One could smell and easily detect the ambiance of the old digs upon arrival. Uptown Amherst was home to “Amherst Party Shop & Video,” a carryall that catered to the town’s revelry and endless entertainment with store shelves stocked with beer, wine, liquor and every accessory to accommodate the occasion. Everything’s now posh and new. Everything’s now organic, fresh and wonderfully good for you.
A coffee, tea and smoothie bar has replaced the cigarettes, Teto’s and Sam Adam’s.
Avocado smeared on sprouted grain bread with broccoli sprouts, feta cheese, Himalayan pink salt and everything but the bagel seasoning.
Post yoga deliciousness served with a smile by owner, Kelsey Watson.
I shopped the shelves and saw clean, sugar and caffeine free supplements; a big deal when the issue is heart health.
Bovine Collagen for restorative health has replaced the Bailey’s Irish Cream.
I grew up a kid in Amherst in the 80s. The bedroom community of twenty-five thousand residents was developed then with every amenity a youngster could want. The atmosphere was made alive with an uptown bowling alley, movie theatre, a Ben Franklin’s, library, public pool, sledding hills plus shopping.
I’m thrilled, during visits back to the 44001 homeland, the digs in 2023 a still fit the asterial ambiance of the Amherst Comets.
Time to ditch the Bugaboots for a sea-worthy pair of Sperry Shoes. Or at the very least pack them away in a dark closet with your parka. The snow has melted, the rivers have swelled and everyone will be making a break for Lake Erie vacation land within the next two weeks. The Lakefront and Lake Erie Islands will be poppin’ until school starts and Labor Day wraps up.
The ferry systems have already started taking passengers around the glacial waters. $495 buys an individual all-season passport to take the Jet Express to Kelley’s Island or Put-In-Bay allowing travelers access from either of the launches in Sandusky and Port Clinton. Miller Boat Line one-way fares are just seven dollars. To catch this ferry, drive to Catawba Island to the end of Route 53 North and hop on the cargo cruiser with the essentials. The Miller Boat Line also makes trips to summertime’s party central, Put-In-Bay (South Bass Island) and the eight hundred and five-acre Middle Bass Island where the historic Lonz Winery awaits. I’ll have more on Pelee island, the largest island in Lake Erie and southernmost habited point of Canada a little later in the season.
Access Kelley’s Island via the Kelley’s Island Ferry stationed in Marblehead. This island is so laid back, old Umbro shorts from the 90s are perfectly acceptable attire to don while driving a golf cart to take in the glacial grooves or play some putt-putt.
These hidden gems of The Great Lakes region are that laid back.
So, as to not stick out like a lighthouse here are the items to snag from in Spring 2016 that define Coastal Ohio living.
At Skipper Bud’s Marina Del Isle in Marblehead crew is on deck ready to help anyone develop their dream. The belief for Spring 2016 is that equates to this 48 Cantius Cruiser Yacht. Navigate the entire Great Lakes System in this 435 HP IPS 600 Volva Penta engine masterpiece. The craft has a Helm Companion Lounge, kitchen, two queen-size bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a wet bar and is nicely equipped with a 10-speaker sound-system and jack for an iPod. The price right around $1.3M. DJ and drinks are not included.
On over to Lakeside… Whether visiting the community for band camp, or looking for an oasis on Lake Erie to play endless games of shuffleboard, this charming community is so nostalgic all days and dreams are filled with ice cream cones and beach cruiser bicycles. This $324,00 property at 657 Maple includes a three bedroom home and two-story guest cottage with an additional two bedrooms. Call Lakeside Chautauqua Realty 419-341-0142 to take a peek inside.
Cottage Cove lakefront development in Marblehead has some lots for sale. A 50x 85′ lot in this community is priced at $82,000. There are about twelve cookie-cutter modern cottages making up this development which lies a stones throw away from the lighthouse. Perfect for a retiree, weekend retreat, or any couple or family looking to escape mainstream America. Call John at 419-504-8601 to take a look at Lot Number Nine (No. 9).
Matthew Jarrell with Welch’s Golf Carts on HWY 20 west of Perrysburg shows the EZ Go Express S4 priced an an easy $8595. The shredded tires and adjustable rear seat take this six-passenger ride from the course, to camping, to the street. The model is featured in flame red and is gas powered with an ability to reach speeds of 21 mph. This versatile ride is the perfect toy for under $10,000 especially for nearby village residents where golf carts have been made street legal.
Kayak any of the rivers, harbours or use this Saba fourteen-foot, sit-in kayak by West Marine in the Bay. This craft, shown off by Laurie Cooper at the Catawba Island West Marine boasts of versatility to take recreational enthusiasts anywhere in and around Lake Erie. This adjustable two-seater comes equipped with a live well. From kayakers to advanced fishermen everyone can enjoy the low $699 price tag. Add another $100 for paddles and $200 for life vests.
Guiseppe’s Wine Cellar on Main Street in Amherst stocks Veuve Clicquot. For just $65.99 per bottle. This sparkling spirit is the creme de la creme of quality champagnes and one of the best selling in the world. Buy an entire case of twelve at Guiseppe’s and receive 10 percent off. $791.88 (plus Ohio tax) the price tag for a Spring Soiree! Private social calendars determine whether one case is enough to last one party, through Memorial Weekend or all the way to August 1. Either way, drink champagne and save water.
Josie Style for the Home 18×24 “Love the Great Lakes” is a hand drawn ink blueprint of the entire region. Bring the energy of the outside in and fill in less than interesting, unoccupied space with a sophisticated twist. Ultra-posh framing is also available. Call for pricing 305-395-8890. Additional blue print information with depths and temperatures is also available. Design a Life you Love, Love the Life you Live!
