to being there long past Labor Day — and to hosting others throughout the year.
“Some people are still being snowbirds, but a lot of people want to spend their
holidays with their family on the lake,” says Clare Opfer of S&H Blinds & Floors in Sandusky, Ohio.
“People want to spend more time there.”
Jeremy Parish, director of sales for Wayne Homes in Sandusky, says that every home the company builds is designed to be lived in full time.
“We work really hard to provide efficient homes that are going to work year-round, no matter the environment,” he says. “We do have people who might want additional insulation. There’s spray foam, but we also have composite siding that comes backed with insulation. People are a little more cognizant of energy costs these days.”
Opfer encourages homeowners and decorators not to limit themselves. “A lot of people think a ‘summer’ home has to be nautical or very specific,” she says.
“There’s a lot of carpet that’s more of a herringbone look, which looks like roping on a boat, but it’s not necessarily an anchor.”
Opfer also includes
the use of textures for an all-seasons look, mixing and matching furniture and accents. And wallpaper is back in a big way, she says.
“Textured walls and ceilings are becoming more popular,” she says. “We’re even seeing wallpaper on ceilings. It’s a statement. It’s a piece of artwork. You want to look timeless, not trendy.”
From peach pies to playgrounds, our annual look at the lake takes you to old favorites and new finds . Come along as we hike Kelleys Island, sample salsa in Sandusky, picnic on the beach and pick dahlias in Ontario, zip line over Geneva-on-the-Lake, cruise historic canals, and listen to live music by the fire in Marblehead.
BY VINCE GUERRIERI, RACHEL HAGENBAUGH, KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE, SARAH MILLER, COLLEEN SMITEK AND LAURA WATILO BLAKE
CHART ROOM
BEST NEW LOOK
VERMILION
Vermilion, Ohio, has always shared a close link with Lake Erie, built on its maritime roots, scenic beauty and the dedication of its friendly community. That connection has only deepened since the city finished improvements to Main Street Beach, adding more observation areas for viewing the lake and connecting it seamlessly to Wakefield MetroPark at its eastern boundary. In the new comfort station, a snack shop staffed by volunteers from Shore Thing Vermilion sells ice cream, drinks and handmade beach glass jewelry.
On the business front, new energy is flowing east of Vermilion’s Main Street. The Garage Bar & Grill (instagram. com/garagebar5391) has opened in a repurposed gas station, bringing a casual eatery to the neighborhood with flatbread pizzas and burgers served with kettle-cooked chips. Just behind it, the soon-to-be-finished Breje Inn (facebook. com/brejeinn) will offer additional lodging for those who want to spend more time in town. Meanwhile, a familiar landmark at the entrance to the Vermilion Lagoons has been reimagined: The former Huggy’s is now the Chart Room (chartroomvermilion. com). Vermilion resident Danielle Heffernan led the transformation and is already feeling the town’s signature community spirit. “Everyone has been incredibly supportive,” she says. discoververmilion.org
BEST DAHLIAS
COLOUR POP FLOWERS
A vibrant tapestry of more than 30,000 dahlias at Colour Pop Flowers in LaSalle, Ontario, stretches across an acre that Shelley Chappus dotes over to deliver oneof-a-kind varieties she cultivates on the farm. A fifth-generation flower grower, Chappus started Colour Pop a dozen years ago as a passion project. She plants the field by hand in early May, anticipating blooms in August that peak in September. “When you show people a bouquet, it’s instant magic,” she says. “Visitors can snap a picture holding our very Instagram-able ‘Big Bouquet.’” Book online to pick 10 at your own pace for $37 CAD. Here’s a peek at some of 2025’s petals.
STRAWBERRY DREAM: This playful bicolor bloomer grows 4 feet tall with variegated pink petals.
JASPER’S JOY: Sherbet peach and tangerine blooms with pink tips swell to a 5-inch diameter.
JILLY BEAN: Sunset shades meet fresh-picked apricot and lemon in this leggy dahlia that grows 5 feet tall with notable 5-inch blooms.
RICK’S PICK: Creamy blush and peach blend into abundant blooms.
PEACH MIRACLE: A nonstop bloomer with salmon-peach petals on 5-inch pompons.
colourpopflowers.com
PELEE ISLAND
An afternoon on Pelee Island, the southernmost inhabited spot in Canada, reveals the perfect blend of history, adventure and lakeside charm. Just 9 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, the island is best explored by golf cart or bicycle, both of which Pelee Island Adventures (peleeislandadventures.com) rents just south of the ferry dock. While you’re there, reserve a spot on one of the two afternoon tours of Vin Villa, the stone ruins of a historic winery estate that predates the founding of Canada.
Start your cruise around the island, soaking up the lake breeze, quiet roads and rural beauty. Stop at beaches, birdwatching spots and boutique shops selling island-made goodies. Then head to Vin Villa for your tour. The first commercial winery in Canada lies mostly in ruins, but, hidden beneath the structure, there’s a magical event space that has been beautifully restored. You’ll enjoy a tasting experience — either a white or red from Pelee Island Winery or artisan chocolate — amidst candlelit ambiance and curved limestone walls.
