Group Travel Made Easy with Shores & Islands!

Best known for Cedar Point Amusement Park, the Lake Erie Islands, and Ohio’s Waterpark Capital, this region regularly makes national headlines as one of America’s top travel destinations. Encompassing nautical port towns, islands, and historical villages, the Lake Erie Shores and Islands area provides for a truly special getaway for your group.

Few places offer such a diverse selection of accommodations, meeting venues, and leisure time activities, all within a short drive or boat ride from each other. We are centrally located on Ohio’s north coast along Interstate 2 and the Ohio Turnpike making us easily accessible from all directions. Although most choose us as a summertime destination, many of our attractions are available year-round. Festivals and special events also take place at all times of the year so consider planning a tour for any month.

Ride a roller coaster or water slide, tour one of more than a dozen wineries, fish for walleye and perch, set sail on a Lake Erie charter cruise, explore some of the nation’s best birding areas, visit a National Park, dine at a waterfront restaurant. Options for your group are as plentiful as waves on a beach.

Feel free to view the online version of our Group Tour & Meeting Planner or contact our group tour staff at 800.255.3743 to schedule a personalized familiarization tour. We’d love to show you why millions travel here each year and help you create your own Shores & Islands getaway!

Sandusky Bay is Featured Destination at Boat Show

The Sandusky area will be featured along with Put-in-Bay and Vermilion as one of Lake Erie’s “Greatest Destinations” at Cleveland’s Mid-America Boat & Fishing Show, starting this weekend and running for ten days at the I-X Center.

Destination Sandusky Bay is a unique cooperative partnership between many local attractions hoping to attract boat show visitors. An innovative exhibit welcoming people to Sandusky Bay has been created by Cedar Point’s Planning & Design department. In addition to large, colorful photo banners and a welcome arch, the expansive display area, located near the I-X Center’s famous Ferris wheel, also includes Sandusky’s trademark florals and a “Boy with the Boot” replica fountain.

Exhibitors featured in Destination Sandusky Bay include: Cedar Point Marina, Castaway Bay Marina, Chesapeake Lofts, City of Sandusky, Firelands Winery, Goodtime I Lake Erie Island Cruises, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Lakeview Condominiums, Lyman Harbor, Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky Main Street Association, Sandusky State Theatre, Sandusky Yacht Club and Sawmill Creek Resort Marina.

Representatives from the Lake Erie Shores & Islands® Welcome Center will be at the show each day, signing people up to receive the 2010 Official Travel Planner (available in early February). In addition, boat show attendees will be given the opportunity to experience the Lake Erie Shores & Islands region by entering to win fabulous getaway packages, donated by area lodging and attractions. LES&I will use the entries as an opportunity to expand an email list of people interested in the area.

Video of the fantastic Destination Sandusky Bay exhibit will be available on the Shores & Islands YouTube page starting Saturday, January 16. A link to the video will also be available in the Media section of SHORESandISLANDS.com.

The Mid-America Boat & Fishing Show takes place at the I-X Center January 15 – 24. Hours vary each day. Special event days include Monday, January 18 which is “Lake Erie Day,” where $1 from each admission will go to Ohio State University Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory to fund Lake Erie research; and Thursday, January 21 which is “Put-in-Bay Day” and features $5 admission after 5:00 pm and entertainment from Put-in-Bay regulars including Mike “Mad Dog” Adams, Ray Fogg, and Westside Steve Simmons.

For more information on the boat and fishing show, go to ClevelandBoatShow.com.

Valentine’s Day: Make it Memorable

Make this Valentine’s Day romantic, fun and memorable by planning a trip to the Lake Erie Shores & Islands! We’ve created a list of overnight packages, dining options, florists and other services that you may need to truly make the night special.

Overnight Packages

Sawmill Creek Resort
400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
800.729.6455

Valentine’s Brunch Package – Enjoy an overnight stay in a king room on Saturday night and brunch for two on Sunday. Starting at $179 plus tax and gratuity.

South Beach Resort
8620 E. Bayshore Rd., Marblehead
419.798.4900 or 800.814.4396

Awaken Your Senses Package – Includes a two night stay in a Deluxe Queen View room with a two person Jacuzzi, balcony facing the water, two Queen beds, dinner for two at Mon Ami Historic Winery and an Awaken Your Senses basket. Starting at $299 plus tax.

Romance Package – Includes a two night stay in a Deluxe King View room with a two person Jacuzzi, balcony facing the water, King size bed with special down bedding, sofa and table for two, dinner for two at Mon Ami Historic Winery, chocolates, champagne and rose petals in the shape of a heart on a turned down bed. Starting at $389 plus tax.

