MADE IN OHIO – Craft Festival at Hale Farm and Village

BATH, OHIO — The 3^rd Annual Hale Farm & Village Made in Ohio Craft Festival on Saturday, September 1, 2012, offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with more than 80 Ohio craft and food exhibitors and live entertainment, all mingled with Northeast Ohio history in this serene Cuyahoga Valley outdoor living history museum. The reduced adult admission fee for the day – only $5 – includes all that the museum has to offer, such as tours of historic homes, craft and trade demonstrations; hearth and woodstove cooking, livestock demonstrations, gardens, and more.

In addition to Ohio-made arts & crafts, the festival will feature area restaurants and produce vendors. “The Made in Ohio Festival is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of Ohio artists and shop locally produced items and produce,” said event founder and coordinator Renee Flynn. “The venue of Hale Farm & Village is a bonus. Guests will be able to soak in Western Reserve history while shopping for area-made goods and foods.”

 Hale Farm & Village is a valuable educational resource for Northeast Ohio, serving as a laboratory for discovery and preservation of traditional craft technologies and featuring artisans creating quality reproductions and signature pieces reflecting the past. Made in Ohio celebrates and enhances this longstanding artisan tradition.

 The event runs from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 1. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate. For more information on Hale Farm & Village visit www.halefarm.org.

————————             

Hale Farm & Village, a museum of Western Reserve Historical Society, is Northeast Ohio’s premier outdoor living history museum depicting daily life for mid-19^th century residents of the Western Reserve.  Located in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley in Bath Township, Hale Farm & Village features dozens of historic structures, farm animals, heritage gardens, hearth cooking and early American craft and trade demonstrations, bringing history to life for visitors of all ages.  

Founded in 1867, Western Reserve Historical Society is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit regional historical societies in the nation. WRHS inspires people to discover the American experience by exploring the tangible history of Northeast Ohio.

Submitted by:
Kelly Falcone,  Vice President
Hale Farm & Village
216.721.5722 x1507

LOUDONVILLE PACKED WITH GREAT SEPTEMBER FAIRS

Loudonville, Ohio –

 “Just because summer is winding down does not mean great family memories have ended in Loudonville, Heart of Mohican Country,” remarked Bob Yun, Executive Director of the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau.  “Overnight lodging is already filling up for Labor Day, so make reservations today for hotels, campgrounds, canoes, even the zip line.  But in Loudonville, back to school does not means our vacation season has ended.”

September is packed with a myriad of fairs, festivals and special events for the whole family.  The fun starts Labor Day weekend with the Mohican Traditions Arts & Crafts Festival September 1 in Central Park.  Hoping to strike it rich in a gold-panning competition, check out Gold Rush Days in Bellville September 1 and 2. 

The following weekend is Colonial Soldiers Weekend at Wolf Creek Grist Mill September 8-9.  The event includes colonial encampment, cannon demonstrations, wigwam building and more.  Enjoy trading demonstrations, even a battle re-creation.

The next weekend features three great events.  September 13 – 15 includes the Bluegrass Festival at Mohican Wilderness, one of the country’s leading festivals promoting high school bluegrass bands.  Just up  Wally Road at Mohican Reservation September 14-16 is the Great Mohican Pow-Wow.  This 28 year old favorite includes Native American dancing, story telling, drum competition, crafts, and traders.  North of Loudonville September 14-15 is Log Cabin Days at Hochstetler Mill.  Spend the day touring log homes, watch lumberjack competition, log cabin raising, log home related exhibitors, enjoy Amish food and much more.   Don’t forget the Greentown Commemoration & Resurrection September 15.  On the site of a native American village west of Perrysville, remember the unfortunate burning of Greentown during the War of 1812 and its rebirth today.

The last weekend of September includes Oktoberfest at Wolf Creek Grist Mill September 29.  Enjoy an Old World style German atmosphere with great food, live bands, and beer (wine tastings too.)  For a small fee transportation to and from participating hotels and campgrounds is available.  At nearby Malabar Farm State Park, September 29 and 30, is the 36th Ohio Heritage Days.  It is one of Ohio’s largest free outdoor craft and live-history festivals and is free of charge.  Enjoy crafts, primitives, antiques, horses, foods, live music, Civil War & Buck Skinners camp.  In Butler September 29 & 30 is the Prairie Peddler.  Over 170 traditional and modern craftsmen demonstrate and sell their handmade items in a beautiful wooded late 1877’s setting.  Enjoy homemade food, snacks and desserts prepared over open fires.  Live continuous musical entertainment too.

