Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island just north of Sandusky and Port Clinton Ohio, is Ohio’s Lake Erie playground. Cut off in the winter, the island comes alive in the summer with antique shops, a vibrant marina, many lively bars and restaurants, and a local brewery and historic winery. Put-in-Bay belongs to all of Clevelander’s summer plans.
About the island
Put-in-Bay is the only town on South Bass Island. The island, home to 128 permanent residents according to the 2010 census, is three miles long and one mile wide. During the summer, the population skyrockets as continental visitors and hotel, restaurant, and marinas workers flock to the island.
Getting to and around Put-in-Bay
South Bass Island can be reached by Miller Ferry from Catawba and Port Clinton and by Jet Express jet catamarans from Catawba. The ferry operates regularly from the end of May to the end of November. Jet Express runs from May to October. You can also reach the island throughout the year in small planes, weather permitting.
Once on the island, there is a $ 2 shuttle from the pier to town or you can rent a bike or golf cart. The ride isn’t bad either; it’s only about 1 1/2 miles.
Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial
The Perry Memorial commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory against the British in the War of 1812 at the Battle of Lake Erie. The monument, a national monument, is a 352-foot Doric column. From the observation deck at the top, you can see all of the Lake Erie islands, the mainland, and Canada.
Winery and Brewery
As small as the island is, it still has its own historic winery and its modern brewery and brewery company. Heineman Winery, family owned since its inception in 1888, produces wine from 50 acres of island vineyards. Visitors can tour the winery and taste wine and grape juice in the tasting room. The front lawn is a nice picnic ground.
Put-in-Bay Brewing Company, founded in 1996, makes a variety of beers, including Lighthouse Lager and a robust oatmeal.
Other Put-in-Bay sights
Other island attractions include the Put-in-Bay Historical Museum, an antique wooden carousel, the Antique Automobile Museum, the Butterfly House, and the Crystal Cave, home to the largest recorded geode.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking on Lake Erie, as well as the 9-hole golf course on the east side of South Bass Island. There are several small beaches, but they are mostly rocky.
For more information on the area, visit the Put-in-Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau site.
Restaurants:
Put-in-Bay is known for its fun and casual restaurants. Among them are:
- Book’s Seafood – On the boardwalk near the marina; It serves lobster, mussels, crab, shrimp and their famous lobster bisque in a casual setting.
- Frosty’s Pizza : An Island Tradition; family during the day; A party place on the island at night. Pizza is good too.
- Skyway – By the airport; Put-in-Bay’s version of a good restaurant; It serves walleye, steaks, chops and local wine.
The bars:
Put-in-Bay comes to life at night. The most popular night spots include:
- The Roundhouse – A 130 year old circular bar, always packed, with live entertainment and lots of beer.
- Beer Barrel Saloon – The largest entertainment venue on the island and home to the “longest bar in the world.” The island’s favorite singer, Pat Daily, performs here all summer long.
Hoteles en South Bass Island:
Hotels on South Bass Island include the quaint Victorian Park Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, and the new 60-room lakefront Bayshore Resort, the island’s only lakefront hotel. The island is also dotted with numerous private bed and breakfast inns, a lovely way to get to know the island and its people.
Camping in South Bass Island:
South Bass Island State Park, on the east side of the island, has 135 campsites, 10 with electrical, water and sewer hookups. Facilities at the camp include showers and restrooms, a boat launch, picnic shelters, and a small stone beach. Reservations, especially on summer weekends, fill up quickly. Call 1-866-OHIOPARKS to make reservations or visit the Ohio Parks website.
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