Tales of Trails Hero

TALES OF TRAILS

Customized Getaway Guides Designed for You

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

  • 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. 

Wake Up & Waffle Sandwich

  • 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. 

  • 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!   

  • 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. 

  • 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.  

Dockside Cafe Aerial

J Bistro


ITINERARY 2

  FUN WITH FRIENDS

Oak Harbor Gold Club

Paddle faster!

  • 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.  

  • 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. 

     

Marblehead Lighthouse


ITINERARY 3

  FAMILY FRIENDLY

  • Start the morning with a delicious breakfast at The Orchard Farmstand, with local ingredients, and a beautiful setting to wander after your breakfast.  

Orchard Farm Stand

  • 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. 

Perry's Monument

Toft's Dairy