After your island tour, head back to Stone House 1891 (stonehouse1891.com), a cozy local favorite with a historic feel and a wood-fired oven that churns out mouthwatering pizzas. On a sunny day, grab a seat on the west-facing patio, an ideal place to catch the sunset as it melts into Lake Erie.
peleeislandadventures.com
BONNIEHEATH ESTATE LAVENDER & WINERY
A vintage picnic is one of the best ways to stop and smell the lavender at the inviting Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery in Waterford, Ontario. Channel a Victorianera outing as you lounge on cozy blankets around a rustic low table decorated with a candelabra and delicate antique plateware. The experience costs $75 per person and includes your choice of lavender wine or lemonade, plus local cheese, meats and crackers topped with estate-made lavender honey and jelly. Don’t forget to save room for the lavender ice cream sold in the gift shop. While the lavender is in full bloom from midJune through July, visitors can enjoy the grounds and a picnic outside of those months.
bonnieheathestate.com
BEST ROCK STAR REVAMP
SHOOTERS
For nightlife lovers of a certain age, there’s no place like Shooters on the West Bank of the Flats in Cleveland. The Key West-themed bar opened in 1987 as part of the rebirth of the Cuyahoga Riverfront, and quickly became a place to see and be seen in Cleveland summers. The bar/restaurant has been undergoing a complete remodel, with plans to reopen — possibly even later this year — as Shooters Yacht Club. Among the new ownership group? Cleveland musician Machine Gun Kelly.
shootersflats.com
BEST PICNIC
The lake gets all the love, but canals offered a gateway to the rest of the world.
ERIE CANAL
It’s hard to overstate how important the Erie Canal was in American history. The canal, which opened in 1825 (celebrating its bicentennial this year), goes from Albany to Buffalo, and hastened westward expansion and growth of cities in the Great Lakes region, including Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago.
The canal was supplanted by railroads as a primary shipping avenue, but it remained important. In fact, it’s still possible to navigate the canal, 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo, if not along the entirely same route that it took originally in the 19th century (some canal paths were filled in and have become streets).
In their early stages, canals had towpaths, allowing pack animals to tow flat-bottomed boats along the route. The paths along the original canal are now part of the Erie Canalway, available for walking or hiking, with a variety of stops for points of interests, parks and marinas. And kayakers can paddle the length of the canal as well.
V S.
THE HISTORY THE PRESERVATION
WELLAND CANAL
In 1824, as construction was nearing its end for the Erie Canal, it was starting for the Welland Canal, which would go through what’s now southern Ontario and link two Great Lakes: Ontario and Erie. Travel outgrew the canal’s capacity, and 12 years later a second was built.
The canal has been used steadily since its inception and remains an important commercial and industrial waterway. As such, it’s been rebuilt several times (the current incarnation of the canal is its fourth, dating back to 1932), but portions of the old waterway can still be seen. The former Lock 24 is the site of a historical marker and ruins from the very first canal, uncovered in the 1980s.
THE
NATURE
The Welland Canal Trail follows the canal from St. Catharines to Port Colborne, offering several overlooks to watch the locks fill (an 11-minute process) as ships navigate the waterway between two Great Lakes, now even more important thanks to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Welland Canal Trail is one of four that comprises the Greater Niagara Circle Route.
BEST NEW ON-THE-WATER LIVING
ESTATES AT WATERWOOD
For decades since its 1986 construction, the waterfront estate in Vermilion, Ohio, known as Waterwood was as mysterious as it was ostentatious. The 60-acre estate is now getting a new life. It was bought in 2020 by DiGeronimo Cos., and plans are underway to turn the original home into a lifestyle community, and construction is in progress on what will be 26 town homes on the shore. (A 70-unit condo building also is planned.)
thewaterwoodresort.com
BEST CANAL
KIDS DAY OUT
GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE FAMILY FUN TRAIL
Calling all kids — big, small, no one’s carding. Hit the Family Fun Trail in throwback Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, with arcades galore, a doo-wop diner (Eddie’s Grill), live music, putt-putt, watersports and an epic zipline at Lake Erie Canopy Tours. This is a scavenger hunt for kids and a ready-to-go daytrip or vacation itinerary for parents.
CHECK IN FOR A PASSPORT: First stop at the Geneva-on-the-Lake welcome center for your official passes. Collect stamps as you visit 16 participating locations. Look for Sandy the Seagull pics to find your way (or follow the map).
TACKLE THE STRIP: You’ll find arcades, billiards, sweets, curio shops, bumper boats and spots to buy T-shirts or beach glass jewelry. Pick and choose, or do it all.
FEAST YOUR WAY: Pizza, ice cream, wings and grilled fare abound. If your kids are old enough to roam solo, winery dining experiences with lakefront views offer a reprieve from ding-ding-ding games.
PLAN TO STAY: Book a stay. Whether you’re camping or glamping, turning in at a B&B or inn, or checking in at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, you’ve got options.
visitgenevaonthelake/family-fun
GLASS CITY METROPARK
Not your grandma’s playground— the Glass City Metropark in Toledo, Ohio, is a kid’s dream come true. Metroparks Toledo operates this free playland situated on the Maumee River. Explore themed discovery play areas like the Mini Maumee, an enchanting splash area with a mini waterfall and winding river. Go over grassy hills and inside tunnels at the Prairie and Pollinator. Then, soar like a native bird at the Grosbeak’s discovery tower and zipline.
