Island State of Mind: Play at Put-in-Bay
Whether you're a foodie, antiquer, nature lover, or adventure seeker, discover dozens of activities for all ages to enjoy as you punch your ticket to paradise.
Put-in-Bay is a tiny island with a huge personality.
“It has that party island reputation,” Jill Bauer, public relations manager for Shores and Islands Ohio. “It has great island entertainment and the most bars per capita, but you can make the island what you want.”
Start with a shopping trip for local treasures. For coastal casual wear, gifts and souvenirs, venture to Dockside Gifts, Put-in-Bay T-Shirt Shop, Shirt Shack and Dock 41. In search of something a bit fancier to wear to dinner, check out Lake Effects Boutique and Blue Drift Boutique. Meanwhile, Jessie’s Jewelry and the Little Store are ideal places to pick up wearable pieces of beach glass and other island keepsakes.
Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, sunset view, swim-up or swing-seat bar, live music, perch tacos, walleye bites, barbecued chicken, all-day breakfast food, po’boys, grouper fingers, conch fritters, perfect handcrafted cocktails, local wine or a refreshing brew, Put-in-Bay’s more than 20 dining destinations will please your palate from dawn until long after dusk.
For the young and kids-at-heart, there are dozens of family-friendly activities. Start at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, where you’ll find a butterfly house, mini golf course, giant maze, gemstone mining, rock climbing and an antique car museum. Check Dodge Woods Storywalk Trail and the Chocolate Cafe and Museum off your list before heading to Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave — home to the world’s largest geode.
Extend your stay by choosing from an array of options, including the Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel & Conference Center; the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel; the Black Squirrel B&B, which features a pool tiki bar and golf cart and bike rentals; or the All Star Ohio House, a trendy sports-themed haven that sleeps 22.
Adventures for all ages: A trip to the top of the 352-foot-tall Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must. “We wouldn’t be sitting here today if it weren’t for the Battle of Lake Erie and War of 1812. You can learn a lot there,” Bauer says. “It’s also the most amazing view of the shores and islands in the region.”
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