 “Like we said, September is packed with an incredible variety of special events of interest to the entire family, ” Yun added.  “And just like Labor Day, make those September overnight reservations today.”  Of course, visitors can still enjoy a canoe trip, zip line, and in Mohican State Park hike, mountain bike, and ride a horse.  Loudonville’s quaint Victorian downtown shops will also be open to enjoy.

For more information on these and other events in Loudonville and to request a free 2012 Getaway Planner, contact the Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau toll-free at 877-2MOHICAN or email requests to Info@DiscoverMohican.com.  Detailed information about all these fairs and festivals is also available at www.DiscoverMohican.com. 

Submitted by
Bob Yun
Executive Director
Mohican-Loudonville Visitors Bureau
131 W. Main Street,  Loudonville OH  44842
419-994-2519

The Akron Zoo snow leopard cubs will make their first appearance August 13, 2012.

AKRON, Ohio – The snow leopard cubs that were born on May 14, 2012 at the zoo will make their first public appearance on Monday, August 13, 2012 from 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. They will continue to be on exhibit everyday during those hours for the time being until they are bigger and can be out longer. The zoo will also be holding a naming contest. The zoo has narrowed the choices down to five and people can vote for two of the five names at www.akronzoo.org The contest starts today, August 10, 2012 and will run through Monday, August 20, 2012.
 
The five choices people are able to vote for are Tai (tie), which means “mountain” in Mongolic language and is the where the snow leopards inhabit; Layan (LAY-an) which is short for Himalayan Mountains, where snow leopards are indigenous to, and also means gentle and soft; Raj (r ah j) meaning “king” or “rule,” origin is Indian; Kovo (cove-O) meaning “strong,” origin is Indian; and Sabu (SAH-boo) which is the Tibetan word for snow leopard. At the conclusion of the contest everyone that has chosen the winning combination will be entered into a drawing and one winner will be selected to win a sponsorship of the cubs for one year which includes a certificate, a photo and a stuffed snow leopard toy.
 
Currently at 12 weeks old the cubs weigh about 12 pounds and are thriving. According to their primary keeper, Sarah Kirkman, “The cubs are starting to act more and more like snow leopards. They have displayed great balance just in the past week or two and have been climbing and jumping and becoming a lot more adventurous. Their mom, Shanti, has been doing wonderfully with them and has been great at tolerating them climbing all over her and is very playful with them.”

Snow leopards are an endangered species and only nine cubs have been born this year that are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) in the United States. Snow leopards are an endangered species primarily due to loss of habitat, illegal poaching for their pelts and body parts and killings by local herders when a snow leopard has preyed on their livestock. There are only 155 snow leopards in the SSP in the U.S. and there are believed to be as few as 4,000 left in the wild. 

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.

Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation Zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the Zoo strives to provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

Discover The History of The Flying Scavengers With The Cleveland Metroparks Hinkley Reservation “Hear Here!” Audio Tour

Cleveland Metroparks is yours to explore when you take part in “Hear Here!” – an Audio Tour of Cleveland Metroparks, which runs through December 31.              

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a half-day adventure on a self-led tour celebrating five different sites in Hinkley Reservation in Hinckley Township. Spend a morning or afternoon alone or with a group of people, hop in the car, and get ready to tune your radio to 1620 AM at each “Hear Here!” site for interesting facts about the area you are visiting.               

The Hear Here! tour is perfect for all ages and allows park patrons the flexibility of experiencing the tour all in one day or by making different stops on different days.               

At one of the stops, visitors can learn about the history and origin of the Buzzard Day. What originally began as an astute observation by a park ranger, Buzzard Day, or Buzzard Sunday as it is now called, became a holiday that attracts thousands of pairs of eyes. No one knows for certain why turkey vultures (buzzards) return to Hinckley Reservation every March 15. Could it be because of an attempt by a group of farmers to rid the area of harmful wild animals or is it the inviting environment that is perfect for roosting buzzards? 

Learn more about the Buzzard Roost and turkey vultures, as well as the four other sites on this audio tour. To experience the wonders of the five sites even more, visitors are encouraged to get out and explore by hiking, picnicking or just relaxing at the site. 

The broadcast may be in progress. But the message repeats itself and can be listened to more than once to ensure all the fascinating details about the site and its surroundings are covered. 

