Miller Ferry offers a smooth boat ride and excellent customer service on your way to Put-in-Bay (photo from boat on right)

After we got back from our vacation last week, Scott and I still had a few days off before going back to work. So we decided it was the perfect opportunity to take a trip a little closer to home.

On Thursday we made the short drive over the Edison Bridge to Catawba and caught the Miller Boat Line to Put-in-Bay.

Last fall we visited the island for the Put-in-Bay Wine Festival. Although we packed a lot into that daytrip, we still had a long list of things we wanted to do. After being invited back to stay over for the night, this was the perfect opportunity to cross some things off that list.

When we’ve visited Put-in-Bay in the past, we’ve rented a golf cart to get around the island. This time we were in a more energetic mood and wanted to try our hand legs at biking it.

Island Transportation’s Bike Rentals

Although we could’ve brought our own bikes with us, renting a pair from Island Transportation (the same place we get our golf carts) was much more convenient, especially because they have a location right where Miller Ferry drops off AND one on Bay View Avenue in the main part of town. If you need anymore convincing, an all-day bike rental only costs $15 including tax.

Neither Scott nor I bike often so our first stop was breakfast for a bit of fuel for the first half of the day. After trying out their freshly made crepes at the Wine Festival, we knew where we’d be heading: The Old Forge Cafe and Creperie.

Old Forge Cafe and Creperie

Located on Catawba Ave., they offer a great selection of sweet and savory crepes made with fresh ingredients. They also feature a  waffle of the day during breakfast. One look at the menu told me what I would order: the smoked salmon crepe.

The crepe was stuffed with succulent smoked salmon, arugula, red onion and guggisberg swiss. The poached egg that topped it was a great addition, especially after I soaked the silky thin crepe in the broken yolk. The side of plump blackberries and blueberries offered a refreshing burst of flavor.

Smoked Salmon Breakfast Crepe

After breakfast we were on our way to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. We’ve always enjoyed their Visitor Center next door. It features great displays about the Battle of Lake Erie. However, the last few times we’ve been to Put-in-Bay, the monument was either under construction or closed for the day.

This time we were determined to go to the top and arrived as soon as it opened.  The elevator ride costs $3 per adult, which is worth it for the beautiful views you’ll see on the observation deck.

The top and bottom of the Perry Memorial

Despite an overcast morning, we had gorgeous views of Put-in-Bay and its neighboring islands. Even the fog rolling over the lake was beautiful to look at.  The monument and its surrounding park boasts a lot of photo opportunities.

A view of Put-in-Bay from the top

We got in a few more photos of island scenery by biking to Put-in-Bay’s East Point. Out that way you’ll pass a number of homes and bed and breakfasts until you get to the Scheff East Point Nature Reserve. It’s a very relaxing trek and the trail is a nice place to check out the wildlife – especially if you’re looking to escape any party animals back on main street.

Our bikes at East Point

While it was fairly smooth riding, Scott and I were a little tuckered out by the time we got back into town, so our next stop was the Put-in-Bay Winery and Doller Estate for more leisurely activities.  When we were at the Island Wine Festival, we had a taste of the winery but missed out on a tour of the estate.

Our tour guide Russell walked us through the Doller’s historic house, the farm buildings and beautiful grounds. Unlike a lot of other winery tours, this one focused mainly on the history of the estate and island, which I actually preferred.

Even better, we were served 5 tastings of the Winery’s wine throughout the tour.  For only $10, the quality of wine, size of the pours and history lessons we learned were an excellent value.  The estate also faces the lake, offering some fantastic views while you sip.

Doller Estate and Put-in-Bay Winery

We continued up the hill out of town to Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern. This restaurant had come recommended by more than a few people so we were overdue for a visit.

Upstairs from the Chocolate Cafe, the Goat has a rustic patio and restaurant tucked into the Put-in-Bay woods. After spending much of our day along the lake, it was a nice change of scenery.

I tried their signature Perch Tacos with a cup of soup. Their tangy “Pali Wali” taco sauce gave some nice heat to the fried Lake Erie perch, cabbage and green onion without overwhelming it.

Perch Tacos at the Goat

Because the Goat is known for its soup, I was definitely going to try a cup of something. Keeping in mind that I’d need to get on a bike right after lunch, I played it safe and opted for their Chicken and Spaetzel which had a very comforting flavor. I’m looking forward to returning so that we can try their Chicken and Green Chili soup.

Refreshed we continued our bike ride to Perry’s Cave. Named after the Commodore who is credited with discovering the cave during the War of 1812, Perry’s Cave offers an underground journey for amateur spelunkers. A combo pass will also get you access to your choice of rockclimbing, mini-golf, a tour of the Butterfly House and Fort aMAZE’n, among other highlights at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center.

War of 1812 Mini Golf

By this point the sun had finally come out. The weather was perfect for a round of War of 18 Holes mini golf. I liked how as you play through each hole, you learn a bit about the Battle of Lake Erie. Although the match was a draw, I’ll confess that neither of us did particularly well.

Afterwards we stopped in at the Butterfly House and then made friends with a cute cat while drinking Pink Catawba at Heineman’s Winery.

Making friends with ‘the wildlife’ at Heineman’s Winery and the Perry’s Cave Butterfly House

As our afternoon wound down, we stopped back at Put-in-Bay Winery to order our two favorite wines: their Celebration sparkling moscato and Bicentennial Chardonnay. Being able to pick the bottles up at the Miller Ferry dock the next morning was very convenient. I can’t even imagine balancing my bike with those bottles in hand.

