Daniel_Williams

I've thought it might be interesting to try a beachy summer vacation on a Great Lake and Put-In-Bay piqued my curiosity. From what I've read, Put-In-Bay seems to me the type of place one can get around reasonably well by bike or on foot (meaning grocery stores, restaurants and possible entertainment venues accessible); I hope I'm not mistaken. While I've read that the beach town does attract some of the "heavy partying, beer-drinking" crowd, I wonder if other folks who just want to enjoy beach, nature and perhaps a bit of light musical entertainment, theater or art at night would appreciate the town. Put-In-Bay actually looked kind of charming from the pictures I saw; is "charming" a word that could apply, in your opinion?

Dave_Ohio

I have always enjoyed spending time in Put-in-Bay. Most of our visits have been daytrips. It does have its charms: scenery, fresh air, a laid-back island atmosphere, quaint old houses, a winery with a cave, etc. You can bring your own bike, rent bikes or golf carts, or walk to get around. I don't know what the fine dining, theater & arts scene is like. Downtown strikes me as having an amusement park atmosphere, and it is surrounded by a ring of bars. Party crowds can become boisterous in the area of the bars, and even the marina, especially on holiday weekends.

If you're looking for exotic, sandy beaches, this is not the place. The few public beaches on the island (South Bass Island) are small, pebbly strips, not expanses of sand and dunes, but they can be enjoyable, nonetheless.

Daniel_Williams

Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my query. The way you portray Put-in-Bay in your first few sentences makes it sound appealing. I'm gathering it's quite easy to escape the bar area (or go to it) if one wants.

Best wishes, Daniel

Dave_Ohio

You're welcome, Daniel.
Coincidentally, this item popped up today about how Put-in-Bay earns some of its income:
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/loc...ort-Put-in-Bay

Daniel_Williams

I think the city of Montreal (where I live) could earn some major $$$ that way too . Thanks for sharing the article.

cd

Daniel, Living in Ohio, we go to Put-In-Bay every year, usually for a day trip, this year we stayed overnight. We love the flavor of the Island. We rent a golf cart and really tour the whole island, you can go to the airport and take a bi-plane ride, you can play par 3 golf, learn about Lake Erie's battle of 1812 at the Peace Memorial and Perry's Monument, and tour both wineries. Haineman's being the largest. But Dave is correct the beach is at the State Park and not all that great. You can rent Kayaks. I can recommend the hotel where we stayed. It is a few blocks from town so it is quiet but you can still walk into town if you want, they also have golf carts to rent. It is Bay Shore. It is lakeview (no beach) but lakeview pools. There are carts and bikes in town to rent.
If you have a few days I think you would enjoy also taking the ferry to Kelly's Island, It is quieter than Put-In-Bay, but with a sandy beach in their State Park: http://www.kelleysislandchamber.com/...ys-island-faq/

Daniel_Williams

Thanks cd for taking the time to input. Put-in-Bay seems tempting! I like the idea of renting bikes and kayaks.

Best wishes, Daniel