For maps or directions to help locate “Hear Here!” sites, visit http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-635-3200.

Above information courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks.

Inaugural Medina Story Festival September 22, 2012

We all love a good story.  From listening to Grandpa talk about “the good old days” to that friend with great comedic timing, storytelling is engrained in the human condition.  We only remember a fraction of what we read, but when someone shares a good story it becomes a gift we feel compelled to pass along.

“Storytelling touches our lives, but we rarely stop to think about it.  Social media is dominated by stories.  We wanted to bring storytelling back to its roots and create the face-to-face craft of storytelling in Medina.  We want people to realize their lives are story-worthy”, says organizer and Medina County District Library Assistant Director, Theresa Laffey.

Hence, the Inaugural “Medina Story Festival” was born.   The festival will feature professional storytellers, storytelling workshops, and story-based performances and puppetry, all in the beautiful Medina Library.  

Nine professional storytellers will present the many facets of storytelling. From genealogy research through family stories to a story “swap”, much like a poetry-slam, and good old-fashioned folk and fairy tales for all ages.  Young children will also enjoy a puppet show, interactive performances and entertaining shows. 

The Medina Library is located at 210 S. Broadway St., on Medina’s Historic Square.  The festival will be Saturday, September 22 from 10am – 4pm.

Christine Gramm, manager of the Medina Library says, “We want to keep the art of storytelling alive and help families find their voices.  There’s just something wonderful about an engaging story told by someone with a knack for storytelling.  You remember it, you want to share it, stories become a part of the human experience.”

The Medina Story Festival is a collaborative effort between the Medina County District Library and the Medina County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Next year we want to expand out of the library and onto Medina’s Square.  We hope to create quite a following for future Story Festivals”, Dan Hostetler from the Medina County Visitor’s Bureau says.

Funding for the Story Festival is provided through grants from The Friends of Medina County District Library, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, and the Medina County Arts Council.

For more information visit www.mcdl.info or www.visitmedinacounty.com.(submitted by Medina County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau)

For additional Northern Ohio festivals click here.

Princess and Pirate Night at the Akron Zoo

AKRON, Ohio – On Saturday, July 28, the Akron Zoo will host Princess and Pirate Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Children can come dressed in their best princess gown or pirate garb and go on an adventure throughout the zoo and look for treasure. Afterwards, visitors can choose to stay the night at Snooze at the Zoo for an extended adventure.  

To go along with the theme of princesses and pirates, the zoo will highlight frogs and parrots. Conrad Conservation, the zoo’s mascot, will be there to take pictures with all the princesses and pirates. There will also be a special live animal show.

Throughout the evening, the princesses and pirates can enjoy face painting, a costume contest, bouncy houses and crafts. The optional Snooze at the Zoo that takes place afterwards includes a night hike, behind-the-scenes tour, animal feeding, crafts, an animal program and more.

Tickets for Princess and Pirate Night for Akron Zoo members are $7 for adults and $9 for children. For non-members, tickets are $12 for adults and $14 for children. To participate in the program and the overnight snooze, tickets are $36 for adults and $32 for children for Akron Zoo members. Tickets for non-members are $50 for adults and $48 for children.

Registration is required for the overnight snooze and guests can register by calling 330-375-2550 or by visiting www.akronzoo.org.  

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.

Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation Zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the Zoo strives to provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

Submitted by:

Contact:
David Barnhardt
Akron Zoo
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT AT HALE FARM & VILLAGE

Union and Confederate Soldiers, Civilians, Cavalry, and Merchants bring the American Civil War to life

August 10, 2012, Candlelight Tour of Union & Confederate Camps, 6:00 pm
August 11-12, 2012, Civil War Reenactment, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
August 11, 2012, Civil War Ball, 8:00 to 10:30pm

$10 Adults; $5 Children (age 3-12)
WRHS Members and Children age 2 & under are always free.

Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath Township, OH

BATH, OHIO — Hale Farm & Village, a museum of Western Reserve Historical Society, brings the Civil War to life at the annual Civil War Reenactment, August 11-12, 2012, with a preview of the encampment on Friday, August 10th.  More than 500 re-enactors are expected to participate, making this one of the largest annual Civil War events in Ohio.   Guests will meet soldiers and civilians, hear the sounds of battle, smell the gunpowder, shake hands with President Lincoln, and shop for a hoopskirt.

