Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Last summer, some old law school buddies called me and asked if my wife and I would like to get together for a mini-reunion. Sounded like fun to me. Both of these guys owned condos in Port Clinton, Ohio, and suggested we drive there and visit Put-in-Bay. I had never been there, and my wife had always wanted to visit one of the Lake Erie islands…so off we went. It is a little bit west of Cedar Point, so allow at least 3 hours for driving time.

So you like to party? Folks, this is the place. Just a short jet express boat ride from Port Clinton, and it is time to Paar-tay!!!!

What a great place. I’m not sure how to describe it. We were only there for 4 hours; but one thing for sure, you can drink, and drink a lot, and the only thing you have to be concerned about is falling into Lake Erie. We got there around 1:00 in the afternoon, and the booze was flowing, the people were singing, and…well, it was a bit much to take in. If you are looking for classy summer resort stuff, this ain’t it. This is get down and boogie heaven.

I am not sure how the island handles the excessive alcohol imbibing. You can ferry your car there with proper reservations, but for the most part you get around riding bikes or driving golf carts. The marina is huge, and at first blush, it would appear that the drinking would be more of a boating issue as opposed to a driving issue. Folks were plastered, on the boats, off the boats, and everywhere in between.

The center of the action is a place called the Roundhouse Bar. True to its name, it is round. No little kidders allowed. This is a party place. Open from noon until 2:30 AM, the entertainment is non stop. When we were there, it was provided by Mike “Mad Dog” Adams, and the name is appropriate to the provided entertainment. The guy was hysterical, and XXX rated. This guy is on the road 200 days a year, and hits all of the major party spots in Canada and the United States. He is THE headliner for the summer on Put-in Bay. CD’s are available in the lobby.

The jet boat to Put-in-Bay drops you off at the entrance to the town square. It is definitely picturesque to say the least, with a park and picnic tables being the center that the businesses are built around. There is some shopping, but mostly touristy stuff and resort wear…lots of gift shops. Great fudge and ice cream.

There are plenty of places to chow down. I didn’t see any white table cloth places, but mucho aquatic themed restaurants serving Lake Erie perch sandwiches, among other delicacies. We ate at a place called The Boardwalk which offers walk up counter service for all sorts of cuisine as well as spirits. Its sit down restaurant is called The Upper Deck, upstairs, of course. Food is great and the place is fun. It is located right in the Marina, and is the first place you see when you de-board the boat.

Once your appetite is curbed and you are still sober enough, you can visit several of the sights on the island, the most prominent of which is the Commodore Perry Memorial of the War of 1812 fame. It is hard to miss being 352 feet high, with an observation deck. The island also boasts a Lake Erie Historical Society museum, as well as a winery, caves, island tour trains, and a carrousel.

I haven’t figured out the hotel situation yet. There are several on the island. You can check the web site as to what is available. Quality assurance is not guaranteed from what I can see, but then again, who cares when you have been drinking with Mad Dog for several hours after riding the elevator to the Perry Observation Deck!

I wouldn’t recommend Put-in-Bay for everyone, and I am not sure it is a family destination. If you have been to Key West, this is the northern version. But it definitely should go on your YOLO (You Only Live Once) list of things to do.