ITINERARY 1
ISLAND TIME
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Have a quick bite at your lodging, or grab-and-go from the Orchard Farm Stand or Root to Rise Wellness Café before heading out on the water!
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Need bait and supplies? Herb’s Bait, Tackle, and Drive-Thru has you covered. This self-proclaimed “boujee” bait store offers all the necessities to enjoy your day on Lake Erie!
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Grab your rod, reel, and bait and head to Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay! Grab a golf cart and head to South Bass Island State Park for some great shore fishing and spectacular Lake Erie views. You can even snap a selfie at the new Put-in-Bay sign in the state park.
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If fishing has gotten you hungry, head downtown to Put-in-Bay where delicious options from Lobster Bisque at The Boardwalk restaurant to the Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery, or even Big Man’s Burrito Stand. There are options for almost any taste that are sure not to disappoint!
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After lunch, if you’re still itching for more fishing, head over to Oak Point State Park for an additional shore fishing experience! Just down the road is the Aquatic Visitors Center (which will re-open in 2025), where you can learn about lake health, various aquatic species, the history of the Lake Erie fishery, and kids 16 yrs. old and younger can fish for free with fishing equipment available to borrow.
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If you’d like to take a break from fishing, enjoy the shops and entertainment in downtown Put-in-Bay or explore some history at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to learn about the area’s important place in the War of 1812.
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If you didn’t spend the afternoon in downtown Put-in-Bay, the evening is a perfect time to enjoy the bars and live entertainment (just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry!). For a slightly calmer atmosphere, head back to the mainland to enjoy dinner or drinks at Twin Oast Brewery or Gideon Owen Wine Company, or enjoy classic Italian American fare at Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano.
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If you’re on the mainland, you can end your evening with a sunset view (or even some more fishing) at Catawba Island State Park.
ITINERARY 2
ON YOUR OWN TIME
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If your dream is to captain your own fishing boat, then Vermilion Marina Boat Rentals has you covered! But before we get there, let’s make sure our bellies are full! Stop by The Pavilion Grill & Tavern for a nice breakfast, or take something to go from Bowl Thyme. Both options are sure to fill you up for a day on the lake!
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Once your hunger has been satisfied, head to Vermilion Marina Boat Rentals to finish up the rental process. Please note, it is best to make a reservation well in advance so you can rent the vessel most appropriate for your needs. Boats may be rented for 2, 4, or 8 hours, and multiple day rental discounts are available if one day of fishing is just not enough!
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If your rental was only a few hours, then lunch in downtown Vermilion is a must! Rudy’s Bar and Grill or Quaker Steak & Lube both offer excellent lunch menus, and Quaker Steak even offers wonderful views of the Vermilion River! After lunch, discover the shops and beach in downtown Vermilion, or head just a few minutes south to explore Quarry Hill Orchards and Quarry Hill Winery in Berlin Heights!
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Whether you spent the afternoon on the water, or shopping downtown, Vermilion will offer you a plethora of options. Pick from one you haven’t visited listed earlier in this itinerary, or for an upscale delight, check out Chez Francois (and/or their more casual space Touché Wine & Martini Bar). Or just a short drive you will find Sandy Ridge Vineyards & Mercantile which serves local, domestic, and international wines and delicious bites!
ITINERARY 3
TAKE ME FISHING!
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Start your morning early with breakfast or grab something for the road at Root to Rise Wellness Café. Then make your way to your charter for the day. If you plan ahead, you can book with one of our many private charters or go with a walk-on head boat (just be sure to check their schedule) such as Shore-Nuf Charters or Tibbels Fishing Charter Service. These captains know Lake Erie and know their fish! They will do everything they can to make sure you go home with some delicious Lake Erie perch or walleye! If you need any bait, gear, or some snacks for lunch, Tibbels and Shore-Nuf both have stores on site for all your needs! Many private fishing charters will offer lunch options in their pricing, but be sure to ask! No one wants a hungry angler!
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After your return to the mainland, head to downtown Marblehead to peruse the local shops, or to the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park for great views and to observe the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes (celebrating over 200 years of lighting the way!).
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When it’s time for dinner, Beach Glass Lounge will delight the senses with fine dining fare and a gorgeous glass chandelier blown by local glass artist Cary Ferguson. Or, if you’ve just not had enough of the Lake Erie breeze in your hair, head to Dock’s Beach House to enjoy lakefront dining.
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After dinner, in-season, head to downtown Port Clinton to enjoy live, outdoor entertainment at The District, or enjoy a drink at a local downtown establishment.
