Lake Erie Living - Travel Guide 2024

Let’s Go!

What happens when a die-hard tent camper hits the road in a rented recreational vehicle?

Where to watch the total solar eclipse + dozens of ideas to keep the fun rolling all year long

Your dream is just that: yours. Whether it’s having a great big place where the whole family can gather or a cozy weekend retreat on the lake, your dream home should be a perfect reflection of your life and your style. And we can help. After 50 years of building custom homes across the region — including Sandusky — we’ve helped turn thousands of dreams into pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming homes. Now it ’s your tu rn. Learn about building a custom home on your land at WayneHomes.com | Sandusky: 866-928-0906

Caesars Windsor | Windsor

14

Is an RV for Me?

Many of the comforts of home and no checking into hotels. What’s not to love about recreational vehicles? We hit the open road along the shores of Lake Erie, including an island outing, to find out.

Eat. Sip. Shop.

Celebrating Seasonal Flavors, Inspired by our Farm

Ørchard is the perfect gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike, featuring a steak and seafood restaurant, farm stand café, premium spirits chicken coop bar, private event space, and an upscale farm market with local seasonal produce, bakery, homewares, and kitchen goods, all nestled within 24 lush acres of fruit orchards, vineyards, gardens, and beehives. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 7 days a week.

Sometimes I think about all the people who live in the middle.

How do they know which way is north? What’s it like to never own a boat (or, even better, have a friend with a boat)? Where do they fish? Are summers defined by swimming pools? Do they realize that a nice lake breeze is better than any air conditioner?

Growing up in Cleveland, Lake Erie was like church or your favorite aunt. Always there. Always steady. Sure, it could make the weather wild and unpredictable, but the lake itself is nothing less than an anchor for anyone who grows up near it. It’s just part of who you are.

If you’re reading this magazine, you know.

The goal of this issue — our annual Travel Guide — is to nudge you out of your comfortable corner of Lake Erie so that you can experience the rest of it. It’s a bit like tossing aside your favorite pair of jeans to try on something new. Why bother? Your jeans are perfect!

Yes, they are but …

Have you dipped your toes in the white sandy beaches that go on and on at Presque Isle State Park (page 36)? Have you heard the warblers’ song as they rest at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (page 33) before crossing the huge body of water ahead? Have you experienced the southernmost point of continental Canada (page 22) as the wind and waves swirl around you, shaping both your spirits and the spit of land on which you’re standing?

P.S. Don’t forget to cast your vote for our upcoming “Best of Lake Erie” issue at LakeErieLiving. com/best.

And those are just the must-see sites. There are tiny treasures waiting to be discovered everywhere along the shore. We’re talking about places like Perry’s Cave (page 26), the Lorain Lighthouse (page 30), Hidden Beach Bar (page 34) and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute (page 39).

One more thing: We all know what April 8 is bringing: a total solar eclipse that lines up nearly perfectly with our shores. There’ll be a lot of people coming from the middle to get in on the action, so make your plan now (page 8) or call that friend of yours with the boat to line something up.

Because, as always, Lake Erie is the place to be.

We’ll see you there!

Chairman

Lute Harmon Sr.

President

Lute Harmon Jr.

Publisher

Paul Klein klein@glpublishing.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

Art Director

Rayanne Medford rmedford@glpublishing.com

Contributing Artists

Laura Watilo Blake and Emily Zhang

Production Manager

Alyson Moutz Cowan

Account Managers

Julie Bialowas, Nichole Cardinale and Matt Staugler

Operations Manager

Corey Galloway cgalloway@glpublishing.com

Traffic Coordinator

Kristen Brickner

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 and Events Manager

Jennifer Roberts

Colleen Smitek Editor

Shores & Islands Ohio

North Shore Loop Hiking Trail, Kelleys Island

12 Must-Do’s in

1 Cruise to an island and take a tour, or rent a golf cart or bicycle and ride along the water’s edge at your own pace. Relax island style!

2 Go to Cedar Point and be thrilled by the three large kid's areas or the talent of live entertainers.

3 Spend a day or two splashing in a refreshing, multiactivity water park. There’s something for all ages to enjoy year-round.

4 Fish Lake Erie, or one of the many tributaries that flow into it, for the freshest catch of the day.

5 Go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, parasailing, boating, or Jet Skiing.

6 Photograph the lighthouses and climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Marblehead Lighthouse to enjoy the spectacular view.

7 Appreciate the area’s rich history. Explore numerous museums and enjoy hands-on exhibits along the Shores & Islands Ohio Heritage Trail.

8 Tour local wineries and taste craft beverages at a brewery or distillery on the Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail.

9 I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Get the area’s favorite treat, direct from the dairy or at a number of locations throughout the region.

10 Attend an annual festival and enjoy the entertainment while savoring the harvests of the season.

11 Experience and conquer several beautiful and challenging golf courses on the Shores & Islands Ohio Golf Trail.

12 Visit an animal park and pet, feed, or even ride one of the animals.

Total Solar Eclipse Taking in the

Total Solar Eclipse

Taking in the Total Solar Eclipse Taking in the

STORY BY RACHEL HAGENBAUGH ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMILY ZHANG

For the first time since 1806, Lake Erie will be covered in a ghostly darkness in the middle of the day as the moon passes between the earth and the sun — and we’re tucked right in the path for the very best viewing. We won’t experience another total solar eclipse until 2099, making April 8 a must-see celestial celebration. Here you’ll find some of the best places to enjoy the show, along with the precise time the totality begins in each location.

3:12:17 P.M. TOLEDO, OHIO

Head to Imagination Station (imaginationstationtoledo.org) for Don’t Be Left Out of the Dark, an all-day outdoor viewing party at Festival Park featuring food from local eateries, games, science demonstrations, interactive experiments and eclipse experts. Beforehand, brush up on your space facts with a tour of the Above and Beyond Exhibit. Looking for overnight accommodations? From tents and campsites to cabins and a treehouse village, you’ll find an ideal perch at Metroparks Toledo’s Great Eclipse Campout (metroparkstoledo.com) The next morning, choose from two prime viewing areas — the Beach Ridge Area of Oak Openings (a stunning natural setting) or Glass City Metropark (a delightful riverfront location near downtown Toledo).

3:12:21 P.M. SANDUSKY, OHIO

With four days of musical entertainment, food trucks, specialty vendors and science explorations, you’ll find it all at the Total Eclipse of Sandusky Festival (sanduskycounty.org) at Jackson Street Pier. Total Eclipse of the Point, meanwhile, will be held at Cedar Point (cedarpoint.com), which is opening its gates in the off season for one day of select rides, as well as food and drink options at the Grand Pavilion overlooking the water.

3:12:26 P.M. LAKESIDE, OHIO

Total Solar Eclipse 2024 takes advantage of this community’s pier and lakefront path to offer stellar views of the big event, as well as art classes, puzzle competitions, a storybook trail, scavenger hunts and tons of other activities for the entire family. Select shopping and dining destinations will be open throughout the Marblehead Peninsula. lakesideohio.com

3:12:34 P.M. SOUTH BASS ISLAND

A Monumental Eclipse is a fitting name for this event on the lawn of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay. Think it’s too early to venture to the islands? Think again! The ferries will be running, and dozens of local lodging and restaurants will be waiting to serve you. visitputinbay.com

3:13:00 P.M. LORAIN, OHIO

The 2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Black River Landing offers an entire day of excitement, including entertainment, food trucks, specialty vendors and family-friendly activities. You can also head to Ariel Broadway Hotel (arielbroadwayhotel.com) for stunning views of Lake Erie, Lorain Lighthouse, Black River and Bascule Bridge as you wait

Currents

for the unobstructed view of the eclipse from Rooftop Sunset Bar & Bistro atop the hotel.

3:13:43 P.M. LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO

Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of continental Canada, meaning you’ll have wide open views of the sky while enjoying one of the most peaceful places on Earth. visitwindsoressex.com

3:13:46 P.M. CLEVELAND

Total Eclipse Fest 2024 is a three-day, family-friendly celebration taking place at Great Lakes Science Center. Starting Friday, discover hands-on activities and meet NASA experts. On Sunday, enjoy a free concert with the Cleveland Orchestra. greatscience.com

Dobbins Landing? Venture out to Presque Isle for a few extra viewing seconds? Reserve a sky-high perch at Oliver’s Rooftop or Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant? Maybe you’d prefer to experience the Eclipse at Mercyhurst University, which will offer lectures and viewing access at Saxon Stadium. Adventure seekers will want to check out Lake Erie Speedway, which will offer driving demos, monster truck rides and inflatables. visiterie.com

3:16:46 NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO

Long Point Eco-Adventures is known for its star gazing, so it makes sense that it’s also a top spot to see the eclipse. Book a glamping package and stay in a wooden yurt, wilderness suite, marsh cabin or camping pod. While event specifics were not available at the time of publication, a social media teaser promised “big fun.” The resort also offers zip lining, kayaking, bike riding and axe throwing. lp-fun.ca

VISIT WRIGHTINWNY.ORG

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright in Western New York through the Martin family’s city and summer homes, now fully restored.

PHOTO: Matthew Digati

PHOTO: Meccay Photography

3:17:27 P.M. CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NEW YORK

Discover dozens of special events throughout the county, including Steelbound Eclipse Fest in Dunkirk (a DJ, ice sculptures and kids’ games) and festivities held at the Chautauqua Institution (eclipse-themed food and libations), 21 Brix Winery in Portland (music and food trucks) and Chautauqua County Airports in Jamestown (vendors, catering and live entertainment). tourchautauqua.com

3:18:18

NIAGARA FALLS

Visit the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Power Vista, Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and Niagara Falls State Park to participate in a variety of celestial-themed programs and exhibits, including interactions with scientists and NASA astronauts. But the best seat in the house, if you ask us, will be at the very top of the Niagara SkyWheel. niagarafallsusa.com

3:18:20

P.M. BUFFALO

Buffalo will host multiple celebrations, from a top-floor event at VUE Rooftop Lounge to a viewing party at Sahlen Field. Or find the perfect spot along the waterfront at Canalside, in the heart of downtown, while enjoying a DJ, free carousel rides at Buffalo Heritage Center and food and drink specials from Clinton’s Dish. buffalowaterfront.com

Plan Your Adventure

Jet Express Eclipse Excursion

Pelee Islander II Eclipse Excursion

Be

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT.