Spa Package – Includes a two night stay in a Deluxe Water View room with a two person Jacuzzi, balcony facing the water, two Queen beds, dinner for two at Mon Ami Historic Winery and two massages. Starting at $479 plus tax.

Victorian Inn B&B
5622 E. Harbor Rd., Marblehead
419.734.5611 or 800.501.3791

Valentine Sweetheart Special – Includes an overnight stay, dinner for two at a local romantic restaurant, free bottle of wine and candy. Starting at $189 plus tax per couple.

Here are a few additional services you may need:

Dining

Angry Bull Steakhouse
3317 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Huron
419.433.2933

Baci,
at Comfort Inn
5909 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.624.9900

Bay Harbor Inn
at Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky
419.625.6373

Chez Francois/Touche Wine Bar
555 Main St., Vermilion
440.967.0630

Mill Street Bistro Bar
21 Mill St., Norwalk
419.663.3663

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery
3845 E. Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton
419.797.4445

Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
3975 E. Harbor Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.6400

Red Gables Mesquite Grill
2350 Cleveland Rd. W. (US 6), Sandusky
419.625.0036

Florists
Corso’s Flower & Garden Center
3404 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.624.0353

Colonial Gardens
3506 Hull Rd., Huron
419.625.5318

Flowerama
710 W. Perkins Ave., Sandusky
419.624.1990

Tiffany’s Flowers and Gifts
5760 Liberty Ave., Vermilion
440.967.9996

Spa Services

House of Healing
818 W. Main St., Marblehead
419.798.4103
Offering reflexology, Reiki, pregnancy massage, craniofacial therapy, lymph drainage therapy, therapeutic massage for seniors and more. Appointment required.

Gabriel Anthony’s Salon and Spa
2870 E. Harbor Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.6202
Trained professionals are available to provide a variety of services including custom hair design and coloring, manicures, pedicures, body treatment, skin care and make-up, microdermabrasion, waxing, massage therapy, custom spa packages which includes a variety of services to fit your needs. Appointment required.

Kenny House
226 Adams St., Port Clinton
419.734.5943
Basalt stone massage, facial treatments, reflexology, pregnancy massage, massage therapy and add on services available. Appointment required.

Scarlett O’Hair Salon and Spa
912 W. Perkins Ave., Sandusky
419.626.0091
Offering hair cutting and styling, perms, color and highlighting, make-up application, massage, waxing, electrolysis, pedicures, manicures, spray tanning and full day and half day spa packages.

Spa at Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.625.5772
Trained professionals provide a variety of services including relaxing massages, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and hair styling along with retail products. Indoor pool and hot tub. Reservations are recommended.

Spa Kalahari
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
419.433.7900
With 11 themed and soothing treatment areas, Spa Kalahari welcomes anyone seeking a well-deserved break. Treatments are designed to reawaken your senses.

Sweets & Treats

Brummer’s
672 Main St., Vermilion
440.967.2329

Candy Hut
at Kalahari Resort
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
419.433.7200

Great Lakes Popcorn Company
60 N. Madison St., Port Clinton
419.732.3080

Tre Sorelle Cioccolato
634 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.502.2462

Wendy Kromer Confections
137 E. Water St., Sandusky
419.609.0450

Sandusky’s 2010 Arctic Ice Festival Features Lots of “Cool” Stuff!

The City of Sandusky Recreation Division has once again partnered with the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, the Erie County Senior Center, Sandusky Sailing Club, BAS Broadcasting and Battery Park Marina to present the 3rd Annual Arctic Ice Festival. Festivities kick off on Saturday, February 6th and continue on Sunday, February 7th, 10am – 4pm on both days. All of the activities during the Festival will take place at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky located at 125 Meigs Street in downtown Sandusky, and its neighbor organizations, the Erie County Senior Center and the Sandusky Sailing Basin at the Sandusky Sailing Club.

Professionally carved ice sculptures, created by Olympic Gold Medalist
and World Champion, Aaron Costic, will be on display in the Museum
parking lot throughout the weekend. Costic, owner of Elegant Ice
Creations in Broadview Heights, Ohio, won the 2006 Olympic Gold Medal
and 1998 Olympic Bronze Medal for Professional Ice Carving. In
addition, Costic and his staff will present an Amateur Individual Ice
Carving Competition at the Arctic Ice Festival, which will take place
from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, February 6th, and feature amateur ice
carvers from across the United States.

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky will be open both days of the event
with a reduced admission of $1 each day which includes museum viewing and entrance for speaker’s forums. In addition to the Museum’s
fantastic Ice Harvesting Exhibit, there will be presentations throughout
the weekend including “Ice Harvesting on Sandusky Bay” on Saturday
at 1pm. The Erie MetroParks will have a “Critters in Winter” Touch Table located inside the museum. Youth admission to the Maritime
Museum includes an ice boat model craft.

