Where Can I Enjoy Winter Fun in Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands?

It looks like Old Man Winter has finally woken up! We aren’t sure how long he’ll stick around so take advantage of the weather while you can. Get out and enjoy this winter wonderland!

Cross Country Skiing

Coupling MetroPark
11618 SR 13, Milan
419.625.7783

DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve
1805 River Rd., Huron
419.625.7783

East Harbor State Park
1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 169), Marblehead
419.734.4424 ext. 2

East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
419.625.7783

Edison Woods MetroPark
10186 Ceylon Rd. (SR 61), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783

Kelleys Island State Park
920 Division St., Kelleys Island
419.746.2546 or 419.734.4424

Osborn MetroPark
3910 Perkins Ave., Huron
419.625.7783

Pelton Park
800 Pelton Park Dr. (off Hull Rd.), Sandusky
419.625.7783

Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
419.433.3800

Ice Fishing

Ice formation on Lake Erie encourages hardy anglers to experience the unique winter fishing opportunities in the area however, warmer temperatures have put a damper on this year’s ice fishing so far. Please call Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center – West at 800.441.1271 for an up-to-date fishing report.

Ice Skating

East Harbor State Park
1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 169), Marblehead
419.734.4424

Jaycee Park
1539 Milan Rd., Sandusky
419.627.5886 or 419.627.5884    ci.sandusky.oh.us

Lions Park
421 LaSalle St., Sandusky
419.627.5886 or 419.627.5884

Waterworks Park
Perry St. (SR 163), Port Clinton
419.734.5522

Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
419.433.3800

Sledding

Coupling MetroPark
11618 SR 13, Huron
419.625.7783

Edison Woods MetroPark
10186 Ceylon Rd. (SR 61), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783

Heigel Park
N.W. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.5522

Mills Creek Golf Course Sledding
1933 Mills St., Sandusky
419.627.5803 or 419.627.5884

Taft Hill
S. Taft St., Port Clinton
419.734.5522

Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
419.433.3800

Please feel free to comment with your favorite winter hot spots or share your winter experience with us!

Travelers’ Tip: Caution When Using Debit Card for Payment

Lake Erie Shores & Islands would like to caution all travelers against using debit cards as a payment guarantee when checking into a lodging property or renting a vehicle. While debit cards are an ideal payment option at check-out, they can cause unnecessary stress and potential money restrictions when used at check-in.

Here’s how it works: when a debit card is used at check-in, an authorization is automatically run on the card for the potential total cost of the stay or rental. Even though the money is not withdrawn from your account at the time, a temporary “hold” or “lock” is put on that sum of money in your account. Regardless if you pay cash, check, credit or debit card at check-out, that sum of money remains “on hold” for several days; and, depending on your banking institution, can remain “on hold” for up to a week. It’s important to stress that even if you pay with your debit card at check-out, that initial sum of money could ultimately still be “on hold” in your account, limiting the funds available for your use.

So, unless your debit account is overly sufficient in funds, we suggest using a credit card to guarantee payment at check-in and then using the debit card, or any other method of payment, at check-out, to avoid receiving an “insufficient funds available” notice during any other debit transaction and spoiling your visit.

Where can I enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands?

Make Thanksgiving less stressful this year…let someone else handle the cooking! We’ve compiled a list of area restaurants and churches serving holiday meals. If you are aware of other locations, please feel free to add them by commenting on the blog post below.

Huron
Sawmill Creek Resort
Featuring a traditional Thanksgiving buffet 11 am-3 pm. Reservations required.

Port Clinton
Diana’s Deli
Serving regular menu plus traditional Thanksgiving favorites.

Island House
Traditional buffet served 11 am-5 pm.

Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery
Thanksgiving brunch 10:30 am-3 pm. Reservations appreciated.

Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Serving a free Thanksgiving meal 11:30 am-2 pm.

Sandusky
Diana’s Deli
Serving regular menu plus traditional Thanksgiving favorites.

Great Wolf Lodge
Traditional holiday buffet 12-7 pm. Reservations required.

Holy Angels Catholic Church
Serving a free Thanksgiving meal 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

Kalahari Resort
Traditional holiday buffet 11:30 am-7 pm. Reservations strongly encouraged. Prices subject to 19% taxable service charge and applicable sales tax.