glasscitymetroparks.com
BEST PICKLE SHOT
REEL BAR
For those who truly appreciate the tangy, briny kick of a pickle and are up for trying something delightfully different, the Reel Bar on Put-in-Bay offers a famous concoction: a pickle shot. It’s a playful twist on a classic shot, presented in an edible “glass” made from a large, juicy pickle with its insides scooped out. You get to choose your spirit — either the smooth, rich notes of Jameson Irish Whiskey or the crisp, agave-forward character of Lunazul Tequila — to fill your pickle vessel. It’s a quirky and surprisingly tasty way to enjoy a drink, offering a blend of savory and spirited notes and embodying the spirit of island fun. Looking for something to pair it with? We recommend the Lake Erie walleye sandwich, lobster roll, Reel Ribs platter or pork belly street tacos.
reelbar.com
PUT-IN-BAY PAUL
On Ohio’s South Bass Island, Paul Jeris is affectionately known as “Put-in-Bay Paul.” He may not be a global celebrity like singer Katy Perry, but now he shares something remarkable in common with her: Both have launched into space aboard the New Shepard, Blue Origin’s suborbital rocket. Jeris brought along a front-page tear sheet from the Put-in-Bay Gazette for the ride.
The real-estate entrepreneur, who developed the Island Club and Put-in-Bay Condos, spent his childhood summers on Florida’s Space Coast watching historic NASA launches. “It was my dream to go into space ever since I was young, but I never thought it would come true,” he says.
On May 31, Jeris and five other passengers, now bonded forever by Mission NS-32, crossed the Kármán Line –– the internationally recognized boundary of space, 62.1 miles above the Earth.
“I looked out the window and said, wow!” Jeris recalls. “I saw the darkness of space where it meets the blue, and about two-thirds of the Earth below. Unbelievable.”
From launch to landing, the mission lasted just 11 minutes. After reaching speeds of up to 2,000 miles per hour, the capsule separated from the booster and gave the passengers three to four minutes of weightlessness before parachuting back to the West Texas desert. When the hatch opened, Jeris stepped out shouting, “O-H-I-O, we did it!”
Having visited 149 countries, Jeris thought he had seen much of the world, but nothing quite like this. “I’ve had a lifetime of looking up at the stars,” he says, “but this once, I finally had the chance to look down. I’m still trying to process it all.” islandclub.com
CAT CAFÉ
PURRISTA CAT CAF É
Imagine sipping on a delicious latte, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, all while a group of friendly felines play, nap and charm their way into your heart. That’s the magic of Purrista Cat Café in Erie, Pennsylvania. Indulge in an expertly crafted expresso drink, specialty coffee or tea and choose from a selection of baked goods before grabbing a seat with a view of the dedicated cat lounge. Watch them through the glass partition before stepping inside for some quality cuddle time. The best part? Every cat you meet is available for adoption through the cafe’s partnership with Because You Care — a no-kill shelter. Whether you’re looking to give a new furry friend their next forever home or simply need a dose of cuteness with your caffeine, this beloved destination is the purr-fect escape. Tip: While the cat lounge accepts walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended in order to guarantee entry.
These sprawling venues offer year-round fun on Catawba Island (which is really a peninsula) in Ohio.
THE ORCHARD ON CATAWBA GIDEON OWEN WINE CO.
Harvest favorites (apples, peaches, grapes), plus fallthemed wines and foods, are on the menu at the annual Harvest Festival (the last Saturday in September). Cocktails at the Spooky Coop are bewitching.
“Christmas on Catawba Island” brings twinkling lights, holiday pop-up shops and seasonal sips from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Try signature cocktails at Cupid’s Coop in February or the Clover Coop in March.
Brunch is in bloom with Easter and Mother’s Day, along with the Bloomin’ Coop, where you’ll find bountiful flowers and creative cocktails.
Kick back on the award-winning patio with live music seven days a week. Relax on the 24-acre property with vineyard views and sparkling fountains.
WINTER SPRING
Join in on the September Wine and Lamb event and October’s Adult Trick or Treat. November kicks off the Gideon Owen Holiday Market, featuring glass houses with vendors, fire pits and twinkling lights everywhere.
Cozy up inside the historic winery around the center-ofthe-room fire pit. Feast on winter comfort foods like short ribs and prime rib. Cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc are just right for the season.
Loads of spring flings —like speakeasies in the cellar, featuring live jazz bands and themed cocktails, plus the Adult Easter Egg Hunt and the Kentucky Derby Celebration.
SUMMER
Sip wines like the Summer Blush while listening to live music. Enjoy meals made with fresh produce. End summer with Catawba Island Wine Mixer Festival and Market.
orchardoncatawba.com gideonowenwine.com
BONBONBON
BonBonBon’s bite-size confections are miniature masterpieces — artfully crafted, flavor-packed chocolates tucked into their own tiny boxes. Chocolatier Alexandra Clark honed her skills abroad, but her business was born in the back of a Coney Island diner in Detroit. Now there are five stores across the Metro area, selling more than 25 Bon flavors, along with a rotation of seasonal specialties. Bumpy is a nod to the city’s beloved Bumpy Cake, while Coffee & Donuts channels Motown mornings. bonbonbon.com
FALL
THE PIE PLATE
From orchard to oven, Ruth Anne Schriefer’s scratch-made pies are filled with seasonal picks. What’s growing is what’s cooking at this Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, sweet spot. And ingredients are selected with a discerning palate for the real stuff: whole milk, European-style churned butter and “fruit that speaks for itself.” Bite into a Redhaven peach, and its juices will roll down your chin. Schriefer is particular. The pits should shake out (no clinging) and peaches are picked only once ripened. This ensures a naturally sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth firm (not mushy) texture. Go a la mode with a scoop of gelato from Niagara Italian Ice Cream, available in-house.
