Catawba Island Vibes
Check out five ways to make the most of this Northwest Ohio destination.
1. Hopped in the Region
A 60-acre farm complete with hundreds of fruit trees, rolling hills and natural caves sets the backdrop for a beautiful day spent enjoying a local pint at Twin Oast Brewing (twinoast.com), where the beers mix traditional German offerings with a modern American sentiment. This is the spot to find a sip that’s truly unique, such as an apricot blonde ale or cherry vanilla IPA. For a laid back, industrial nautical atmosphere, enjoy a comedy night or live music at Catawba Island Brewing Co. (catawbaislandbrewing.com) which offers a variety of beer brewed on-site, as well as hard ciders, mead, wine, bourbon and scotch.
2. World-Class Indoor Golf
Choose from more than 200 of the world’s best golf courses without leaving Catawba Island. At Coastal Swing Golf Bar, it’s possible with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed cameras and golf simulators. This indoor experience allows you to play a round of golf regardless of the weather while you grab a drink from the bar and catch the latest sporting events. coastalswing.com
3. Farm-to-Table Fare
Discover the divine taste of European-inspired new American cuisine at Orchard Bar + Table, which offers thoughtfully curated seasonal dinner menus and Sunday brunch inspired by flavors from the restaurant’s farm. Pair a dish with a handcrafted cocktail, one of four types of Orchard wine or a selection from the extensive wine and craft beer lists. Looking for something a little more low-key? Visit Orchard Farm Stand, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, or stop by the retail shop and farm market to grab an assortment of Orchard items to take home. orchardoncatawba.com
4. Connecting the Past to the Present
Take a dive into the area’s rich history at Catawba Island Historical Society Museum, established in 2018 in the Union Chapel, a local staple built in 1888. Here, discover artifacts, documents and other information that has contributed to Catawba Island’s development, as well as answers to commonly asked questions, including: “Why is the peninsula called an island?” and “What is the origin of the Catawba name?” catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com
5. Find the Best Fishing
Meet Charles Crum, a full-time U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain dedicated to providing anglers with the best opportunities for fishing on Lake Erie. His business, Char-Tom Lake Erie Sportfishing Charter, operates four fishing charters — one each for walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass or steelhead fishing. Remember to bring your camera, nonslip shoes (no black-soled or open-toed shoes) and most importantly, an Ohio fishing license. Char-Tom Charters also offers scuba diving trips mid-June through August. chartomcharters.com