Ryan’s
Thanksgiving buffet served 10:45 am-7 pm. Reservations are not required.

Vermilion
Quaker Steak & Lube
Thanksgiving buffet served 11:30 am-5 pm. Reservations required. Regular menu served from 11-12 am.

Top Six Locations to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the many “sweet treat” locations at Lake Erie Shores & Islands! From mouth-watering homemade chocolates and fudge to gourmet popcorn and delicious apple pie caramel apples, the options seem endless. Treat yourself with sweets from one of these unique shops:

Brummer’s Chocolates
672 Main St., Vermilion
440.967.2329
A third generation family business, Brummer’s still uses family recipes developed 100 years ago!

Candy Hut (in Kalahari Resort)
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
419.433.7200
Hand-dipped chocolates, fabulous caramel apples, homemade fudge, salt water taffy, a variety of gummies and Wisconsin’s award-winning “Chocolate Shoppe” ice cream await you in Kalahari’s main lobby!

Christi’s Just for Ewe
9523 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.5151
At Christi’s you can sample your way through the variety of on-site shops – try on jewelry, apparel and shoes; taste gourmet goodies including homemade fudge, soups, teas and coffees; or try your hand at knitting, crocheting, spinning or weaving in the yarn shop.

Great Lakes Popcorn Company
60 N. Madison St., Port Clinton
419.732.3080
This treat shop features over 30 flavors of gourmet popcorn and nuts, along with other tasty treats and gifts, on the Lake Erie waterfront.

Tre Sorelle Cioccolato
634 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.502.2462
Translated “Three Sisters Chocolates” this family Chocolatier makes hand-crafted chocolate goodies, specializing in ganache filled candies and truffles made with the freshest ingredients available.

Wendy Kromer Confections & City Bake Shop
133–137 E. Water St., Sandusky
419.609.0450
Wendy Kromer is famous for her work with Martha Stewart Weddings. Many of her cakes have graced the cover of the magazine. In addition to Wendy’s spectacular creations, City Bake Shop specializes in pastries and other baked goods as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. Recently added to the selections at City Bake Shop are artisanal confections from Pomona Chocolates, made from European chocolate and fresh ingredients.

Top 5 Haunts in Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands

A chill is in the air and ghosts and goblins have come out to play. Frightening things occur during this time of year at Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Get your spook on at these top 5 haunts:

1.) Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Recently named to America’s Best Haunt’s 2011 list of the top haunted attractions in America, Ghostly Manor is adding even more thrills to their line-up for the haunting season. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center includes the award-winning Ghostly Manor Haunted House, the Ghostly Gauntlet outdoor walk-thru haunt and the XD 4D Theatre. Please visit website for hours of operation.

2.) HalloWeekends at Cedar Point
Experience the thrills and chills of six haunted walk-through attractions, including two new additions, Blood on the Bayou and Maniacal Mechanical Screamworks and four haunted houses. Will you be brave enough to try these terrifying, hair-raising, chilling, spine-tingling attractions?
Held Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, through October 30. The hours of operation are: Friday 6 pm – midnight, Saturday noon – midnight and Sunday noon – 9 pm. On Sunday October 9 only, the hours are 10 am – 10 pm. Please note that Cedar Point is closed during the week.

3.) Terror in the Field
Wander through more than a half-mile maze of tall cornstalks, if you dare. Monsters and other creepy creatures lurk in the shadows, waiting to surprise those brave enough to challenge the menacing maze. Held Friday and Saturday night, now – October 29, 7-11 pm.

4.) Ghost Walk with Victoria
Walk through historic and eerie Port Clinton with Victoria as your guide. Listen and look as she takes you to places where spirits, ghosts and orbs have been sighted and recorded. Bring your camera and your courage! Walks last approximately one hour. Children are not recommended for the 8 and 9 pm walks.
Daily, now – October 31 at 7, 8 or 9 pm.

5.) Sandusky State Theatre Ghost Hunt
Investigate the historic Sandusky State Theatre and enjoy this ghost hunt from both the scientific and intuitive sides as the Firelands Paranormal Society extend their abilities to search for spirit activity in the theatre, State Room, offices, and basement. The Ghost Hunt is recommended for adults who are 18 or older, unless accompanied by a parent. September 23 and October 6, 29 & 31, 10 pm-1 am.

