Quarry Hill winery girl groupIt’s time for a getaway with your girls! Celebrating a bride-to-be on a bachelorette party, a birthday, or just want to plan a fun trip with your friends, Shores & Islands Ohio is the place to be. Whether you’re staying in and chilling with the girls or going out to see the sights and do ALL the things, the region is filled with places to stay, food and beverage to enjoy, and things to do.

Where to Stay

Shores & Islands has over 8,500 hotel rooms; more than 1,200 camp sites; and just under 350 vacation rentals. This means there is just the spot for you. Want to stay in a certain area? Have a certain type of accommodation in mind? Looking for waterfront properties or a place with wireless internet aka Wi-Fi? Use the search features on the Places to Stay page to narrow down the options.

Before checking in, stock up on goodies. Swing by House of Donuts for freshly made donuts and pastries. Find farm fresh produce at The Farm Market at The Chef’s Garden or Quarry Hill Orchard. Visit Vine & Olive, a Quarry Hill Orchards farm marketMediterranean market with a wide selection of baked goods, imported market items, wines, gelato, and gourmet chocolates or Brummer’s Chocolates for even more chocolate and candy choices.  

Drinks to Drink & Food to Eat

Raise a glass and say “cheers” to the trip. Shores & Islands, home to more than 20 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, has created a Cheers Trail which features all of these wonderful locations. Get the pass and plan a refreshing tour of your own. Don’t forget to check in at each stop to collect points for prize redemptions in our welcome centers. Or, book one of Firelands Adventure Tours beverage tours and have a tour guide transport you between venues where you will receive VIP treatment at each stop.

Looking for something to pair with your drink? See if the venue offers a private space to do a paint and sip. Maybe you are ready for a fancy dinner. The Triage Bar at Gideon Owen Wine Co. offers a beautiful space in the 150-year-old winery to sample wine before sitting down to a delicious dinner in the dining room. Read about more upscale dining options in Discovering Upscale Flavors in Shores & Islands Ohio.

brunch foodsIn the morning, start your day by refueling. At Another Broken Egg Café, Sandusky Bay Pancake House, or Wake Up and Waffle, find brunch classics to satisfy the whole crew. Looking for a healthy option? The Maca Root Juice Bar & Eatery offers smoothies, smoothie bowls, lattes, tea, handhelds, and salads. More coffee options include Gathering Grounds Coffee House in Huron or Christy’s Corner Café in Elmore. Be sure to check out the bakery section for a light treat!

Things to Do

With so much to choose from, think about what the bride-to-be or birthday girl would like. Is she ready to relax? Venture to a beach in the area to soak in some sun or enjoy a spa treatment at Spa Catawba or Spa Kalahari & Salon. Want to spend time on the water? Companies like Catawba Cruising and Lake Erie Sailing Charters offer the chance to live the high life by booking a private charter. Or consider kayaks, canes, and paddleboard rentals from places like West River Paddle Sports and Portage River Paddling Company, if you want to be ladies kayakingcloser to the water. For parties of seven people or less, try the Mammoth Paddleboard at Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rental. Want to run on island time for a bit? Take a ferry to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, or Kelleys Island for more fun.

Need more girl getaway or bachelorette party ideas? Check out our other girl’s getaway blog. Short on time? Reserve a private space at a historical winery or restaurant for your one-day celebration. Whatever your bachelorette or ladies weekend calls for, the group sales team at Shores & Islands Ohio can help. Don't forget Shores & Islands Ohio is a great destination for guy's getaways or bachelor parties too! Call 800.255.3743 or email emma@shoresandislands.com and start planning today.