S1, E29
Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. Joining us on the podcast today is Renée Fultz, Director of this Put-in-Bay attraction. Learn all about this hidden island gem and what visitors can experience here, including both live and taxidermy creatures! Enjoy interactive exhibits, an updated children’s area, and an all-new snake feature. Plus, several outdoor features like a butterfly garden, pond, and nature trails. Renée tells us all about the special events they host including the upcoming Island Green Week, August 3-10, 2024. The center is open through September and is planning a new Monarch Fest for September 14, celebrating the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly. Bring the whole family together to experience a more natural side of Put-in-Bay! Find out more at LakeErieIslandsWildlife.com.

S1, E28
Welcome to the beautiful Lake Erie coastal town of Vermilion, Ohio! In today’s episode, Jill and Dayton interview Sandra Coe, Executive Director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and community leader. Sandy tells us how living in Vermilion is like being on vacation every day – endless opportunities and so many things to do. The downtown community is very pet-friendly, and a lot of merchants cater to furry visitors. We talk a bit about what the Chamber of Commerce does, how they promote the economic growth and prosperity of the community, and the variety of events they host throughout the year. We talk about the very popular monthly event from May-September, Third Thursdays – Music, Flowers, and a Sunset, where musicians set up all over town and visitors can stroll and enjoy a variety of musical genres until the sun goes down. The Chamber also sponsors a “Live at the Lighthouse” weekly concert through September. Other great events to visit Vermilion for include the Chocolate & Wine Walks, holiday season events, and the fantastic fun of annual fall Woollybear Festival, celebrating 52 years in 2024. We get a little backstory on the Woollybear Festival, which is very near and dear to Sandy’s heart, as her mother was one of the founders of the event. Learn more about the charming waterfront community of Vermilion and their many festive events at VermilionOhio.com.

S1, E27
Are you under the age of 45 and looking for a way to connect with others in the community? In this episode we learn about the local group, North Coast Young Professionals (NCYP). NCYP is a community of emerging leaders who are making a positive impact in the Ohio Shores & Islands Region. By joining, you will make friends, make a difference, and become a vital part of our local community both socially and professionally. Today, we talk to the group’s chairperson, Michael Delahunt, as well as Dario Mormina, who serves as fundraising chair. They tell us about the amazing things this group does throughout the year and also preview an upcoming special event. YP Week takes place in and around Sandusky from July 29-August 4 with seven days of professional development as well as social events. Michael and Dario walk us through some of the fun activities planned. Joining is easy and includes membership for the whole year, so it’s a great value. Learn more at NorthcoastYP.com.

S1, E26
Welcome back to our first repeat guest, the incomparable Tony Clark, Director of Communications for Cedar Point Amusement Park! Joining Tony to talk all things entertainment is Cedar Point’s Director of Live Entertainment, Lisa Jones. Lisa gives us the inside scoop on this summer’s core live shows, including a nineties musical tribute, country hits, and a doo-wop-style acapella group, plus live appearances from The Peanuts™ gang! There are also three stages hosting the “Bands in Residence” program, where local and regional bands play weekly. There really is something for all musical tastes. We also get a little behind-the-scenes look at Cedar Point’s annual talent search and how several performers have gone on to great things in the entertainment industry. Both Tony and Lisa preview the upcoming “Boardwalk Nights” special event and tells us what we can expect from this fully-immersive experience which includes cirque-style acts, shows, contests and games, and special menu items both in The Boardwalk area of the park and on Cedar Point’s famous beach. Boardwalk Nights runs nightly from July 19-August 19 (excluding Tuesdays.) It’s so amazing you’ll have to see it multiple times to experience it all! Since we are in the heat of the summer, we also chat about Cedar Point Shores Waterpark and learn which attraction Dayton loves that you won’t find Tony and Lisa anywhere near! Tony talks to us about different pass and ticket options for visiting Cedar Point and the variety of resort lodging offered. No HalloWeekends spoilers, but we do chat a bit about other live entertainment installations such as the “Seasons of Joy” event at Sawmill Creek Resort for the holiday season. Learn more about the live shows at the park and plan your visit at CedarPoint.com.