9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Trip to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point

Creatures of the night come alive at Cedar Point’s annual HalloWeekends celebration. You will find not-so-scary fun for the children and in-your-face frights for the adults.

1. What is the best day to visit?
HalloWeekends is very popular. However, Friday nights and Sundays are great times to visit. Although not all rides are open on Friday nights, all haunted attractions are, so you can take advantage of the special additions to the midways.

2. What are the ticket prices?
Regular: $49.99 for guests 48″ or taller. Valid Saturdays & Sundays, September 16 – October 30, 2011.

Junior/Senior: $24.99 for guests under 48″ tall or guests age 62 and older. Valid Friday nights, Saturdays & Sundays, September 16 – October 30, 2011.

Starlight: $31.99 Valid for admission on Fridays after 6 p.m. and Sundays after 4 p.m. (after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9). For guests 48″ or taller.

$39.99 Valid for admission on Saturdays after 5 p.m. For guests 48″ or taller.

Children 2 & under are always free.

3. How can I save money on HalloWeekends admission?
Cedar Point offers deals & discounts on admission. Click here for current promotions.

Cedar Point’s hotel properties also offer packages that combine accommodations with tickets. Click here for current package details.

Discount tickets are available to members of AAA and are also available at Meijer and Discount Drug Mart.

4. Do I have to pay extra admission for HalloWeekends?
No. A regular admission ticket or 2011 Season Pass/Platinum Pass is valid for entry. There are no extra fees for the haunted attractions.

5. What are the hours?
HalloWeekends at Cedar Point is held every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday beginning September 16 – October 30. The hours of operation are: Friday 6 pm – midnight, Saturday noon – midnight and Sunday noon – 9 pm. On Sunday October 9 only, the hours are 10 am – 10 pm. Please note that Cedar Point is closed during the week.

6. What is new for 2011 season?
Children can enjoy four new floats and Planet Spooky, part of the Magical House on Boo Hill parade while adults can experience the thrills and chills of two new haunted walk-through attractions, Blood on the Bayou and Maniacal Mechanical Screamworks.

7. Can small children attend?
Of course! There are special attractions just for small children, like the Magical House on Boo Hill, the Kid’s Costume Contest, the friendly monsters, live shows, a hay bale maze, decorated children’s areas, not to mention the famous PEANUTS characters.

8. Are there any haunted houses?
Yes. There are four indoor haunted houses: Club Blood, Happy Jack’s Toy Factory, Eternity Infirmary and Eerie Estate.

9. Are there any attractions that require extra fees?
Boeckling’s Banquet: Take a seat in the grand dining hall of the Eerie Estate as creepy inhabitants of the old mansion welcome you, serve you and entertain you. Meals are served Fridays at 5:30 pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 12:30 pm. Cost is $68.95/person and includes tax & gratuity. Advanced reservations are required. Please call 419.627.2242 to make your reservation.

Zombie Tours: Visit all of the Haunted Houses, plus two outdoor haunted mazes without waiting in line! Zombie tour groups will also receive special advanced seating at two live shows. Groups are limited to 12 participants per tour. Tours begin at 8 pm on Fridays, 7 pm on Saturdays and 5 pm on Sundays. Cost is $75/person and does not include park admission. Book your tour in advance by calling 419.627.2242 or visit Guest Services the day of your visit.

Shores & Islands Top 10 Ice Cream Shops

Ice cream treats provide temporary relief from the heat. No matter where you find yourself screaming for ice cream this summer, we’ve mapped out some of the most popular spots to cool down in the Lake Erie Shores & Islands!

Brown’s Dairy Dock
706 W Main St., Marblehead

Cobb’s Drive-In
631 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky
419.625.0202

Cold Stone Creamery
4912 Milan Rd., Sandusky
419.621.9570

DQ Grill & Chill
2015 5th St., Sandusky
419.609.5916

Golly Gee
405 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky
419.626.3054

Granny Joe’s Ice Creamatorium
5598 Liberty Ave., Vermilion
440.967.3663

Netty’s
9410 E. Harbor Rd., Marblehead
419.798.5050

Papa T’s Deckside
108 W. Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island
330.221.7033

Pied Piper
502 Huron St., Huron
419.433.2601

Toft Dairy
3717 Venice Rd., Sandusky
800.521.4606

Water Fun: Where Can I Splish-Splash Outdoors?