VERMILION, OHIO

1. MAIN STREET VERMILION

1. MAIN STREET VERMILION

Make Main Street Vermilion your first stop while visiting our “Small Town on a Great Lake”. Let us help you plan your visit, share the events we have planned throughout the year, and tell you how Main Street and our partner programs make a difference in our community. You can also pick up a unique souvenir to remember your time while supporting our mission.

3. MAIN LINE RAIL

3. MAIN LINE RAIL

VERMILION, OHIO

Make Main Street Vermilion your first stop while visiting our “Small Town on a Great Lake”. Let us help you plan your visit, share the events we have planned throughout the year, and tell you how Main Street and our partner programs make a difference in our community. You can also pick up a unique souvenir to remember your time while supporting our mission.

685 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-0772 - mainstreetvermilion.org

685 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-0772 - mainstreetvermilion.org

2. TIFFANY’S FLOWERS

2. TIFFANY’S FLOWERS

Your girl’s weekend starts here with all of the names you love, including Brighton, eNewton, Uno de50, Lakegirl, Liverpool and much more. Located in the heart of historic downtown Vermilion, Tiffany’s is your full-service florist and favorite boutique all in one!

Your girl’s weekend starts here with all of the names you love, including Brighton, eNewton, Uno de50, Lakegirl, Liverpool and much more. Located in the heart of historic downtown Vermilion, Tiffany’s is your full-service florist and favorite boutique all in one!

686 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-967-9996 - tiffanysflowers-gifts.com

686 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-967-9996 - tiffanysflowers-gifts.com

Calling all Train Enthusiasts! The Main Line Rail Viewing Platform is located in the heart of downtown Vermilion. It’s a spot where parents and grandparents can take the kids for a unique experience; or where a retiree can spend his mornings reading a newspaper and be in no hurry except to see what is coming down the tracks. More than 100 trains traveling east and west pass in front of the Main Line Rail Platform daily. Stop in across the tracks at 685 Main Street for a free Main Line Rail sticker.

Calling all Train Enthusiasts! The Main Line Rail Viewing Platform is located in the heart of downtown Vermilion. It’s a spot where parents and grandparents can take the kids for a unique experience; or where a retiree can spend his mornings reading a newspaper and be in no hurry except to see what is coming down the tracks. More than 100 trains traveling east and west pass in front of the Main Line Rail Platform daily. Stop in across the tracks at 685 Main Street for a free Main Line Rail sticker.

4. TAILS OF VERMILION

4. TAILS OF VERMILION

Vermilion’s go-to outfitting and lifestyle shop for cats, dogs, & their best friends! We have the gear & supplies to keep you and your fur baby ready for adventure. Pets welcome too! Best of all, 100% of our profits fund animal causes! Come on by!

Vermilion’s go-to outfitting and lifestyle shop for cats, dogs, & their best friends! We have the gear & supplies to keep you and your fur baby ready for adventure. Pets welcome too! Best of all, 100% of our profits fund animal causes! Come on by!

678 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-9660 - Facebook & Instagram

678 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-9660 - Facebook & Instagram

MAINSTREETVERMILION.ORG

MAINSTREETVERMILION.ORG

5. ERIE & ANCHOR

5. ERIE & ANCHOR

Erie & Anchor is a lifestyle brand and nautical storefront designed for all those who love, live and play on Lake Erie. What makes us different is the quality of items and ability to give back. A percentage of our 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.

Erie & Anchor is a lifestyle brand and nautical storefront designed for all those who love, live and play on Erie. What makes us different is the quality of items and ability to give back. A percentage of our 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.

5499 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-9447 - erieandanchor.com

5499 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-963-9447 - erieandanchor.com

6. DOLLHOUSE BOUTIQUE

6. DOLLHOUSE BOUTIQUE

Dollhouse Boutique is dedicated to providing quality, affordable fashion and accessories to women who value both style and comfort. What sets us apart from other boutiques is our desire to spread body positivity through size inclusive fashion (S-3XL). We love what we do and can’t wait to help you find that perfect head to toe outfit.

7. VERMILION CHAMBER

7. VERMILION CHAMBER

Vermilion is blessed with a unique location on the southern shore of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Vermilion River. Come visit us and you will be pleasantly surprised by our community and waterfront activities. Take a walk back through time in historic downtown Vermilion and experience what a special place this is! Drop anchor in Vermilion, Ohio for a day…a week…or a lifetime. vermilionohio.com

9. VERMILION BEACH MARKET

Vermilion is blessed with a unique location on the southern shore of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Vermilion River. Come visit us and you will be pleasantly surprised by our community and waterfront activities. Take a walk back through time in historic downtown Vermilion and experience what a special place this is! Drop anchor in Vermilion, Ohio for a day…a week…or a lifetime. vermilionohio.com

5495 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-967-4477 - info@vermilionohio.com

5495 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 440-967-4477 - info@vermilionohio.com

8. MARKET IN THE PARK

Dollhouse Boutique is dedicated to providing quality, affordable fashion and accessories to women who value both style and comfort. What sets us apart from other boutiques is our desire to spread body positivity through size inclusive fashion (S-3XL). We love what we do and can’t wait to help you find that perfect head to toe outfit.

630 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 dollhouseboutiquebykim.com facebook.com/dollhouseboutiquebykim

630 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 dollhouseboutiquebykim.com facebook.com/dollhouseboutiquebykim

8. MARKET IN THE PARK

Held every Saturday in July & August from 10am - 2pm in Victory Park, find seasonal produce, jams & jellies, fresh cut flowers, jewelry, fine art, pottery, soaps and lotions, clothing and more! Within easy walking distance are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy and just a few blocks north is Main Street Beach & Park and one of the best views of Lake Erie anywhere.

Held every Saturday in July & August from 10am - 2pm in Victory Park, find seasonal produce, jams & jellies, fresh cut flowers, jewelry, fine art, pottery, soaps and lotions, clothing and more! Within easy walking distance are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy and just a few blocks north is Main Street Beach & Park and one of the best views of Lake Erie anywhere.

Victory Park, 687 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089

Victory Park, 687 Main St., Vermilion, Ohio 44089

9. VERMILION BEACH MARKET

Be a part of the eighth annual Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park on Friday, August 2nd 3-8 pm and Saturday, August 3rd 9 am-4pm.

Be a part of the eighth annual Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park on Friday, August 2nd 3-8 pm and Saturday, August 3rd 9 am-4pm.

Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage, shabby & 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!

Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage, shabby & 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 Beach Market at Sherod Park (Rte. 6 & Coan Rd.) vermilionbeachmarket.com

Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park (Rte. 6 & Coan Rd.) vermilionbeachmarket.com

10. RIVERSIDE & RIVERBEND RETREATS

10. RIVERSIDE & RIVERBEND RETREATS

Two riverside homes with breathtaking views of nature and the Vermilion waterway. Each home offers upscale amenities including full kitchens, hot tub, propane grill, fire pits, two 34’ docks and more. Pet friendly, too!

Two riverside homes with breathtaking views of nature and the Vermilion waterway. Each home offers upscale amenities including full kitchens, hot tub, propane grill, fire pits, two 34’ docks and more. Pet friendly, too!

riversidevermilion.com. - jvarlamos@aol.com VRBO or bringfido.com

riversidevermilion.com. - jvarlamos@aol.com

VRBO or bringfido.com

Story and Photos by Laura Watilo Blake

What happens when a die-hard tent camper hits the road in a rented recreational vehicle? We sent writer/photographer Laura Watilo Blake to find out, along with two tweens for a little added drama.

TTraveling at 30 miles an hour on a ferry while taking this picture. See the breeze in our hair?

here’s something profoundly liberating about packing up the car with camping gear, pitching a tent and sleeping under a (hopefully) star-filled sky with only a thin layer of nylon ripstop fabric between you and the great outdoors.

While I’ve cherished tent camping since I was a child — and now tent camp with my daughter (and sometimes my husband) — fewer and fewer people connect with nature in the same way. Instead, basic pop-up tents on wheels have given way to a legion of elaborately outfitted motorhomes and tow-behinds, complete with humming generators, LED lights and all the creature comforts of home — a metamorphosis that has taken place over the course of only one or two generations. According to the RV Industry Association, 11.2 million U.S. households now own an RV, with significant growth among 18- to-34year-olds, who make up 22% of the market.

While I always wondered what I might be missing, I just couldn’t ignore the price tag that comes with RV rentals, which can be up to $400 per night, not to mention the cost of gas and the campground site. For the same amount, I could secure a luxurious stay at the Ritz-Carlton and order room service.

My 10-year-old daughter, Kinley, on the other hand, has been wanting to travel in an RV, and her persistent prodding ultimately pushed me over the edge. I resolved to dip my toe into the world of RVing and see if the experience could transform this budget-minded camper into an RV enthusiast.

Getting Underway

Once we had carved out enough time for a four-day, three-night getaway, I reached out to Road Adventures by Mark Wahlberg. Yes, that Mark Wahlberg. The former hip-hop performer turned Hollywood actor has leveraged his business acumen beyond the realm of Hollywood by investing in a chain of restaurants, various product brands, car dealerships and, now, the growing recreational vehicle industry. Road Ventures has two locations in Ohio, one in the Columbus area and the other near Cleveland in Lorain, where we reserved a Forest River Sunseeker 2350-N5, a driveable 25-foot-long Class C van that accommodates up to six people.

On the day of departure, my eager daughter, her bestie Lyanna and I got a first look at our home on wheels. I went over the rental agreement with a

Road Adventures staff member, signed paperwork and secured insurance to cover the trip. Given the sheer size of the RV and my inexperience driving one, it felt like the prudent thing to do.

Afterward, we spent almost an hour going over the rig’s amenities and operating procedures. I paid especially close attention to instructions on emptying the black water tank, an unfortunate downside to having a bathroom on board. The dread associated with this task revolves around the potential for an unpleasant mess like the ones some of our RV-owning friends have experienced firsthand.

