The Islands

You can explore the islands by car, or you can rent a golf cart or a bike once there. Either way, you will need to take the ferry. Depending of which island you are going and how fast you want to get there, you will use the Jet Express, the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line or the Miller boat line ferry.

Kelleys Island

The first island we visited was Kelleys Island. The place is very laid back. What can you expect in a place where you cross more golf carts than cars?

The Village Pump

Just off the ferry landing, you will find The Village Pump (103 State Route 575 Kelleys Island, OH). You can come with the family to eat, or you can sit at the bar to have a drink. If you make a beeline for the bar, you must be prepared. The tradition is that the owner comes and high-5 you. The decor is typically "american-tavern", nothing fancy. I had a burger with a side of French Fries. I never envisioned so much fries and such a big burger.

Insider's tip: Perch and walleye are local specialties, but the Brandy Alexander is the real staple here. They serve the alcoholic beverage by the glass, but you might want to order a full pitcher just to be sure.

Bag the moon Saloon

Just beside the Village Pump is Bag the moon Saloon (109 W Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island), a family restaurant during the day and a tavern at night. I can't really talk about the food. We stayed about five minutes so I could try their staple product...

Insider's tip: The strawberry shot. Priced at just $2, they dig a hole into a big strawberry to make a "glass" out of it. They fill it with a secret drink and top it with whip cream. You eat the whole thing in one bite. Fantastic!

Glacial Grooves

One of the main attraction of the island is the Glacial Grooves. The deep grooves and markings date back from the glacial period as a heavy glacial wall moved and carved out island limestone with rocks and boulders embedded in its base. You will not believed it is not man-made.

Just North of the Glacial Grooves is a nice and small sandy beach where you can spend quality time with the family.

Put-in-Bay

Finally, we also visited South Bass Island. It is locally known and referred as Put-in-Bay, the only village on the island. A tad smaller than Kelleys Island, it is recommended to use a golf cart there as well: you can go from one end of the island to the other in less than 10 minutes.

If you are vacationing with the family, Put-in-Bay has a lot to offer. You can bring your tent for some camping, you can rent a kayak, if only to see the Benson Ford Shiphouse, a huge house made out of a freighter ship that is best seen from the lake, or you can visit the Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial.

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

The 352 foot monument, who also happens to be the world's most massive Doric column, was finished in 1915 to commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812 and to celebrates the lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States that followed the war. An elevator will bring you to the observation deck where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding. It is so high, I was actually able to pick up my Canadian cell phone provider's network.

Goat

Just off downtown, the Goat (820 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH) is a family restaurant in a nice setting. Eat inside or on the covered patio. Goat offers a very interesting selection of pub food and appetizers. I would totally have a whole meal just mixing and matching them. I particularly liked the Reuben ball: corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, breaded and fried with a side of thousand island dressing.

Insider's tip: I was not able to try since it is only offered for dinner but, as strange as it sounds, the meatloaf is one of their staple food. To drink, the basil Mojito, made with fresh basil from their garden, is another staple you want to try.

Heineman's winnery

Founded in 1888, Heineman's winery (978 County Road 215, Put-in-Bay, OH) produces a variety of wine that you can buy or taste directly on site.

Insider's tip: It is a tradition to stop by in the afternoon, buy a ten dollars bottle of Pink Catawba, and drink it on their backyard. With such a cheap price, I was not expecting much of this wine but it was surprisingly sweet and easy to drink. Our stop at the winery was nice and relaxing. A tradition is a tradition, so try it.

Put-in-Bay's nightlife

Remember when I was explaining how the Shores and Island is a perfect getaway for the family AND the party goers? This is where the party part begins.

The Islander Inn

If you plan to spend a night or two in Put-in-Bay and camping is not for you, the Islander Inn is a good place to use as your base of operation. The Caribbean Style resort offers pirate-ship bar, a swim-up bar called SPLASH! (apparently the largest in the world), 4 pools including a 30 persons Jacuzzi. Of course, you can enjoy the bars even if you don't have a room there.

The Islander is centrally located downtown from a walking distance to the other establishments detailed below.

The Keys

A nice spot by the marina (227 Bay View Ave. 43456, Put in Bay, OH) where you can drink some cocktails on a patio? I think you understand where the name of this nice little place comes from.

Insider's tip: Try the Miami Vice, "The Perfect Blend of Strawberry Daiquiri and Pina Colada with a rum floater."

Put-in-Bay Brewing Company

Located on Catawba Avenue, the Brewing Company is a dance club. We did not arrive late enough for the dance part, so we sat at the bar to enjoy one of their craft beer. They where not in operation yet when I visited, but they also installed rum still to make their own rum.

Insider's tip: They have a nice choice of appetizers, but the one you have to try is the Mac & Jack Brewery Bites: Macaroni, jack cheeses and bacon wrapped in a beer batter, fried and served with ranch for dipping. Amazing presentation. Amazing taste. I want more.

Mojito Bay Tiki Bar

Just beside the Brewing Company, you will find the Mojito Bay Tiki Bar. This is one of the place that makes Put-in-Bay so unique. Sit on one of the swings, your feet in the sand, and enjoy the nice weather and some live entertainment.

Insider's tip: What is the name of the place again? Oh yes! Mojito Bay. A mojito would be the staple drink. You guesses that correctly.

T & J Smokehouse

We sat on the patio. We played corn hole. I rode the mechanical bull. We had a blast. Yes, there is a video of me riding the bull. No, you don't get to see it. T & J Smokehouse (198 Delaware Ave Put-in-Bay, OH) is a country western restaurant and bar. We arrived after dinner so I can't really talk about the restaurant but the place is great.

Insider's tip: There is two unique things to try at T & J. Ask for a shot of Tequila and they will bring you two glasses. The second one is a shot of pickle juice that you chug immediately after your shot of tequila. It sounds weird but trust me: it is pretty nice. After a shot or two, ask for a Gazebo Lemonade. The waiter will bring you back a huge Mason jar filled with Vodka, triple sec, sour mix, Sprite, a bit of sugar, and two half lemons squeezed into it. At only eight bucks, it's a steal.

Put-in-Bay… Will I ever see you again? I really hope so.