thepieplate.com
MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK
Where can everyone play and stay? Maumee Bay in Oregon, Ohio, offers lodging options to fit any style — Maumee Bay Lodge, campground, cottages and a Reunion Cabin right on Lake Erie. Kids can burn off energy at the indoor/outdoor pools and playgrounds. An accessible boardwalk trail links the newly renovated nature center and Eagle Nest Observation Area. Families can make meals in the fully equipped kitchen cabins or dine at the Water’s Edge with lake views.
maumeebaylodge.com
DAY
PURPLE GOAT GARDENS
Count on Oscar to say hello first, before jumping on whatever he can find — wheelbarrow, stump, pickup bed. Corazon goes by Cora, or “rainbow unicorn hearts-on-herbutt” (cue the little-kid giggles). The Schuyler Sisters are inseparable twins. And the youngest goat, named Pip, is the most mischievous. There’s a growing cast of goats, flocks of chickens, and a whole lot of farmland to tour while foraging and tasting wood sorrel and ramps at Purple Goat Gardens in Austinburg, Ohio.
FARM ED: Owners James Hood and Emy Topp expanded their programming to include camps and “preschool at the farm.” They also host pottery classes.
HAVE GOATS WILL TRAVEL:
Lease a (supervised) goat for “goatscaping” and watch the clovenhooved creatures maul and munch on your property’s overgrown spaces.
FALL AT THE FARM: The annual festival, Oct. 18 to 19, checks all the cider, food truck, pumpkin, hayride boxes for all ages.
purplegoatgardens.com
BEST PEACH PIE
BEST MULTI-GENERATIONAL VACATION SPOT
BEST COLD TREAT
BIGGIES CUSTARD
Flashback to dance hall nights, beach days at the cottage and cool custard at a walk-up dive. Biggies is classic like an ice-cream stand version of a restored Camaro. And everything old is new again with Ronda and Tim Potter serving up seasonal nostalgia with a modern twist in Mentor-onthe-Lake, Ohio.
THE MIX: Choose a “micro flavor” like banana or strawberry to swirl into classic vanilla and chocolate custard. Lake Effect custard flurries combine candy mix-ins.
LOCAL SCOOP: Hand-dipped Lake Erie Salt Mine caramel ice cream with cashews and sea salt.
HOMETOWN HERO: Browns Town custard sundae with hot fudge, caramel, brownie bites and sprinkles in team colors.
THE SKINNY: Sugar-free and dairy-free hand-dipped flavors available daily.
biggiescustard.com
BEST CHAUTAUQUA LAKE ANY-SEASON STAY
CHAUTAUQUA HARBOR HOTEL
Deciding when to visit? Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in Western New York is stunning every season. Summertime brings alfresco dining, live music, drinks served harborside and a sparkling outdoor swimming pool. Autumn introduces cozy fires and mystery resort weekends. The Lakehouse Tap & Grille, open year-round, offers scrumptious dining, craft brews and an extensive wine selection. Winter’s Fire and Ice Celebration is a romantic mix of roaring bonfires, ice sculptures and dazzling fireworks.
thechatauquaharborhotel.com
BEST FALL FIRESIDE
ROCKY POINT WINERY
Live music, a fire by your feet and a nice bottle of wine … it’s the recipe for the perfect fall afternoon. Located in Marblehead, Ohio, Rocky Point Winery gets it right with Adirondack chairs grouped around fire pits on the grassy back lawn — and live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons well into October. Housed in a historic limestone school, the winery has plenty of indoor space if it gets too chilly — and you can always spend the night at the Red Fern Inn’s four roomy suites on the second and third floors of the building. Expand your outing even more by walking across the street to hop the ferry to Kelleys Island.
rockypointwinery.com
BEST COASTER LOVER
DAVID KAMAN
In his youth, Sandusky, Ohio, native David Kaman worked at Cedar Point, climbing up the Space Spiral — for years the tallest building in the park — to replace light bulbs. He moved away from his hometown, but has returned after his retirement, and the park still has a hold over him.
Kaman founded the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum, which officially opened to the public earlier this year and has already become a hit with fans — and donors. Kaman said that when he opened the museum — in a former storage room at the Sandusky Merry-Go-Round Museum — it reflected about 90 percent of his collection. Now, it’s about 60 percent.
“It’s just been an avalanche of people donating things,” he says.
Following the closure of Cedar Point’s Town Hall Museum, Kaman wanted to set up a place that would show off the lengthy history of the park, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020. The museum is not affiliated with the park, but has permission to use the Cedar Point name, Kaman says.
On display are an array of souvenirs, including from its early days as “Queen of American Watering Places,” when visitors could take home China, carnival glassware, milk glassware and pennants. There are even a few World War I doughboy helmets that were given to veterans who had a picnic at the park.
There are also photos of long-gone attractions, including the Grand Pavilion Switchback, the Upside Down House, the Fascination game (air-conditioned, Kaman notes, so it could provide some respite from the summer heat), the Demon Drop and Disaster Transport.
