February 11, 2012
Valentine Dinner
Paper Moon Vineyards, 2008 SR 60, Vermilion
7-10 pm
Dinner guests will be served at linen-covered, candle-lit tables decorated with fresh flowers, and entertained by finger-style guitarist, David Lester. The meal includes: a glass of Paper Moon wine, antipasti table of meats, cheeses, and fruit, creamy tomato basil bisque, crisp green salad, roll with butter, chicken in honey-wine sauce with chantilly potatoes and mixed grilled vegetables, and Romance Red Raspberry wine reduction drizzled over a brownie sundae. Availability is very limited; please call to make a reservation. $45/person

February 11, 2012
Valentine Wine & Dine
Matus Winery, 15674 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman
Enjoy a romantic dinner in the barn by the fire. Entrée choices include: pan seared duck breast with cranberry confit, half chicken roasted in a wood-fire oven, butter poached salmon with thyme, pork roulade stuffed with gorgonzola, roasted red peppers, and spinach. Each entrée is served with spring mix salad, roasted vegetables, herb-crusted fingerling potatoes, chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of wine. Reservations are required and must be made by February 4. $38/person

February 11 & 14, 2012
“Sweethearts at The State”
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
12:30 & 6 pm
Enjoy a gourmet meal in the elegant State Room. After the meal relax with your favorite date and enjoy the romantic movie “An Affair to Remember” on the big screen. $25/person

February 12, 2012
Valentine’s Wine Dinner
Zinc Brasserie, 142 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
4:30 pm
Featuring a delightful five course dinner, each course paired with wines. Reservations required. Please call for menu details. $75/person (plus tax & gratuity)

February 14, 2012
Valentine’s Day Dinner
Crush Wine Bar, 145 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
5:30 pm
Featuring a five-course wine dinner and auction. Seating is limited; please RSVP by February 3. All proceeds support Stein Hospice in its ongoing effort to provide comfort, compassion, and support during life’s final journey.

Participating industry partners include Cedar Point, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Goodtime Lake Erie Island Cruises, Jet Express, Kelleys Island, Lakeside Association, Miller Ferries, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Put-in-Bay Tour Train, Put-in-Bay Winery, Sawmill Creek Resort and Schedel Arboretum & Gardens. Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center staff will be on hand to promote these and all other visitor destinations in the region.

Lake Erie Shores & Islands has been a part of this annual show since it began in 2009 and this year they are poised to make the biggest impact yet. The group will occupy a 40’ x 40’ space loaded with activities and exhibits to attract attention and engage show visitors.

Some of the special features include a Jack Sparrow impersonator joining the pirate-themed group from the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce; Cedar Point is sponsoring an appearance by Snoopy and will also have a moving, roaring, 10 foot-long dinosaur to promote their new Dinosaurs Alive! Adventure; Ghostly Manor is providing a “green screen” activity that superimposes people’s photos over fun backgrounds; and the Put-in-Bay Winery will be providing wine tastings at a specially constructed Tiki bar. There will also be a mini “beach” created with more than four tons of sand and a 20’ x 40’ Lake Erie waterscape mural as a backdrop to the booth area.

Guests will be able to register for hourly prize drawings and in the process have the opportunity to sign up for email newsletters and to receive detailed information about visiting the Shores & Islands area.

Jan 6-8, 2012
2nd Annual Island Days
Downtown, Sandusky
419.625.5269

Jan 6-7 & 13-14, 2012
“An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein”
Bellevue Society for the Arts, 205 Maple St., Bellevue
419.483.3152

Jan 7, 2012
Historical Series Program
Maritime Museum of Sandusky, 125 Meigs St., Sandusky
419.624.0274

Jan 7, 2012
Toledo Museum of Art “Experience Egypt” Bus Tour
Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo
419.345.5654

Jan 8 – Feb 12, 2012
Studio Skateboard
Sandusky Cultural Center, 2130 Hayes Ave. (SR 4), Sandusky
419.625.1188

