Autumn is the Perfect Time to Check out the Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail
Fall is traditionally harvest season in Ohio – harvest all the corn, harvest the apples (find out about apple-picking here)…and harvest the grapes and grains? That’s right, the Shores & Islands Ohio region is RIPE with vineyards, wheat and barley fields, and the wineries, breweries, and distilleries to go with them!
But how do you manage finding them all, let alone visiting them all? Enter the Shores & Islands Cheers Trail – an easy way to locate local craft beverage makers and a fun way to taste your way through the region.
Developed a few years ago, the Cheers Trail is easy to follow and ties the region together for those looking to experience the “fruits” of this fertile area.
Since the trail was developed, even more new opportunities have become available. For example, newest to the scene is a downtown Sandusky craft bourbon distillery, Everwild Spirits, opened summer 2022. At Everwild you can sip on hand-made and distinctive bourbon whiskeys as well as craft cocktails mixed with bourbon. Everwild Spirits also offers a unique gastropub-style food menu as well as occas
ional live entertainment and tasting classes.
Small City Taphouse has long been a popular Asian eatery with a world-class beer selection, but within the last couple of years, they began brewing their own. The attached CLAG Brewing Company now offers 15 of its own brewed-in-Sandusky beers on tap, with some offered in to-go cans. These local brews come in IPA, Stout, and even Oktoberfest Festbier varieties, among others.
Gideon Owen Wine Company is a 150-year-old winery on Catawba Island. You may remember them as Mon Ami, but they have undergone a complete overhaul to both their indoor and outdoor spaces, menu, and more. It’s now a perfect blend of historic charm with an 1872 wine cellar, modern patio with fire pits, fine dining, and a wine bar with 48 domestic and international wines on tap.
These are just a few of the amazing experiences in store for you when you visit the Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail. You can check 
out the locations here on our site, but you’ll want to pick up the brochure if you want to earn your free rewards. The brochure can be picked up at either at our welcome center locations or any of the participating businesses. Once you have the brochure in-hand, make a qualifying purchase at the business and ask your server for their Cheers Trail sticker. Once you have visited ten or more locations, redeem your brochure at our welcome centers for a free gift! Complete all 21 locations and claim a second free gift and enter to win an overnight Shores & Islands Ohio getaway, awarded annually.
Please sip responsibly and enjoy a delicious fall season. Everyone can drink to that!