The Friends of Sandusky’s Underground Railroad Education Center will
be hosting two Underground Railroad Trolley Tours on Saturday at 11am and noon. The cost for the tour is $5 per person. Reservations are encouraged by calling 419.624.0274.

The Erie County Senior Center will present their popular annual “Soup
Cook-Off”. The soup cook-off will take place on Saturday from
11am – 1pm (or until soup is gone). The soup entries will be
available for tasting at $3 per person until all of the soup is gone.
The ECSC is still accepting entries for the Cook-Off. Entry is free and
includes one table, bowls, spoons and napkins. The dining room at the
Erie County Senior Center will also be open for food concessions
throughout the weekend. Other indoor activities at the Senior Center
include their annual Sweater Sale and “Pat Catan’s Make It/Take It
Crafts” throughout both days. Crafts are available free of charge to
create with the assistance of area Girl Scout Troops.

Calling all BINGO enthusiasts…from 12 – 3pm on Sunday, February 7th, the Erie County Senior Center will present BINGO for just a $1 admission fee.

The Sandusky Sailing Club will host the Sandusky Bay Arctic Ice Boat
Race beginning at 1pm on Saturday, February 6th. On-site registration for race participants is from 11am – 12:30pm. The race will take
place weather permitting. Anyone interested in racing should contact
Dennis Butts at 419-206-2122 or sailindude@aol.com. Spectators are
encouraged to arrive at the Sandusky Sailing Club by 11:30am to enjoy
an “Ice Boats” presentation and demonstration. And, on Sunday at 12
noon, folks will have an opportunity to watch Aaron Costic and the crew from Elegant Ice Creations as they perform an Ice Harvesting and Carving Demonstration.

Additional activities taking place during the festival include ice
diving demonstrations by the Sandusky Fire Department, pictures with
Frosty the Snowman and…..LIVE Reindeer!

On Sunday, February 7th, from 10am – 4pm, attendees will have an
opportunity to take pictures, feed, and interact with the reindeer, who
are actually residents of Sell’s Tree Farm in Wakeman, Ohio. Reindeer
handlers will be on site to answer questions and will have native SAMI
herdsmen items on display. Don’t forget to bring your camera and the
entire family!

All activities during the Arctic Ice Festival are within an area easily
accessible by walking. Ample free parking is available. Some outdoor
activities will take place weather permitting. Don’t forget to bring
your camera and the entire family! For a complete list of activities,
and a downloadable program guide that includes times, locations, and
more details, please visit our websites at sanduskymaritime.org or
cityofsandusky.com.

Contact:
Michele Hall
City of Sandusky
Phone: 419.627.5886

Ring in the New Year: Lake Erie Shores & Islands-style

Let’s face it. New Year’s Eve is approaching a lot faster than we think. All it takes to ring in the New Year are good friends, great food and a place to party! If you haven’t made any plans or you’re going to be in the area, here are a few New Year’s Eve Celebrations that you might want to consider.

Toast of the Town
Begin your evening at this gala fundraiser, from 6 – 9 pm, to benefit the Merry-Go-Round Museum and Sandusky Main Street Association. For $15 a person, enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants and bid on unique Silent Auction items. Tickets are available at the Merry-Go-Round Museum (419.626.6111) and Main Street Association (419.627.5942).

Kalahari Resort
Offering a variety of fun activities, parties and games for the entire family, including performances by the Kenya Safari Acrobats, holidays arts and crafts, face painting, a dartball competition, javelin throw and more. Activities and games aren’t the only things on the menu, the New Year’s Eve Buffet features an amazing selection of African inspired delicacies. Enjoy New Year’s fun for ages 12 – 17, at the Teen Party, held in Café Mirage and the Arcade. Adults can party with DJ “BT” in the Grand Ballroom, request your favorite songs and enjoy the balloon drop at midnight.

Great Wolf Lodge
Duck decorating, crafts/t-shirt decorating, Grand Clock Tower Show, Magical Movies for the family, face painting, magic show with Mr. Joe from Magic Galaxy Entertainment, dance party with Magic Galaxy Entertainment and more are all on the agenda for New Year’s Eve. There will also be a Great Duck Race in Bear Track Landing Waterpark, closing some waterpark attractions. The area will close for the night after the race. With so many activities you are sure to work up an appetite. Welcome the New Year in style with a Great Wolf-sized buffet. The Master Chefs are preparing popular menu stations that are sure to satisfy the entire family. Reservations are required. Don’t forget to ring in the New Year with a Champagne Toast and Festive Balloon Drop in our 4-story Lobby!
FYI: The New Year’s Eve buffet and party are not open to the public; you must be a registered guest. Click here to reserve a room.

