At Lake Erie Shores & Islands
The “dog days of summer” in the Midwest means temperatures soaring into the 80’s, 90’s, and have even been known to top 100 degrees.
When the heat needs beat, head to Lake Erie Shores & Islands to enjoy the following options to cool down.
Break away to the beach: With more than 27 Lake Erie beach destinations, wade in the shallow water and feel the cool coastal breezes while sinking toes into the sand. There are rentals at several beaches so people don’t have to “sweat” lugging their beach stuff. Some beaches also allow pets.
Take a ferry ride to an island: Enjoy the wind combing hair while standing on the deck on the way to Kelleys Island, Middle Bass Island, or Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. Sure, the Lake Erie islands are great destinations in themselves, but getting there is half the fun! Lake transportation may include indoor or outdoor seating, scenic views. Some offer narrated tours of the surrounding sites.
Watery thrills: Experience an adrenaline rush while cooling down! Zoom across the surface of Lake Erie with a Jet Ski or waverunner rental from Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals, Erie Shore Wave Runners in Vermilion, or North Coast Parasail & Water Sports in Sandusky – where you can also parasail high above the lake.
Two words – Ice Cream: Toft Dairy is famous for their mega-portion ice cream cones. Over 50 flavors are offered at their scooping parlors. The Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster is a favorite. It features a mix of blue cake batter ice cream blended with cookie dough chunks, drops of chocolate chips, and chocolate cookies and cream. Yum! Other great spots for a tasty ice cream treat include Granny Joe’s Ice Creamatorium, Milan Village Drive-Thru, DQ Grill & Chill, Dairy Isle, Bay Bell Snack Shack, Brown Dog Gelato Co., as well as others.
Splash the day away at a water park: Enjoy Ohio’s waterpark capital for the ultimate getaway at Kalahari Resorts for indoor and outdoor watery fun, complete with thrills from mild to wild. Add in a huge arcade, Safari Outdoor Adventure Park, Spa Kalahari and Salon, and so much more, Kalahari goes beyond your expectations. Other water park options include Great Wolf Lodge, Castaway Bay, and Cedar Point Shores.
Sip a frozen drink: There’s nothing like a refreshing drink to cool off on a hot summer day. Try the famous Brandy Alexander from the Village Pump on Kelleys Island – a local favorite. The Keys at Put-in-Bay features the famous “Fat Tuesday” frozen drinks; best enjoyed at a waterfront table. If you happen to be in Sandusky for sunset, don’t miss the “Freighter in the Bay” drink special at Dockside Café – a yummy rum punch concocted whenever someone spots a freighter coming into Sandusky Bay.
Paddle Lake Erie: Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding have grown in popularity among local water recreation activities. Check out Portage River Paddling Co. in Port Clinton and Oak Harbor, Lakeside Chautauqua Watercraft Rentals, Kelleys Island Kayak Rentals, Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals, or West River Paddle Sports in Vermilion.
Sip a cold one at a brewery: Ahhh! A freshly-brewed craft beer can be especially refreshing. Grab a cold one at one of these local hot spots: Twin Oast Brewing, Bait House Brewery, Kelleys Island Brewery, and Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery. You can even enjoy a cold Lake Erie Love brew from Catawba Island Brewing Company!
A place like no other: Sometimes, the best way to cool off is by screaming at the top of your lungs while plummeting down a 300-foot-tall hill at speeds exceeding 90 mph. Cedar Point Amusement Park featuring some of the tallest and fastest rides and roller coasters in the world. In addition, it offers water rides, great live entertainment (in air-conditioned theatres!) and more. This place offers a wide variety of chills and thrills.
Cool Culture: Check out the museums. There’s the Liberty Aviation Museum and Thomas Edison Birthplace, among others. Or catch a performance at the Sandusky State Theatre.
Whenever the temps climb closer to three digits, be sure to take frequent breaks and relax in the shade or someplace cool, and remember to keep hydrated!
Ride out the heat wave(s) ahead and chill out at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
