National Travel and Tourism Week
Welcome to the Shores & Islands Ohio webpage dedicated to National Travel and Tourism Week! Every year, the first full week of May is dedicated to celebrating the travel and tourism industry in the United States. It’s a time to recognize the impact that travel and tourism has on our economy, job market, and communities. This year, we’re excited to showcase all that our region has to offer visitors and locals alike, from picturesque lakefront views to mouthwatering cuisine and thrilling outdoor adventures. Join us as we celebrate and explore the Shores & Islands during National Travel and Tourism Week!
Participate in National Travel and Tourism week and win big in the Lake Erie Love Photo Contest in Shores & Islands Ohio! Show us your favorite moments and memories from your travels in the region and how you've fallen in love with the natural beauty of the lake. Capture the stunning sunsets, the charming small towns, and the exciting attractions that make Shores & Islands Ohio a unique and unforgettable destination. So grab your camera or phone, explore the region, and show us your images of Shores & Islands Ohio! Win swag from Shores & Islands Ohio, plus your photo could be displayed inside our Welcome Center. Only submissions of images from Erie County and Ottawa County will be accepted, the contest runs through May 31. Click here to view the official rules.
Sunday, May 7 - "Sunrise Sunday"
Are you an early bird who loves watching the sunrise? Then you won't want to miss Sunrise Sunday during National Travel and Tourism Week in Shores & Islands Ohio! Join us to watch the sun come up over Lake Erie and check out some of our many things to do on the water. As the sky changes colors and the birds begin to chirp, you'll feel a sense of peace and serenity that only comes from watching the start of a new day. Bring your camera and capture the moment, or simply take in the beauty with your own eyes. It's a wonderful way to kick off National Travel & Tourism Week and experience the natural wonders of our region.
Monday, May 8 - "Museum Monday"
Experience the history and culture of Shores & Islands Ohio with Museum Monday during National Travel and Tourism Week! Take a tour through our many museums, each showcasing unique exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of our region's past. Discover the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, or learn about one of our famous local inventors at the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum. From classic cars and aviation to art and science, our museums have something for everyone. Come explore and discover the treasures of Shores & Islands Ohio on Museum Monday!
Stop by one of our welcome centers (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) throughout this week, and get a limited supply FREE museum ticket. Participating museums include the Liberty Aviation Museum, Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Milan History Museum, Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, Historic Lyme Village, and more!
Starting on Monday, Shores & Islands Ohio, home of the Lake Erie Love brand, will also have a limited quantity of Lake Erie Love flags (3’x5’) available throughout the week. Flags can be picked up at both Welcome Centers with a suggested donation of $20. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to hang the flags to show their Lake Erie Love and Shores & Islands Ohio pride!
Also starting on Monday, FREE Shores & Islands Ohio cookies will be available at both Welcome Centers during the week baked by Dash of Dayton, a local viral social media baker and entertainer, who is also Shores & Islands Ohio’s Social Media Manager, Dayton Barnett.
Tuesday, May 9 - "Travel Tuesday: Explore your own Backyard"
Pack your bags and hit the road for Travel Tuesday during National Travel and Tourism Week in Shores & Islands Ohio! Explore the stunning natural beauty of our region with a hike through the Edison Woods Park or a bike ride along the shores of Lake Erie. Take a scenic drive through the countryside and discover charming small towns like Vermilion or Marblehead, where you can indulge in local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs. For those who love water activities, kayak or paddleboard in the calm waters of Lake Erie or take a boat tour to see the islands up close. Whatever your travel style, Shores & Islands Ohio has something for everyone on Travel Tuesday!
Welcome Centers (9:00 am – 5:00 pm): Visitors can enter for a chance to win one of two “Travel Tuesday” gift baskets:
Basket #1 Includes:
- An overnight stay at White Dog Bed & Breakfast in Milan,
- Four gate passes to Lakeside Chautauqua,
- Two passes to Common Ground Canopy Tours,
- Various Shores & Islands Ohio swag.
Basket #2 Includes:
- A $50 gift card to Saucy Brew Works,
- A one-night stay at the Bayshore Resort on Put-in-Bay,
- Four gate passes to Lakeside Chautauqua,
- Various Shores & Islands Ohio swag.
The winners will be drawn Wednesday, May 10 and contacted via email.
