Cedar Point is a great location for a family getaway, with more than 150 rides, shows and attractions. It features 17 roller coasters as well as a variety of thrill, water, kids’ and family rides. Debuting this year is WindSeeker, a beachside thriller that will take you almost 30 stories in the sky and spin you around with nothing between your feet and the ground below. Also new this year, Pink’s – home of the world’s best chili dog, making its first appearance east of Las Vegas and a nighttime music light show, “American Portrait.”

“Ride on!”

Although most known for walleye, perch and smallmouth bass, in certain waters at many times of the year you will also find steelhead trout, white bass, rock bass, largemouth bass, catfish and other species. Below is a list of fishing hot spots during the spring months in the Central and Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Western Basin Fishing Hotspots

Walleye: Maumee River, Sandusky River, Sandusky Bay, Reef Complex, Bass Islands, Kelleys Island, Marblehead

Yellow perch: Catawba, Marblehead, Bass Islands, Kelleys Island

Smallmouth Bass: Bass Islands, Kelleys Island, Catawba, Marblehead, Sandusky Bay, Reef Complex

Central Basin Fishing Hotspots

Walleye: Breakwalls; Huron, Huntington Beach, Lakefront State Park, Fairport Harbor plus Grand River and nearshore areas from Vermilion – Conneaut.

Yellow perch: Nearshore; Ruggles Reef, Vermilion, Fairport, Perry, Ashtabula, Conneaut; Lorain, Cleveland artificial reefs

Smallmouth Bass: Vermilion, Rocky, Chagrin, Grand rivers and Conneaut Creek; smaller tribs from Cleveland east.
For more information, please visit Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife.

Our first “short” video features indoor waterpark fun, including Castaway Bay, Great Wolf Lodge, and Kalahari Resort. Check it out and tell what you think.

Future “shorts” will feature Lake Erie Islands, Cedar Point, birding hotspots, fishing, popular area festivals and more. If you have ideas for future topics you’d like to see, leave a comment below. We look forward to sharing our shorts with you!

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

Kenny House
226 Adams St., Port Clinton
419.734.5943
Basalt stone massage, facial treatments, reflexology, pregnancy massage, massage therapy, add on services available. Appointments 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
419.627.2500
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 recommended.

Spa Kalahari
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
419.433.7900 or 877.525.2427
Eleven themed and soothing treatment areas designed to reawaken your senses. Reservations recommended.

Raffle tickets are available NOW for only $90 ($100 after May 21st) and can be purchased at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky and at the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center on US 250 in Sandusky. Tickets can also be ordered by phone at 1.800.255.3743.

After May 21, $100 tickets will be available at a variety of sales locations. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold.

An early bird drawing will be held at 6 pm on July 4th at Mad River Harley Davidson in Sandusky. 20 lucky winners will be drawn for an early bird prize of $500 each.

More information on the event is available at www.BigSplashRaffle.com; follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

Bell Mell’s Tavern
307 Fulton St., Port Clinton
419.732.7337
Serving pizza, subs, burgers and more. Received the “Peoples Choice Award” for best pizza in Ottawa County.

Cameo Pizza
702 W. Monroe St., Sandusky
419.626.0190
Serving old world style Italian pizza. A family tradition since 1936.

Chet & Matt’s Pizza
1013 E. Strub Rd., Sandusky
419.626.6000
Serving hand-made, one-of-a-kind pizza creations as well as sandwiches, wings, salads and more.

Jim’s Pizza Box
819 Main St., Huron
419.433.4460
Serving pizza, calzones, salads, subs and more.

Mona Pizza
135 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.626.8170
Old style pizzeria serving whole pizzas, pizza by the slice, soups, subs and salads.

The Biggest Week in American Birding is a popular birding event that takes place during the peak of spring warbler migration in the Lake Erie marsh region. The Biggest Week in American Birding is hosted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Tropical Birding, Kaufman Field Guides, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

Activities include: ID workshops, Woodcock extravaganzas to observe the extraordinary displays of these woodland shorebirds, daily “warbler workouts” on the Magee boardwalk, daily visits to the neighboring Ottawa NWR (a local hotspot for waterbirds), multiple evening talks, birding by ear workshops and a number of presentations on birding around the world. In addition, birding guru Kenn Kaufman will be holding talks on a variety of birding subjects over the nine nights of the festival, including programs that focus on migration, bird ID, shade-grown coffee and his personal journey from Kingbird Highway. Click here to view a detailed schedule of events.

Bird lovers should expect to see at least 20 warbler species every day, along with masses of thrushes, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, and other migrants in the woods; plus shorebirds and more in open areas. Click here for a list of species spotted in 2010.

Registration is open for The Biggest Week in American Birding.

See you in May!

