Itineraries designed for those seeking adventure and discovery off the beaten path. These Shores & Islands Ohio trails are not your typical hiking routes, but immersive experiences that lead you through landscapes, cultural treasures, and really take you to those hidden gems. Each trail promises a unique adventure that combines exploration, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
ITINERARY 1
TALES OF TRAILS
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Begin your day with a classic morning cocktail and a Liège style waffle, or coffee and eggs Benedict over savory garlic and chive waffles, at Wake up and Waffle in Sandusky.
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Just a short walk will bring you to Washington Park where you can walk amongst the foliage and observe several sculptures that are part of our Fine Art Trail. As you stroll the park you may notice one or more small, decorated lighthouses which dot the town. These are part of the Sandusky Mini-Lighthouse Trail.
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On the edge of the park sits a unique, circular building housing an equally unique museum! The Merry-Go-Round Museum (part of our Shores & Islands Heritage Trail) highlights the history, craftsmanship, and of course, the fun and nostalgia of riding a carousel!
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After your museum visit, if you are in the mood for more history knowledge, head to the Maritime Museum of Sandusky (also part of the Shores & Islands Heritage Trail) to learn about the region’s coastal and maritime history including ice harvesting and the area’s importance to the Underground Railroad (for more Underground Railroad sites, please stop by our welcome centers for a copy of our Underground Railroad Trail brochure and map!). Alternately, if shopping calls your name, head to downtown Sandusky to peruse the many shops along Columbus Ave. and the surrounding streets, including the Marketplace Downtown, where you began the day.
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When lunch starts calling, in the summer season, stop by Dockside Café for a delicious bite and a fantastic view of Sandusky Bay. Or stop by OH Taco for some south of the border cuisine and delicious cocktails.
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If thrill seeking is in order for the afternoon, head to North Coast Parasail and Watersports (part of the Shores & Islands Thrills Trail) for an afternoon of parasailing or jet skiing on Sandusky Bay. For the land lovers among us, visit the Cooke-Dorn House Historic Site, or explore the Underground Railroad history with the brochure and trail mentioned above!
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Time for a pint? Just a short drive away is CLAG Brewery and Small City Taphouse (part of the Cheers Trail) where you can try an amazing variety of brews made onsite and around the world. Stay and enjoy the delicious cuisine, or for an even more upscale setting, head to J. Bistro to enjoy some of the finest dining Downtown Sandusky has to offer.
ITINERARY 2
FUN WITH FRIENDS
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It’s always tee time on the Shores & Islands Golf Trail, so if golf is at the “fore” front of your mind, start the day with a round at Oak Harbor Golf Club and enjoy lunch after the game at the Village Grill & Patio onsite.
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If birdies and bogeys just aren’t your thing, your group can begin the day exploring the area’s history with the Shores & Islands Heritage Trail. The Wolcott Keeper’s House and the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum and Life Saving Station will give you the opportunity to envision the life of the first keepers of our over 200-year-old Marblehead Lighthouse. After exploring downtown Marblehead and its shops, continue on the Heritage Trail to the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton to learn about the aviation history. After touring the museum enjoy lunch at the onsite Tin Goose Diner (in season) or just a short jaunt, try some delicious Italian cuisine at Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano.
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For those longing for a little lake adventure, the mainland offers several spots along the Lake Erie Islands Water Trail to launch a kayak or canoe including Catawba Island State Park. Just a short drive west, Portage River Paddling Company can help you out with a kayak or canoe rental if you don’t have your own.
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For the group less inclined to lake time, take a ride to Twin Oast Brewing and/or Gideon Owen Wine Company (both part of our Cheers Trail) for delicious locally crafted beer and wine, as well as tasty bites! With a great atmosphere, delicious food, and frequent entertainment and events, either will be the perfect stop to relax and end your day.
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If the group isn’t done yet though, head to Downtown Port Clinton to enjoy live music and drinks in the DORA district, or head to Dock’s Beach House for some food, drinks, and toes in the sand.
ITINERARY 3
FAMILY FRIENDLY
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Start the morning with a delicious breakfast at The Orchard Farmstand, with local ingredients, and a beautiful setting to wander after your breakfast.
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From the Farmstand, head north to the Miller Ferry to head to Put-in-Bay. Spend a fun filled day on the island visiting Heritage Trail sites such as Perry’s International Victory & Peace Memorial and Visitor Center, where you will learn about the area’s connection to the War of 1812, or the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum. Continue on to tour not one, but TWO caves the island has to offer. While it is a stop on our Cheers Trail, in addition to offering samples and glasses of island made wines, Heineman Winery also offers a family friendly tour of the winery and Crystal Cave (the world’s largest known Celestite geode!), the youngsters of the group can try island made grape juice at the end of the tour. Just across the street is Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, which offers another excellent tour, as well as a Butterfly House, miniature golf, a rock climbing wall, and antique car museum.
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Heading back to downtown Put-in-Bay, the dining options abound! Try Frosty’s Pizza, Pasquale’s Café, or the famous lobster bisque at The Boardwalk, which are just a few of your choices! Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island before heading back to the mainland for dinner and miniature golf at Fast Eddie’s Sports Park, Bar & Kitchen which has something to offer the palate of any age. Round the day out with a stop at Toft Dairy for some delicious locally made ice cream!