“The Civil War Reenactment at Hale Farm & Village is Ohio’s largest reenactment in 2012,” says Colonel Bob Minton, Army of the Ohio Civil War Reenactors.  “More than 50 mounted cavalry, new camp locations, the addition of a central performance area, earthworks, trenches, and redoubts, make the 2012 event the most exciting to date.”  The registration for re-enactors to participate has been extended to July 31, 2012.

“We are now entering the 150th of the second year of the War. The scenarios we have planned this year are going to reflect the larger scale of what was going on in 1862. Hale Farm & Village is a perfect location to recreate engagements during the Peninsula Campaign and an early form of trench warfare,” says Colonel Chris Smith, 2nd Battalion Commander for Birney’s Division, a national organization of Civil War Reenactors.

New in 2012! 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will fire the Ohio Statehouse Cannons! Battery A, modelled after a Civil War-era Union Army artillery unit, was commissioned by the State of Ohio. The soldiers of Battery A are not only trained to demonstrate the Statehouse’s restored, Civil War-era guns, but also to talk about the everyday life of a soldier, including work, clothing, diet, medical care, battle and recreation. Meet and talk with the soldiers of the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A throughout the day.

Also, new this year is an evening Candlelight Tour of Camps.  Guests are invited on a candlelit walk throughout the Hale Farm & Village grounds, Friday, August 10, 2012 at 6:00 pm.  The lantern-lit tour will lead visitors through Union and Confederate Camps where they will get a behind the scenes look at the men, women, and children whose passion for history makes the Civil War come to life.

From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, 2012, guests will relive the American Civil War experience.  At 2:00 pm daily, the recreation of Civil War battles in the museum’s North Pasture is just one feature of the event.  Cannons will roar across the re-created battlefield amidst the soldiers, smoke, and gunfire.  Cavalry will charge as the battle unfolds just yards away.

Guests experience the entire flavor and ambience of the Civil War era: soldier skirmishes, appearances by “President Lincoln”, Civil War era music and entertainment, a fashion show of Civil War military and civilian dress, the US Cavalry, and the 4th annual Civil War Ball.  They will meet the men and women who reenact this seminal event in the nation’s history when visiting Union and Confederate soldier and civilian camps, witness the medical practices of the era, and shop along Sutler’s Row for unique items such as shoes, corsets, dresses, foods, and other fine goods from the period.

On Friday, August 10th visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at the move-in and preparation that takes place for the weekend events.  They can watch the reenactors set up and prepare for the weekend, the cavalry arrival, the northern and southern camps being built, and the bustle of staff preparing for the Farm’s biggest event of the year.  This day is also perfect for media to capture the magic that goes into the creation of this event.  Please contact Angie Lowrie to arrange a visit.  alowrie@wrhs.org.

Guests can stay longer Saturday, August 11 for evening events.
Civil War Reenactment Ball
August 11   8:00 – 10:30 pm
Guests dance the Virginia Reel and spin back to the Civil War era at the Hale Farm & Village Civil War Ball.  Reenactors and Hale Farm & Village costumed staff will join the festivities.   8:00-10:30pm. $5 Admission and reservations required. Call 330.666.3711 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Advance general admission tickets are available for purchase at www.halefarm.org.  General admission will also be at the gate.  Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child age 3-12.  Children 2 & under and WRHS members are FREE.  A 2-day Civil War Pass is available for $15 per adult and $7.50 per child age 3-12.  Group rates for parties of 15 people or more are available.  Call 330-666-3711.

Reservations required for the August 10, 2012, Candlelight Tour Preview. 330.666.3711 x1720. Admission: WRHS members: $15; non-members: $25.

All Western Reserve Historical Society Civil War programming is part of the statewide initiative to honor the Civil War Sesquicentennial.  Information on events is posted at www.halefarm.org.

Hale Farm & Village, a museum of Western Reserve Historical Society, is Northeast Ohio’s premier outdoor living history museum depicting daily life for mid-19th century residents of the Western Reserve.  Located in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley in Bath Township, Hale Farm & Village features dozens of historic structures, farm animals, heritage gardens, hearth cooking and early American craft and trade demonstrations, bringing history to life for visitors of all ages. 

Founded in 1867, Western Reserve Historical Society is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit regional historical societies in the nation. WRHS inspires people to discover the American experience by exploring the tangible history of Northeast Ohio.