After loading up the RV with our personal things and stocking the fridge with perishable items we purchased from the store next to the dealership, I eased the RV out of the parking lot, lumbering toward the highway at a turtle’s pace. It was much larger, wider and heavier than I was used to, and I felt a palpable sense of trepidation well up inside me. I found myself hyper-aware of every movement on

the road as cars zoomed around me, or worse, tailgated much too close to my bumper. However, after covering a few highway miles at no more than 60 mph, I began to settle in, gradually finding the rhythm of the road, accompanied by the subtle chorus of the RV’s rattling shell mixed with excited chattering tweens buckled behind me in the U-shaped dinette-to-bed bench.

I looked forward to enjoying our planned itinerary, which would take us to South Bass Island, then a private RV campground in Sandusky, Ohio, called Bayfront Resort at Cross View and, finally, to East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, Ohio. While this plan involved more moving around than a typical RV excursion, it promised a diverse range of experiences for the kids. Moreover, it provided an excellent opportunity for me to become more confident with connecting the RV properly to the utilities at each campground, all of which have sites with electricity, running water and a sewage connection.

Tip:

Bring disposable rubber gloves for handling this task.

Ready for the beach at South Bass Island State Park

Mobile Home

Away From Home

In no time, I managed to squeeze the RV onto the Miller Ferry bound for South Bass Island. I shelled out $88 for a roundtrip journey, excluding passenger and the standard vehicle fare. As the mainland drifted away, the vacation vibe kicked in, and we all were riding a high that turned any unexpected cost into a mere footnote.

Upon arriving at our island getaway, we drove a short distance to South Bass Island State Park and pulled into site #64 — a wooded haven with full hookups located just across from the haunting ruins of the once-grand Hotel Victory. The colossal 600-plusroom resort met a tragic end when it succumbed to a raging fire in 1919. A few crumbling stone columns and the hotel’s pool remain, providing fodder for ghost stories around the campfire.

Setting up the RV was a breeze, and the air-conditioned respite within offered relief after tackling the intricacies of the sewage line in the scorching midday heat. Beyond that, our priority shifted to enjoyment. We blew up the inflatables we brought, then scurried past other campers to the state park’s rocky beach to jump into the refreshing shallows of Lake Erie. The rest of the day unfolded with the simple pleasures of an old-fashioned camping adventure, albeit with a modern twist. The kids indulged in afternoon downtime, streaming movies via the campground’s free Wi-Fi, despite my efforts to tempt them with more active pursuits. We also traded open-flame cooking for preparing a spaghetti dinner in the RV kitchen with its array of amenities, including a refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave.

We still made time for roasting marshmallows over the campfire, an activity that would repeat itself each evening of the trip. Unexpected joys materialized as a neighbor’s dog paid

a visit, while the girls joined another child on a quest to catch fireflies.

It wasn’t until the next day when we wanted to explore the rest of the island that the RV’s downside became apparent. Navigating one is akin to taming a beast. Gas stations become frenemies as you guide the beast through tight spaces, observed by onlookers who alternate between amusement and empathetic cringing. And let’s talk gas mileage — the Class C isn’t winning any eco-friendly awards, unless you consider how little I wanted to drive it. It’s common for seasoned RVers to bring a towed vehicle, often referred to as a “toad” or “dinghy,” if they plan to explore areas where the RV might be impractical or inconvenient.

From there, we headed east. Sandusky has so much fun stuff to do, and we didn’t want to miss out. We had to take our home on wheels everywhere we wanted to go. That meant parking far away from the door at Kalahari Waterpark and the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center and

Tip:

Ask about camp store hours to make sure you can buy firewood upon arrival. If you will arrive after hours, you may be able, over the phone, to purchase firewood that will be left at your site.

Can’t live without Wi-Fi; free at this campground.

Strike a pose!

It’s pool time at Bayfront Resort.

You haven’t lived until you’ve fed a giraffe face to face from an RV.

taking up two spots on the street downtown when we went to lunch at Kinley’s favorite Sandusky eatery, Wake Up and Waffle.

Tip:

Take advantage of showering in the resort’s bathroom facilities, which are usually clean and spacious and allow everyone to get ready at the same time.

By the time we pulled into our spot at the Bayfront Resort at Cross View, it was already dark. A friendly neighbor with far more RV experience took pity on us and offered help getting the utilities connected. I didn’t say no. We still wanted to get the fire going again for our nightly ritual. This time we watched the lights of Cedar Point twinkle across the bay while we prepared s’mores from a kit bought in the resort’s gift shop.

The key difference between an RV resort and a standard campground lies in the level of services geared toward guests besides just providing full hookups for RVs. Bayfront Resort’s small gated property felt safe and secure given its urban setting. It also had a boat ramp, game room with snacks, a pool and bathrooms.

The resort also rented spacious cabins for RV families seeking more space to spread out — and understandably so. I can’t imagine our RV at full capacity; it felt cramped with just one adult and two kids, who had never before spent

so much time with each other. Sharing a small space put the girls’ friendship to the test. When tempers flared, the confined quarters seemed to magnify the intensity of their emotions. However, the resort pool emerged as a welcome distraction. Soon, the echoes of joyful splashing and laughter eased any negative feelings. This cooling-off period acted like a reset button, getting all of us back on track.

We still had one more stop. East Harbor State Park is only a few miles from Bayfront Resort, but it offers a more traditional campground with lots of trees, hiking trails, a 2-mile-long beach and wetlands that harbor more wildlife than any other type of habitat in Ohio. Even though the park is right on Lake Erie, the campground itself doesn’t have lake views. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the beach, where the kids spent hours playing in the shallow water, building sandcastles and looking for treasures.

By the time we got back to the RV, it was time to make dinner. While I did that, the kids joined other campers in a large field across from our site for a baseball game that kept going well after the sun went down.

It gave me time to reflect on how the RV trip cut down on camp set-up and prep work, giving us more time to indulge in the simple pleasures, such as one last campfire.

The End of the Road

As the last morning in the RV dawned, I spontaneously decided to unplug the vehicle from the campground’s hook-ups and take a short drive to the water’s edge to watch the sun rise over the lake while the girls were still peacefully tucked in their beds.

You can’t do that while tent camping. It became one of my most memorable moments in the journey, and it highlighted the distinct advantage RV travel has over traditional tent camping. The RV lifestyle may not completely replace my traditional means of travel just yet, but it opened up a world I hadn’t fully appreciated. Knowing I can rent an RV, instead of committing to buying one, holds endless possibilities for future adventures in more far-away destinations.

Enjoying the fire and Cedar Point lights

Virtual reality at Ghostly Manor

More RV Places to Stay by Lake Erie

Ohio

Maumee Bay State Park | Oregon

Sure, it’s got spacious and private sites, but there’s also miles of flat paved trails to explore. ohioodnr.gov

Geneva State Park | Geneva-on-the-Lake

Bike trails connect the park to the charming resort town, where you’ll find all kinds of carnival-like entertainment and fare, like cotton candy twice the size of your head at Pucker Up Candy Shoppe. ohioodnr.gov

Ontario

Sherkston Shores RV Resort | Sherkston

You can camp here even if you don’t own an RV. There are also cottage rentals, which come with a kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, cable TV, BBQ grill and fire pit. Plus, you can bring a pet! sunoutdoors.com

Lighthouse RV Resort | Lowbanks

About 45 minutes from Niagara Falls and right on Lake Erie, this resort only accepts long-term rentals. lighthouservresort.com

Shore Acres | Port Dover

It has its own private beach, but you’re still close enough to cruise into Port Dover and explore the boardwalk’s shopping and dining options. shoreacrespark.ca

Erie Shores | Harrow

There are at least a dozen wineries nearby. If you don’t have a car, the closest is a short bike ride along Country Road 50. erieshorescampground.com

Sand Hill Park | Port Burwell

The 350-foot-high sand dune is a freak of nature and, oh, so much fun to roll down. ontarioparks.com

Long Point Provincial Park | Port Rowan

You won’t find full hookups here — only electric — but the setting and abundant wildlife make up for it. sandhillpark.com

Lakewood RV Resort | Port Glasgow

The heated pool is a nice touch. thelakewood.ca

New York

HTR Niagara Campground & Resort | Grand Island

Centrally located midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls on one of the largest freshwater islands in the world! branchesofniagara.com

Evangola State Park | Irving

Scenic shale cliffs edge the horseshoeshaped shore near three campground loops. parks.ny.gov

Pennsylvania

Sara’s Campground | Erie

Presque Isle State Park and Waldameer Park & Water World are on either side of this conveniently located campground. sarascampground.com

Michigan

William C. Sterling State Park | Monroe Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie is about an hour outside the Motor City. michigandnr.com

Harbortown RV Resort | Monroe

Close to the lake, but chock full of amenities the kids will love, such as go-cart racing, mini-golf, batting cages and a refreshing swimming pool. harbortownrv.com

Ontario Road Trip

From pristine beaches to charming port towns, Lake Erie’s north shore is dotted with treasures just waiting to be connected on your next adventure.

By Laura Watilo Blake and Colleen Smitek

WINDSOR

Make Caesars Windsor your base, which puts you right on the Detroit River for sparkling nighttime views and scenic daytime walks along the water. From the casino, it’s less than 2 miles to historic Walkerville, the town Canadian Club Whisky founder Hiram Walker built for his workers. Hit the Twisted Apron for brunch — lemon ricotta pancakes, anyone? — before heading back.

LEAMINGTON

Legend has it that Leamington’s Seacliffe Inn exchanged hands in a poker game. But choosing to stay in this lakeside hotel is far from a gamble, as it’s just a short walk to the sandy beach at Seacliff Park and the Pelee Island Transportation ferry port. The renowned Point Pelee National Park, a birding hotspot at Canada’s southernmost tip, is just a 15-minute

Point Pelee National Park

COURTESY TOURISM WINDSOR ESSEX, CRAVE FAMILY GRILL & PUB

Caesars Windsor

Oxley Estate Winery

Crave Family Grill & Pub

drive away. As Canada’s greenhouse capital, Leamington has plenty of restaurants that feature locally grown veggies, such as Crave Family Grill & Pub. You may, however, forget all about the healthy stuff when you get a load of its cheesecake milkshakes and house-made Honey Goat Bombs.

