Tag: Lake Erie

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Top 10 Lake Erie Cottages where to stay when the calendar reads vacation

Memorial weekend is upon us. That means time to make a break for Lake Erie Vacation Land, soak up some sun, and all of the nostalgia that defines Ohio’s coastline.

“Just imagine if you could still have a cocktail in the park. Put-In-Bay is still a hot spot even though that part is now restricted. You’re safe. You don’t have to worry about anyone hurting you out on the islands,” Theresa Jeremy associate at the Waterline Store for Miller Boat Line supplies the synopsis of what’s to come for Summer 2016.

For many, the time has come in life where crashing out at 3 am on a boat docked across the park from the Frosty Bar isn’t an option.

Prior booking, reservation and a room key is a must before boarding the Jet Express, Miller Ferry, or the Kelley’s Island Boat Line.

A tour through Port Clinton, Catawba Island, Marblehead, Lakeside, Kelley’s Island, South Bass Island (PIB), Middle Bass Island, North Bass Island, Pelee and Rattlesnake Island reveals: making reservations is rough.

North Bass is mostly owned by the State of Ohio. Paramount Distillers still cultivates vineyards on the island. There are less than two dozen islanders who live here year-round. There aren’t any public facilities on the island – not even a general store. Gibraltar Island doesn’t have overnight accommodations but you can take a water taxi from Put-In-Bay for a day trip to see the Cook Castle. Right now that property has a $4 M price tag attached to the restoration.

No wonder crashing on a watercraft is how most locals initially experience these idyllic islands. In 2016 Put-In-Bay still remains number one for fun. Not just on Lake Erie but the entire Great Lakes system.

10.) Coastal Floating Homes

Be ON the water with a boat dock outside of the door. Coastal Floating Homes are located at 545 West Lakeshore Drive in Port Clinton. A minimum two-night stay is required. Sleeps six guests. There’s a heated pool and guests are within walking distance to downtown Port Clinton and the Jet Express.

 9.) Catawba Island Chalet

Lemon-colored walls and a sleeping loft with twin beds covered in fish-patterned bedspreads plus a highchair have earned this chalet on Catawba Point the theme of “Family-friendly.” Children are welcome at this completely refurbished Chalet-style home located on Catawba Point. This is a one-bedroom home that has a sleeping loft and pull-out couch to accommodate even more guests. Nicely equipped with cable, internet and linens and priced right around $200.

8.) Island View Cottages at PIB 

Jump off of the Miller Boat Line Ferry, start walking towards the boardwalk and right past the golf cart rentals find Island View Cottages. Each sleeps six and the canoe decor will have guests swooning before they even reach the winery. The grounds are secluded and there isn’t anywhere on the website discouraging bachelor and bachelorette parties. Bring marshmallows. There is a fire pit. Call 419-285-RENT for prices.

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7.) Middle Bass Historic Home 

Touted as having “The best sunsets north of Key West” this five-bedroom B&B is available to rent in its entirety. Whether celebrating a wedding or hosting a family reunion the views are so extravagant even politicians would brag about the features. One can take in two countries and five islands from the 110′ porch. The Middle Bass Ferry makes round trips to Put-In-Bay. Play horseshoes or wander on over to the Lonz Winery to sip on a glass of White Catawba all for less than $500 a night.

6.) Marblehead Sunset Villa

Relax in 2,500 square feet of style. Professionally decorated guests age five to seventy will enjoy the luxurious four-bedroom with an added upstairs family-room. This villa is located near Sandy Beach overlooking Cedar Point. Nicely furnished with marble and granite throughout and priced under $600 per night.

 5.) The Castle at Lakeside

Why stay in a cottage when booking a castle is a possibility! Located in the gated community of Lakeside near the tennis courts guests can play shuffleboard, relax in an armchair upholstered in bird fabric and head off into the water on a canoe to explore. This 2,200 square foot romancer seats ten people around the dining room table and has its own library. $245 per night.

 4.) The Old Nest at Kelleys Island 

The Adirondack chairs are inviting guests now to come, sit back with a glass of Kelleys Island Sunset Pink and enjoy the views of Lake Erie from this historic cottage. For $400 per night The Old Nest is on a private, nine-acre estate that has been in the family for over 100 years. Enjoy exclusive waterfront access. Inside find a rustic nautical theme throughout this five-bedroom escape.

3.) Moonrest Cottage, Pelee Island

Cute, cute, cute and more Canadian cuteness! Pelee Island is part of the Lake Erie Island system and the lowest appellation of Canada. Explorers can relax knowing there is this three-bedroom on the island’s east shore priced at $220 per night. The front door is steps away from Sandy Beach. Right now there is only one week in June and one week in July to claim this cottage on an island only inhabited by 150 people. Visit the Pelee Winery, go sailing, take in the shipwrecks in the surrounding waters; or….the intriguing exhibit on Al Capone and his Rum Runners who used Pelee Island as a point of embarkation to Ohio during the years of Prohibition. Moonrest sleeps six.

2.) Rattlesnake Island Club

Ohio’s largest country club on a private island. What happens at Rattlesnake Island stays at Rattlesnake Island. Island is owned by 65 businessmen. Want to mix business with pleasure? Do your research. Inquire about becoming a member here. Accessible via helicopter.