Submitted by:
Angie Lowrie
Director of Marketing & Sales
Western Reserve Historical Society 
216-721-5722 x1405

“Help Drive Out Hunger” Put-in-Bay Food Drive

 

Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay offers discount for donated goods, benefiting Help Drive Out Hunger

 

• Collection drive already underway 
• Tuesday, July 17 bring food or personal care item and receive savings aboard the Miller Ferry

 

Put-in-Bay, Ohio – July, 2012 – The island community of Put-in-Bay, Ohio lends a hand in collecting food and goods for a “Help Drive Out Hunger” collection campaign. On Tuesday, July 17, cruise aboard the Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay, contribute at least one nonperishable food or personal care item, and you’ll receive savings of $2.00 off round trip adult (12 years and over) and/or a $1.00 off round trip child (6 thru 11 years). The Put-in-Bay Employees Care volunteer group will deliver the collected goods on July 18 to the Cleveland Food Bank, Cherry Street Mission in Toledo and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church Put-in-Bay food pantry. 

 

The collection drive kicked off July 1st on

Put-in-Bay.  Anyone is welcome to drop donations off at collection boxes at Frosty Bar, Pasquale’s, The Put-in-Bay Brewery, and the Miller Boat Line office. Items most needed include canned meats and tuna, canned vegetables, peanut butter, toothpaste and toothbrushes, meal mixes, tissues, cases of water, laundry detergent, body soap and shampoo, deodorant, men’s razors, toilet paper, soups, trash bags, hot chocolate, sugar. Please no expired goods. 

 

Learn how you, your family, company or organization can contribute and be involved, follow Put-in-Bay Employees Care on Facebook or call Cara Nicholson at 419-341-5130. For Put-in-Bay Miller Ferry schedules, events and attractions visit www.MillerFerry.com or call 800-500-2421.

 

What:   Food and personal goods collection for Toledo and Cleveland food banks
When:   Tuesday, July 17
Where:   Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay, passenger/auto ferries from Catawba
 Donate a nonperishable food or personal care item and
receive $2 off a round trip adult and/or $1 off a round trip child Put-in-Bay ticket. For more information visit www.millerferry.com

 

Above submitted by
Julene Market
Miller Boat Line
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
800 500 2421
lakeeffects@aol.com
http://millerferry.com

 

 

31st Anniversary of Lodi’s Sweet Corn Festival

The 31st Anniversary of Lodi’s Sweet Corn Festival will take place Thursday, July 19th to Saturday, July 21st at Letha House Field which is directly across from the Lodi Community Library on Wooster Street.

Thursday, July 19 and Friday, July 20, the rides and midway open at 4pm. The midway is filled with food vendors, games, rides and fun for all ages. The Parade with a ‘Christmas in July’ theme will be on Thursday, July 19 at 6:30pm. Line up begins at 5:30pm on Railroad Street and the Opening Ceremony on the Square at 6:15pm. The rides and midway will close at 11pm both days. A spectacular fireworks display by Mad Bomber Fireworks will be at 10:30pm on Friday, July 20th.

Saturday, July 21st is the 5K Run at 8am and begins at Lodi Elementary. The midway opens at 12noon with rides opening at 1pm. At 10:30pm is the raffle grand prize drawing; rides and midway close at 11pm.

For complete information: website

Submitted by
Medina County Visitor’s Bureau
Medina’s Square, 32 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
330.722.5502 | 800.860.2943
website

Escape to an Ohio Island

If you want to escape to a place that will make you feel that you have really left home, then may we suggest a little Island exploring on Put-in-Bay. Located in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is just one of four Islands. Put-in-Bay is home to the third tallest national monument as well a very popular destination for friends and families to enjoy a little Island paradise.

There are different ways to get to the Island during the summer. By private boat, plane or ferry. On our journey we chose to take Miller Ferry. A 20 minute ride over to Put-in-Bay. Whether you want to walk on the ferry, take a bike, car, camper or motorcycle, Miller Ferry can accommodate. We decided we would leave our car at the dock in the provided free parking area. (Miller Ferry departs Catawba End of Rt. 53 North, off Rt. 2. For GPS enter: 5174 East Water St. Port Clinton, Ohio, www.millerferry.com, 800-500-2421)

Once off the ferry we opted to rent a golf cart for our day’s exploration of the Island. We made our selection at E’s Golf Carts. E’s is a family-owned business located at the top of the Miller Boat Dock. They offer 2-4-6 and 8 passenger gas powered carts. They were extremely friendly and answered all
our questions. (419.285.5553)

If golf carts are not your idea, then Put-in-Bay also offers bicycles, taxis and an Island Train. (For more info see “Getting Around the Islands“.)