Jan 12-15 & 19-22, 2012
“Cheating Cheaters”
Playmakers Civic Theatre, 604 W. Sixth St., Port Clinton
419.341.1843

Jan 13-15, 2012
Camp Perry Open
Camp Perry Training Site, Port Clinton
419.635.2141 ext. 1101

Jan 15, 2012
Annual Gun Show & Sportsman’s Swap Meet
Oak Harbor Conservation Club Clubhouse, 975 S. Gordon Rd., Oak Harbor
419.734.3751 (day) 419.797.2569 (evening)

Jan 22, 2012
Brides by the Bay
Lyman Harbor, 1615 First St., Sandusky
419.625.9626

Jan 28, 2012
Polar Bear Plunge
Thirsty Pony/Rain Waterpark, 1935 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky
419.202.9627

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, or dine at a waterfront restaurant. Options for your group are as plentiful as waves on a beach.

Feel free to visit the “Meetings & Groups” tab on our website or contact our group sales team 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!

Celebrate the New Year at Crush!
Crush Wine Bar, 145 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.502.9463
Champagne toast at midnight, regular dinner menu, full bar, drink specials, and more. Be sure to stop by!

Family New Year’s Eve Party
Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 W. St. Rt. 163, Oak Harbor
419.898.1971
8 pm-1 am
$30/family, $25/couple
Ring in the New Year with music, snacks, kids movie and more! Reserve a spot today.

New Year’s Eve Party
German’s Villa, 3330 Liberty Ave., Vermilion
440.963.0772
$135/couple
Reservations are now being taken for the Main Street Vermilion Reverse Raffle New Year’s Eve Party. There will be dinner, music, dancing, open bar, and a chance to win $2,012! An early bird drawing prize will also be offered. Only 100 tickets will be sold.

New Year’s Eve Bash
Lyman Harbor, 1615 First St., Sandusky
419.625.9626
Come ring in the New Year with The Earthquakers, a champagne toast, and fireworks at midnight. Please call for more information.

New Year’s Eve Celebration
Kalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr. (US 250), Sandusky
877.525.2427
Ring in the New Year at Kalahari and enjoy their buffet, parties, fun family activities, wild waterpark thrills, and much more. Make a night out of it and book the New Year’s Buffet Getaway package!

Toast to the Town
Merry-Go-Round Museum, 301 Jackson St. (at US 6), Sandusky
419.626.6111
6-9 pm
$15/person
Community members are invited to this gala fundraiser to benefit the Merry-Go-Round Museum and Sandusky Main Street Association. Enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants and bid on unique Silent Auction items. Please call to order tickets.

New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, 3319 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.626.4467
8 pm-12:30 am
$10/person (general), $20/person (VIP)
General admission includes dance party and quad roller skate rental. VIP admission includes the above plus pizza, pop, and a ride in the XD Theater or Wizards Journey Blacklight Mini Golf. Please call for more information.

New Year’s Eve 2011
Chez Francois/Touche’ Wine Bar, 555 Main St., Vermilion
440.967.0630
First two sittings: $65/person; Last seating: $85/person
There will be three sittings for New Year’s Eve. The first seating will be 4:30-6:30 pm, the second seating will be 7-9 pm and the last seating will begin at 9:30 pm. Each seating will feature a multi-course dinner. The last seating will feature Mr. Mike Moore.  Please take note, that availability of the last seating is extremely limited.

New Year’s Eve Party
Quaker Steak & Lube, 5150 Liberty Ave. (US 6), Vermilion
440.967.3724
5 pm
Live entertainment, dinner, champagne toast at midnight, and more.

Las Vegas Style Charity Casino
Sawmill Creek Resort – Wilderness Hall, 400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
800.729.6455
8:30 pm-1 am
Featuring Vegas-style gambling, dancing, cash bar, and a chance to win prizes with gaming tickets.