And there are ribbons from the ribbon-cutting of the latest roller coasters, including Banshee, Mantis and Rougarou, as well as souvenirs given to early riders that are prized among roller coaster enthusiasts. “It’s so neat to see all the smiles,” Kaman says.
sanduskycedarpointmuseum.org
THE BEACH GLASS LOUNGE
Trying to decide on dinner or an evening of art? The Beach Glass Lounge in Marblehead, Ohio, offers both. Glass artist Cary Ferguson’s restaurant is right next door to his eponymous art studio. Ferguson’s glass art also dazzles inside the airy Beach Glass Lounge, which specializes in seafood, including a raw bar, and steak. Relax on the outdoor patio, then head next door to the gallery to browse art by Ferguson and other local artists or watch glassblowing demonstrations.
facebook.com/beachglasslounge
RIVA ITALIAN
A certified pizzaiolo (pizza maker) trained in Naples crafts specialty pies, like the popular prosciutto, in Port Stanley, Ontario. It’s also dressed with figs, arugula, mozzarella, ricotta and hot honey. Simple delights like Ricotta Montata (whipped) with bread for dipping earn a following. So do the arancini rice balls, plated with porcini mushrooms, truffle oil and marinara.
FRESH EXPRESS: The local pickerel is caught the morning it’s served. Try it pan-seared.
ALL IN: Leo Larizza, COO, suggests first-timers dine family-style, selecting dishes to taste and share.
SEA STAR: Spaghetti Frutti di Mare is a menu go-to: olive, oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, onions, scallops, shrimp and clam juice.
rivaitalian.com
SPRUCEWOOD SHORES ESTATE WINERY
Want to spend the day at the beach with wine in hand? Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in Harrow, Ontario, is your best bet. In fact, it’s the only Ontario winery with its own private sandy beach on Lake Erie. In the summer, sip sangria or estate wines from the Beach Hut as you relax by the water. Don’t miss the Beach Glass collection: white, rosé and red cabernet franc inspired by the colorful, wave-washed glass found along the shore.
sprucewoodshores.com
THE WINERIE AT SANDUSKY
Is it charcuterie or “share”cuterie? The Winerie at Sandusky, in Ohio, crafts stunning boards, for couples and groups, worth sharing. Sample the classic meat and cheese board with local honey, meats and cheeses. For a creative twist, try the pretzel board with housemade dips. On Sunday, the brunch charcuterie is a feast for the senses. Stacked with fresh, warm Belgium waffles this board features something for everyone — sausage/bacon, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and more.
thewinerie.com
Which side will you fall for — the American or Canadian?
CANADIAN FALLS
Views of all three falls, including the largest, Horseshoe Falls.
Hover over the turquoise Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock House Restaurant, and feast on locally sourced foods that rotate with the seasons. Open year-round.
Niagara Glen is a hiker’s paradise with panoramic Niagara River views, a Carolinian forest and interesting rock formations with a trail that leads to views of the Niagara Whirlpool.
Niagara Horn Blower is similar to America’s Maid of the Mist. The Niagara Parks Power Station Tour lets you tunnel through 2,200 feet of history and science, ending at an incredible falls observation deck.
NEW YORK FALLS
FALLS FACTS Full views of the American and Bridal Veil falls and a side view of Horseshoe Falls.
Top of the Falls Restaurant provides views of the Horseshoe Falls and Terrapin Point. Operates seasonally May through September.
For gorge-ous views of the whirlpool, hike the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail at Whirlpool State Park. Stairs lead down to the lower Niagara River’s raging rapids.
Beyond iconic falls boat ride Maid of the Mist, be sure to do Cave of the Winds — a series of wooden decks built you-can-touch-the-water close to Bridal Veil Falls.
WHISTLING GARDENS
Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, Ontario, is a 22-acre horticultural treasure, famous for its rare conifers and North America’s largest public peony collection. But it’s the breathtaking water theater that truly sets it apart. Inspired by André Le Nôtre’s 1634 design for France’s King Louis XIV at Versailles, the fountain at Whistling Gardens pays homage to classical garden design. At Versailles, fountains were powered by manually operated systems, often with hidden operating valves to time each spray with royal promenades. In contrast, Whistling Gardens’ fountain system — created and programmed by owner Darren Heimbecker — uses over 100 computer-controlled water jets on three 90-foot staircases and a central stage floor. Set to music, the choreographed 10-minute performances take place daily at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. For an even more magical experience, visit during late summer’s Festival of Fountains, when the night show features dazzling color-changing lights, lasers and an unforgettable sense of wonder.
whistlinggardens.ca
BEST FALLS
SOL TAQUERIAS
Sol Taquerias in Sandusky, Ohio, is Juan Garcia’s heartfelt tribute to the flavors of his Mexican roots. While tacos, burritos and sizzling fajitas anchor the menu, it’s the taquero-style salsas that steal the show. The bold salsa roja blends tomatoes with fiery chile de árbol, just like street vendors serve in Jalisco. The creamy salsa verde — made with jalapeño, onion and calabacita squash — adds a unique twist. These house-made salsas bring true Mexican street flavor to the table.
