Vacations Blog

If you’ve never had a reason to visit the shores of Lake Erie in the fall, now just might be the time. While the Lake is typically thought of as a summer spot, in Sandusky, OH, there are quite a few fall happenings as well. I, for one, am pinching pennies right now and can honestly say that a family trip to Hawaii is not in my near future. Fret not, however—Midwesterners still have options! Sandusky is on its way to becoming the Indoor Water Park Capital of the World. So I suggest booking a weekend in one of the area water park facilities as a way to extend the use of this season’s swimwear.

While you are there, be sure to plan an evening at Cedar Point. Their Halloweekends are running through that last weekend of October and they are a spooky smash! And stop on your way out of town for some good old-fashioned pumpkin and apple picking in nearby Berlin Heights!

The first big waterpark in Sandusky was the Great Wolf Lodge, full-service, year-round family destination resort designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the northwoods. Great Wolf Lodge’s amenities include 271 family-sized suites; a 41,000 square-foot indoor entertainment area, featuring a grand scale waterpark, spacious outdoor pool, arcade with ticket redemption, children’s craft and activity room, fitness room, two family restaurants, meeting space, a gift emporium and a performing Great Clock Tower.

The next large structure built was Kalahari, which is now America’s largest indoor waterpark. Surf indoors? Yes! An uphill water roller coaster? Yes! Kalahari offers the following, all under one roof: Indoor Waterpark, Spa Kalahari, Kahunaville Restaurant and Bar, Pottery Pizzazz, Candy Hut, Ivory Coast Lounge, Great Karoo Marketplace Restaurant, Zakanaka Imports, Madagascar Indoor Mini Golf and more. No worries about fall weather, you can spend all day long indoors at Kalahari and never get bored.

Cedar Point then converted one of their hotel structures into Castaway Bay. With its tropical theme, Castaway Bay feels like an island paradise upon entering this lush indoor waterpark resort. The complex features a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark loaded with water activities for all ages, a day spa, fitness center, state-of-the-art arcade, restaurants, retail shops, adjacent marina and space for meetings, group events and birthday parties. The indoor waterpark includes Rendezvous Run water coaster, a 100,000-gallon wave pool, three 35-foot-tall body slides, Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse, Toddler’s Tide Pool and an 80,000-gallon activity pool.

About a year ago, the Quality Inn built Rain, an indoor waterpark that offers a smaller setting with thrill slides and water play, featuring a 50 foot tower with two giant slides, 275 foot and 251 foot in length, and a play structure with additional slides and water activities. As its name insinuates, guests of the waterpark are frequently showered with rain. The Rain complex also includes a 32-lane state-of-the-art bowling center, laser tag, an arcade and great eats and gambling in the exciting atmosphere of off-track horse racing. In all, Rain offers over 35,000 square feet of affordable family fun – all under one roof.

Most recently opened is Maui Sands, which is now Ohio’s second largest indoor waterpark. This Hawaiian-themed resort connects three distinct lodging properties, and features a fun and relaxing island paradise all year round. The 55,000-square-foot indoor waterpark includes 70 cabanas and tons of splish-splashing waterpark attractions including SurfRider®, the country’s first real, deep-water surf simulator. Enjoy an authentic Hawaiian luau every evening in Ono Poi, play arcade and redemption games in the 6,000-square-foot Ohana Center, or just kick back and relax in the full service spa and salon called Lokahi.

You can spend your days splashing away at the waterparks, but be sure to reserve your evenings for Cedar Point’s Halloweekends which have become the Midwest’s premiere family-friendly Halloween event!

Kids will find not-so-scary fun like their own fun house, shows that will induce smiles, the Monster Midway Invasion Celebration Parade and more.

Adults will get the in-your-face scares they crave in three haunted houses and four haunted outdoor walk-through attractions.

More than just spooky chills, Cedar Point offers more rides and roller coasters than any other park on the planet, and has been voted “Best Amusement Park in the World” for ten years in a row by Amusement Today readers. Besides exhilarating rides, Cedar Point provides quality family entertainment including live shows, PEANUTS^TM characters on ice and numerous games of skill.

Finally, no family can leave Ohio in the fall without stopping by Burnham Orchards for every tasty treat imaginable. Not only can you pick your own apples and pumkins here, but they have a bakery, homemae cider, and lots of other goodies. Your family can make a scarecrow or go on a hayride, pitch pumpkins, see the antique tractors, or even try their hand at that giant corn maze!

For those of us in the Midwest who can’t afford to jet off to exotic locations once the weather gets cooler, it’s good to know that we still have family getaway options. Make your travel arrangements today before Sandusky get buried under snow. It won’t be long, so enjoy these crisp fall days with your family while you can!

I live near Cleveland on Lake Erie (and am darn proud of it), which means there is no getting around the fact that Spring Has Sprung! Area marinas are beginning to show signs of life as boaters make their way to their vessels to paint, clean, and prep for the traditional May launch. Seasonal workers are starting to trickle in as the tourist industry gears up for yet another summer of putting smiles on millions of faces as they pass through the region. And local merchants begin the process of enticing visitors to shake off their cabin fever and step out to enjoy all that life on Lake Erie has to offer.

One event guaranteed to bring folk out of their winter funk is Bay Harbor Restaurant’s “Spring Fling” Wine Pairing Event. Located on Sandusky’s waterfront in the Cedar Point Marina, Bay Harbor will serve up an evening of fine wine and dining on Friday, April 25, 2008. Gloria Ferrer wines will be paired with 5 courses*, including Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche, Lobster Stuffed Chicken Breast, Pretzel Crusted Halibut, Grilled Clams, and a Mixed Berry Trifle.

Paired wines will include Brut, Carneros Chardonnay, Carneros Pinot Noir, Rust Rock Terrace Pinot Noir, Carneros Merlot, Carneros Syrah, and Blanc de Noirs. A vineyard expert will be on hand to explain each wine as it is tasted and Bay Harbor’s experienced staff will ensure that every guest has an enjoyable evening. Wines will be available for purchase at the close of the dinner for those who wish to take home a bottle (or a case) for themselves or as a gift.

I’ve been part of Bay Harbor’s wine dinners in the past, and I guarantee they are a good time. Everyone is so prim and proper at the beginning of dinner, but by the end of the evening the dining room is full of smiles and laughter. Whether you are a couple looking for a night out together or a large group of friends hoping to catch up, Bay Harbor can accommodate you. A stellar view of the lake as spring unfolds, combined with excellent food and wine, is a recipe for success regardless of the number of people at your table!

Dinner begins at 7:30 and the bar will open at 6:30 for “gathering” (i.e., a pre-dinner cocktail). The cost is $65.00 per person + tax. Gratuity and additional beverages are not included in the price of dinner. Reservations are required as the restaurant will be closed that night to other business. Parties of all sizes are welcome (and encouraged!), so call now to guarantee your spot: 419-625-6373.

Have fun, and remember to designate a driver or arrange for alternate transportation–no drinking and driving, please!

*Menu subject to change. Additional course may be added.