Best Chef — Darian Bryan

From Jamaica to Buffalo, Chef Darian Bryan is serving bold, vibrant flavors at three distinct dining experiences.

Big Picture: How the Ford Tri-Motor Changed Lake Erie Aviation

Ford’s iconic Tri-Motor plane transformed air travel and made getting to Ohio’s Lake Erie islands safer and easier.

Best Island Tiki Cruise — Put-in-Bay Floating Tiki

A six-passenger tiki boat brings laid-back cruises, island views and vacation vibes to Lake Erie.

Best Soy Candles — Island Sham Farmhouse

At this Sandusky candle shop, you can blend more than 200 fragrances into a custom scent and choose a vintage or eclectic vessel to make it your own.

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How a Cleveland-Area Designer Made This Catawba Peninsula Vacation House Feel Like Home

For a family spending summers on Ohio’s Catawba Peninsula, designer Summer Alaedeen transformed a stark, open-plan house into a comfortable retreat with clever seating, layered color and spaces designed for both entertaining and everyday family life.

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Best Fruit Carver — Chef Lin Repko

At Sandusky’s Rockin’ Ranch, chef Lin Repko transforms ordinary produce into extraordinary works of art, continuing a fruit-carving tradition rooted in her Thai family.

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Best Brunch — Tulip’s Brunch House

A longtime chef’s Mayville brunch spot serves up family recipes, house-made favorites and plenty of community love.

Ohio Vineyard’s First Cabernet Franc Harvest Wins Double Gold

He was told to wait three years, but Michael Profeta's vines at Vincent William Wine made award-winning wine in 16 months.

Best Buzz — Strawberry Shots at the Groove Bar & Grill

Kelleys Island’s iconic strawberry shots have drawn visitors for more than 30 years — and they’re still made to order, berry by berry.

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Best Pancakes — Sandusky Bay Pancake House

Stack up pancakes, local ingredients and a playful coffee creation at this Sandusky breakfast favorite.

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Best New View — The Galley

Dine just feet from the water at The Galley, a new restaurant with sailboat views, a big patio and an approachable menu.

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