Romantic packages available include:

A Touch of Italy B&B, Port Clinton: The Sublime Lovers Escape
Package includes one night in an Italian-themed room, private bath with fluffy bathrobes, bottle of Italian wine, two hand-etched wine glasses (yours to keep), cheese & grape plate, decadent chocolates, one dozen long stemmed roses in vase (yours to keep), Valentine’s card with a private message from you, $50 gift certificate to a romantic restaurant, scented silk rose petals on your bed, private Italian candlelight breakfast for two, late checkout at 12:30 pm and a $25 gift certificate for your next stay (or to give as a gift).

Kalahari Waterpark Resort, Sandusky: Couple’s Romantic Escape
Package includes an overnight stay in a beautifully appointed King Whirlpool Suite for two, admission to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark for each registered guest, room service breakfast for two, champagne (21 and older) and chocolate covered strawberries.

Our Sunset Place B&B, Port Clinton: Valentine Sunset Delight
Package includes a two night stay in a lakefront room with private bath and a special hot breakfast. Also enjoy a romantic evening with a lovely view of Lake Erie, warm fireplace, bottle of wine and box of chocolates.

Sawmill Creek Resort and Conference Center, Huron: Bed & Breakfast Package
Package includes a Deluxe Guest Room and breakfast for two.

Sawmill Creek Resort and Conference Center, Huron: Valentine’s Package
Package includes a Deluxe Guest Room, dinner for two, hot breakfast for two and a one hour ballroom dance lesson.

South Beach Resort, Marblehead: Romantic Spa Package
Package includes a room with jetted tub, complimentary bottle of champagne, use of chenille robes and slippers, your choice of two spa treatments or two massages and dinner at Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery.

Sunnyside Tower B&B, Port Clinton: Valentine’s Day Special
Package includes an overnight stay with a complimentary bottle of wine and box of chocolates. Stay one night and get a second night half-off.

Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast, Marblehead: Valentine Sweetheart Special
Package includes an overnight stay, $50 gift certificate towards dinner at a romantic restaurant, complimentary bottle of wine and a box of candy.

An easy romantic retreat is just a few clicks away. Get all the Lake Erie Shores & Islands lodging package details on the SHORESandISLANDS.com website where you can also check out the packages available for your next family getaway!

Also, check out a variety of Valentine’s events, including romantic sleigh rides, wine dinners, holiday teas and more.

Candy Hut (in Kalahari Resort)
7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky
419.433.7200
Hand-dipped chocolates, fabulous caramel apples, homemade fudge, salt water taffy, a variety of gummies and Wisconsin’s award-winning “Chocolate Shoppe” ice cream await you in Kalahari’s main lobby!
LES&I Recommends: Caramel Apples (with such decadent flavors as Turtle, Oreo and Buckeye!) and Baboon Bites (frozen balls of chocolate chip cookie dough coated in chocolate)

Christi’s Just for Ewe
9523 E. Harbor Rd. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.5151
At Christi’s you can sample your way through the variety of on-site shops – try on jewelry, apparel and shoes; taste gourmet goodies including homemade fudge, soups, teas and coffees; or try your hand at knitting, crocheting, spinning or weaving in the yarn shop.
LES&I Recommends: Delicious homemade fudge in a variety of flavors…so good, we can’t pick just one!

Great Lakes Popcorn Company
60 N. Madison St., Port Clinton
419.732.3080
This treat shop features over 30 flavors of gourmet popcorn and nuts, along with other tasty treats and gifts, on the Lake Erie waterfront.
LES&I Recommends: Vanilla Butternut & English Toffee (you can even get the Vanilla Butternut flavor all dressed up for Valentine’s Day in red and white!)

Tre Sorelle Cioccolato
634 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
419.502.2462
Translated “Three Sisters Chocolates” this family Chocolatier makes hand-crafted chocolate goodies, specializing in ganache filled candies and truffles made with the freshest ingredients available.
LES&I Recommends: Wine infused chocolates created with wines from Shores & Islands’ own Firelands Winery. Try the Ice Wine Truffles, Limoncello Truffles and Raspberry Champagne filled chocolates.

Wendy Kromer Confections & City Bake Shop
133 – 137 E. Water St., Sandusky
419.609.0450
Wendy Kromer is famous for her work with Martha Stewart Weddings. Many of her cakes have graced the cover of the magazine. In addition to Wendy’s spectacular creations, City Bake Shop specializes in pastries and other baked goods as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. Recently added to the selections at City Bake Shop are artisanal confections from Pomona Chocolates, made from European chocolate and fresh ingredients.
LES&I Recommends: For Valentine’s Day City Bake Shop has created a special cake for two – it features double chocolate cake layers filled with chocolate ganache and dark chocolate buttercream, then wrapped in “Leopard”-printed white chocolate, topped with more ganache and topped off with a chocolate-dipped strawberry!