After the sun dips down turn the heat on in the outdoors. These commercial patio heaters from Kroger Marketplace are less than a hotel room at Put-In-Bay. For just $189 guests will appreciate the added warmth this spring. Until the mercury begins to move during heated summer months make this a buy for the backyard.
Sperry and Jaws are about to “pair” up to produce some jaw-dropping boat shoes for summer. The Spring 2016 collection still has plenty of styles and colors to choose from. These two pairs can be found at Newport Clothing and Gear on Catawba Island. Mention seeing this reminder to take on spring in Sperrys here, and the store will give you twenty percent off of the $110 price tag. Step into spring with sea-side style.
Crabby or cute! Either way this printed Spring 2016 collection by Lighthouse Apparel can be found at Newport Clothing on Catawba Island. Priced from $25 – $59.50 for a 1/4 zip sweater the patterns are sure to cheer even on cloudy days. Accessorize with Bella Shoulder Bag by Spartina for $155 and $28 Seaside Wristlet. Photo courtesy: Newport Clothing and Gear
Brooks Running has brought out the new colors for Spring 2016 and The Ghost Model 8
shows competitors at the start a metallic charcoal lime punch. The shoe sports a wider toe and is lighter. Runners need new shoes every 300 – 500 miles so run on over. Available for purchase at Dave’s Running Shop in Perrysburg for $119.95. Styles for ladies are even more sleek.
Perfect to wear playing in the rain, planting tomatoes and strawberries in the garden, or even hiking the wet Coastal Ohio Trail. These Women’s Rain Boots are by Joules. Playful puppies are the print this style flaunts. Found at Target wallets won’t dry up at $74.99 per pair. Striking stripes and polka dot patterns are also available.
Once the salt is off the roads the season turns to “race season” in Coastal Ohio. This is Ford Motor Country and a straight shot down from Motor City. Drive anything that can burn and turn on the scenic highways and byways along the lake. These Skechers Sport showcase an ultra-thick sole with memory foam. This style slips on and is shaped to feel the gas and brake pedals perfectly under the pads of feet. They can be found at any Kohl’s for $64.99.
Jim Siemer’s watercolors certainly capture the splendor of Spring. He is an artist from the state capitol and his parents built a home on Middle Bass Island back in the 80s. Lake Erie Art and Ohio Artwork celebrates a 10-year anniversary in 2016. Shown is Lonz Winery priced between $3 – $60. The inviting depiction of Lonz Winery would show off the state anywhere the owners decide to place the piece. Head on over to ohioartwork.com to see his collection.
“We have over 14,000 hanging right now today.”
The hallmark of Bench’s flowers are their 14,000 seasonal hanging baskets. Jill Bench shows off the Glossy Grape made of purple Petunias and Labularias. For $34.99 buy two to show guests your attention to annuals. The hanging baskets are all planted by hand and cost between $15.99 – $49.99. Bench’s is located one mile west of Elmore on Scenic Route 105.
Mary Roehl at Angel 101 on Louisiana Avenue in Perrysburg has a plush collection to showcase love and life on the lake. She shows us the pillow collection made by “Go Jump ” with pricing ranging from $35 – $55. The slogans, sewn in a sturdy, carpet-like material will take any inside design scheme from winter to spring and well into summer. Pick one up during the Perrysburg Farmer’s Market scheduled for every Thursday starting May 5 and ending October 13, 2016.
Have zero fears if a case of Veuve Clicquot isn’t in the budget for Spring 2016. Nothing is more festive than a $9.50 bottle of White Walleye from the Mon Ami Wine Wine Shop in Port Clinton. Or, pay $102.60 for the entire case. Shouldn’t be any surprise how well this dry wine with notes of banana and apples pairs with a Walleye dinner. Life is on the lake savor the local goods around us. Serve chilled.
Elyria’s Andrea Vecchio has written a book with bounce. Pick up “Live Your Playlist” to place in your beach or weekend tote. The pages flip fast and reads as if the former WKYC Italian-beauty talk show host is talking to the reader. Perfectly organized reading this is like taking in an electronic blog; but better because, this is a book by an accomplished, local author.
Joseph Koler from the Florida Keys watches a Polar Bear at the Toledo Zoo. Admission for him is $16 for 2016. $19 for adults. Such experiences pave the way to a viewing expedition in their natural habitat when they’re older. Add a chicken strip lunch to this excursion complete with Jell-O, whipped cream and a gummy bear on top and bingo youngsters from around the globe are in heaven on the Anthony Wayne Trail for less than $30.
In Westlake pop in to Cleveland’s Number One Skin Care Specialist for a facial and leave with Gabriel Correctives SPF 30. This product offered at Westshore Skin & Health Center is paba and oil free and does not clog pores. Aestheticians can also mix the formula with custom foundation. Soak up the sun just reflect any damaging rays. A 4 ounce bottle is $16.75. The owners have a home in Key West and know how damaging the sun can be.
Grab a bottle of Method’s All-Purpose Pink Grapefruit Cleaner to leave the cabin, cabana, every nook and cranny sparkling and smelling as fresh as fruit. Priced around $3.59 – $4.59 depending on where this is purchased the effects give everyone the sense the maid just came through. Take the daunting task of spring cleaning, and at the very least, make the chore chemical-free.
Josie is an award-winning journalist and former TV anchorwoman. She grew up on Coastal Ohio and knows many of the nooks and crannies which make the region so spectacular. Her passions: fitness and design.
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