Now – December 24, 2011
Photos with Santa
Sandusky Mall, 4314 Milan Road, Sandusky

Now – December 23, 2011
Santa at the Candy Cane House
Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron

Now – December 31, 2011
Festival of Lights Display
Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Dr., Huron

Now – December 31, 2011
3D Winter Wonderland & Christmas Light Show Spectacular
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, 3319 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky

Now – January 8, 2012
Hayes Train Special
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont

November 30, 2011 & December 2-3, 2011
It’s A Wonderful Life: Live on Stage
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky

December 1-3, 2011
Christmas Dinners at Spiegel Grove
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont

December 2-4, 2011
Victorian Christmas Candlelight Dinners
Historic Lyme Village, 5001 SR 4, Bellevue

December 2-4, & 9-10, 2011
“A Christmas Carol”
Harlequins Theatre, 414 Wayne St., Sandusky

December 3-4, 2011
Old Fashioned Holiday 1861
Mill Hollow Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion

December 3, 10, and 17, 2011
Visit with Santa
Exchange Park, Liberty Ave. and Main St., Vermilion

December 3, 2011
Christmas Open House
Paper Moon Vineyards, 2008 SR 60, Vermilion

December 3, 2011
Olde Fashion Christmas
Adolphus Kraemer Park, Downtown Oak Harbor

December 3, 2011
Gingerbread House Making Event
Culinary Vegetable Institute, 12304 SR 13, Milan

December 3, 2011
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Quaker Steak & Lube, 5150 Liberty Ave. (US 6), Vermilion

December 3-4 & 10-11, 2011
Christmas Open House
Berlin Fruit Box Company, 51 Mechanic St., Berlin Heights

December 3, 2011
Gingerbread House Workshop
Milan Historical Museum, 10 Edison Dr. (off SR 113), Milan

December 3, 2011
Community Christmas Celebration
Downtown, Port Clinton

December 3, 2011
The Christmas Tree Ship
McGarvey’s Landing, Vermilion

December 3 & 17, 2011
Lunch with Santa
Quaker Steak & Lube, 5150 Liberty Ave. (US 6), Vermilion

December 4, 2011
Holiday Open House
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor

December 4, 2011
Magee Marsh Holiday Open House
Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center, 11661 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor

December 4-5, 2011
Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes
Various locations, Sandusky

December 6-7, 2011
Enchante’ Cabaret: Halos and Holly
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky

December 10, 2011
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Osborn MetroPark – Frost Center, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron

December 10, 2011
Annual Holiday Open House
Firelands Winery, 917 Bardshar Rd. (off US 6), Sandusky

December 10, 2011
Nautical Christmas Crafts
Maritime Museum of Sandusky, 125 Meigs St., Sandusky

December 10, 2011
Christmas with Santa
Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., Huron

December 11, 2011
Holiday Movie Memories
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky

December 11 & 18, 2011
Holiday Open House
Sandusky Greenhouse, 601 Franklin St., Sandusky

December 12-23, 2011
12 Gifts of Christmas
Quaker Steak & Lube, 5150 Liberty Ave., Vermillion

December 14, 2011
“Von Trapp Christmas Concert”
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky

December 15, 2011
Ye Olde Yuletide Feast & Christmas Concert
St. Mary Church, 38 W. League St., Norwalk

December 17, 2011
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Live on Stage
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky

December 17, 2011
Firelands Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Various Erie & Huron County sites

December 20, 2011
Santa’s Reindeer Night
Washington Parks, 200 Washington St., Downtown Sandusky

Please visit our website for a complete list of events in the area.

1. Follett House Museum, 404 Wayne Street – Built in 1834-1837 by one of Sandusky’s most prominent citizens, it is of Greek Revival style in limestone. It is filled with Sandusky and area memorabilia. Punch and cookies will be served both nights of the tour.