10 am – 4 pm: The Maritime Museum of Sandusky is open. $1 admission.

10 am – 4 pm: Ice skating (at your own risk) at the Sadler Boat Basin, Sandusky Sailing Club.

11 am: Underground Railroad Trolley Tour. $5/person. Departs from the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. (reservations required)

11 am – 1 pm: Soup Cook-off ($3) and Crafts for Children at the Erie County Senior Center.

12 – 4 pm: Winter Kids Activities with Dick Gallagher & the Sandusky Traveling Children’s Museum.

12 – 4 pm: Erie MetroParks’ Nature in Winter Display and Craft Activity at the Maritime Museum.

1 pm: “Ice Boating on the Sandusky Bay” presentation by Brent Gardner at the Maritime Museum. $1 admission.

2 – 4 pm: Ice Fishing Demonstrations and Ice Boat Races at the Sandusky Sailing Club.

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

10 am – 4 pm: The Maritime Museum of Sandusky is open. $1 admission.

10 am – 4 pm: Ice skating (at your own risk) at the Sadler Boat Basin, Sandusky Sailing Club.

11 am – 2 pm: Amateur Individual Ice Carving Competition

12 – 4 pm: Erie MetroParks’ Nature in Winter Display and Craft Activity at the Maritime Museum.

12 pm – Modern Ice Harvesting & Carving Demonstration at the Sandusky Sailing Club.

12:30 – 2 pm: Bingo at the Erie County Senior Center. $1/card. Concessions available.

2 pm: Sandusky Fire Department Ice Diving Demonstration at the Sandusky Sailing Club.

Activities scheduled are subject to change due to weather conditions. Please contact the Maritime Museum of Sandusky at 419.624.0274 for more information.

When the lake freezes and frosty Midwest temperatures hit, there’s a tropical getaway waiting close by. The indoor waterpark resorts boast 80 degree temperatures to warm up even the chilliest of winters.

Currently, there are four indoor waterparks in the area: Castaway Bay, Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resort and Rain.

With its tropical theme, guests feel like they have landed on an island paradise. Castaway Bay features 237 hotel rooms and suites including family-oriented units, an indoor waterpark loaded with water activities for all ages, a day spa, fitness center, state-of-the-art arcade, restaurants, retail shops, adjacent marina and space for meetings, group events and birthday parties. The 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark features Rendezvous Run water coaster; a 100,000-gallon wave pool; three 35-foot-tall body slides; Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse; Toddler’s Tide Pool; and an 80,000-gallon activity pool.

Great Wolf Lodge is an all-suites, full-service, family destination indoor waterpark resort designed to deliver a memorable, high-quality family vacation experience. It is a place where uninterrupted family time is spent and lifelong traditions are created. Every aspect of the property, from the comfortable Northwoods atmosphere to the family-friendly amenities, is designed with one goal in mind: “Creating Family Traditions, One Family at a Time.” The comprehensive package of resort amenities includes a 41,000-square-foot indoor entertainment area featuring a grand-scale waterpark, spacious outdoor pool, arcade with ticket redemption, fitness room, dedicated arts and crafts center for kids, family restaurants, confectionary, meeting space, gift shop and performing Great Clock Tower.

You’re in for the time of your life with everything under one roof at Kalahari Resort. Surf indoors 365 days a year or take on the Zip Coaster at America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. Spa Kalahari, The Reserve Restaurant & Bar, Pottery Pizzazz, Candy Hut, Ivory Coast Lounge, Great Karoo Marketplace Restaurant, Zakanaka Imports, Madagascar Indoor Mini Golf and so much more! No matter what the weather is outside, you can splish-splash all day long indoors at Kalahari. Catch some rays at Kalahari’s outdoor pool complex from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting). Once you cross over the bridge, you’ll feel “A World Away ®.” Call for day pass information.
Rain indoor waterpark offers a smaller setting with thrill slides and water play – featuring a 50-foot tower with two giant slides (275 and 251 feet long), a play structure with additional water activities and an outdoor pool. As the name indicates, waterpark guests are frequently showered with rain. The complex also includes a 32-lane state-of-the-art bowling center, laser tag, an arcade, great eats and off-track betting in the exciting atmosphere of horse racing. In all, Rain features more than 3,500 sq. ft. of affordable family fun, all under one roof.

Kalahari Resort Invests $22 Million in Meetings Venue to Accommodate Larger Groups/Offer One-of-a-Kind Convention Center in the Region

Kalahari Resort today officially announced it will break ground this March on a $22 million expansion that will more than double the size of its convention center, making Kalahari Resort-Ohio the only under-one-roof complex in the Midwest to feature a convention center and hotel of this scope. Having filled a void in the region since opening its 95,000-square-foot convention center in 2006, Kalahari Resort plans to significantly increase its meeting capacity from 2,200 to 5,200 attendees.