1.) Put-In-Bay Party Palace

Why sleep on a boat when for $1635.00 you can crash here. Check out these views from the eat-in kitchen. This 5,000 square-foot Lake House nestled ever-so-nicely on South Bass Island (Put-In-Bay) is going to entitle whomever has the key as King of the Great Lakes. Has several balconies and IS available this weekend. Grab your Jet Express pass and at least 13 of your best friends. Catering is available at this 5,200 square-foot PIB Estate.

 

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.
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.
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Coastal Ohio 2016 Spring Buying Guide every essential for life and love, lush finds along Lake Erie

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.

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.
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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No Love from Above for Lake Erie Ice Fishing set your flame on fire with a St. Croix as conditions change for Walleye season

“He always needs a fishing pole,” states Mario Campos owner of Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters.

Let’s face the facts. Valentine’s Day is about the ladies and the man is undoubtedly expected to wine her, dine her, and give her lavish gifts to show her the love. Or at the very least, present her with a token of affection from the local gift shop.

Women don’t need to go all out for him. A simple presentation of a book, or perhaps something done in love in the name of service will suffice.

According to WKYC Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling’s latest forecast in 2015 at this time ninety- six percent of Lake Erie was frozen. This year, to mark Valentine’s Day 2016 just one percent of the lake in the Upper Western Basin near Canada has turned to tundra.

That means the ice fishing gear is coming off the shelves and going back into the store rooms as retailers prepare for an early Walleye season.

Campos claims Cupid himself would opt for the Saint Croix Eyecon to intrigue your beau.
Campos claims Cupid himself would opt for the Saint Croix Eyecon to intrigue your beau.

“I’m going to have two shifts beginning in a couple of weeks. One from 6 am to 4 pm and the other from 10 am to 8 pm to cover the crowds,” Campos details his coverage plans and points to a sign on the door reading, “Full Time Temporary HELP WANTED.”

Campos’ store is located just two blocks away from the Maumee River and right now, instead of bracing for record-breaking lows, he’s bracing for two months of fourteen hour days to cater to the crowds that will flood his store for every lure and line they need to score with the Walleye.

So, if you do want to gift your guy a sweet something, Campos is confident any man will swoon over the Saint Croix Eyecon series rod. The item is apparently what every Coastal Ohio fisherman is searching for to conquer the Maumee River March mayhem. According to the Toledo Metro Parks, as in every year, a half of a million Walleye will conduct their reproductive ritual in Lake Erie’s largest flowing river.

The natural event and this piece of gear is so intense, the company’s website says the rod is retailed for the man ready to “Grab life by the hands. Seize the day. Go for it, Amigo.”

There Comes A Time In Every Man’s Life When He has To Say, “Frankly My Dear Boss, I Don’t Give A Damn.”

Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters employee Ryan Smith is quick to point out, “This is one of the most popular fishing rods around here. Saint Croix makes a couple of designs the Avids, Premieres, Triumphs. There are twenty different styles of fishing poles made from Saint Croix.”

To sweeten the deal this February 14 for your man, who has his own intricate love affair with fishing, Smith recommends the Eyecon 6′ to 6’5″ pole. The retail price is a mere $123.95 and the guys at Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters have about three dozen on hand sure to be treasured more than your two dozen red roses which won’t see March.

“These are made technique specific for Walleye. Ninety-percent of fishermen use a Carolina Rig which is a mixer of sinkers, leader lines and lures,” Smith sweetens the sale.

For bigger trout fishermen will should be outfit with a longer pole. For heavy trolling in the lake the pole you purchase will have to be longer.

But, in the end, it’s the Saint Croix Eyecon to set your flame on fire this Saint Valentine holiday.

“The rod is sensitive with a good backbone,” Campos showers on the affection he attaches to the piece. “Guys love the way this is designed specifically for walleye. The fish is the mainstay of the Maumee River.”

Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources page for the next Maumee and Sandusky Rivers Report.

Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters is located at 104 West Wayne Street. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Much Love!

JosieInParadise (1)

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Paradise josie koler est. 1977

This is the first and the last post about muah. Me, me, me. Today’s my birthday and I did not conduct an interview for this latest news report. I spent the day, on day three, traveling across the country from the Florida Keys to Ohio’s North Coast.

Today on my birthday, Josie in Paradise was born. An interactive information site about the fabulous lifestyle from Cleveland and the North Coast, where the water is unsalted. Then, to Key West and the Florida Keys where the salt life rages.  My plan is about to unfold.

The company bears my name but, after this, the site won’t be about me. I’m just your host.

The stories will either be about you, or effect you.

Two systems of islands. Two bodies of water. Two cultures and two lifestyles. One 90 miles to Cuba, the other 30 miles to Canada.

I could, at any point, settle down on either location. Or, I can keep growing and expanding. There is one more location I do have in mind.

When time is of the essence we all need information that improves quality of life. Words that enlighten, inform, and entertain. Stories about your friends, your family and people you do business with; plus, photographs that inspire and tag lines that light a fire where the energy flow has become static. Video and social media posts to bring every aspect together.

This is where business meets broadcasting, broadcasting meets the beach and entrepreneurialism takes a twist.

Most of us are seeking the same information: how to see any place and situation with the perspective of Paradise, and overcome all of the obstacles we didn’t plan. There certainly have been some wild and fast ones I did not see coming.

I’ll be exercising some patience as I figure out how to work my way around my OWN NEW SITE! Business is person to person. In 2016 be ready to showcase some talents.

Remember…be humble; and at the same time also, use your gifts to shine like the tropical sun!

JosieInParadise (1)