2. Eleutheros Cooke House, 1415 Columbus Avenue – Built by Sandusky’s first lawyer in 1843-1844 and moved to its present location in 1878. Greek Revival architecture in limestone with an especially fine doorway, it contains the furnishings and collections of the last owners, Estelle and Randolph Dorn, circa 1950s.

3. Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 334 Columbus Avenue – This is the oldest German heritage congregation in Sandusky. Initially organized in 1844, the church occupied a building where Adams Jr. High School stands today. The current building was built in 1866 as part of an agreement between the church and the school district.

4. Harlequins Theatre, 414 Wayne Street (rear) – Originally built as the coach house for the Moss and Follett Estates in the mid 1800s. The theatre leased the space in 1944 mainly for storage. The first production was held in 1958. Harlequins was founded in 1927 and is the “Oldest Continuously Running Community Theatre in the State of Ohio.” Discover scrapbooks, pictures, and articles from the past as well as a collection of costumes and props.

5. M/M William Hill, 631 Wayne Street – This house was built by business man John Boalt during the Civil War. The home was heated by fireplace only and contained not one bathroom.

6. John & Jennifer Chapman, 810 Wayne Street – History of the property dates back to 1838, however the house currently on the property was built in 1867. Originally heated with numerous fireplaces, it was one of the first homes to be heated with hot water heat.

7. Michael Young, 718 Sycamore Line – The property was originally owned by Oran Follett until 1848. Construction on the house began in 1869, featuring tall ceilings, an arched double doorway, tin dining room ceiling, and more. Every room in the house has recently been updated and remodeled. Mr. Young has a collection of nautical decor on display and during the month of December, the front out the house is decorated numerous lights synchronized to music.

8. Barbara Fox, 1318 Waverly Road – Not much in known on the exact history of this house, however it was built in 1937 and contains the original beamed ceilings in the living room and dining area. The Christmas season has always been a favorite of Barbara’s and you will see that through the variety of decorations in her house.

Tickets are available at the following locations: Bailey’s Country Shoppe, Barnes Nursery (Huron), Cooke House, Corso’s Flower & Garden Center, Flowerama, The Follett House Museum and Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center – East.

Tickets will also be available the nights of the Tour at The Follett House Museum, 404 Wayne St., Sandusky, Ohio.

For more information please contact The Old House Guild office at 419.627.0640.

Tip: Bring a bag! Guests are often asked to remove their shoes while touring a home. A bag makes handy storage and allows you to exit without returning to the entrance to retrieve your footwear. Also, dress in light layers – you don’t want to carry heavy coats with you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Sandusky’s finest “homes for the holidays!”

The Festival of Lights, benefiting 30 non-profit organizations will kick off opening night with the Ringing Swinging Silent Auction on Friday November 25 at 6 pm. There will be over 300 items to bid on and a raffle drawing for a trip to Jamaica with a 2nd prize of $500 and 3rd prize of $300. The $5 charitable donation includes bid ticket and hors d’oeuvres. Cash bar available. Auction proceeds benefit non-profit organizations.

Nov 3, 2011
Sandusky Art Walk
Various downtown locations, Sandusky
419.627.9964
Enjoy a variety of art forms in downtown Sandusky including culinary arts, architectural art, sidewalk chalk art, quilting and fabric art, and more. Maps of businesses hosting artists and their works will be available.

Nov 4-6, 2011
25th Annual Candlelight Open House
Just for Ewe, 9523 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.5151
Hundreds of dollars of free door prizes, gourmet treats and entertainment. Art class retreat grand opening and yarn shop trunk show. Car pool to enter free gas card drawing.

Nov 4-6; 11-12, 2011
“Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
Bellevue Society for the Arts, 205 Maple St., Bellevue
419.484.2787
With a book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, and music and lyrics by Carol Hall, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is based on the true story of a legendary Texas Brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Contains some material and themes that may not be appropriate for young audiences.