PORT STANLEY

Port Stanley, among Lake Erie’s most quintessential beach towns, promises a blend of relaxed beachfront bliss, quaint harborfront shops and culinary delights. The beckoning Main Beach proudly displays its prestigious Blue Flag — a recognition of its high environmental and safety standards. While basking in the sun, indulge in the iconic neon-hued orangeade from Mackie’s for a refreshing taste of local flavor. Wander through the charming town, exploring shops and savoring delectable treats at Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour. Discover treasures at Little Beach Antiques before spending the night at The Windjammer Inn, where you can dine on fresh, farmhouse cuisine highlighting local farmers.

PORT DOVER

In the early 1900s, Port Dover was home to the world’s largest freshwater fishing fleet. While that’s no longer true, the harbor town still feels like the kind of place where you could knock a few back at a local bar after a hard day of work. It’s also a great place to enjoy fresh Lake Erie perch. Many people swear by Knechtel’s on the Beach for quick and easy takeout, but if you want to slow down a bit, head to the Terrace Room at the Erie Beach Hotel, where you can sit on the Perch Patio and enjoy views of the lake, as well as perch tacos or lightly breaded perch dinners served with the restaurant’s famous celery bread.

PORT COLBORNE

Port Colborne’s identity is tied to its rich maritime history, particularly its association with the Welland Canal — a vital shipping route that passes through town. Explore this rich history at the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum. From June to September, the museum’s heritage village offers a unique experience: Volunteers in period attire serve afternoon tea at Arabella’s Tea Room. A brief stroll leads to Canalside Restaurant, Inn & Kitchen Store, where canal-view suites offer views of passing ships. For an unconventional adventure, go horseback riding on the beach with Horseplay Niagara.

More on the Shore

1 Serenity Lavender is in bloom from mid-June to mid-July. Colchester

2 Oxley Estate Winery makes award-winning wines along with nearby wineries Viewpointe Estate, Sprucewood Shores and more. Harrow

3 Banded Goose Brewing Co. is one of more than a dozen stops on the Barrels Bottles & Brews trail. Kingsville

4 Sand Hill Park boasts 350-feet tall dunes and a beach. Port Burwell

5 Long Point’s 25-mile-long sand spit offers camping, swimming, birding and more. Port Rowan

6 Twins Ice Cream Parlour still makes its own waffle cones. Port Rowan

7 Turkey Point Provincial Park attracts birders and beach-goers. The area is also home to Long Point Eco-Adventures Turkey Point

8 The Blue Elephant Brewery has been crafting beer since 1992. Simcoe

9 The Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn is the perfect overnight stop for foodies. Cayuga

10 Old Fort Erie is a War of 1812 National Historic Site. Fort Erie

PORT STANLEY

PORT DOVER

COURTESY ELGIN COUNTY TOURISM, SERENITY LAVENDER, DESTINATION ONTAIRIO, LAURA WATILO BLAKE

Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour

Horseplay Niagara

Port Dover

Serenity Lavender

An

LAKE ERIE ISLANDS

Island

State of Mind

Whether you’re looking for a remote getaway or an exciting adventure, you can punch your ticket to paradise by visiting the Lake Erie Islands. By Rachel Hagenbaugh

Visit LakeErieLiving.com/ferries for info on how to get to each island.

Find Peace on Pelee

TEN THOUSAND ACRES OF TRANQUILITY — that’s what you’ll uncover during a visiting to Pelee Island. Picture a day outdoors building sandcastles and swimming at the beach or hiking along the water’s edge. At night, gather ’round a fire for an evening of storytelling and stargazing.

“It’s definitely more of a cottage-country type of destination,” says Pelee Island mayor Cathy Miller. “It’s a place to spend time with family and really take the time to unplug and create memories.”

The best way to get around is on two wheels — hop on a bike and ride the waterfront trail, which follows the shoreline all around the island. “Every trail feels like you’re the only person on it,” says Miller. “Part of

the thing people love about the islands is that they’re not overpopulated.”

A visit to Pelee Island Winery — Canada’s largest privately owned estate winery — is a must. Take a tour or settle into the wine garden to pair a glass of grapes with a wood-fired pizza and magnificent waterfront views. For those seeking perch, Westview Tavern (family owned for three generations) is a local favorite. Stone House 1891 — built of rocks quarried from the island — offers a stunning view of the sunset.

You won’t find any hotels on Pelee. Instead, settle into a cozy bed-and-breakfast or cottage or rent a campsite.

“If it’s less you’re after, we have more of it,” Miller says. “We’re loved for what we’re not.”

Embrace the Pawsibilities

“Dogs are welcome just about anywhere,” Miller says.

“If you’re a dog, Pelee Island is a great place to be.”

LAURA

Greeted by Greatness

Kick Back on Middle Bass

ORIGINALLY NAMED ILE DE FLEURS, Middle Bass Island offer seclusion and serenity at its finest. It’s not quite remote, but it’s by far the quietest and least populated of Ohio’s three major islands.

Peddler Tees

“There’s a lot of nature, sandy beaches and kayaking opportunities,” says Jill Bauer, public relations manager for Shores & Islands Ohio, pointing to Middle Bass Island Forested Wetland Preserve and Kuehnle Wildlife Area as perfect places for biking, hiking and wandering with wildlife. Into birding? More than 110 species have been documented on Middle Bass.

Searching for a bite to eat, place to stay, golf cart to rent or souvenirs to take home? J.F. Walleye’s has you covered. If it’s camping or hardware supplies you’re after, make your way to Middle Bass Island General Store, which also features a fullservice restaurant and bar. While limited, overnight options include a selection of cottages, as well as campsites at Middle Bass Island State Park.

“You’re not remote — you have dinner options, a grocery store and a coffee shop,” Bauer says. “There’s not a huge variety of restaurants, but you’re going to get good food.”

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by the facade of the former Lonz Winery. The site is now home to the Island Grind (a cafe and bakery), Prohibition (a speakeasy offering cocktails, small plates and a patio bar) and historic wine exhibits in the preserved cellars.

LAURA

Time to Play on Put-in-Bay

PUT-IN-BAY IS A TINY ISLAND with a huge personality.

“It has that party island reputation,” says Bauer. “It has great island entertainment and the most bars per capita, but you can make the island what you want.”

Start with a shopping trip for local treasures. For coastal casual wear, gifts and souvenirs, venture to Dockside Gifts, Put-in-Bay T-Shirt Shop, Shirt Shack and Dock 41. In search of something a bit fancier to wear to dinner, check out Lake Effects Boutique and Blue Drift Boutique. Meanwhile, Jessie’s Jewelry and the Little Store are ideal places to pick up wearable pieces of beach glass and other island keepsakes.

Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, sunset view, swim-up or swing-seat bar, live music, perch tacos, walleye bites, barbecued chicken, all-day breakfast food, po’boys, grouper fingers, conch fritters, perfect handcrafted cocktails, local wine or a refreshing brew, Put-in-Bay’s more than 20 dining destinations will please your palate from dawn until long after dusk.

For the young and kids-at-heart, there are dozens of familyfriendly activities. Start at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, where you’ll find a butterfly house, mini golf course, giant maze, gemstone mining, rock climbing and an antique car museum. Check Dodge Woods Storywalk Trail and the Chocolate Cafe and Museum off your list before heading to Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave — home to the world’s largest geode.

Extend your stay by choosing from an array of options, including the Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel & Conference Center; the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel; the Black Squirrel B&B, which features a pool tiki bar and golf cart and bike rentals; or the All Star Ohio House, a trendy sports-themed haven that sleeps 22.

Adventure for All Ages

A trip to the top of the 352-foot-tall Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must. “We wouldn’t be sitting here today if it weren’t for the Battle of Lake Erie and War of 1812. You can learn a lot there,” Bauer says.

“It’s also the most amazing view of the shores and islands in the region.”

LAURA

WATILO BLAKE, COURTESY SHORES AND ISLANDS

The Boardwalk

Keep It Casual on Kelleys

THOSE WHO DESIRE A HAPPY MEDIUM between the seclusion of Middle Bass and energy of Put-in-Bay will appreciate the laid-back lifestyle of Ohio’s largest island.

“Kelleys Island is filled with boaters and outdoor lovers and families,” Bauer says. “There’s lots of kids activities like mining sleuths, mini golf, Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island Museum and the Inscription Walk.”

Handicapped and stroller friendly, the glacial grooves — a National Natural Landmark — recently completed major renovations to make the experience more accessible, including replacing fencing with glass and widening walkways.

“There are all these beautiful scenic overlooks, and you can see down into the quarry,” Bauer says, adding that the nearby Kelleys Island State Park is a great place to go swimming. “You can go out really far and be up to your waist. It’s great for kids.”

Head to Kelleys Island Adventours to book a guided biking, hiking or kayaking excursion. Anglers of all ages should join Capt. Joel Byer’s NachoFish Charter.

Read to shop and grab a bite? Park the golf cart and stroll along West Lakeshore Drive and Division Street. Start with trips to Island Mining Co. for gems; Village Peddler for gifts and home décor; and Kelleys Island General Store for souvenirs, summer attire and daily needs. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, uncover paradise on the patio of Dockers Waterfront Bar & Restaurant. Across the street, order a famous Brandy Alexander and Lake Erie perch at Village Pump. In the mood for barbecue? Try Peeper’s and its mouthwatering smoked dishes.

Grab a glass of Glacial White at Kelleys Island Wine Co., a pet-friendly winery. The property is also home to KI Cantina, the island’s only Mexican restaurant. If you only have one evening to spare, West Bay Bar and Restaurant sets off a cannon every night to celebrate the unbeatable sunset view.

Kelleys Island

Venture Resort is the only hotel, but the island is home to several bed and breakfasts, including the Inn of Kelleys Island, which has been hosting guests for more than 100 years, and Water’s Edge Retreat, where every room includes a lakefront view.

Glacial Grooves State Memorial

LAURA WATILO BLAKE

MICHIGAN DetroitThe Dish on

Head to the Motor City for some of the most celebrated dining in the country.

By Vince Guerrieri

THE DETROIT FOOD SCENE has steadily been garnering acclaim and, this year, has a total of 13 semifinalists for the annual James Beard Awards, which recognize talented chefs and excellent restaurants in a variety of categories.