Wednesday, May 10 - "Wine Wednesday"
Raise a glass and toast to Wine Wednesday in Shores & Islands Ohio! Our region is home to some of the finest wineries in the Midwest, offering a variety of award-winning wines and stunning vineyard views. This day will mark the launch of the updated Shores & Islands Ohio Cheers Trail and the all-new mobile passport which allows guests who visit this exclusive collection of more than 20 wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries throughout the region to “check-in” on their phones and earn points towards a variety of prizes. No apps need to be downloaded, just register for the mobile passport and earn points by visiting participating locations, all while claiming prizes along the way. Earn between 100-150 points at each business check-in. At 700 points, earn a wine stopper; at 950 points, earn a set of cork coasters; and at 1,300 points, earn a glass stemless goblet or a glass tumbler.
Welcome Centers (9:00 am – 5:00 pm): Visitors can stop into either of our Welcome Centers to enter for a chance to win a Wine Gift Basket which will include Lake Erie Love wine from Firelands Winery, Cheers Trail wine glasses, $100 gift card to The Orchard, and Shores & Islands Ohio swag. The winner will be drawn on Thursday, May 11 and contacted via email.
Thursday, May 11 - "Throwback Thursday"
Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate Throwback Thursday during National Travel and Tourism Week in Shores & Islands Ohio! Our region is home to many attractions that will bring back fond childhood memories. Visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, where you can ride on beautifully restored carousel horses and learn about the history of carousel making. Or head to Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world, and relive your favorite childhood rides like the Blue Streak and the Corkscrew. If you're looking for something more laid-back, check out the classic arcade games and laser tag at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. No matter what your favorite childhood attraction was, Shores & Islands Ohio has something to make you feel like a kid again on Throwback Thursday!
Welcome Centers (9:00 am – 5:00 pm): Both Welcome Centers will be serving FREE Toft’s Ice Cream (vanilla, chocolate, and sherbet) to visitors throughout the entire day.
Friday, May 12 - "Foodie Friday"
On Friday we highlight the unique foods that can only be found at restaurants in Shores & Islands Ohio. Think fresh perch and walleye, straight from Lake Erie, and a variety of other specialty food items that are distinctive to the region. Whatever your taste buds are craving, Shores & Islands Ohio has something to satisfy your appetite on Foodie Friday!
Each welcome center will host a food truck which will be open to the public from 11 am-6 pm. Stop by the Sandusky Welcome Center to purchase empanadas and other Argentinian foods from The Gaucho & The Gringa, parked behind the welcome center on E. Shoreline Drive. At the Port Clinton center, get your taste of the world-famous Lobster Bisque from The Boardwalk Put-in-Bay’s mobile eatery, parked right in our parking lot. Yum!
Saturday, May 13 - "Sip & Shop Saturday"
A number of Shores & Islands Ohio communities feature downtown shopping districts where you can shop community retailers while enjoying a beverage. Milan and Sandusky offer a DORA district, while Port Clinton offers a similar MORA, where alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be taken from a number of establishments in to-go cups, so that guests can sip while shopping! Stop by the welcome centers on Saturday for a list of businesses included within these districts Take a stroll through downtowns, where you'll find charming shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and artisanal foods to vintage clothing and unique home decor. Then grab your favorite coffee, smoothie, or brew and get to shopping and supporting local!
Welcome Centers (9:00 am – 2:00 pm): Both Welcome Centers will be open on Saturday from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Visitors can stop in for a list of businesses to both shop & sip in the DORA locations as well as local business promotions for Mother’s Day on May 14.
Finally, on Saturday, Shores & Islands Ohio is working with From Stream to Bay sustainable apparel to host a Sandusky Shores Community Clean-up. As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors to our shores this year, we want to make sure the parks, streets, and surrounding areas in Sandusky are beautiful. All are welcome to join the clean-up efforts and participants will receive gifts and giveaways. Volunteers should meet at Paddle & Climb, 305 E. Water St., at 9 am and will head out for clean-up assignments, reconvening at Paddle & Climb afterwards.
Sandusky Participating Shops
Port Clinton Participating Shops
Milan Participating Shops
Sunday, May 14th - "Sunset Sunday"
Join us again on our social media accounts as we close out the week with a gorgeous sunset video at the Put-in-Bay sign located at South Bass Island State Park. Our welcome centers are closed on Sunday, but we hope you’ve enjoyed all the ways Shores & Islands Ohio is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week! Get ready to travel this summer and equest your Shores & Islands Ohio Play + Stay Guide 2023!