Vacationland: The Ohio Lakeshore
Port Clinton, Marblehead and the Gateway to the Lake Erie Islands
A short drive from the major cities of Cleveland, Detroit and Toledo lies an area of Ohio that is known as Vacationland. Along the southern shore of Lake Erie, the city of Port Clinton, the village of Marblehead, the community of Lakeside, as well as Catawba Island make up an area that is home to summer fun and entertainment.
Things to see near Port Clinton
Port Clinton, the Walleye Capital of the World, is now a vacation destination. Located on Lake Erie, the town still makes its living from the Lake, but now it the place for boating, fishing and beachgoing. The beach fun is best enjoyed June through August in this northern Ohio climate, but other sports and recreation can be enjoyed year round. It is easy to find enough to do for a day or weekend visit, and many Midwesterners have vacation homes, condominiums and mobiles homes, mostly for the summer season. Camping is popular, with many campgrounds in the area.
Port Clinton and Catawba are also the gateway to the Lake Erie Islands. A short half-hour boat ride on either the Jet Express or Miller Boat Line will take you to South Bass Island, home of Put–in-Bay. The ferry ride is an attraction in itself, with tranquil indoor booths or open air seating to enjoy the Lake breezes. Put-in-Bay is a pleasant place for families during the day, but is known for its rowdy evening and weekend fun. This fun can spill into Port Clinton, especially after a late night return trip. Other islands can be accessed by other ferries, and have more serene charms.
Marblehead is a community with a pleasant downtown shopping area and a famous Lake Erie Lighthouse, which has been preserved and free tours are available. Lakeside is a private, gated community, known as Chautauqua on Lake Erie.
Places to stay in North Central Ohio
The area has plenty of lodging. There are many motels and bed and breakfasts. Private condominiums can be rented, many with beautiful views of Lake Erie. The communities are spread out over a 10 mile area along the Lake, providing great views all along the shore.
Restaurants near Port Clinton
There are a number of restaurants to choose from. The area has steakhouses, but do not expect high prices and stuffy service. The restaurants cater to the local and tourists crowds, and offer a laid back atmosphere at reasonable prices. The specialty of the area is local fish from Lake Erie, and few places serve it up better than the Jolly Roger Seafood House. Not much to look at from the outside, the Lake Erie perch here is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. For an even quicker bite, there is fast food, pizza and ice cream shops throughout the area.
Fishing and Wineries in Vacationland
Fishing is very important here, both in terms of history and tourism. Fishing tours of the Lake are available in season. There is icefishing in the winter. Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes, and is shallower in this area, and usually freezes solid for a few months each year. Nearly each year someone has to be rescued from the ice due to an early thaw. More recently, wineries have started and expanded here, and the local wine is becoming more popular, including the sweet and expensive Icewine.
Nearby is the city of Sandusky, with all the big city amenities of dining, shopping and lodging. Even closer is Cedar Point Amusement Park, one of the Worlds great amusement Parks, with 17 roller coasters. Other attractions for the family are African Safari Wildlife Park and Prehistoric Forest. There is plenty to do and see in Vacationland, Ohio.