“Ten years ago, we might have had four names on the Beard list,” says Melody Baetens, who’s spent 25 years at the Detroit News, the last 10 as its food writer. “Twenty years ago, we wouldn’t have (had) any.”

Andy Hollyday, the chef and co-owner at Selden Standard, sees the origins for Detroit’s food scene in the 2008 opening of Roast by celebrity chef Michael Symon. The restaurant closed during the pandemic, but not before inspiring a new generation of chefs.

“That was a big turning point,” says Hollyday, who was sous-chef there. “A lot of people involved went and started their own restaurants.”

Selden Standard, open since 2014, is a semifinalist for outstanding restaurant. The Midtown eatery combines a casual vibe with high-end recipes, using locally sourced produce on a menu that can be more than half vegetarian at any given time.

Alpino is a semifinalist for best new restaurant, but chef-owner David Richter is an experienced hand. He’s a Detroit native who boomeranged back to the area in 2019 after his career took him to New York City and Nashville. Located in the city’s historic Corktown neighborhood, his new restaurant touches on the cuisine of the countries in the Alps. You’ll find a classic wienerschnitzel there but also dishes like chestnut dumplings with wild boar. “It’s a genre of restaurants that I

feel are underserved,” Richter says. “Alpine restaurants that have great recipes.”

Folk in Detroit and Spencer in Ann Arbor are nominees in the category of outstanding wine and other beverages program. Folk is a brunch and lunch restaurant featuring multiple wine and coffee options. Spencer features wine and small plates, as well as a limited but highly sought-after dinner menu.

Detroit’s nominees also demonstrate an international flair. Husband and wife Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, who are nominated for outstanding restaurateur, are refugees who started Baobab Fare, a restaurant with cuisine from their native Burundi. And Dearborn remains a hub for Arab-American culture. Shatila Bakery, an area mainstay since 1979, is a semifinalist for outstanding bakery, and Lebanese breakfast restaurant AlTayeb is recognized for its hospitality.

Baetens notes that the food scene isn’t limited to restaurants. There’s also a thriving pop-up scene, from food trucks to special guest chefs. In fact, Nepantla sprung from a food truck operated by chef Rocky Coronado, who is a semifinalist for emerging chef.

In addition to its eight national nominations, five local semifinalists are in the best chef category for the Great Lakes. Ji Hye Kim is the chef and namesake at Miss Kim in Ann Arbor, offering Korean fare. Dan Klenotic is the chef at Bellflower, in Ypsilanti, which

makes sandwiches for lunch and has an ever-changing dinner menu. John Yelinek is a bartender-turned-chef whose creations are attracting attention nationwide for Ladder 4 Wine Bar, which — as its name indicates — is in a former firehouse. Doug Hewitt is chef-owner of Freya, which boasts a tasting menu with vegan, pescatarian and omnivore options.

For the second year in a row, Hajime Sato is a nominee for best Great Lakes chef. The Japanese native is the owner of Sozai in Clawson. The restaurant is notable for its commitment to local, seasonal and sustainable seafood, including walleye, smelt and trout from the Great Lakes. “I think people should be eating more seasonally,” Sato says.

However and whatever you like to eat, you’ll find it in this city where dining is quickly gaining traction on music and cars.

“It’s a really good time to eat in Detroit,” Baetens says. “People are definitely coming here to eat.”

Andy Hollyday, Selden Standard

Alpino Folk

Sozai COURTESY SOZAI, SELDEN STANDARD, ALPINO AND FOLK

To Do List

Ohio

From Toledo to Ashtabula, Ohio’s 312 miles of shoreline are full of places to play, stay, dine, sip, dip and enjoy the sunset.

By Kristen Hampshire

See the sunset in Lorain.

Cast off in Lorain for a cruise up the Black River to the harbor at eventide, perfectly timed to watch the sunset. It’s a natural photo op as the sun seems to gradually disappear into Lake Erie’s western waters right behind the Lorain Lighthouse. Even better, try the Lighthouse Dinner Cruise, which features a tour of the structure as well as food-and-wine pairings on the grounds. lorainport.com/sunsetsandmore

Luxuriate in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Reserve a charming waterfront room — or even your own cottage — at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (thelodgeatgeneva.com), where you can dine at Horizons, sample local wines, rent a golf cart to cruise the property, take in the kitschy fun of the town’s famous strip, or hop on the wine shuttle to explore more. Just down the road a bit, the Lakehouse Inn (lakehouseinn.com) offers both rooms and suites with lake views and fireplaces to keep things cozy on cooler nights.

Go birding in Magee Marsh.

The Biggest Week in American Birding (May 3 to 12) attracts birders from across the globe — literally every corner of the world — to experience the Warbler Capital of the World in Oak Harbor. You’ll hear tweet melodies from songbirds of all kinds on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area’s many trails. If you must choose one, hit the 1.2-mile Boardwalk Trail at the tail end of the park’s access road. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com

Hit the 35-acre beach at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor.

Pack a picnic and beach towels, remember your sunscreen and plan to stay the day at Mentor Headlands, where there’s much more than sand, Lake Erie surf and swimming. A paved walk/hike/bike trail with views runs along the back dunes. You might even spot a nesting bald eagle in the park’s wetlands. Boater? There’s a launch. Angler? Fish off the pier for walleye, perch and largemouth bass. ohiodnr.gov

LAURA WATILO BLAKE, KEN KAUFMAN, ERIK DROST

Skate in Toledo.

Careen through Glass City Metropark on rollerblades or skates around a 1,000-foot loop trail with gentle hills and enough curves to keep it interesting at The Ribbon, an allweather playground with a generous skating pond that freezes over in winter. Need a primer or interested in brushing up your skills? The Ribbon hosts a series of special events and programs throughout the year. metroparkstoledo.com/theribbon

Boat in Cleveland.

Lunch, brunch or do dinner on the Lady Caroline (ladycaroline.com), a voyage worth celebrating for any occasion or just because. Cruise the river and lake, take in the skyline and Lake Erie views, and jam to onboard entertainment. Cardio + lake + brew is the winning trifecta at BrewBoat CLE (brewcle. com), where groups can book a pedalpowered cycleboat and BYOB to stock on-board coolers. Remember your playlist: These boats are Bluetooth-equipped. Rather have a lazy tour? BrewBoat’s Party Pontoons fit the bill and, new this summer, is Duffy Boat Rentals with a fleet of no-emissions electric boats. Prefer to paddle? Great Lakes Watersports (glwatersports.com) has you covered with single and double kayaks. Tour Cleveland’s waterways hula-style on a Tiki Barge (cletikibarge.com) cruise.

Feel the beat in Marblehead.

There is live music every day in the summer at the waterfront Hidden Beach Bar (hiddenbeachbar.com), which is tucked in a marina off the main road. Downtown Marblehead’s Rocky Pointe Winery (rockypointewinery.com) features local performers on weekends in the large shady area behind the old school in which it’s housed. But the biggest shows in town are at Hoover Auditorium in Lakeside Chautauqua (lakesideohio.com), including 10,000 Maniacs (July 13), Girl Named Tom (July 20), All-4One (July 26) and Jefferson Starship (Aug. 24).

We have permission from Hidden Beach Bar to use anything on IG

Dine in Vermilion.

Cuisine on the coast is aplenty in Vermilion, home of one of the country’s top-rated venues, Chez Francois (chezfrancois.com)

The Zagat-rated fine-dining destination offers a vast and curated wine list and gourmet menu. Rather leave the dinner jacket at home? Motor up to Chez Riverfront Café, where there are boat slips on site or dock next door at the public marina. Nearby at The Wine Vault (facebook.com/winevaultvermilion), a cozy-chic

Treat yourself in Ashtabula Harbor.

Historic Ashtabula Harbor’s Bridge Street (historicashtabulaharbor.com) offers a sweet spread of homegrown shopping and dining for all sorts of tastes, from wood-fired pizzas at Nights & Weekends (nightsandweekendsohio.com) to lobster bisque and local wine on the terrace at Fitzgerald’s Wine Bar & Restaurant (fitzgeralds.com)

Rev up with a cuppa Bula Breakfast Bold at Harbor Perk Coffee House & Roasting Co. (harborperkcoffeehouse.square.site). And save room for specialty chocolate bark (orange, peppermint, habanero) from Marianne’s Chocolates (marianneschocolates.com)

Live it up on Catawba.

There’s no shortage of open-air dining with pastoral views, lively music and handcrafted rounds of all kinds on Catawba. The renowned Gideon Owen Wine Co. (gideonowenwine.com) is equal parts destination-retreat and Sunday Funday stop with a rich history dating back

The People of

PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania

There’s no better way to get to know a place than by talking with those who love it — and protect it for future generations. Here are three people doing exactly that in Erie.

By Henry Palattella

Lauren Sovisky’s relationship with the Erie area has changed dramatically over the past five years. After graduating from Gannon University, she got a job at Erie Insurance. She doubled down on her hometown in the fall of 2021 when she bought Relevé Dance with childhood friend Emily Sweet and also launched an online bakery. Here’s more on one of Erie’s rising stars.

Lauren Sovisky Invests in Erie

HAPPY FEET:

Sovisky began taking lessons at Relevé at the age of 3. When she found out the owner was planning to sell the place to a mechanic, she knew she had to do something. “We went to five different banks, and you could tell from some of the bankers’ faces that they were baffled that we were asking for a $300,000 loan. We bought it about two weeks before the season started. It was a mad rush to get everything going.”

THE SWEET LIFE:

Sovisky, who bakes mostly for family and friends, has made a few wedding cakes but generally sticks to treats she can share at her office like pies and cookies. “They all follow me on Instagram so they know what might be coming into the office that week.”

814 FOREVER:

While Sovisky enjoys bigger cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, there’s something about Erie that always pulls her home. “I love being able to visit Asbury Woods and

the zoo and being able to go out on the lake on a boat or Jet Ski during the summer. Plus, I’ve gotten really big into the area’s wine scene. Whether you go east or west from Erie, you’re going to find so many different types of wine.”

