Put-in-Bay, Your Way

The Key West of the North offers a festive island vibe that’s packed with family fun, casual dining, a lively bar scene, fascinating history and captivating Lake Erie views. “There is so much going on — great food, wonderful shops and fun attractions, so if you want lots of options, you’ll find it at Put-in-Bay,” says Jill Bauer, public relations manager of Shores & Islands Ohio.

Dine PIB Style:
If cocktail umbrellas and walleye bites are on your list, the Keys’ (thekeyspib.com) waterfront with boardwalk seating and live entertainment delivers. The Boardwalk and the Upper Deck (the-boardwalk.com) offers views for miles and renowned lobster bisque. The Forge (theforgepib.com) crepe restaurant serves up unexpected, delicate fare that’s not just for breakfast. Meanwhile, Goat Soup & Whiskey (soupandwhiskey.com) introduces from-scratch farm-to-table plates enhanced with the property’s garden-grown herbs and veggies, along with a generous whiskey drink menu, microbrews and more.

Get Busy:
Take the elevator 352 feet to the top of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (nps.gov/pevi). Rent a jet ski at Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals (pibjetski.com) or stick to land and board the Put-in-Bay Tour Train (putinbaytrans.com) — an hourlong open-air trolley guided ride.

Stay Awhile:
Bayshore Resort (bayshoreresortpib.com) offers water views, two pools, a tiki bar and modern rooms. “It’s close to the monument and downtown — it’s nice for families,” Bauer says. For larger groups, Put-in-Bay Condos’ units can sleep up to 12 people (putinbaycondos.com).