New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Caesar’s Crystal Palace in Sandusky is hosting a New Year’s Eve Spectacular, featuring Rock & Roll Express. There will be hors d’oeures, cocktails, dinner buffet, party favors, a champagne toast and dessert buffet. The dinner menu includes chef carved prime rib, roasted pork with glazed apples and roasted garlic redskin potatoes, to name a few. Plan to ring in the New Year with music, dancing and a countdown celebration you won’t want to miss. Advance ticket sales only. No tickets will be sold after December 28, 2009. Tickets are $125/couple and $62.50/single (prices include tax & gratuity). Please call 419.217.0996 or 419.621.0117 to order.

Walleye Madness at Midnight
Port Clinton is the “Walleye Capital of the World,” so what else would they do on New Year’s Eve but drop a 20 foot, 600 pound walleye from the sky at the stroke of midnight! The celebration is held from 5 pm – 1 am. Enjoy heated tents, games for children, a full stage show capped off by fireworks and much more. Food items in honor of Wylie the Walleye include Walleye Chowder, Walleye Sandwiches, Walleye Cinnamon Chips and Walleye Popcorn. A local winery has even created a “Walleye White” wine to honor the city’s Walleye Fame. This huge celebration is not to be missed. Be sure to catch a glimpse of Wylie on his website!

New Year’s Eve Vegas Celebration, Dancing & Charity Casino
For $20 a person, ring in the New Year Las Vegas-style at Sawmill Creek Resort. There will be dancing, entertainment and Vegas-style gambling with chances to win prizes and gaming tickets. A cash bar is also available. Overnight packages are available. Please click here to view each package.

New Year’s Eve 2009 at Chez Francois
There will be three seatings available for New Year’s Eve. The first seating will be 4:30 – 6:30 pm, the second from 7 – 9 pm and the last seating at 9:30 pm. Each seating will feature a multi-course dinner. The last seating will feature Mr. Mike Moore. Mike has been in the music business for over 35 years, formerly with Cornwell and Moore, a songwriter for over 35 years, a singer/keyboard player, an Emcee and finally an outstanding Master of Ceremonies and DJ. Mike creates a great atmosphere for dancing. Please take note that availability of the last seating is extremely limited. Please call 440.967.0630 for reservations. First two seatings: $55/person; Last seating: $85/person

New Year’s Eve Party at Kelley’s Island Wine Company
Kelleys Island for New Year’s Eve? If weather permits, this could be a great New Year’s Eve Celebration. The DJ starts at 7:30 pm; dinner is served at 8 pm. Choose from 3 entrees: Scampi served over linguine – $29.95, prime rib served with risotto – $24.95 and chicken marsala served over linguine – $19.95. All entrees are served with French bread and a house salad. Party favors and champagne toast are also included in the price. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are 100% refundable if the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat does not run. Please call 216.244.2026 to order tickets by phone. Tickets will be kept in will call. This event is for people ages 21 and older. Accommodations for Kelleys Island can be found here.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Lace up those roller skates for the “RIP 2009″ New Year’s Eve Dance & Skate Party at Ghostly Manor. Doors open at 7:30 pm. The party begins at 8 pm and lasts until 12:30 am. Two ticket options are available: General admission and VIP admission. General admission includes admission and skate rental; VIP admission includes admission, skate rental, a ride on the XD Theater and two slices of pizza & pop. Be ready to skate your way in to 2010!

Please remember to be safe; call a cab or make overnight arrangements and have very Happy New Year!

*Claim token NGMM4VXVBBNP

Harbour Town Holidays

Catch the holiday spirit with friends and family this weekend at Vermilion’s Annual Harbour Town 1837 Historic District Christmas Walk. Stroll leisurely down the sidewalks of Vermilion’s village, where you can admire the natural greens and marvel at the lights and beautiful decorations.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 27 with narrated horse-drawn trolley tours of the historic district (offered from 1 – 4 pm). Children can await the arrival of Santa Claus on Saturday, November 28 at Exchange Street Park at 11 am. Watch as he arrives by Ice Breaker with Captain David Phillips from Valley Harbor Marina. Upon landing at the dock, Santa, as well as Mrs. Claus and all the Elves, will greet the children and lend an ear for all their Christmas wishes. The lighting of the community Christmas tree will illuminate Victory Park on Saturday at 7 pm, with the sounds of Christmas carols. Horse-drawn trolley tours will also be available on Saturday, 12 – 5 pm and Sunday, 1 to 4 pm.

Don’t forget to visit the unique shoppes and eateries and enjoy the taste of homemade chocolate candy while walking the streetscape in this quaint nautical town.