There are many locations on the Great lakes considered ideal for boaters, but none is more revered than Put-In-Bay, Ohio, in the heart of the fabulous Lake Erie Islands.
Simply called "The Bay" by regulars, Put-In-Bay is actually a town located on South Bass Island just a few miles off the mainland. It's natural harbor, which is protected from all but the strongest north winds, annually attracts thousands of boaters from mid-May until well into September. Some call it the party port of Lake Erie. Others say it's a great family vacation spot. In fact, it's a lot of both.
There's no shortage of restaurants and bars at The Bay for those seeking a visit on the livelier side. Perhaps the icon of the island's watering holes is the Round House Bar that overlooks the harbor and it's transient docks. The Round House, which is round, was actually built in Toledo, disassembled, transported to The Bay, and reassembled there circa early 1900's. It features loud music (usually rock) and frequently includes the aroma of chicken cooking on an open grill. That's because right next door is the popular Park Hotel outdoor chicken barbeque, a great place to eat.
Other popular spots at The Bay include the Beer Barrel Saloon, featuring the world's longest bar, and a wide variety of live music and entertainment all summer. The Boat House is another hangout frequented by boaters. It boasts limited food and frequently has live entertainment. Now, if pizza is your passion, the one and only Frosty's Bar is the most famous spot for pizza in the islands. Oh, yes, Frosty's also offers a great breakfast.
Another popular waterfront place is The Boardwalk. It features a variety of kiosks offering everything from excellent fresh seafood to salads and burgers. Short-term dockage for diners is available out front.
If a quieter dinner is on your mind, head for the inside dining room of the Crescent Tavern on main street. It's air-conditioned and contrasts with its outside patio barbeque and music that is also good. Just a 10-minute walk from downtown is Daley's By The Bay, named after Pat Daley, who as a singer/songwriter/entertainer, has done for The Bay what Jimmy Buffet did for Key West.
While it may appear partying is the mainstay of life at The Bay, it's not. Literally hundreds of thousands of families arrive at the island via private boats or high-speed ferries like the Jet Express (from Port Clinton) or the Island Rocket (from Sandusky). They come to rent golf carts, mopeds, and bikes to tour the island's variety of sights.
The most obvious attraction is the International Peace Monument, called Perry's Monument, which towers more than 300 feet above The Bay and is also a great navigation aid for any approaching boater 20 miles or more away on a clear day. The monument commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's defeat of the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Perry kept his American ships in the harbor at Put-In-Bay until he spotted the British fleet coming down from Detroit. He proceeded west and a few hours later issued his famous proclamation: "We have met the enemy and they are ours!"
Perry's Monument also symbolizes the peace that exists between the United States and Canada. The border between the two is the longest unprotected border between two nations in the world. A quick elevator ride to the top of the Monument, which is the second tallest monolith behind the Washington Monument, provides a spectacular view of all the American and Canadian Islands that make up this unique area in Lake Erie.
After being high up on Perry's Monument, visitors can go down under ground in one of the island's caves. While the predominantly limestone island is said to have numerous caves, there are 3 major caves - Mammouth, Crystal, and Perry's. Mammouth is the largest but was closed many years ago. Crystal Cave is under Heineman's Winery and a tour of it and the winery are included for $4.00.
Perry's Cave, located across the street from Heineman's, is somewhat larger than Crystal. Island folklore claims Commordore Perry kept his ammunition in this cave, but there is no historical evidence Perry even knew the cave existed. Still, it makes for an enjoyable narrated tour.
The Bay offers a variety of other sights and activities. For example, at one time the Ohio Department of Natural Resources operated a fish hatchery across the harbor from downtown. It's now a free museum manned by Division of Wildlife personnel and well worth a visit. Or, there's the Tour Train that leaves from downtown many times daily. The narrated trip around the island offers an entertaining way to learn about its rich history. For example, at one time most of the island was in vineyards because of its limestone base and long growing season. Accordingly, wine was once the major island product.
Around 1918, The Bay was the site of an electric railway that carried tourists arriving from Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo aboard steamers from the downtown docks to the palatial Victory Hotel at the south end of the island. At the time, the Victory was the largest hotel in America and the first with an Olympic size outdoor swimming pool. Today, portions of the pool are about all that remains. A spectacular fire, believed started by a disgruntled employee, totally destroyed the Victory in 1923 and the site of this grand hotel is now part of the South Bass Island State Park.
It really doesn't matter which street you drive down on your rented golf cart or bike, the charm of this island is always evident. While the island's population swells in the summer, the approximately 200 permanent islanders are patient and friendly.
No matter how you look at it, The Bay should be one of those cruising destinations you want to visit if you've never been there before. If you have, then a return visit will automatically be high on your cruising list.
Boating Notes: The primary transient dockage is located at the downtown docks across from DeRivera Park. Rafting is required when the docks are full, which is virtually every weekend. In the park are modern shower facilities, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
There are also daily memberships and dockage available at the private Crews Nest on weekdays - only members are accommodated on weekends. In addition, space is available at Millers Docks as well as at the State Park Docks, albeit the latter is relatively shallow. The main downtown docks (call "Put-In-Bay Dock master") and the Crews Nest can usually be reached on channels 16 or 68.
Additional general information is available from the Put-In-Bay Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached at (419) 285-2832, or on the web at
www.put-in-bay.com.
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