The 120,000-square-foot addition, which will bring Kalahari’s convention center total square footage to 215,000, will include a 38,000-square-foot grand ballroom /expo center, a 12,000-square-foot junior ballroom, 14 meeting rooms, a 4,000-square-foot themed outdoor plaza connected to an indoor ballroom and 30,000 square feet of pre-function space.

“We pride ourselves in striking the right balance of features for convention guests and leisure travelers to ensure that each has a top-notch, yet very different experience,” says Todd Nelson, president and owner of Kalahari Resorts who notes that, with this addition, the resort will have added more than $175 million in expansions since opening in 2005. “This expansion further demonstrates our commitment to building a premier meeting and convention venue in Northeast Ohio.”

The distinctive meetings philosophy, for which Kalahari Resort is known, will be carried over in to the new convention space to include state-of-the-art audio visual, such as interactive whiteboards, video conferencing options, high-end acoustical sound systems, HD-quality projectors and formatted screens, advanced lighting control systems and digital signage. Meeting planners will also appreciate smart design elements including electronically lockable built-in bars and registration areas as well as added warming kitchens in key areas to enhance food and beverage service options.

Kalahari’s attention to detail flows through to its décor with its use of earthy colors that are proven to enhance the ability to focus and aid in productivity. Meeting and convention attendees will also be greeted by authentic African artwork, décor and furnishings that have been hand-selected by Kalahari staff in Africa, as well as one-of-a-kind fixtures designed by the resort’s private theme shop.

“Many groups we’ve hosted have been surprised to discover the level of our meetings and event offerings. Although groups want to bring larger statewide or national conventions to us, in the past we were able to accommodate their guest room needs, but we couldn’t accommodate their function space needs,” says Maris Brenner, director of sales for Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. “We’re excited to open new doors for Kalahari Resort and the surrounding community with our added meeting space which will draw significantly more attendees.”

The authentically African themed resort has generated $27.4 million in taxes and fees for the public sector from 2005 to 2009 thanks to its wide array of offerings that include America’s largest indoor waterpark, outdoor waterpark and adventure park, restaurants, shops and Spa Kalahari. Named business of the year by the Erie County Chamber of Commerce in 2010, Kalahari Resort, the second largest employer in the area with 1,200 employees, will add 141 full-time jobs and 98 one-time construction jobs and as part of its expansion.

“We support this expansion and are excited to see Kalahari Resort continue to grow and bring added visitors to the area, thus spurring economic growth and adding jobs in Erie County,” says Erie County Commissioner Patrick Shenigo. “We’re fortunate to have this level of private investment in our community.”

Kalahari Resort is committed to working with Ohio-based contractors and sub-contractors and will invite them to submit bids through its construction manager, Kraemer Brothers of Plain, Wis. The convention center expansion is expected to open December 2011.

About Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Kalahari Resort-Sandusky, located on Highway 250 just north of the I-80 Ohio Turnpike off exit 118, is an under-one-roof destination hotel and convention center complex already home to 884 guest rooms and suites, a 95,000-square-foot convention center, the full-service Spa Kalahari, unique retail shops, the Safari Outdoor Adventure and Animal Park, a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, a fully-equipped fitness center and business center and the largest indoor waterpark in the U.S. To contact the Group Sales office, call (877) 647-6847 or email OHgroups@KalahariResorts.com. In addition to its Ohio location, Kalahari Resorts has a convention center and resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. For room reservations and guest information, call (877) 525-2427 or visit www.KalahariResorts.com. To review Kalahari Resort’s electronic press kit, go to www.kalahariresortsgobig.com.

For more information, contact:
Shannon McCarthy, (952) 401-0125 x2
smccarthy@leumpr.com

November 20 – December 24, 2010
Photos with Santa
Mon – Sat: 11 am – 8 pm, Sun: 12 – 5 pm (Christmas Eve: 9 am – 5 pm)
Sandusky Mall, 4314 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
Stop by for a visit and photo and receive a FREE treat from Mrs. Fields!
419.626.8574 x120

November 26 – December 22, 2010
Santa at the Candy Cane House
6 – 9 pm
Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Dr., Huron
Drive the Festival of Lights display and say “hi” to Santa at the Candy Cane House!
419.433.3800

December 7 & 8, 2010
Pet Photos with Santa
4 – 8 pm
Sandusky Mall – Center Court, 4314 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky
Sandusky Mall welcomes all pet owners for a special photo session with Santa! Please bring all pets on a leash or in a carrier.
419.626.8574 x120