soltaquerias.com
KELLEYS ISLAND
The Lake Erie Islands aren’t just for swimming and summer fun; they’re fantastic fall destinations, too. For those seeking the beauty of autumn foliage, opportunities abound on Kelleys Island. Start at the North Pond State Nature Preserve, which boasts a captivating 1-mile boardwalk trail, leading through a rare lake embayment pond and offering an observation tower for excellent birdwatching, especially during migrations. Just east, explore the 5 miles of East Quarry Trails, which wind through woodlands and around Horseshoe Lake. It’s a prime area for photographing wildlife, as well as fishing. The North Shore Loop Trail, part of Kelleys Island State Park, offers an easy 1-mile trek showcasing unique alvar habitats, ancient quarry ruins and a stunning lake view. Many species of birds, as well as the endangered Lake Erie watersnake, have been spotted here. Meanwhile, the Scheele Preserve is owned by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and is home to several rare animals and plants. It welcomes nature enthusiasts with a half-mile path through meadows and thickets to a secluded beach, perfect for a tranquil autumn stroll.
kelleysisland.com
BEST FALL HIKING
BEST SALSA
LAWRENCE PARK DINOR
Captivating visitors with its timeless charm and unpretentious breakfast and lunch fare, this authentic 1948 diner located in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a nostalgic step back in time. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it blends the past with hearty comfort food. From the moment you step inside this classic railcar design, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Here, a commitment to friendly service and affordability has cultivated a loyal following, making it a beloved local institution. The scratch-made dishes — including legendary Greek dogs, oversized pancakes, soups and pies — are a testament to quality ingredients, tradition and recipes handed down three generations. Expect a line during prime time on weekends, but it’s well worth the wait. Looking for a quaint and cozy place to spend the night minutes from the lake?
The Curtis House, named after the dinor’s original owners, is a completely renovated one-bedroom cottage that will soon be available for short-term rentals. It’s located directly behind the dinor and includes breakfast and lunch there.
thelpdinor.com
©Chuck Tingley, Roger Tory Peterson, Mural Draft Design, 2025
and here are the
BEST OHIO HOT SPOT
Geneva-on-the-Lake visitgenevaonthelake.com
Fairport Harbor fairportharbortourism.com
The Marblehead Peninsula themarbleheadpeninsula. com
BEST ISLAND HOT SPOT
Put-in-Bay Nightlife Put-in-Bay, Ohio visitputinbay.com
Kelleys Island Kelleys Island, Ohio kelleysislandchamber.com
Miller Ferries
Port Clinton, Ohio millerferry.com
BEST PENNSYLVANIA HOT SPOT
Presque Isle State Park Erie, Pa. dcnr.pa.gov
Lake Erie Ale Trail Erie, Pa. lakeeriealetrail.com
City of Erie erie.pa.us
BEST WESTERN NEW YORK HOT SPOT
National Comedy Center Jamestown, N.Y. comedycenter.org
Niagara Falls niagarafallsusa.com
Holiday Valley Ellicottville, N.Y. holidayvalley.com
BEST ONTARIO HOT SPOT
Niagara Falls niagarafallstourism. com
City of Windsor visitwindsoressex. com
Point Pelee National Park Leamington, Ontario parks.canada.ca
BEST MICHIGAN HOT SPOT
Luna Pier cityoflunapier.com
The Henry Ford Dearborn, Michigan thehenryford.org
Belle Isle Conservancy Detroit, Michigan belleisleconservancy.org
BEST TOWN
Vermilion, Ohio vermilionohio.com
Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio themarbleheadpeninsula. com
Put-in-Bay, Ohio visitputinbay.com
BEST BEACH
Lakeview Park Lorain, Ohio loraincountymetroparks. com
East Harbor State Park Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio ohiodnr.gov
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Fairport Harbor, Ohio lakemetroparks.com
BEST STATE OR PROVINCIAL PARK
East Harbor State Park Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio ohiodnr.gov
Maumee Bay State Park Oregon, Ohio ohiodnr.gov
Presque Isle State Park Erie, Pa. dcnr.pa.gov
BEST MARINA
Catawba Island Club Port Clinton, Ohio cicclub.com
Lorain Harbor Boat Club
Lorain, Ohio lorainhbc.org
Vermilion Boat Club Vermilion, Ohio vermilionboatclub.com
BEST LIGHTHOUSE
Fairport Harbor West
Breakwater Light Fairport Harbor, Ohio fairportharborwestlight house.com
Lorain Lighthouse Lorain, Ohio lorainlighthouse.com
Marblehead Peninsula Marblehead, Ohio marbleheadlighthouse ohio.org
BEST LIVE MUSIC
Rockin’ on the River Lorain, Ohio rockinontheriver.com
Lakeside Chautauqua Lakeside, Ohio lakesideohio.com
Barrel House Saloon Sandusky, Ohio sanduskybarrelhouse saloon.com
BEST FESTIVAL
Walleye Drop Port Clinton, Ohio portclinton.com
Woollybear Festival Vermilion, Ohio vermilionohio.com
Erie Blues & Jazz Fest Erie, Pa. eriebluesandjazz.com
BEST OVERALL DINING
Gideon Owen Wine Co. Port Clinton, Ohio gideonowenwine.com
Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern Bemus Point, N.Y. guppystavern.com
Ellicottville Brewing Co. Ellicottville, N.Y. ellicottvillebrewing.com
BEST FINE DINING
Chez Francois Restaurant Vermilion, Ohio chezfrancois.com
The Wave Marblehead Marblehead, Ohio wavemarblehead.com
The Pompadour Fairport Harbor, Ohio thepompadourbar.com
BEST WINERY
Paper Moon Vineyards Vermilion, Ohio papermoonvineyards.com
Gideon Owen Wine Co.
