Jetsettersblog

Fresh water is better, all the fun of a genuine shore vacation is closer than you think. Nearly seven million people get away to Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands for vacation each year, solidifying its position as one of the most alluring destinations in the Midwest.

Islands that Rock. Connecting the past with the present and giving families an exciting adventure, on the geological wonders on the Lake Erie Islands, featuring the glacial grooves on Kelly’s Island and the stalagmite caves on Put-in-Bay (PiB). Located adjacent to the Kelleys Island State Park campground and public beach on the island’s north side, Glacial Grooves are the finest example of glacial scouring/scoring in North America and probably the world.

At Put-In-Bay tour Perry’s Cave, a natural limestone cave steeped in historical tradition. The cave lies 52 feet below the surface of South Bass Island in Lake Erie.

The discovery of the cave, in 1813, is credited to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, hero of the battle of Lake Erie. Also on PIB, check out Crystal Cave is the world’s largest geode. The walls of this cave are covered in strontium sulfate, a blueish mineral called celestite.

Then pump up the volume with some of the area’s famed bands that frequent the islands.

Whether it’s The Websters jamming out at the Round House Bar or Blackberry Brandy plucking strings at Mr. Ed’s, these bands will show you that the Lake Erie Islands truly “rock!”

Stay Hydrated. Cool off with one of the area’s nationally recognized water parks. The biggest water park in the United States, Kalahari, opened new lavish Nyumba Entertainment Villas. Splash the day away at America’s largest indoor water park. Next, take a trip down the street and dip your toes into the 200,000 gallons of water at The Great Wolf Lodge, featuring the new Scooop’s Kid’s Spa. Still parched?

Look out across the Lake Erie Shores and Islands from atop the new Dragster H2O, the new high speed water slide at Cedar Point’s, Soak City.

Restaurant Renaissance. Zinc Brasserie, J Bistro, Crush Wine Bar, Water Street Cafe, Hot Dog Tony’s and Pier 684. Sounds like a trendy new block in SoHo. Wrong.

It’s downtown Sandusky revitalized with progressive eateries. Featuring French-inspired as well as American cuisine, small plates, New Jersey style hot dogs, seafood dishes along with Lake Erie walleye and perch, specialty cocktails and excellent wine choices, these chef-influenced establishments are varied and fun.

The ambiance of big city dining can be enjoyed alfresco as well as inside the historical buildings of this charming bayside town.

Use your Brain. Ohio State’s Stone Laboratory, Established in 1895, Stone Laboratory is the oldest freshwater biological field station in the United States and the center of Ohio State University’s teaching and research on Lake Erie. The lab serves as a base for more than 65 researchers from 12 agencies and academic institutions, all working year-round to solve the most pressing problems facing the Great Lakes.

Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel.

The “oom pa pa” of the band organ, and the “painted ponies” on display will thrill and enchant you. Have your smiles ready as you relive your childhood excitement when you climb aboard the working “fully restored” Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing.

Learn about Shipwrecks and Lake Erie’s role in the War of 1812 at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on Put-in-Bay.

Vitis Labrusca. Lake Erie Shores and Islands is transforming into a burgeoning wine destination. Visit historic wineries, Firelands Winery, Hermes Vineyard, Quarry Hill Winery, Paper Moon, and Kelley’s Island Wine Co, for tours and tasting.

Lake Erie Monster. Nothing that swims in Lake Erie can eat you.