CHEERS:

Sovisky’s favorite pour is Liebestropfchen from Johnson Estate in nearby Westfield, New York. “It translates to ‘little love drops,’ and I mispronounce it every time. It’s a sweet white wine. I always grab it when I’m there.”

LUPITA

There’s no place in the world quite like Presque Isle State Park, a 3,112-acre peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. With summer right around the corner, we talked to operations manager Matt Greene about five of his favorite things.

1 THE BEACHES. Presque Isle’s 13 beaches mean something different to everyone. For some, it’s a swimming hole, while for others it’s the perfect place for a hike. For Greene, it’s the best way to begin a day. “A quiet morning on the beach is something special. Things are calm, and the wildlife is still kind of out. It’s a magical time.”

2 THE RECREATION. Greene has worked in other parks, so he knows what Presque Isle has to offer, including sunset cruises, bike rentals, summer concerts and more. “There’s a million different activities, and it seems like the list is growing every day.”

3 THE NATURAL DIVERSITY. With a landscape that features beaches, marshlands and a dense tree line, the park boasts a huge diversity of flora, fauna and animals. “We have more rare, threatened and endangered species than anywhere else in Pennsylvania of a similar size, and that’s because of the unique makeup of the park.”

4 THE DIFFERENT VIEWS. The south side of the park features a breathtaking view of downtown Erie, while the north side showcases the expansiveness of Lake Erie. “It’s like two different places. There could be 30,000 people in the park, but you’ll still be able to find a place where you can be alone.”

5 THE LIGHTHOUSES. You can’t talk about Presque Isle without talking about the lighthouses. The Presque Isle Light (which is a National Historic Landmark) is on the north side of the park, while the North Pier Light is on the eastern end of the park. “You can go visit either of them, which is really cool.”

IT’S NOT HARD TO PICTURE THE PERFECT DAY for Waldameer Park & Water World president Steve Gorman. It’s an 80-degree July day, a light breeze is blowing in off Lake Erie, and Gorman’s walking down the park’s midway, his red polo standing out amongst the crowd.

“It’s exciting to wake up and see the weather’s going to be good and we have a lot of people coming,” Gorman says. “We know that we’re going to have to do our best to welcome them and treat them right.”

After a 10-year stint as an engineer, Gorman officially joined the “family business” of Waldameer in 1995 (his wife Nancy is the daughter of former president Paul Nelson, who died in May 2023). While it’s a literal family business to Gorman, he’s made it his mission to pass that feeling down to the 600-some seasonal workers the park hires every year.

“During orientation I try to tell our new employees that I consider this my home,” Gorman says. “I’m having a party at my home and I’m inviting everyone as guests and I want those guests to enjoy themselves.”

Guests have a plethora of ways to enjoy themselves, thanks to additions by Gorman and Nelson. The park’s first big modern renovation came in 2015 with the addition of its 500,000-gallon wave pool that’s widely recognized as one of the best in the region. From there, Gorman has helped with additions ranging from Chaos, a spinning pendulum that rises 60 feet in the air, to the $7-million Rocket Blast water coaster unveiled in 2023.

“Since I’ve been here our feeling has been that we have to continue to make changes,” Gorman says, “because the park needs to be fresh and relevant.”

And, in a bit of a twist, park patrons don’t have to break the bank to wipe off their feet on Gorman’s proverbial welcome mat, as Waldameer (the 10th oldest amusement park in the country) has always had free admission. Instead, guests can pay for a day pass or per ride. Just there to take in the old-school atmosphere, grab some fudge or watch the kids have fun? You pay nothing.

“That’s one of our special treats that is unique to us,” Gorman says.

Matt Greene Marvels at the World Around Him

Steve Gorman Loves a Sunny Day

New York In LOVE with Western

If you LOVE art...

Buffalo AKG Art Museum recently wrapped up an extensive expansion and renovation project — the most significant in its history. It now offers an impressive 50,000-square-foot gallery, along with classrooms, gathering grounds and generous green space.

Take your time exploring the three-story translucent Jeffrey M. Gundlach Building made of glass and marble. It houses 13 galleries including a sculpture terrace that wraps around the second floor.

Look up. The “Common Sky” kaleidoscopic installation by Studio Other Spaces (SOS) in the Seymour H. Knox Building’s courtyard is comprised of glass mirrors — a play between sculpture and architecture.

Other highlights include Creative Commons, the LEGO Foundation’s first art museum endeavor; Andy Warhol’s “100 Soup Cans” and 500 works newly acquired since the museum shut down in 2019 for construction. buffaloakg.org

Careen through the air, laze the day away on a sprawling porch with water views, laugh out loud, hike your heart out or wander through a world of art.

By Kristen Hampshire

If you LOVE sprawling porches…

With 5,700 square feet and unobstructed lake views, the front porch at Chautauqua Institution’s legacy Athenaeum Hotel is an invitation to sit down with a book, order a cocktail and get lost in the surroundings. “It’s one of the most peaceful places to be,” says Emily Morris, chief brand officer for the institution.

An “opera invasion” is a real possibility during summer months when performing arts students stage pop-ups throughout the grounds and often at the hotel. Gaze across the water at mariners, see some of them cast a line, and listen to the beachfront laughter.

If you love to dine al fresco, the hotel’s Heirloom Restaurant — which will undergo extensive upgrades in 2025 following a $20-million fundraising campaign — serves dishes crafted with sustainability in mind, offering one more reason to feel good about indulging during your visit. chq.org

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

ATHENAEUM HOTEL: DAVE SHUMWAY, COURTESY BUFFALO AKG ART MUSEUM

Athenaeum Hotel

If you LOVE art + nature...

The two seamlessly connect at Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, a living Peterson Field Guide experience housing the renowned artist-naturalist’s works and artifacts. “We continue his legacy by using art to foster exploration, a sense of discovery and reverence for life,” says curator Maria Ferguson, noting that his letters, personal guides, cameras and clothing are all on display.

Explore 27 acres of nature preserve and trails or head indoors to take in exhibits, including “Kevin Ebi: Five Minutes in Nature,” April 27 to July 21, which is accompanied by mindfulness activities. “He wants people to connect to the nature they walk by every day and better appreciate it, so he is sharing his experience of nature as a reason to explore the outdoors,” Ferguson relates. rtpi.org

If you LOVE a rush...

Whether you prefer a light misting, a thorough drenching or staying dry, there are multiple ways to experience the American side of Niagara Falls.

BY BOAT: Maid of the Mist’s fleet includes vessels that depart from Niagara Falls State Park and motor toward Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. maidofthemist.com

BY TRAIL: Whirlpool State Park offers a street-level trail with scenic overlooks and picnic stops, and the river level is designed for hiking and fishing. parks.ny.gov

BY CAVE: Cave of the Winds is a 130-foot-tall cavity behind Bridal Veil Falls with a walkway in front, where you can face the spray from the rushing falls. Prepare to return completely soaked. Otherwise, it will be obvious you didn’t traverse the pass. niagarafallsstatepark.com

BY SHUTTLE: The Discover Niagara Shuttle stops at 15 destination sites along a 14-mile route with various onboarding points. discoverniagarashuttle.com

Maid of the Mist

Roger Tory Peterson Institute COURTESY

you LOVE flying through the air...

Build your own high-flying adventure at Holiday Valley (holidayvalley.com) or Peek’n Peak (pknpk.com), both of which offer aerial courses, ziplines and other warm-weather adventures.

Holiday Valley’s Sky High Aerial Adventure Park is the third largest in the United States and offers a series of platforms, obstacles, bridges and ziplines constructed in a 5-acre section of the woods. More adventure can be found at the Climbing Forest’s nine trees covered with climbing holds of varying difficulty. Climbers are fitted with a harness that is clipped into an auto belay system—and away they go. Holiday Valley spokesman Dash Hegeman calls it a “3-D version of a climbing wall.” Then there’s the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster, which zigzags down a spiraling path.

Peek’n Peak’s aerial adventure course features 69 obstacles and eight courses of varying degrees of difficulty. But it’s the ziplines where the park really shines. The giant dual ziplines allow you to cruise 2,000 feet while the Soaring Eagle zipline lets you ride alone or with a buddy on a 1,400-foot flight. Mini golf and chairlift rides round out the summer fun.

If you LOVE Lucy...

The first week of August is when the National Comedy Center in Jamestown stages its annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, a lineup of more than 50 live experiences, including stand-up showcases, late-night comedy, block parties, kids’ comedy, music and Lucy Legacy events. Make time to explore the museum’s 50-plus interactive exhibitions that pull you into comedy sketches, laugh battles, karaoke sets, cartooning and more. comedycenter.org

If you LOVE wings...

Hang out on an NFL field and eat wings. Just add a beverage to make it a Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) full of flavor. It’s all at the Buffalo Wing Festival at Highmark Stadium, where America’s No. 1 appetizer — born at the city’s Anchor Bar in 1964 — is center field. Get in on an amateur wing eating contest and its pro counterpart, the nationwide U.S. Wing Eating Competition. There’s also a sauce showdown, lots of live music, a VIP experience and more. buffalowing.com

Peek’n Peak

National Comedy Center

DESTINATIONS

Where to stay, dine, shop, explore and have fun around Lake Erie.

ONTARIO

ADVENTURE BAY

FAMILY WATER PARK

Make a splash at Adventure Bay and spend a fun-filled day with the whole family! 10 water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, wave pool, Tot Loch slides for younger kids and lazy river along with Cannon Cove dry play area and concessions. Located in downtown Windsor steps from attractions, accommodations and the Windsor-Detroit border.

401 Pitt St. W., Windsor, ON N9A 0B2 519-974-2782 ~ adventurebay.ca

AMHERSTBURG

FREEDOM MUSEUM

Welcoming everyone to experience the history of the Underground Railroad and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible. Featuring educational programming, tours, presentations and events throughout the year.

277 King St., Amherstburg, ON N9V 2C7 519-736-5433 ~ amherstburgfreedom.org

BARRELS BOTTLES & BREWS TRAIL

Explore and pour the craft breweries and distilleries in Windsor Essex that make up the Barrels Bottles & Brews trail with our digital passport. Visit the stops along the way of the Windsor Essex barrel trail – the birthplace of Canadian whisky, award-winning vodkas, and craft breweries featuring some of the finest ales, lagers, stouts and more! visitwindsoressex.com/beer

CAESARS WINDSOR

The thrill of Las Vegas comes alive at Caesars Windsor. Home to world-class entertainment, fine dining, luxury accommodations and a 24/7 casino. Plus Ontario’s first full-service sportsbook offering game-changing ways ato experience sports betting.

