Published May 2020

While travel is not possible right now, it’s important as the country slowly and safely begins to reopen, that you stay inspired. We all need something to look forward to! Recently we reached out to travel influencers to ask them about their favorite visit to Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands. We asked, what one destination, attraction or location stood out as memorable and why? Here, we share some of their answers. These suggestions will hopefully provide inspiration for your future visit to the area as you plan now, so that you can visit later.

Laura Watilo Blake, @ohiojourneys
My family loves visiting Put-in-Bay during the week. Staying at South Bass Island State Park feels like a world away from the atmosphere downtown on a weekend, plus the park's cabents are naturally socially distant from each other.

Karyn Locke, Sand and Snow…and Everywhere in Between!
When I talk to folks about the Sandusky region, many are surprised to learn that Cedar Point has its own beach - and it's beautiful! When I visit, many times I'll take my family and we'll spend the night at Hotel Breakers so I can get up early and take sunrise photos and it's my favorite moment of the day. There's practically no one on the beach but me and a few seagulls and it's a lovely, calm way to start the day. 


Haylie Robinson, City Surge
There are so many things we’ve seen, so much more to do, but there is one destination that stood out for me. Kelleys Island has local tastes, boutique shopping and natural wonders. I really loved the relaxed pace of the island. It wasn’t about where you were going next but the quality moments spent with the ones you were with. For me though, the Glacial Grooves was my favorite attraction. I have never seen anything like it before, other than in pictures. I was in awe. To know that we have a natural geological phenomenon just a ferry ride away filled my soul with much gratitude.

 

Nedra McDaniel, Adventure Mom Blog
Each time that I visit Sandusky I love finding something new to experience in the area along with familiar fun. On a girlfriend getaway, we visited Cedar Point and Kalahari but we also explored Kelleys Island, tried OH Taco, and went on a segway tour of Sandusky for the first time. I love finding hidden gems in addition to experiencing the popular attractions. 


Sara Broers, Travel With Sara and Midwest Travel Network
offers tremendous views from above. It's an experience that everyone should have at some point in their lifetime. It offers visitors insight into what International Peace represents. The history lesson and views combined, make this one of my favorite places in Lake Erie Shores & Islands.


Tonya Prater, Traveled Inspired Living
When I think of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands there is one attraction that stands out above all the others; the lake itself. There's just something about spending time near or on Lake Erie that I find calming. My favorite visits to the area always start with a visit to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park to photograph the lighthouse. My day gets even better if I can visit the lighthouse at sunrise and finish the day with a sunset ride on the Goodtime I in the Sandusky Bay. I can't wait to visit again. 


Amanda Williams, A Dangerous Business
I love everything about the Lake Erie Shores & Islands, from spending days riding coasters at Cedar Point to riding bikes around Kelleys Island. One of my favorite trips in recent years, though, was the weekend trip my husband and I took last summer to explore part of the Cheers Trail. We visited Kelleys Island, Marblehead, Port Clinton, and more over the course of a weekend. I don't even drink that much, but I loved visiting so many cool local breweries and wineries that we probably wouldn't have known about otherwise. 


Mike Mixon, 6 Kids, 1 Tank
We find ourselves making the trek to the Shores & Islands region more times than there are months in a year, with each trip providing us with something new to explore. On a recent trip, at the kids request, we stopped by Noble Axes, located in downtown Sandusky to see what they had to offer. Noble Axes is within the Marketplace at the Cooke and is a must visit! As axe throwing has become more popular and springing up across America, I honestly never really thought it would be something I would enjoy. The kids had a blast and picked up on it after a few throws! The staff is friendly and will walk you thru how to play safely (our main concern) and even showed us some "Trick Throws" that were simply amazing! 


Mary Hoover, Mission: to Save
Sandusky, Ohio is a perfect place for an Ohio Staycation. While we absolutely love trips to Cedar Point in the summer; even in the off-season, indoor waterparks and other amusements in Sandusky make it a great vacation for families. If you haven’t been to Kalahari or the lesser known Escape Rooms by Franknicky, you are missing some of the best fun in Sandusky.


Inspired? We hope so. Plan now for a Lake Erie Shores & Islands getaway. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we can’t wait to welcome you back when it is safe to do so!