December 11 & 18, 2010
Mrs. Claus/Hay Wagon Rides
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Sawmill Creek Resort, 400 Sawmill Creek Dr. (off US 6), Huron
Meet Mrs. Claus in the Granary (behind the Sawmill Creek Shops) for story time. Enjoy hot chocolate, cider and cookies. Then ride the wagon through the Festival of Lights display. Advance reservations suggested.
419.433.3800
$4/adult, $2/child (ages 12 and under), $10/family (up to 6 people)

December 11 & 18, 2010
Visit with Santa
11 am – 3 pm
Exchange Park, Vermilion
Visit with Santa and whisper in his ear what you want for Christmas. Bring a camera for photos. Sponsored by the Friends of Harbour Town.
440.654.8847

December 11, 2010
Christmas with Santa
3 – 8 pm
Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., Huron
Featuring live reindeer, carriage rides, our “Warm Hands from Young Hearts” tree, crafts, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!
419.433.8487

December 18, 2010
Breakfast or Lunch with Santa
10 am / 12:30 pm
Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
The holidays are here and what better way to enjoy the magic but with a visit with Santa himself. Please call for more details.
419.626.1950
$12/person

Please visit our website for more events in Shores & Islands!

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center Christmas 3D Wonderland
Friday, November 26th 2010 – Saturday, January 1st 2011
• Admission for Christmas Wonderland 3D Family Walk-Thru is $6 for ages 10 & up, $3 for ages 9 & under, and free for ages 5 and under with a paid adult admission.
• Admission for XD 4D Theater Snow Ride is $7. Riders must be 40 inches or taller.
• Admission for 4th Annual Christmas Light Show is free! Show repeats every 30 minutes starting at 6pm.

About Ghostly Manor Thrill Center: Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is an indoor entertainment complex featuring the #4 ranked haunted house in the United States as well as Ohio’s first and only XD 3D Theater and the iconic SkateWorld. For more information, please visit ghostlymanor.com and facebook.com/ghostlymanor.

The 32,000-square-foot building, featuring 10 screens, digital and 3-D capabilities, stadium-seating and a self-serve concession stand, can hold approximately 1,700 viewers. The auditoriums are equipped with plush, high-backed rocking seats featuring a 16-inch height difference between rows, providing more leg room and ample space to enter and exit without disturbing other guests.

Cinemark is making it easy for customers to get to their movie faster with advanced ticket purchasing at Cinemark.com. Online ticket buyers can avoid waiting in line and instead go directly to a kiosk in the theatre lobby. Customers can also sign up to receive weekly emails from Cinemark, previewing showtimes.

Join the new Cinemark Stadium Movie Theatre for the Grand Opening on Friday, November 19, 2010. The first 100 ticket buyers will receive a FREE Cinemark Swag Bag. Local radio stations will also be on-site with live remotes and prize giveaways from 3 – 7 pm. On Saturday, November 20th Cinemark will celebrate Kids Day with face painting and balloon animals for the kids. Another live radio remote will be on-site from 12 – 2 pm.

So kick back, relax and enjoy the latest Hollywood hits!

The outdoor haunted walk-through attractions are closed on Sundays (except for October 10, 17, 24 & 31).

2. What are the ticket prices?
Regular:
$45.99 for guests 48″ or taller. Valid Saturdays & Sundays, September 18 through October 31, 2010.

Junior/Senior:
$19.99 for guests under 48″ tall or guests age 62 and older. Valid Friday nights, Saturdays & Sundays, September 17 – October 31, 2010.

Starlight:
$29.99 for guests 48″ or taller. Valid for admission on Friday nights, Saturdays after 5 pm and Sundays after 4 pm (after 5 pm on Sunday, October 10 only).

Children 2 & under are always free.

3. How can I save money on HalloWeekends admission?
Cedar Point offers deals & discounts on admission. Click here for current promotions.

Cedar Point’s hotel properties also offer packages that combine accommodations with tickets. Click here for current package details.

Discount tickets are available to members of AAA and are also available at Meijer and Discount Drug Mart.

4. Do you have to pay an extra admission for HalloWeekends?
Your regular admission ticket or 2010 Season Pass/Platinum Pass is valid for entry. There are no extra fees for the haunted attractions.

5. What are the hours?
HalloWeekends at Cedar Point is held every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday beginning September 17 – October 31. The hours of operation are: Friday 6 pm – midnight, Saturday noon – midnight and Sunday noon – 9 pm. On Sunday October 10 only, the hours are 10 am – 10 pm. Please note that Cedar Point is closed during the week.

6. What is new for 2010 season?
Dr. D. Mented’s Asylum for the Criminally Insane – an all-new haunted house set inside an asylum gone bad. It is located near the Wave Swinger in Frontiertown.