1st stop:
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center
(979 Catawba Ave.)
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center offers a wide arrange of things to do, such as Fort aMaze, Rock Climbing wall, 18-hole miniature golf, antique car museum and what we came for Perry’s Cave.

Perry’s Cave was originally discovered by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. The underground lake that is shown to the right was a resource for fresh drinking water for the troops. The tour of the limestone cave lasts about 20 minutes and is not handicapped accessible.

Butterfly House
(1/2 mile from downtown Catawba Ave.)
The butterfly house located next door to Perry’s Cave is a 4,000 sq. ft. aviary. Here you will experience butterflies flying all around as well as on you. There is an educational presentation available at no extra charge. Attached to the aviary is 5,000 sq. ft. gift shop filled with everything butterfly, garden gifts, nature gifts and more.

2nd stop:
Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave
The winery was founded in 1888 by Gustav Heineman. Besides the delicious wine created here, the Winery is also known for it’s Crystal Caves. The world’s largest geode was discovered in 1897 while the digging for a well. The walls of the cave are covered in strontium sulfate, a blueish mineral called celestite.

3rd stop:
Perry’s International Peace Memorial and Visitor’s Center
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was erected on Put-in-Bay to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812.

During our visit we were fascinated by the all the history located within the visitor center. Throughout the warmer season the visitor center offers various events such as free concerts and firing and living history demonstrations. The day we visited we were treated to a battlefield troop cooking demonstration.

4th stop:
The Boardwalk
(located on Bay View Ave, downtown)
All this touring can really work up an appetite. And one place that is a must stop on the Island is The Boardwalk. If you love seafood, then a bowl of their Famous Lobster Bisque is a must have. Another of our favorite dishes is the perch. If you do not like seafood they offer hamburgers and fries, nachos, salads and more.

If The Boardwalk does not interest you there are plenty of other wonderful places to dine.

5th stop:
Put-in-Bay Winery on the Doller Estate
(392 Bayview Drive)
Home tours and wine tasting.
Not only can you taste and enjoy the wine created at the winery you can tour the Doller House. This historic Victorian Italian ate Doller Mansion was home to Valentine Doller, one of the Island’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. During your tour of the home you will learn about island living and how the home evolved. Outside in a separate building you will get to see the last remaining ice house and a display of how winter travel across the ice evolved.

The Put-in-Bay Winery also offer an exhibit that follows the grape from its seed state to in the bottle. After your tour of the winery, visitors are welcome to a wine tasting and/or to shop their gift shop. You may also enjoy a glass of wine in their area garden or the panoramic front porch which offers a spectacular view of Lake Erie.

6th stop:
Stonehenge Historic Home Tour
(808 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay)
During the 1800’s many grape growing farms and wineries prospered on the island. This beautiful historic landmark is just one of those estates that has been preserved and made available throughout the summer months to the public to tour. The stone home and wine press cottage are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the items you are able to view include island memorabilia and antiques from a time gone by. There is also a gift shop located on the premises where you will find many unique items.

7th stop: South Bass Island State Park
Catawba Ave. 419.285.2112
If you are looking to spend a little time with nature may we suggest the South Bass Island State Park? This beautiful campground includes 120 non-electric tent camping sites and eleven full service RV sites with electric and sewer hook-ups. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. The park also offer the following amenities; a children’s playground, waterfront campsites, pier fishing, a pebble swimming beach, jet ski and watercraft rentals and snack and coffee shop.

Additional things to know:

• If you plan on staying on the island overnight, many of the local accommodations require a two night stay on the weekends.
• You will need a State Driver’s License for any Golf Cart Rentals
• Check out Miller Ferry’s website for coupons.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes!
• Make sure you check the ferry schedule for last departure.

Our future Put-in-Bay Island to do list:

• Parasailing
• A ferry jaunt to Middle Bass Island
• Learn about the famed Hotel Victory that once stood where the State Park now resides. Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum off Catawba Ave., downtown
• Kayak the Bay
• Jet Ski the Bay
• Take the tour Train
• Check out the Chocolate Museum

For additional information about Put-in-Bay please see our Lake Erie Island page.

For additional one day trip ideas click here.

1855 Original Put-in-Bay School House