Love of Lakeside

Ohio

Accommodations

Nature & Outdoor Excursions

History & Culture

Food & Drink

Family Fun

Get a closer look at this Ohio beach town that boasts a small-town vibe with plenty of activities for all ages.

A gated community with admission fees from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the town of Lakeside (lakesideohio.com) is known for summer programming based on the Chautauqua Movement that promotes educational discussions, art and culture and recreational opportunities. During the rest of the year, visitors come to appreciate the quiet and commune with nature on Lake Erie.

“There are very few vacation destinations where you can still feel that whole small-town vibe that is reminiscent of the way it was in the ’50s and ’60s,” says Jill Bauer, public relations manager for Shores & Islands Ohio. “Lakeside is that quintessential family-friendly place.”

All About Variety:
Slack House Historic Cafe features a casual, nostalgic menu of burgers and hand-cut fries, along with over-the-top themed milkshakes. Sloopy’s (sloopyspizza.com) is famous for award-winning specialty pies such as Korean Beef, the Hibachi and Meatball Supreme. Lago Coastal Cafe (lagolakeside.com), offers an eclectic fusion of Hawaiian, Cuban, American, Asian and Mexican cuisine.

Small-Town Vibes:
In addition to lectures, concerts and special events held in the 3,000-seat Hoover Auditorium during the Chautauqua season, Lakeside offers myriad ways to celebrate warm weather. Shuffleboard games are always in progress on the 26 courts at Bettinger Park. Perry Park features three tennis courts and an inclusive playground with wheelchair ramps, barriers and activity panels.

Stay and Play:
Relax in the century-old Lakeview Historic Inn (lakesideohio.com), featuring suites with new kitchenettes and private baths. Lakeside Campground (lakesideohio.com) offers full hookups and amenities that include showers, fire pits, a playground and laundromat. The iconic Hotel Lakeside (lakesideohio.com), built in 1875, features an on-site restaurant, 77 rooms furnished with Victorian antiques and a wrap-around porch.