Lake Erie has a tiny two by four mile island — “Put-in-Bay“, known as Ohio’s premier summer-time party spot, located only 20 minutes by ferry from mainland. Every year my friends and I organize a long weekend away that usually includes relaxation, hiking, good food, fun, and a hot tub! We enjoyed our trip to Put-in-Bay so much last year, we decided to return for this year’s annual get-away.
This shot was taken early Saturday morning just as the sun was rising…
Friday morning we drove from Cincinnati and caught the 12:30pm Miller Ferry ride (during high season they conveniently leave every 30 minutes) to the island. We left our car parked (it’s free) in their lot and carried our bags on board.
Once on the island, having reserved a golf cart (the preferred method of transport on the island) through Miller Marina, we were able to fit six women and all of our stuff on it! Yes…it was only for the weekend!
We stayed at the Island Club Condos aka Put-in-Bay Condos at a beautiful end unit with a view of the pool and Lake Erie to the left. Our two-bedroom/two-bath condo was perfect!
Put-in-Bay’s split personality ensures that everyone has an unforgettable time…think Gatlinburg and Key West on steroids! While exploring the island with your fun mobile, make frequent stops for shopping, dining at one of the colorful outdoor cafes while listening to live music, and cooling off at a swim-up bar with a frozen tropical beverage in hand. When or if your senses become overloaded from the people watching and intoxicating excitement, hop back on your cart to experience the other side of Put-in-Bay, where you’ll find serene and tranquil spots to gaze at the sailboats gliding by on the glistening blue lake.
When we weren’t out exploring, you could usually find us out on the patio enjoying nature…
We took advantage of the $3.00 per person–each way–van taxi rides for the one or two mile ride to and from the main drag, where the majority of restaurants and bars are located. Drinking and driving a golf cart are a no-no.
I spotted a group trying their skills at Slackline walking…
Home to some of the best perch and walleye fishing in the nation and a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Put-in-Bay, and the other nearby islands…Middle Bass and Kelleys, it makes a great place to bring the family.
The sunsets are extra gorgeous here…
Saturday morning we hit Pasquales for breakfast. I had the yummy delicious lobster eggs benedict!
Of course I took photographs of my girlfriends. For this shot of Laura I took her beach towel and draped it around her…
I even got one taken of me…
During our pool time on Saturday, I took a few shots of our neighbors…
On the hunt for some dance-able music, we stopped at most of the bars. A band from Cincinnati called “The Menus” was playing at one them.
Sunday, after packing up, the ladies wanted to go for one last joy ride before our trip ended! Don’t let the fun stop!!
Good bye for now Put-in-Bay. You’ll always have a warm spot in our heart!
Sherry Lachelle Travels 
Great pictures, can’t beat Lake Erie! It’s great to have a “bunch of besties” to do a trip like that. Keep on keepin’ on!
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Thanks Catherine! Everyone needs girlfriends! Love Lake Erie!!
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Sherry, I like the Lake Erie Islands but tend to go towards Cleveland when up at the lake. I like the Flats and an area called Crocker Park in Westlake.
Someday, maybe I will get back to Put in Bay. It was hard when we had such nice scenery in my parents retirement town, Vermilion. A lot of people take buses to this New England style town with the Lagoons being pretty and the old McGarvey’s Restaurant is now run by Quaker Steak n Lube. People still pull up with their boats. . . Boys with paddles and flat surfboards “park” them.
I need to find a few friends who are off at the same time. 🙂 Your condo and the downtown photo were special.
Lake Erie sunsets are beautiful and you captured this one with a nice scene in the foreground, Sherry.
Have you ever taken photos of the glacial grooves on Kelley’s Island?
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Thanks Robin…I’m not familiar at all with the Cleveland area. I haven’t been to Kelly’s Island…too many places, not enough time! I just finished a book called The Time Keeper, very interesting. 🙂
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Looks like you had a great time! It’s priceless to have friends with which to have adventures !!
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It was and it is!!
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Love your photos. Also enjoy hearing about your adventures in Ohio. Visited Sandusky often as a child. Thanks for bringing back great memories.
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Thanks…looks like you’re having a great summer also!
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Apparently, you and your friends ar having a little too much fun! Just proves again that …Life is Good! M 🙂
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Is there such a thing as “too much” fun?
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I’m starting to recognize some of your girlfriends. Looks like you had a lot of fun.
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That’s the thing about blogging…you start to feel like to you’re part of the family!
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What an amazing vacation! Thanks for sharing it with us!
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Thanks for stopping by!!
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sure
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Looks like a great place to go, Sherry. But I really didn’t know that the Russian President had an island in Lake Erie named after him! 😉
Take care,
Pit
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Ha ha!!
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I live outside of Cleveland, and would you believe in the 14 years we’ve been here, we haven’t once been to Put-in-Bay? After seeing your post, I now know we have to go. I suppose it might be too late to set up anything this summer, but definitely next year. Sometimes the best things are nearby, and we don’t even realize it. 🙂
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Oh no…you have to go! Rather you’re looking for a party or relaxation, you’ll find it!
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Looks like fun!
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It was! I checked out your website…small world, I graduated from UT at Dallas in 1987.
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That first shot is absolutely gorgeous, what great light quality!
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Thanks so much Libby…the more photographs I take, the more I realize it really is about the light! I followed your blog also…I’ll have to check out your book…love the cover!
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Thank you! It should be out in about a week now, am getting very excited.
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