Port Clinton, Ohio gideonowenwine.com
21 Brix
Portland, N.Y. 21brix.com
BEST LAKE ERIE FISH
Jolly Roger Seafood House
Port Clinton, Ohio facebook.com/ jollyrogerseafoodhouse
First Mate’s Long Point, Ontario firstmates.ca
American Slovak Club
Lorain, Ohio americanslovakclub.com
BEST PIZZA
Lorenzo’s Pizza Oberlin, Ohio lorenzospizza.com
Eliseo’s Pizza & Fran’s Pizza Lorain, Ohio eliseospizza.com
Guppy’s Restaurant & Tavern Bemus Point, N.Y. guppystavern.com
BEST CHEAP EATS
Blue Sky Restaurant Amherst, Ohio blueskyrestaurant.net
Sara’s Restaurant Erie, Pa. sarasandsallys.com
Rudy’s Bar and Grill
Vermilion, Ohio rudysbarandgrillvermilion.com
BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH
The Wave Marblehead Marblehead, Ohio wavemarblehead.com
Orchard Bar & Table Port Clinton, Ohio orchardoncatawba.com
Truffle Honey
Restaurant & Bar
Mayville, N.Y. trufflehoneychq.com
BEST CHOCOLATE
Brummer’s Homemade Chocolates Vermilion, Ohio brummers.com
Malley’s Chocolates Cleveland, Ohio malleys.com
Suzin L. Chocolatier Elyria, Ohio suzinl.com
BEST ICE CREAM
Fairport Harbor Creamery
Fairport Harbor, Ohio fairportharborcreamery. com
The Straw Hat Sundae Shop North East, Pa. thestrawhaticecream. com
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream Cleveland mitchellshomemade.com
BEST BIRDING
The Biggest Week in American Birding Oak Harbor, Ohio biggestweekinamerican birding.com
Roger Tory Peterson Institute (tie) Jamestown, N.Y. rtpi.org
Presque Isle State Park (tie) Erie, Pa. dcnr.pa.gov
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve Huron, Ohio ohiodnr.gov
BEST HIKING
Terrapin Point Niagara Falls, N.Y. niagarafallsstatepark. com
Point Pelee National Park
Leamington, Ontario parks.canada.ca
Lorain County Metro Parks
LaGrange, Ohio loraincountymetroparks. com
the Farm Bell Basket
Come in - Browse our selection of wicker furniture, Lee Middleton Dolls, Chautauqua Tees & sweatshirts, Minnetonka moccasins, antiques, new & vintage jewelry. Our baskets make unique gifts.
We have a barn full of ways to tell someone you care.
Open 10-5 daily thru Labor Day. Call for winter hours.
5252 Rte. 430 Dewittville, NY 14728 716-386-4033 farmbell@hotmail.com
READERS’ PICKS
BEST BIKING
Presque Isle State Park Erie, Pa. dcnr.pa.gov
Niagara Scenic Parkway Trail Buffalo, N.Y. visitbuffaloniagara.com
Lorain County Metro Parks LaGrange, Ohio loraincountymetroparks. com
BEST KAYAKING
Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain Lorain, Ohio portlorainmarina.com/ kayaks
West River Paddling Co. Vermilion, Ohio westriverkayak.com
Harbor Yak Ashtabula, Ohio harboryak.com
BEST FISHING
Jimmy Riggin’ Fishing Charters Port Rowan, Ontario jimmyriggin.com
Tibbels Marina & Charter Service Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio tibbelsfishing.com
Bring It On Sport Fishing Ashtabula, Ohio lake-erie-fishingcharters.com
BEST UPSCALE HOTEL
The Lodge at Genevaon-the-Lake Geneva, Ohio thelodgeatgeneva.com
Ariel Broadway Hotel Lorain, Ohio arielbroadwayhotel.com
The Wave Marblehead Marblehead, Ohio wavemarblehead.com
BEST BED & BREAKFAST
The Old Vermilion Jailhouse Vermilion, Ohio jailbed.com
Chateau de Charleston Lorain, Ohio chateau-de-charleston.com
Captain Gilchrist Guesthouse Vermilion, Ohio gilchristguesthouse.com
BEST HISTORIC SITE
Lorain Lighthouse Lorain, Ohio lorainlighthouse.com
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial Put-in-Bay, Ohio nps.gov/pevi
Johnson’s Island Cemetery Marblehead, Ohio johnsonsisland.org
BEST WATERPARK
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark Sandusky, Ohio cedarpoint.com
Waldameer & Water World Erie, Pa. waldameer.com
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Sandusky, Ohio kalahariresorts.com
BEST BOUTIQUE/ SHOP
Erie & Anchor Vermilion, Ohio erieandanchor.com
Marblehead Soap Co. LakesideMarblehead, Ohio marbleheadsoap.co
Skillmans Bemus Point, N.Y. skillmansny.com
BEST CASINO
Hollywood Casino Toledo, Ohio hollywoodcasinotoledo. com
JACK Cleveland Casino Cleveland jackentertainment. com
MGM Northfield Park Northfield, Ohio mgmnorthfieldpark. com
BEST REALTOR
Michael Golab Westlake, Ohio facebook.com/ mikegolabrealtor
Roseann Hickman Port Clinton, Ohio morganrealtygroup. com
Fran Campana Elyria, Ohio francampana.c21.com
BEST LANDSCAPE/ GARDEN CENTER
Pandy’s Premier Garden Center Elyria, Ohio pandysgardencenter. com
Corso’s Flower & Garden Center Sandusky, Ohio corsos.com
Barnes Nursery Huron, Ohio barnesnursery.com
BEST HOME BUILDER
Wayne Homes Milan, Ohio waynehomes.com
K. Hovnanian Homes Lorain, Ohio khov.com
Emil Chernicky & Sons Builders, Inc. Erie, Ohio emilchernicky.com
CONGRATS TO THE 2025 BEST OF LAKE ERIE LIVING WINNERS
ARIEL BROADWAY HOTEL EVENT CENTER & ROOFTOP