Sideshow – A Carnival of Magic – a new LIVE show featuring high energy dance and magic that will stun your senses at the Jack Aldrich Theatre.

Search for the Hidden Dragon – it’s a new adventure for Queen Meanie as she tries to find a dragon for her kingdom. This is perfect for the kids!

7. Can small children attend?
Of course! Cedar Point has special attractions just for small children, like the Magical House on Boo Hill, the Kid’s Costume Contest, the friendly monsters, live shows, a hay bale maze, decorated children’s areas and of course, the famous PEANUTS characters!

8. Are there any haunted houses?
Yes. There are four indoor haunted houses: The new Dr. D. Mented’s Asylum, Club Blood, Happy Jack’s Toy Factory and G.A. Boeckling’s Eerie Estate.

9. What rides are open on Friday nights?
Maverick, Troika, Blue Streak, Midway Carrousel, Raptor, Cedar Downs, Dodgem, Planet Spooky, Cadillac Cars, Matterhorn, Scrambler, Skyhawk, Wave Swinger, WildCat, maXair, Iron Dragon, Top Thrill Dragster, Wicked Twister, Magnum XL-200, Power Tower and Millennium Force.

10. Is the entire park scary?
HalloWeekends is fun for the entire family. Although the park is decorated with pumpkins, special displays and music, all “scary” areas are clearly marked with signs. All of the main midways are scare-free during the day; only a few are scary at night.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center – 3319 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH, 44870.

Friday, September 24th 2010. 7PM-Midnight.

Saturday, September 25th 2010. 7PM-Midnight.

Sunday, September 26th 2020. 7PM-10PM.

Admission for the Ghostly Manor is $11 for ages 10 & up, $7 for ages 9 & under.

Admission for the Ghostly Manor & Ghostly Gauntlet is $17 for ages 10 & up, $13 for ages 9 & under.

For more information, please call 419-626-4467.

About Ghostly Manor Thrill Center: Located just 2 miles north of Ohio State Route 2 at 3319 Milan Road in Sandusky, Ohio, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is an indoor entertainment complex featuring the #4 ranked haunted house in the United States as well as Ohio’s first and only XD 3D Theater and the iconic Skateworld. For more information, please call 419-626-4467 or visit www.ghostlymanor.com.

Catawba
Catawba Island State Park – 419.797.4530

Huron
Lakefront Park – 419.433.8487

Nickel Plate Beach – 419.433.8487

Kelleys Island
Kelleys Island State Park – 419.797.4530

Put-in-Bay
South Bass Island State Park – 419.797.4530

Vermilion
Main Street Beach – 440.967.4477

Sherod Park – 440.967.4477

The festivities kick into high gear on Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion (605 East Water Street, Sandusky) with the official Toast of Ohio Wine Heritage Festival, now in its seventh year. This fantastic event features twelve Ohio wineries, gourmet food, live musical entertainment and an artist’s showcase. The festival grounds will be open Friday from 4 – 9 pm and Saturday from noon – 8 pm.

Admission is just $5.00 per person and includes a souvenir Toast of Ohio wine glass and two complimentary wine tastings. Patrons who visit the festival Friday can bring their 2010 glass back to the event on Saturday for free admission. Admission fees benefit the sponsoring museums, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky and Merry-Go-Round Museum.

Tickets will be available to purchase for exchange of wine tastings and food purchases. Wine tasting tickets are four for $3.00 and glass pours will vary by vendor. Food offerings will range from $1.00 – $5.00. Ticket packages – including a combination of food tickets and wine tickets – also will be available for purchase – ranging from $5.00 to $20.00. The $20.00 package includes admission, glass, ten food tickets and ten wine tastings. Wine related merchandise and souvenirs will be sold separately.

A variety of musical entertainment and family fun activities will occur throughout the festival. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky and the Merry-Go-Round Museum, co-sponsors of the festival, will host tours and activities.

The Lake Erie Shores & Islands once featured huge vineyards that spread from east of Sandusky to the western region near the bay because of the lakeshore climate. The Toast of Ohio event was developed to celebrate the area’s winemaking heritage. Today, dozens of wineries still operate in the region. Make a weekend of it with lodging packages available at SHORESandISLANDS.com and tour the area’s wineries.

Other event sponsors include Ohio Grape Industries, Ohio Magazine, Lake Erie Shores & Islands-East Welcome Center and the City of Sandusky.

Friday night begins the weekend with the announcement of the 2010 Cold Creek Celebration Queen and her court along with the Little Miss and Little Master titles. The Village Pizza, pizza eating contest (with great prizes) will provide some humor prior to the musical entertainment provided by “The CocoBeanOs”. This band made up of local members has taken the north coast by storm, and we are thrilled to have them with us, once again!