377 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor, ON N9A 7H7 800-991-8888 ~ caesarswindsor.com

DEVONSHIRE MALL

Devonshire Mall is the area’s premier shopping centre with over 170 stores and services. Vibrant dining options from quick and convenient to casual and sophisticated create a shopping and culinary experience you can spend the whole day enjoying.

3100 Howard Ave., Windsor, ON N8X 3Y8 519-966-3100 ~ devonshiremall.com

EPIC WINERIES

Essex County wine making has a rich history dating back to the 1860s on Pelee Island. Today, there are approximately 1,000 acres of grapes grown for you to taste the bold reds and crisp whites of our Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) Wineries. Whether sipping on a warm summer patio or learning the history and techniques during a tour, the 14 EPIC Wineries will have you planning your next trip before this one ends! visitwindsoressex.com/wine

FORT MALDEN

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Nestled along the Detroit River in historic Amherstburg, discover the history of the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837-38 with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and more at this federal historic site. Get hands on with history including wood branding, musket firing and more. 100 Laird Ave. S., Amherstburg, ON N9V 2Z2 519-738-5416 ~ parks.canada.ca/fortmalden

J.P. WISER’S EXPERIENCE CENTRE

Immerse yourself in the history of Canadian whisky and its birthplace right here in Windsor. Learn about the production process from grain, distilling, bottling to the final pour into a glass with a tour and tasting of some of Canada’s most loved whiskies.

2072 Riverside Dr. E., Windsor, ON N8Y 1A7 519-561-5596 ~ jpwiserstour.ca

OG PIZZA

Known as OG Pizza – or Original Guys Pizza Pies – is the perfect place to grab a hand-tossed slice of Windsor-style pizza. Visit one of their 9 locations across Windsor Essex. Windsor-style pizza (known for shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms and locally made cheese) won best pizza in the world in 2018!

Multiple locations ~ ogpizza.ca

PELEE ISLAND WINERY PAVILION

Experience ‘island time’ by relaxing in the outdoor wine garden surrounded by vineyards overlooking Lake Erie. Reserve a tour and learn the history of Pelee Island and Pelee Island Winery. Your tour includes wine tasting and complimentary tasting glass.

20 East West Road, Pelee Island, ON N0R 1M0 800-597-3533 ~ peleeisland.com

POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK

Point Pelee National Park is a tiny sanctuary supporting a mosaic of habitats from jungle-like forest to lush wetlands to open savannah. Travel by bike, on foot, or paddle through the diverse eco-system to explore Canada’s most southern mainland point.

1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON N8H 3V4 519-322-2365 ~ parks.canada.ca/pointpelee

WILLISTEAD MANOR

Step back in time and view the opulent setting of Willistead Manor on the gorgeous grounds of Willistead Park. Built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned distillery. Tours offered during the summer and holiday seasons. 1899 Niagara St., Windsor, ON N8Y 1K3 519-253-2365 ~ citywindsor.ca

VISIT WINDSOR ESSEX

333 Riverside Drive W., Suite 103, Windsor, ON N9A 7C5 800-265-3633 − visitwindsoressex.com

Canada’s southernmost destination, with 100 miles of waterfront, Hiram Walker’s iconic Canadian Club whisky, outdoor adventure at Point Pelee National Park, Caesars Windsor and Caesars Sportsbook, and a wine region along the Lake Erie North Shore.

Did you know

As this issue went to press in late February, Lake Erie had zero ice cover — at a time when the lake should have been reaching its peak ice. That means:

More lake-effect snow.

Coldwater fish species will be forced to compete with warm-water species migrating north with rising temperatures.

Conditions favorable to toxic algal blooms.

It also means way less fun for islanders itching to ice fish. “It’s like a way of life over here,” says Julene Market of Miller Ferries. “A whole variety of fun takes place once the ice fills in — ice parties, hockey. It becomes a whole relaxing winter recreation.”

LAKE ERIE SHORES &

ANCHOR INN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

500 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

419-285-5055 − anchorinnpib.com

The Anchor Boutique Hotel is a quirky, one-of-a-kind, couples hotel with lighthearted, mildly rebellious room details. For a relaxing Ohio getaway, tour and book one of their nine casually elegant rooms online today at anchorinnpib.com.

MILLER FERRIES TO PUT-IN-BAY

GPS: 5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton, OH 43452 800-500-2421 − millerferry.com

Welcome aboard Miller passenger/vehicle ferries to Put-in-Bay (South Bass) & Middle Bass, Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands. 20 minute cruise to Put-in-Bay, free parking, golf cart rentals and family savings. Ferries depart Catawba, the tip of Rt. 53 North.

DINING/FOOD

3350 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-573-6003 orchardoncatawba.com/the-coop

Open daily, featuring premium spirits and high-end cocktails in a lush garden landscape featuring our very own chicken coop!

3350 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-573-6003

orchardoncatawba.com/orchard-farm-stand

Open daily featuring seasonal produce and an assortment of homeware, decor and cooking items — such as jams & jellies, coffee, maple syrup, hyper-local Henny B honey, candles and more. Complimentary samples every day!

3266 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-7324

orchardoncatawba.com/orchard-bar-and-table

Open daily for dinner, seasonal lunch and Sunday brunch yearround. Enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood, sushi, handcrafted cocktails and elevated wine list. Large outdoor patio with lush gardens, water features and live music as weather permits.

SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

125 E. Water St., Sandusky, OH 44870. 419-625-2984 770 S.E. Catawba Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-734-4650 − shoresandislands.com

Shores & Islands Ohio boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, welcoming communities, rich history and an

MYSTERY ADVENTURE NOVELS

bobadamov.com

Award-winning island author releases two books in 2024: Holden’s Promise and Alone at Home!

3350 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-573-6003

orchardoncatawba.com/orchard-farm-stand

Open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round. Enjoy applewood fired pizzas, prime burgers, sandwiches, coffee, pastries and full bar. Large outdoor patio with lush gardens, water features and entertainment as weather permits.

THE COOP AT ORCHARD FARM STAND

ORCHARD BAR & TABLE

ORCHARD FARM STAND CAFE

ORCHARD FARM STAND - RETAIL

OHIO

BEAGLE BAY KNOT WORKS

507 Main St., Huron, OH 44839 330-465-0890 − beaglebayknotworks.com

We Tie Knots! Nautical décor including rope wreaths, bowls, mats and textile art. Supplier of cordage and rope for the knot tyer. Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

520 Broadway Ave., 3rd Floor, Lorain, OH 44052 567-219-0185 − firefishfestival.com

Downtown Lorain, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 FireFish Arts is a community arts organization that brings people together to create, celebrate and inspire a transformation in downtown Lorain through the FireFish Festival and year-round programming.

HERON CREEK WINE AND BRADY VINEYARDS OF OHIO

52185 West Griggs Road, Wellington, OH 440-506-7022 − heroncreekwine.com

Fourteen acres of grapes to produce the award-winning Heron Creek Wine are grown, processed, fermented and bottled in a sustainable way at the Brady Vineyards of Ohio 140-acre family farm in the Lake Erie region.

CHATEAU WINERY & VINEYARD

525 SR 635, Helena, OH 43435

419-638-5411 − chateauwineryandvineyard.com

Experience Chateau Winery & Vineyard, a hidden gem where guests can sit by the koi pond, stroll the vineyard, or relax in the tasting room. Open year round. Food menu, craft beer, live entertainment, and tours available.

29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-874-4121 − fortmeigs.org

Fort Meigs withstood two British sieges in the spring and summer of 1813. Tour the 10-acre reconstructed fort and see uncovered artifacts in our museum. Living history events throughout the summer bring history to life!

HUGGY’S SOCIAL HOUSE

5024 Liberty Ave.,Vermilion, OH 44089 440-714-1992

Great beer, bourbon, burgers, wings and friends. Voted Best of Lake Erie, Best Wings 2021-23.

DESTINATION TOLEDO

401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, OH 43604 419-321-6404 − visittoledo.org

Where a great city meets the great outdoors. #ThisIsToledo. Destination Toledo is your official travel guide to the Toledo region. Start your adventure at visittoledo.org.

7862 W. Central Ave., Suite F, Toledo, OH 43617 877-775-2538 − greatlakesscuttlebutt.com

Do you boat, fish or float the Great Lakes? GLS is your FREE resource for destinations, events, services and articles of interest across the freshwater seas. Explore today!

LADY CAROLINE CRUISE SHIP

1153 Main Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 216-696-8888 − ladycaroline.com

Onboard entertainment, a dance floor, freshly prepared meals and four decks with sweeping skyline views ensure every Lady Caroline cruise is a celebration. This ship is the best way to experience Cleveland! Advance tickets required.

FIREFISH ARTS/FIREFISH FESTIVAL

FORT MEIGS HISTORIC SITE: OHIO’S WAR OF 1812 BATTLEFIELD

GREAT LAKES SCUTTLEBUTT

OHIO

LEISURE TIME WINERY

16982 CR-M2, Napoleon, OH 43545

419-758-3442 − leisuretimewinery.com

Leisure Time Winery is the perfect place to relax. Tucked into the peaceful countryside of Napoleon, Ohio, we offer a little something for everyone. We proudly craft an assortment of wines, including several fruit options.

LORAIN LIGHTHOUSE

440-752-8955 − lorainlighthouse.com info@lorainlighthouse.com

Tours of the inside of the lighthouse and Sunset Wine Dinners start in June with advanced tickets for both available at lorainlighthouse.com. Schedule your special event at the lighthouse — wedding, corporate event, retirement party, etc.

OHIO AMISH COUNTRY

6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, OH 44654 330-674-3975 − visitamishcounty.com

Design your house, your style, your life, with a visit to Ohio Amish Country! Furniture designed and constructed by Amish artisans in a modern style. Take the scenic route... by design. Photo: Homestead Furniture

THE LODGE AT GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE

4888 N. Broadway, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041 440-466-7100 − thelodgeatgeneva.com

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake boasts breathtaking views with its location on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near Geneva State Park in the heart of Ohio Wine Country.

