If you were waiting for an engraved invitation to visit the islands, I think Put-In-Bay just issued one. The Chamber of Commerce is making it very evident that the island is open for business every day – and they are doing everything they can to welcome families during the week, when things aren’t as busy as they are on weekends. They’ve even begun a new branding campaign, so you’ll undoubtedly see them on TV or hear them on the radio.
Whether you come for the food or the fun or the water, you’ll be happy you came. We just spent the day there last week and it brought back all sorts of familiar sights, sounds, smells, and great memories…and you won’t forget those delightful island breezes.
Can you say Weekday Fun for the Family?
Without a doubt, there are activities for all ages on the island. From nature walks to climbing walls, from parasailing to Jet-ski rentals, from high atop the 352-foot Perry’s Monument to deep below the earth at Perry’s Cave, it’s safe to say you can find things to appeal to kids of all ages. A great place to start thinking about your trip is this Kids Love Put-In-Bay Brochure which you can download, with a compact map and guide to many of the family-rated attractions.
On weekdays, when the island is less crowded, your family can enjoy a wide range of activities, all in a safe and fun environment. And, as they say, “This weekday’s forecast always calls for good times with a high chance of memories.”
If you’d like to go one place for multi-hour enjoyment, you might want to head to Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center. In one treed and shady location, you’ll find:
- Explorable cave that’s a cool 52 degrees year-round
- Climbing wall
- 18-hole Miniature golf
- Butterfly house (se photos below)
- Giant Maze
- Gemstone mining
- Antique car museum
- Two gift shops
Can you say Feed Me?
While we were there, the place we always stop is The Boardwalk and their Upper Deck restaurant overlooking the busy marina. If you’ve ever heard the term World’s Best Lobster Bisque – this is the place where you’ll find it. With large chunks of lobster, this bisque can’t be beat. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
A couple of my other dining favorites are the original fish tacos at The Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern, and breakfast crepes at The Forge. Check here for more locations, depending on your preferences.
How to get there:
There are two ways most people arrive on South Bass Island, home to Put-In-Bay. If you want to drive, and take your car onto the island, the only choice the Miller Ferry. They sail from the tip of Catawba to both South and Middle Bass Islands, carrying walk-ons, bicycles, cars, trucks and trailers. Trips run about every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and take less than 20 minutes.
The big news from Miller Ferry is that they are expecting. Later this year, they are expecting delivery of the Mary Ann Market, a new 600-passenger ferry, which will also hold up to 28 vehicles. The new vessel will be loaded with additional creature comforts and handicap accessibility. Watch this space for additional coverage and photos.
You can also take the Jet Express which sails from Sandusky or Port Clinton. Check their schedules as they change depending on time and date – but generally they run about every 45 minutes. Walk-ons and bicycles only are allowed on the Jet Express.
If you have your own boat, there are docks aplenty, ranging from docks at The Boardwalk to Municipal Marinas. And heck, if you are a pilot, there’s an airport here as well.
Travel around the island
Once you’re there, if you want to explore, the most popular ways to get around are via bike or golf cart. If you prefer to leaving the driving to someone else, there’s a Downtown Bus and the Tour Train.
Before you go
If you are the carefree type, plan to spend the week and explore to your heart’s content. If you can only spend a few days, you’ll want to check out this definitive guide to all there is to see and do in the 2021 Island Guide and Map, which you can read online or download.
However you get there, and however long you stay, we’re betting you’ll have a great time. Drop me a line if you go this year and tell me about your favorite destination or activity. Happy Islanding!