On Saturday, it’s off to the races .. with a 5K Run/Walk! Then the day procedes at a more casual pace with kid friendly events including kid’s olympics, games, bingo, a talent show, a “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader” challenge, decorated bicycle parade and a pet parade to name a few (all free of charge). We welcome Fisher Titus Medical Center with bicycle helmets for children (small fee involved). The Castalia Lions Club is proud to bring Pilot Dog demonstration to the main stage. A baking contest is very popular with all ages and the popular Bed Race down Main Street is worth watching. The Garden Tractor Pull has gained a large following as the participants from the Tri County Garden Tractor Pullers Association bring out their best tractors to entertain the crowds. The day will conclude with “Lonesome Pony” taking the stage. Everyone is looking forward to their popular music performance as they fill the streets with a crowd to listen, dance and enjoy.

Sunday starts with a Community Worship Service at the Congregational Church on Main Street. All denominations are invited to take a moment to give thanks for a great weekend. Don’t miss the live gospel singing provided by Sandhill Baptist Church at the main stage. The Congregational Church will also be celebrating their 175th Anniversary with an open house and luncheon. An Antique Car Show and Grand Celebration Parade highlight the afternoon. Area bands, queens from area festivals, baton corps, and community organizations are proud to be represented in the parade. Duck Drop Bingo, the Duck Race (using rubber duckies) and the Celebration Raffle are all games of chance and a way to take home a prize to commemorate the weekend. We are grateful to the many organizations who generously donate each year.

All are welcome to attend this weekend of fellowship and community spirit surrounded by the streams that enticed our ancestors to live here! Come see what the community is all about!

Contact:
Christine Schoenegge
Publicity Coordinator
419.684.9710

Bell-Aire Kennel & Grooming
47 South St. (SR 61), Berlin Heights
419.588.2244
Call for appointment. Must have shot records. No Chows or vicious dogs.

Big Dog Kennel
12107 Chapin Rd., Berlin Heights
419.588.2625
$25/night dog, indoor and outdoor dog run. $12/night cat. All animals require updated vaccinations and flea prevention.

Harborview Animal Hospital
2360 E Harbor Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.5493
Appointment required for boarding. Walk-in vet care after schedule appointments are seen. 24-hour emergency vet care service.

M & M Boarding and Training Kennel
5705 Campbell St. , Sandusky
419.626.9437
Must have an up-to-date shot record. House cats and dogs only. No arrivals or departures on Sun, Tue and holidays. Offers basic obedience classes (eight week course).

Mutt Cutts
3408 Hayes Ave. (SR 4), Sandusky
419.609.0846

Oak Harbor Pet Haven/Oak Harbor Vetrinary Hospital
1538 S SR 19, Oak Harbor
419.898.2466 or 419.898.3411
Boarding available. Appointment required. Climate control with heated floors in the winter and air conditioning in the summer and a staff that really cares; grooming and pet supplies available.

Pet Check at Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky
419.627.2350
$15/day with no overnight stays. Kennel opens one hour before parks opens and closes one hour after park closes. First-come, first-serve.

Huron
Lakefront Park and Beach
End of Park and Center Sts.
419.433.8487
Beach, picnic tables, gazebo, playground, restrooms and fishing.

Nickel Plate Beach
Nickel Plate Dr. (off US 6)
419.433.8487
Beach, picnic tables, playground, two sand volleyball courts and fishing pier. There is a nominal parking fee.

Kelleys Island
Kelleys Island State Park Beach
N. Division St.
419.746.2546
Beach, hiking trails, fishing, toilets, camping and launch ramp.

Marblehead
East Harbor State Park Beach
1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 269)
419.734.4424
Over two miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, toilets, state park campground, concession stand, bath house and trails.

Port Clinton
Port Clinton City Beach
Perry St. (SR 163)
This sandy beach has a large shallow area and is across the street from Lakeview Park.

Vermilion
Main Street Beach
Main St. (off SR 6)
Beach and lighthouse.

Although the beach can be a great experience, there are times and conditions where safety is a concern. Please read “Beach Safety Tips” before enjoying the beaches of Lake Erie.

Additional discounts are often available from attraction websites. For example, Miller Ferries to Put-in-Bay offers more than 60 “print and save” coupons on their website. Be sure to link to area attractions from the SHORESandISLANDS.com site — you never know what you might find!

Another way to save is through value-added lodging packages. Packages often include bonus amenities or area attraction tickets with your overnight stay. Value-added lodging packages are listed on our website by clicking on Where to Stay and choosing Lodging Packages.