S1, E25
Slow down the pace and reconnect with friends and family with a visit to Lakeside Chautauqua, located on the Marblehead Peninsula in Shores & Islands Ohio. Today, Jill and Dayton chat about the heart of the summer season and the amazing events happening all around the region. Then, Gretchen Colón, Vice President of Advancement & Marketing for Lakeside Chautauqua, joins us to tell us about the Chautauqua movement and this 151-year-old institution. Did you know that there are 19 Chautauqua communities across North America? Luckily, ours started along the shores of Lake Erie and continues today as a place to find enriching experiences for families. Learn about the breadth of recreational, social, educational, and entertaining options available to guests of Lakeside Chautauqua and about the different passes available for visiting. Stay for a day or stay for a week, with a variety of lodging options offered. You’ll hear all about the shops and restaurants you can visit in town, as well as some of the awesome performances that are coming up, such as 10,000 Maniacs, Girl Named Tom, All-4-One, Tom Papa, Herman’s Hermits, and more. You won’t want to miss “Ohio’s Most Magnificent Mile” or the views from the 700-ft Lakeside dock. We also learn about several fall, winter, and spring events hosted there. Plan your visit at LakesideOhio.com.

S1, E24
We’re just a little under a month away from the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio race, in it’s third year in Sandusky. Joining Jill and Dayton on this episode are Ben Simon, Shores & Islands Ohio Director of Marketing and Sales and IRONMAN-athlete-in-training. Ben tells us about the “Shores & Islands Idols” relay team which he is anchoring with his swim and a little about his training regimen. Next, we talk with IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio race director Casey Gilvin and he educates us about the difference between the 70.3 race and a full IRONMAN and what competitive opportunities are available for race participants. With over 1,500 athletes expected for the Sunday, July 21, 2024 race, Casey tells us why Sandusky has been an ideal location for this race series and why they have signed on to return for future races. We learn what the race course entails and what opportunities are available for spectators, support teams, and volunteers. Race fans can enjoy the IRONMAN Village located at downtown Sandusky’s Jackson Street Pier, where they can shop with vendors, enjoy food trucks, and cheer on the athletes at various stages of the race. With a ferry jump starting queue and a finish line in the heart of downtown, this is one Shores & Islands Ohio event not-to-be-missed! Find out more at Ironman.com/im703-ohio.

S1, E23
Ever thought of floating the night away on Lake Erie? If your idea of camping involves air conditioning and a comfy mattress, then glamping with SolSTAY Lodging in Sandusky is for you! Today Dayton and Jill chat with local entrepreneur Joe Lisa, proprietor of SolSTAY, about this super-unique getaway concept which includes not only cottages, but tiny houseboats, a roof top hot tub, and a floating sauna! Other amenities include watercraft rentals, outdoor games, cybercafe and sundry shop, and fantastic seating areas to hang out on the waterfront. This resort village is close to Cedar Point and great dining – let Lake Erie rock you to sleep. Joe tells us what to expect with a stay here, where the concept came from, and what fun events are planned for the future. Lisa’s innovative lodging concept and continual improvements led the resort to win the 2024 Destination Enhancement Award from the Shores & Islands Ohio organization. Learn all about this fun getaway experience! Book your glamping resort stay at solstaylodging.com.

S1, E22
We’re talking wine again and this time we talk to the winemaker and fifth-generation owner of Ohio’s oldest family-owned-and-operated winery, Heineman’s Winery at Put-in-Bay! We are also joined by the Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association to learn why this region is so special for wine production and talk about Ohio Wine Month. Dustin Heineman and Donniella Winchell are our guests on this journey through Ohio island wines. We hear all about the history of Heineman’s Winery operations and what guests can expect when they visit, including a tour through the world’s largest geode cave! Donniella talks to us about the many Ohio wine regions and trails available throughout the state and how several are celebrating this special month. Both organizations are combining forces to put on the amazing Ohio’s Island Wine Festival, held June 22, 2024 at Heineman’s Winery. We hear all about that event, festival entertainment, ticket options, and how to get there and enjoy the island while supporting the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Learn more at HeinemansWinery.com and OhioWines.org.