National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the U.S. travel industry’s annual tradition of recognizing the essential role travel plays in powering our economy, strengthening communities and connecting America. This year, it is celebrated May 3-9, 2026. Locally, Shores & Islands Ohio uses the week to encourage our local community to visit and seek out attractions that hundreds of thousands of visitors from outside the region visit annually. Everyone is invited to come into the two S&IO Welcome Centers (Port Clinton and Sandusky) to learn about what we do and how you can explore the shore in your own backyard!
Monday, May 4
Kick off National Travel and Tourism Week by signing up for local savings through the Shore Savings and the Shore Savings Plus+ digital passport. Stop by one of our welcome centers and grab your free Shore Savings Card, good for discounts on many local attractions such as Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay, R. B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Clubhouse No. 3, Quarry Hill Orchards and Winery, Pork Chop Charters, and more! Upgrade your savings with exclusive offers through Shore Savings Plus+. Let our friendly travel counselors help you in getting signed up for this mobile exclusive discount program. This free, easy-to-use digital app gives you exclusive deals, special coupon codes, and insider-only discounts you won’t find anywhere else. Sign up once and access it anytime from your phone. Whether you're dining, shopping, or exploring, Shore Savings PLUS+ helps you save like a VIP. Save at places like Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Goofy Golf, Common Ground Canopy Tours, and more – a perfect way to explore! Some places offer exclusive discounts for Shore Savings Plus+ participants. For example, with the free Shore Savings Card, guests can save 15% off a single or double scoop of ice cream at Sandusky Scoops. With the Shore Savings Plus+ passport on your phone, you can take advantage of “buy one, get one free!” This is just a sample of the savings available for visitors and locals alike! Also, stop in to sign up to win an island getaway package.
Tuesday, May 5
On Tuesday, we honor the Shores & Islands Ohio Sweet Treats Trail! Indulge in a delicious journey through the region with the Sweet Treats Trail. From homemade chocolates and creamy ice cream to freshly baked pastries and unique confections, this trail highlights the best locally made sweets in the region. Stop by our welcome centers to sample some local culinary delights and get signed up to participate in this digital trail. Our Sandusky Welcome Center will also be hosting a “Cinco de Mayo” – themed cookie decorating class with D”elish”ous Desserts at 6 pm. Class cost is $40 and includes ½ dozen sugar cookies, 4 colors of icing, and all the supplies and instruction needed to decorate cookies that are almost too cute to eat! Seats are limited for this interactive experience – register today!
Wednesday, May 6
On Wine Wednesday, we’re featuring the Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail. This digital passport celebrates local craft beverage makers, including beer, hard ciders, distilled beverages, and yes, wine. Learn about the trail and get signed up to earn points just by checking in when you visit these local wineries, breweries, and other craft beverage makers. Different levels of accumulated points (earned from various check-ins) earn a variety of fun prizes. Also, stop by our welcome centers to enter to win a wine gift basket. Stay tuned, as there may be more brewing for this special day…
Thursday, May 7
On Thursday, Shores & Islands Ohio is pleased to debut the all-new ArtVenture Trail! This new digital adventure encourages users to explore the local arts scene and community murals. It features a curated mix of galleries, 
public art, and artistic stops across the region, making it easy to discover local talent while enjoying the area. Visit the welcome centers during regular hours to learn about the trail, get signed up, and start discovering the region’s artistic spirit. You may also have the opportunity to participate in a decorative public arts project to be displayed in our welcome center. In Sandusky, come back to the welcome center at 6 pm for A Spring ArtVenture, a fun, family-friendly paint and sip (non-alcoholic beverages) experience! Guests will create their own unique artwork guided by Robyn from Robyn’s Art Parties. All ages are welcome to get creative, enjoy light refreshments, and celebrate the season with a hands-on activity. Tickets are $35 per person and include two 3.5” Terra cotta flower pots, a Shores & Islands seed packet, and entry into a Mystery Host Drawing for a chance to win a free gift! Perfect for a Mother’s Day outing, a night with friends, or a solo creative escape. Spots for this interactive opportunity are limited so reserve your spot! Additionally, in Port Clinton to celebrate the Shore Explore Artventure Trail, Shores & Islands Ohio will be hosting an open house at The Arts Garage from 4-7 pm. Come create some art of your own (or take a kit with you to do later!), meet local artists and Shores & Islands staff, listen to beautiful live music, and enjoy a snack or two while you're at it!
Friday, May 8
On Friday, we feature the nation’s birthday and highlight the S&IO America 250 Trails through displays, brochures, and interactive elements. Two digital trails are available to inspire visitors to learn about and explore heritage destinations across our region. The Ottawa County History Mystery tour and Erie County Shoreline Stories tour both offer sites to check into in each county, learn about the region’s rich history and culture, and earn a commemorative America 250 patch for participating. Additionally, we encourage folks to participate in the Snap the Past selfie hunt – a quizified way to explore fascinating places across Shores & Islands Ohio where history happened. Solve the clues, visit each site, and snap a selfie to show you were there. Be sure to stop by the welcome centers to learn more from area historical museums and sign up to participate in the trails. Representatives from the Milan Museum will be at the Sandusky welcome center form 10 am-2 pm this day with a free balloon activity for kids, along with samples of their Samuel Winchester coffee.
Saturday, May 9
Saturday is the first day of our spring welcome center hours which include Saturdays. With it being Mother’s Day 
weekend and the beginning of the Biggest Week in American Birding, stop by the welcome centers to learn about the region’s natural areas, scenic vistas, and outdoor recreation. Take mom on a picturesque walk or seek out the country’s best birding at our parks and preserves!
Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with Shores & Islands Ohio and explore the shores! Be sure to follow @shoresandislands on Facebook and Instagram for more NTTW fun and learn more about the amazing destination at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