March 11 – 14, March 16

Finnegan’s Farewell – Dinner Theatre ~ Sandusky State Theatre
The Sandusky State Theatre presents a hysterical interactive musical comedy dinner show, featuring the best of Irish dancing, music and singing. At Finnegan’s Farewell you’ll be treated to eulogies, sing alongs and a missing corpse! Plus enjoy an Irish feast complete with corned beef and cabbage.

March 13

Get Shamrocked Party ~ Kahunaville at Kalahari Resort
Get Shamrocked at Kahunaville and have a great time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! Dress in your best green get-up and have a chance to win some great prizes. Food and drink specials.

March 13

Shamrock Shenanigans ~ Milan Historical Museum
Legend says that on the night before St. Patrick’s Day leprechauns appear throughout the world to frolic. If they come upon a treasure box left empty under the moon, they must fill it with goodies and gifts. At Shamrock Shenanigans children will enjoy treats while painting and decorating a shamrock-shaped box to leave out for the leprechauns to fill.

March 13

Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ~ McCarthy’s Irish Pub
Stop in for a pint or two and try some traditional Irish Fare. Entertainment from 1 – 3 pm and again at 7 pm. Corned beef and cabbage dinner will be featured as well as drink specials.

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day at the Bay ~ Put-in-Bay
Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! The residents of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island invite you to join them for some Irish Brew and a song or two!

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ~ Quaker Steak & Lube
Opening at 7 am with green eggs & ham, kegs & eggs, green bagels, corned beef and drink specials. Live entertainment with Jess Harris Project, 070 and more. Take a ride on a green stretch limo hummer to Sheffield to party there too! (21 and over only on the Hummer)

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ~ McCarthy’s Irish Pub
This is the official St. Patrick’s Day celebration where you can sing along with the Irish pub band, Extra Stout starting at 5:30 pm. Also stop in for a pint or two and try some traditional Irish Fare. Corned beef and cabbage dinner will be featured as well as drink specials.

March 27

Maidens IV Celtic & Folk Music ~ Bellevue Society for the Arts
The Bellevue Society for the Arts presents an authentic Irish dinner followed by a lively Celtic concert by Maidens IV, “one of Ohio’s premier Irish ensembles.”

If you know of another St. Patty’s Day activity or celebration in the Lake Erie Shores & Islands area, please feel free to comment with the details!

Partying with some Christmas in July “friends” I met about two seconds before this picture was snapped.

Affectionately known as the  “Key West of the North,” a trip to the Lake Erie island oasis of Put-in-Bay is always a party. No party, however, holds a candle (especially those plug-in window candles) to the island village’s annual “Christmas in July” which this year takes place July 24-26. Think of it as your wildest office Christmas party . . . on an island . .. in the summer . . . with about 5,000 extra guests. Awesome.

Serving as Santa’s summer home, the entire downtown area is decked in red and green (with boughs of holly, fa-la-la-la-la). Snowmen give way to “sandmen” on the Put-in-Bay beaches and most restaurants serve up hearty holiday fare. The town’s legendary bars offer Christmas specials–try a bucket of beer at the Roundhouse Bar, it’s not what you think it is—and live bands rock the stages from open to close.

To get to the party, I recommend the Miller Ferry (a passenger and vehicle ferry that departs from Catawba Island with the cheapest fares to Put-in-Bay) or the Jet Express (a speedy passenger-only catamaran that sets sail from both Port Clinton and downtown Sandusky). Both offer beautiful views of Lake Erie and a comfortable ride to the island. Accommodations are at a premium during the island’s busiest weekend, so if you don’t have a place to stay already, chances are you won’t find one cheap. Not to worry though, as a stay on the mainland in nearby Sandusky or Port Clinton will keep you right in the action.

Once you’re there… here are the attractions that shouldn’t be missed:
• Downtown Put-in-Bay Christmas Parade, July 24, 25 and 26 at 9pm
• Best Decorated Boat Contest, July 24 at 10pm
• Mike “Mad Dog” Adams at Roundhouse Bar, July 25 at 2pm
• Ray Fogg at Put-in-Bay Brewing Company, July 25 at 8:30pm
• The Webters at Roundhouse Bar, July 26 at 9pm
• A beer at Beer Barrel Saloon (featuring the world’s longest bar)
• A dip in the pool at Splash! (billed as the world’s largest swim-up bar)
• Lunch at the Chicken Patio (home to some of the best eats on the island)

So, dig that Santa hat out of storage and experience Christmas in a way that’s the polar opposite of what you’re used to. I’ll see you there. Ho! Ho! Ho! –Submitted by FC

Editor’s Note: Per reader Michael Hughes, “A word of advice: If you’re planning to return to the mainland at the end of your night, make sure to get a ticket for the boat early in the day. Folks often just expect to walk up for the last trip and get on the boat and they find the boat is full.”