Discover Lake Erie Vacationland

Maybe I'm slightly biased because I live there, but Ohio's North Coast is one of the most delightful places in the United States to spend a summer vacation. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold; Lake Erie's waters are sparkling and inviting; and the area is steeped in history. Below are just a few of the things to enjoy along Lake Erie between Toledo and Cleveland.

Put-in-Bay. The Lake Erie islands are the Midwest version of Key West. South Bass Island, connected to the mainland by a 45-minute ferry ride, is the most active. The island has an vibrant marina, charmingly restored bed and breakfast inns, a winery, and the "world's longest bar." Rent a golf cart at the ferry dock and explore the 12-mile long island and its commercial center, Put-in-Bay.

Kelleys Island. The largest of the Lake Erie islands, Kelleys Island is much less crowded than its neighbor, South Bass Island. Here, you'll find Victorian homes, many of which have been converted into bed and breakfast inns; a winery; and the Glacial Grooves, the largest accessible such grooves in the world, a reminder of the Ice Age, when glaciers covered the Great Lakes region.

Wineries. In addition to the island wineries, the Lake Erie Vacationland boasts more than a dozen wineries on the mainland, including Firelands Winery and Sand Hill Winery in Sandusky and the historic Mon Ami Winery in Port Clinton. All welcome visitors to tour the facilities and taste wine.

Cedar Point. Families and roller coaster enthusiasts have been flocking to Cedar Point for more than 100 years. The 364-acre amusement park, located at the end of a peninsula jutting out into Lake Erie, was founded in 1874. The park has been voted the "Best Amusement Park in the World," by Amusement Today magazine for the past ten years. Cedar Point is known for its 17 roller coasters, its Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the lake, and its long stretches of sand beach.

Other Attractions. Islands, wineries, and amusement parks aren't all that the Lake Erie Vacationland has to offer. You can tour the boyhood home of Thomas Edison, see where carousel horses are made, visit the only Confererate Cemetery in the North, explore a variety of historic lighthouses, and enjoy the excellent perch and walleye fishing on Lake Erie.

Ohio's Lake Erie Vactionland is easily accessible from Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and other Midwest cities. Hotels and cottages are reasonably priced as are meals and attractions. Consider Ohio for your next summer vacation.