Splish-splash all day long in these three outdoor waterpark locations:

Huron Park Splash Pad
Huron Park, Corner of Hancock & Monroe sts. and Huron Ave., Sandusky
419.627.5879
The Splash pad is operated by the City of Sandusky and is a popular spot for local families. It is open every day, Memorial Day – Labor Day, from 10 am-9 pm and is free to the public, making it a great destination for families on a budget.

Monsoon Lagoon Water Park & Family Fun Center
1530 S. Danbury Rd. N, Port Clinton
419.732.6671 or 866.732.6671
Affordable water park complex, including a gigantic aqua play center, tipping bucket, water slides, a lazy river and an adult pool with swim-up bar. The family entertainment center has 18-hole miniature golf, bumper boats, NASCAR go-karts and an arcade.

Soak City
1 Cedar Point Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky
419.627.2350
An 18-acre outdoor waterpark next to Cedar Point, Soak City features Splash Zone, a huge bucket and multi-story interactive water play area, with refreshing cascades of liquid fun to splash about in. Also enjoy cresting the waves in Breakers Bay, a half-million-gallon wave pool; rafting with friends on Zoom Flume; speeding down body and tube slides; challenging a wild inner tube river and relaxing in a meandering river. Choo-Choo Lagoon and Tadpole Town offer big fun for little ones, Eerie Falls plunges riders into tunnels of darkness, and Adventure Cove is a great place for parents and children to play together; and for adults only, there’s Bubbles Swim-Up Bar. Soak City guests also get to enjoy the sandy Cedar Point Beach. Soak City opens Memorial Day Weekend, and is open daily through Labor Day. Proper swimwear is required. Admission to Cedar Point not required, but parking fee is.

Are there any local farm markets in the area?

The Lake Erie Shores & Islands provides locals and visitors the opportunity to purchase regionally produced goods. From fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade jam and honey, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Farmers Market
Adams Street Park, Port Clinton
This market provides the community with access to a wide variety of fresh, local, in-season farm produce and other locally made products as well as high quality handmade crafts in historic downtown Port Clinton. Saturdays from 9 am-12 pm, June – September.

Farmer’s Market
Fresh vegetables and fruits direct from the farm, as well as many other popular items. Wednesdays from 3-6 pm (corner of Jackson & West Market sts) and Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm (corner of Hancock & East Market sts), June – October.

Farmers’ Market
Walnut Ave., Lakeside
In a continued effort to promote health and wellness, Lakeside hosts a twice-weekly Farmers’ Market during the season. Find fresh produce, flowers, honey, herbs, teas, jams and homemade baked goods. Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am-12 pm, June 21 – September 2.

First Federal Farmers Market
Huron Boat Basin, 330 Main St., Huron
Come out and buy the freshest produce around! Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 pm, July 14 – October 27.

Main Street Vermilion’s Farmers Market
Victory Park, corner of Main & Ohio sts., Vermilion
Everything is locally grown or made. Features organic fruits and vegetables, range fed meats, honey, vinegars, soaps, local art and jewelry and much more. Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, July 16 – September 24.

Put-in-Bay Farmer’s Market
Put-in-Bay Airport Terminal Parking Lot, Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay
All local, seasonal produce. Sweet corn, melons, onions, peppers, peaches and many more fruits and vegetables. Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm, July 23 – September 24.

Where can I go Horseback Riding in the area?

Explore a different side of Lake Erie Shores & Islands; go horseback riding! The options aren’t plentiful but the experience will be memorable.

Dreams Come True Stables
2110 Scheid Rd., Huron
419.433.0355
This stable is by appointment only. Therapeutic riding and/or petting is available for persons with special needs. Please call in advance for pricing and availability.

Edison Woods MetroPark
10186 Ceylon Rd. (SR 61), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783
Horseback riding (bring your own horse) on shared trails. Edison Woods Preserve is comprised of marshy meadows and wet woods. Portable restroom, six miles of grass and wood chip hiking paths. Open daily, year-round, 8 am-sundown.

Maple Crest Farms
7009 Maple Ave., Castalia
419.553.7788
Call for details and to make arrangements; 24-hr advance notice preferred. $40/person; $35/2nd person for instruction and riding at the farm; no experience required. Experienced instructor on hand at all times. Starting at $60/person for distance rides away from the farm; experience required. Group rates available.