Nov 4, 2011
“Glenn Miller Orchestra”
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
877.626.1950
Glenn Miller Orchestra is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time.

Nov 5, 2011
3rd Annual Erie MetroParks Run Like an Animal 5K Trail Run/Walk
Edison Woods MetroPark – Smokey Rd., Berlin Heights
419.625.7783
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to try a trail run through beautiful Edison Woods. The route is an unimproved trail surface and parts may be muddy. Registration begins at 8 am; the race begins at 9 am.

Nov 5, 2011
Pumpkin’ Chunkin’
Firefly Beach Resort – Erie Kai Tavern, 4903 Cleveland Rd. E (US 6), Huron
419.557.4108
Fundraiser for Wounded Warriers Project. Food and refreshments.

Nov 12, 2011
Harley’s Heroes
Mad River Harley-Davidson, 5316 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.502.2244
This event benefits DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a non-profit organization dedicated to building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. Events include a ride to the Ohio Veterans Home, a chili cook-off, raffles for various prizes and more. Please call if you have questions or would like to make a donation.

Nov 18, 2011
Festival of Trees: Holiday Sparkle at the State
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.626.1950
The 4th Annual Festival of Trees “Holiday Sparkle at the State” is bigger and better than ever. Marvel at the five foot snowmen painted by local artists, and view breathtaking gift wrapped “mystery boxes” perfect for holiday gift giving. There will also be a live auction, food, and cash bar.

Nov 19, 2011
Earth to Table Dinner
The Culinary Vegetable Institute, 12304 SR 13, Milan
419.499.7500
Enjoy this culinary battle between Chef Peter Veach (University of Michigan) and Chef Roger Garland (The Ohio State University) one week before the big game. Reservations required.

Nov 27, 2011
Wooden Feather Day
Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center, Oak Harbor
419.898.0960
Visitors will vote on their favorite carved feather. See area wood carvers in action, enjoy the warm fire, a marsh walk and free homemade refreshments. Bring the whole family for a great afternoon!

Please visit our website for a complete list of events for Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

October 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
HalloWeekends
Fri 6 pm-12 am, Sat 12 pm-12 am, Sun 12-9 pm
Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky
419.627.2350
There’s more to experience at Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends than spooks and frights. Discover not-so-scary fun for the kids with activities including a parade, hay maze, costume contest, live shows, and more.

October 15
Huron Pumpkin Fest
12-6 pm
Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., Huron
419.433.8487
This great family festival has something for everyone in the family to enjoy! There will be games, entertainment, food, kids crafts, a petting zoo, a pumpkin drop and much more.

October 22
Get Your Ghoul On!
1-2:30 pm
Sandusky Library, 114 W. Adams St., Sandusky
419.625.3834
Sandusky Library and Ghostly Manor invite you to celebrate Halloween a little early this year. Learn how to apply Halloween makeup and how to be creative with your costume. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

October 22
Halloween Costume Parade & Trick-or-Treat
12-2 pm
Schade Mylander Plaza, North end of Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.627.5942

October 22
Halloween Sweet Scavenger Hunt
Sandusky Mall, 4314 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
419.626.8574 x120
Registration for the scavenger hunt begins at 10:30 am. The hunt is from 11 am-1 pm. You must register to participate.

October 23
Pumpkin Palooza
12-3 pm
Milan Historical Museum, 10 Edison Dr. (off SR 113), Milan
419.499.2968
Pre-register for the costume contest at 1 pm. Paint pumpkins, squash bowling and more!

October 29
Boo! at the Boardwalk
6-8 pm
Magee Marsh Boardwalk West End, 13229 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor
419.898.0960
Great fun for the whole family. Visit stations along the boardwalk to learn about wildlife. Treats, surprises and fun!

October 29-30
Happy Halloween Weekend
Burnham Orchards, 8019 SR 113, Berlin Heights
419.588.2138