A Day on Kelleys Island
Don't miss a beat — we've planned the perfect way for you to spend a day in paradise.
9 a.m.
Depart Marblehead on the Kelleys Island Ferry for a 20-minute cruise to the island. Stop by Seaway Marina for breakfast at the cafe and rent a golf cart for easy island cruising.
10:30 a.m.
Head to Inscription Rock Petroglyphs to view Native American symbols carved in rock on the south shore of Kelleys Island between 1200 and 1600 A.D.
11 a.m.
Venture to Charles Herndon Gallery and Sculpture Garden to discover the works of a passionate island artist.
Noon
Pair a glass of grapes with a salad, sandwich or pizza at Kelleys Island Wine Co. Or chill out with a frozen margarita at KI Cantina, Kelleys Island’s only Mexican restaurant.
1:30 p.m.
Visit Kelleys Island History Museum & Parsonage Resale Shop. “The museum is a very interesting way to learn about island life and the history of the entire region,” says Jill Bauer of Shores & Islands Ohio.
2:30 p.m.
Take a hike at the North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve. “A lot of people enjoy exploring the ruins that are located here, and taking a short hike leads to some beautiful shoreline views,” Bauer says.
3:30 p.m.
Head downtown to cool off with a couple of scoops at Dipper Dan’s Ice Cream before checking out the local shopping scene with stops at Kelleys Island General Store, Island Mining Co., Chicklet’s Closet, Meg’s Makeshop, Kelleys Island Clothing Co., Cathy’s Wire Art Jewelry and more.
6 p.m.
Get ready for dinner. From Captains Corner and Village Pump to Peeper’s and Sand Trap Tiki Bar, there’s no shortage of destinations to grab a drink and dinner. For a front row seat to an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset, snag a table at the Casino, Docker’s Waterfront Bar and Restaurant or West Bay Bar and Restaurant.
9 p.m.
Board the ferry back to the mainland, taking time to absorb a few more gusts of calming freshwater breezes.
Stay the Night
Keep alive the island vibes by booking an overnight stay at Kelleys Island Venture Resort (kiventureresort.com), the island’s only boutique resort hotel. Take a dip in the swimming pool or hot tub before settling in for the night. Wake to the soothing sound of the water’s edge before making your way back to the mainland. For more information on places to dine, shop and stay, visit kelleysisland.com.