MALLORCA RESTAURANT

1390 W. Ninth St. (Warehouse District) Cleveland, OH 44113

216-687-9494 − mallorcacle.com

Downtown Cleveland’s most awarded restaurant for 26 years! Serving the freshest fish and chef-prepared specials. Specializing in foods from Spain and Portugal. Uniqueness at its finest! Home to Wine and Dine in the Dark.

PUT-IN-BAY OFFICIAL TOURISM BUREAU

148 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-2832 - visitputinbay.com

The #1 resource for planning a Put-in-Bay, Ohio vacation! Start planning your every day island getaway at visitputinbay.com.

LORAIN COUNTY METROPARKS’ LAKEVIEW PARK

12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, OH 44050 440-458-5121 ~ loraincountymetroparks.com

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!

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY’S GREAT EGRET MARSH PRESERVE

Located across from East Harbor State Park

1000 N. Buck Road, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440 419-867-1521 ext. 1 − nature.org/greategretmarsh

This 150-acre protected coastal marsh can be explored from an easy 1.2-mile loop trail. The preserve is open for birding, fishing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing.

STREETSBORO VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

P.O. Box 2365, Streetsboro, OH 44241

330-422-1770, 888-558-5580 − streetsborovcb.com

Come experience, explore and enjoy Streetsboro — Northeast Ohio’s best vacation value! Located directly off the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), exit 187. Enjoy over 60 attractions, numerous special events, 50+ restaurants, affordable hotels and serene campgrounds.

THE SUMMER MARKET

Black River Landing

421 Black River Lane, Lorain, OH 44052

thesummermarket.com − July 19 and 20, 2024 Shop Ohio’s original open-air market featuring the best of the best in vintage, handmade and homegrown. Celebrating season 19. FREE event.

WILLOUGHBY ARTSFEST

SATURDAY, JULY 20 10AM – 5PM

28 Public Square, Willoughby, OH 44094 440-942-1632 − willoughbyartsfest.com artsfest@wwlcchamber.com

The Willoughby ArtsFest, presented by Lake Erie Distillery in partnership with The City of Willoughby and Remarkable Lake County features 100+ juried artists, live music, great food, Cleveland Clinic Kids Studio and more!

Did you know

PENNSYLVANIA

FALLINGWATER

1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464 724-329-8501 − fallingwater.org

Fallingwater, a National Historic Landmark and a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is open for guided interior tours as well as guided and self-guided exterior tours.

HAGEN HISTORY CENTER

356 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA 16507 814-454-1813 − eriehistory.org

Where history inspires with historic homes, Frank Lloyd Wright’s San Francisco office, interactive exhibits and more. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Visit eriehistory.org.

The Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse has new owners — Heather Moore and Jim Brown — who purchased the historic structure in Cleveland through a government auction for $425,000.

Accessible only by boat, the lighthouse lacks heating, electrical and plumbing. While its new owners aren’t quite sure yet what they’re going to do with it, they are certain of one thing — it won’t become a private office or vacation home.

“It was something they did so that everybody has access to it,” says David Maurer, a friend serving as a spokesman for the buyers. “That was really important to them.”

KRAUS’ DEPARTMENT STORE

810 Parade St., Erie, PA 16503 814-453-4314 − krausdeptstore.com

Serving Erie for over 135 years, Kraus’ is an old-time hardware store known for excellent customer service, product knowhow and carrying just about everything ever made.

WALDAMEER PARK & WATER WORLD

220 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505 877-817-1009 − waldameer.com

Exciting amusement and waterpark with more than 100 rides, slides and attractions for all ages including the new RallyRACER waterslide and Whirlwind family coaster!

WESTERN NEW YORK

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

Chautauqua Main Gate, Route 394

Chautauqua NY 14722

716-357-4569 − tourchautauqua.com

Explore the unrivaled beauty of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region’s magnificent lakes and trails, unique outdoor experiences, top-notch wineries, one-of-a-kind cultural centers, and engaging museums. Request a free travel guide and start planning your visit today!

GRAPE DISCOVERY CENTER

8305 West Main Road, Westfield, NY 14787 716-326-2003 − grapediscoverycenter.com

Visit the Grape Discovery Center, the official Visitor’s Center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt. Explore exhibits and learn about the history of grape growing in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region of Western NY.

5777 Lewiston Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092 866-697-2386 − nypa.gov/niagarapowervista.com

Powerful fun for all ages at the free Niagara Power Vista Visitors Center. State-of-the-art interactive energy exhibits for all ages. Minutes from the Falls.

6472 Old Lake Shore Road, Derby, NY 14047 716-947-9217 − experiencegraycliff.org

Graycliff was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as the summer home of Isabelle and Darwin Martin in 1926. Located just south of Buffalo, a brief scenic ride from the city, the historic site is open year round for tours.

Westfield NY 14787 877-326-6561 − lakeeriewinecountry.org

Lake Erie Wine Country is compromised of 20+ wineries along a 50 mile trail along the Lake Erie coastline between Western NY and PA. Wineries are open year round. Plan a visit to taste award-winning wine.

Did you know

LLOYD WRIGHT’S MARTIN HOUSE

125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14214 716.856.3858 − martinhouse.org

Explore three Wright-designed residences, three interconnected buildings, and an integrated landscape on a beautiful 1.5-acre estate. Tours and events offered year round.

203 W. Second St., Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-2222 − comedycenter.org

Discover the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy. Named Best New Museum by USA Today and toprated by Tripadvisor, the National Comedy Center offers fun and laughter for the entire family. This is a safe and worryfree visitor experience with more than 50 immersive and interactive exhibits. Plan your visit at comedycenter.org

Lake Erie Living comes out four times a year, but there are more ways to stay connected with what’s happening on the lake, including:

Signing up for our free email newsletter, The Splash, which comes out once a week during the season (LakeErieLiving.com/newsletter).

Following us on Facebook (Facebook.com/LakeErieLiving) and Instagram (Instagram.com/LakeErieLiving).

Checking out our online resources such as, The Lake Erie Lighthouse Guide (LakeErieLiving.com/lighthouses), the Lake Erie Dining Guide (LakeErieLiving.com/ restaurants) and Lake Erie’s Best Photographers (LakeErieLiving.com/bestphotos).

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S GRAYCLIFF

NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER

NIAGARA POWER VISTA VISITORS CENTER

LAKE ERIE WINE COUNTRY

FRANK

ROGER TORY PETERSON INSTITUTE

311 Curtis St., Jamestown, PA 14701 716-665-2473 − rtpi.org

Exhibitions of Art that Matters to the Planet. Art and nature trails. Programs and special events for all ages. Plan your visit at rtpi.org.

TAMARACK CLUB AT HOLIDAY VALLEY

6447 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, NY 14731 716-699-7000 − holidayvalley.com

This beautiful condominium/hotel is steps away from the golf course and ski slopes of Holiday Valley. With a year-round outdoor pool and hot tubs, restaurant and spa, it’s the perfect spot to vacation at.

VISIT DUNKIRK, NY

342 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY 14048 716-366-0452 − cityofdunkirk.com

Enjoy Dunkirk’s parks, beaches, museums, music festivals and more. Visit www.cityofdunkirk.com and plan your trip today!

Did you know

An iconic Ohio Lighthouse is the backdrop for a soon-to-be-released movie called “Beneath the Light” by filmmaker and Lorain, Ohio, native John Baumgartner.

The movie is about a man returning to his hometown after his mother’s death and taking a job at an abandoned lighthouse, where he reconnects with the daughter of its owner and goes on an odyssey discovering strange events at the lighthouse and learning more about his own background, which he can recall only in fragments.

The idea and script for the movie was his pandemic project. He’d left for California to embark on a moviemaking career, writing and directing everything from digital shorts to full-length disaster movies, but he returned to his hometown to care for his mother.

While there, he came up with the idea that would become “Beneath the Light,” enlisting the aid of Cindy Seng, who is writing the novelization of the movie. (There are also plans for an online game.)

Filming began in September — leading to the Lorain Lighthouse looking less like “the Jewel of the Port” and more decrepit. That’s just movie magic, though; in fact, they had to build sets for the lighthouse’s interior.

“The real lighthouse has done too nice of a job fixing it up,” Baumgartner says.

The goal is to premiere the movie at the Lorain Palace Theatre sometime in 2024.

Big Picture

Lakeside, Ohio

In the summer of 1940, America’s eyes were turned toward Chicago in anticipation of what could be a historic Democratic convention. The effects of the Great Depression seemed to be diminishing, but war was raging in Europe and the Pacific. Would Franklin Roosevelt run for an unprecedented third term as president?

That question was also faced by Eleanor Roosevelt as she traveled to Lakeside to speak to the resort’s summer residents and the gathered assembly of the Lakeside Federation of Women’s Clubs on July 11, 1940. “I don’t interfere in my husband’s affairs,” Eleanor said when asked by a reporter if Franklin would run for a third term.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s speech, “The Relationship of the Individual to the Community,” was given to one of the largest crowds ever assembled at the Central Auditorium (now Hoover Auditorium, renamed in 1947 for A.L. Hoover, the longtime general manager of the Lakeside Association). An estimated 4,500

people heard Roosevelt talk about the potential role of America in what was shaping up to be another world war. “No one in this country that I know wants to go to war,” she said. “Neither do I know of anyone amongst us who desires to live under any other gov ernment than our own.

“What does democracy mean to us? What are we willing to sacrifice to keep it?”

Eleanor, like her husband, realized the world was changing — and not necessarily for the better.

“I feel that our situation in the world is so com pletely changed that old methods and old approaches must be changed in order to meet it,” she wrote in her column, “My Day,” the next day.

It was a theme she would return to a week later, in a speech at Chicago Stadium, following her husband’s nomination for a third term as president. It was an extraordinary step, but as Eleanor Roosevelt told the crowd, “This is no ordinary time.”

— Vince Guerrieri

TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM

TOLEDO, OHIO

GLASS CITY METROPARK

TOLEDO, OHIO

TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART

TOLEDO, OHIO