301 Broadway Ave. Lorain, Ohio 44052 440-246-6669
arielbroadwayhotel.com
The Ariel Broadway Hotel is the perfect location for your event. Anniversaries, Date Nights, Reunions, Weddings, Corporate Events. NOW OPEN-The Anchor Restaurant serving steaks and seafood. Upscale food at affordable prices. Broadway Grill & Games-Family friendly restaurant, arcade and bar. Take in the views from the Rooftop Sunset Bar & Bistro
BEACH GLASS LOUNGE
5874 East Harbor Road Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio 43440 419-573-6237
Facebook: @beachglasslounge
Beach Glass Lounge in Marblehead features stunning blown-glass art and paintings by Cary Ferguson, elegant steak and seafood dishes, incredible Happy Hour and Raw Bar specials, and a sophisticated bar—an inviting escape for refined palates, with an extensive selection of curated wines.
CHART ROOM
5024 Liberty Ave. Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-637-0518 chartroomvermilion.com
Anchored in Vermilion, Chart Room blends American fare with the maritime spirit of Lake Erie. An overall welcoming atmosphere to dock, dine, and unwind.
BARNES NURSERY
Two Locations: Huron & Catawba 419-433-5525
barnesnursery.com
Celebrating 75 years of exceptional landscapes and outdoor services! Discover our Garden Centers, acres of ideas, and vibrant garden highlights. Join the legacy!
GILCHRIST GUESTHOUSE
5662 Huron St. Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-290-6007
gilchristguesthouse.com
Gilchrist Guesthouse has 4 guest rooms with private baths on the second floor. Guests relax in a common room, wrap-around porch, and patio with a fire pit overlooking Lake Erie. Less than 50 yards to the water’s edge and sunsets. Just a 3-minute walk to Vermilion’s famous Chez Francois restaurant. Photos at Gilchristguesthouse.com.
ERIE & ANCHOR
5499 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH 44089 440-963-9447
erieandanchor.com
Erie and Anchor is a lifestyle brand offering timeless, thoughtfully crafted nautical apparel and goods, celebrating all those who live, love, and play on Lake Erie.
GARAGE BAR & GRILL
5391 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH 44089 440-385-0332
At Garage Bar & Grill, enjoy seasonally inspired, locally sourced cuisine, artisan cocktails, curated wines, and rotating craft beers—paired with live music for an elevated yet inviting dining experience.
JOLLY ROGER’S SEAFOOD HOUSE
1715 E. Perry St. Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 419-732-3382
Facebook: @Jollyrogerseafoodhouse
TOUR LAKE COUNTY
105 Main St. B101 Painesville, Ohio 44077 440-975-1234
tourlakecounty.com
Explore Lake County, Ohio — start with a toast in the Grand River Valley wine region, then dip your toes into sunkissed beaches, local charm, and award-winning lakeside bliss.
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
LAKEVIEW PARK
12882 Diagonal Road
LaGrange, Ohio 44050 440-458-5121
loraincountymetroparks.com
Holmes
County Art
Festival
Jolly Rogers is a lakefront restaurant that specializes in Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye. Watch them bread to order! They also make their own onion rings! SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
10 AM - 4 PM
Lorain County Metro Parks preserves a diversity of ecosystems while providing educational and recreational opportunities. With over 11,000 acres and something for everyone to enjoy, Lorain County Metro Parks are your connection to nature nearby!
MAIN STREET VERMILION
NON-PROFIT DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION ORGANIZATION
685 Main Street Vermilion, Ohio 44089
440-963-0772
mainstreetvermilion.org
Small Town. Great Lake Pride. Main Street Vermilion champions local culture, community, and connection—congrats to all the Best Of winners who make it shine!
GLASS CITY METROPARK
1505 Front St. Toledo, Ohio 43605
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com/glasscity Glass City Metropark, part of a developing Riverwalk on both side of the Maumee River in downtown Toledo, has an ice skating trail, a 40-foot-tall play tower and water playground.
PUT-IN-BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM BUREAU
419-285-2832
visitputinbay.com
Thank you readers for picking Put-in-Bay for the Best Island Hot Spot & Town. And to the Editors for picking PIB for Best Hike! Come to Put-in-Bay for your next Every Day Island Getaway for Family Fun! Get your picture taken at the Put-in-Bay Sign and #putinbaysign.
ROGER TORY
PETERSON INSTITUTE
311 Curtis St. Jamestown, NY 14701
716-665-2473 - rtpi.org
Wed-Sat: 10 am—4 pm Sun: 1-5 pm
Home to the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s art, the museum celebrates Roger’s legacy by exhibiting art inspired by the natural world.