Islander Inn

Down the street we checked into the Islander Inn for the evening. Because it was a Thursday in September, the hotel was very quiet, which was my preference; however, I know from previous trips to Put-in-Bay that the hotel, its pools and swim-up bar are typically packed

We had a balcony room with a nice view overlooking the pool. Although the room was simple, we weren’t in Put-in-Bay to spend much time there. It was clean and provided us with a comfortable night’s sleep. The friendly staff and setting brought up fond memories of trips down to the shore in New Jersey.

Our room and the view from our balcony

We had dinner at the Put-in-Bay Brewing Co. Scott and I typically order their Guinness Onion Soup, which we really enjoy. This time we tried the Beer Cheese soup and weren’t as big of fans of it; however, the fried cheese-and-bacon-stuffed mac bites were delicious.

After dinner we planned on enjoying downtown Put-in-Bay but the weather had other plans for us. Storms had been holding out all day and we even had clear skies for a few hours; but a cold front moved in while we were dining.

With it came blustery winds, so we ducked into Hooligans Irish Pub for a Jameson and Ginger and then were off to bed.

We were both ok with this because we were exhausted from all of that biking and needed to wake up early to head home. Although the waves were incredibly choppy the next morning, the Miller Ferry navigated them smoothly and dropped us back in Catawba where we had started just 24 hours before.

Love Put-in-Bay and always sad to go home

Just because summer is over, there are still many reasons to hop the Ferry and head to Put-in-Bay. Businesses and attractions are still open, even if you go in the middle of the week.

I especially recommend visiting during this time of year if you prefer a more low-key experience. We had an excellent day and night exploring the island without a crowd.

If you prefer a party, though, there are a slate of fun events now through the end of October.  Check out Put-in-Bay’s fall events at www.millerferry.com/events/put-in-bay.

Disclosure: I had been planning on visiting Put-in-Bay and biking around the island, and then was invited to stay over for the evening. During my trip my ferry fare, bikes, and hotel stay were covered. We were also given a combo ticket to Perry’s Cave. However, the opinions expressed in this and other posts are 100% my own.

As the Miller Ferry pulled up, Scott was literally jumping up and down with excitement for the trip to Put-in-Bay

When I think about Put-in-Bay, thoughts of summertime come to mind – balmy weather and a cool breeze coming off the mirror-smooth lake. However, this past weekend I was surprised to learn how Lake Erie’s islands are also the perfect Fall escape when we visited for Put-in-Bay’s Island Wine Festival.

We drove out to Catawba early Saturday morning and hopped on the Miller Ferry. The winds and whitecaps were pitching the boat around so I stuck downstairs to avoid getting seasick (or would it be ‘lakesick’?).  We had fun, though – it was a bit like going on a water ride at Cedar Point.

Everyone unloaded onto South Bass Island when the Ferry docked – it was time to hunt down transportation!  From shuttles to walking to bikes, there are plenty of ways to get around Put-in-Bay. My favorite? Zipping around the island on a golf cart.

Island Bike and Cart Rental welcomes you as soon as you arrive making it easy to get around Put-in-Bay

At the top of the hill leading away from the ferry dropoff is Island Bike and Cart Rental where you can rent an electric golf cart from 2 to 6 seats. If you’d rather some exercise while touring the island, they also rent bikes for the day.  This is who we usually use when we visit Put-in-Bay and Saturday was no different.

Because we had a very full day ahead of us, we huffed our way up the hill to be first in line for a cart. A little short of breath but keys in hand, we were off to our first destination: Perry’s Cave.

Named after the Commodore who is credited with discovering the cave during the War of 1812, Perry’s Cave offers a fun journey underground for amateur spelunkers.

The highlight of the tour was the underground lake, famously used for drinking water by Perry’s men during the war as well as Put-in-Bay’s infamous Hotel Victory in the early 1900s.

One of the over 50 types of butterflies at the Perry Cave Butterfly House

In addition to Perry’s Cave, the grounds has expanded to offer a full family fun center. We got a combo ticket for the day which allowed us to pick 3 attractions from their list of 5. Even though Scott and I don’t have kids, we had a whole lot of fun acting like them.

We took a break from the cold in their Butterfly House, a large greenhouse home to hundreds of beautiful butterflies. A few of them seemed to really like Scott, landing on him as he walked.

And for our third attraction, we tried our hand at Fort aMAZE’n. The maze may not look that tough from the outside, but let’s just say I didn’t do so “amazing” in navigating my way through. At least I gave Scott a good laugh as he watched me backtrack through the maze from his perch in the observation tower:

Help! I’m lost!

While the combo pass also includes the War of 18Holes mini-golf and a rockwall, there’s a free exhibit I really recommend not missing out on the next time you visit.  Tucked away in the back corner of the property is Skip’s Antique Barn. This free museum features the impressive antique car collection of Charles “Skip” Duggan, who started the Island’s weekly antique car parade.

Highlights included the Popcorn-Peanut Wagon and Put-in-Bay’s oldest automobile, but the jewel of the collection for me was this 1924 Model T snowmobile:

This special Model T was built specifically to deliver mail in the winter in Minnesota

After our visit to Perry’s Cave, we drove across the street to Heineman’s Winery.  Although their wines are a little sweet for my taste, I like going to Heineman’s for their patio and the Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode.

The cave is currently closed for the season (which runs May-September) but Scott satisfied his sweet tooth with a glass of his favorite Pink Catawba.

Our brief stop at Heineman’s was just a taste of what was to come, as we headed over to the Island Wine Festival at the Put-in-Bay Winery.  Showcasing over 350 different wines – a healthy mix of both local and international – the Wine Festival was a delicious way to warm up on that blustery Fall afternoon.

Cozied up in our coats and hats, Scott and I walked through the tasting tent and around the Doller Estate sipping white wines and grabbing a bite to eat from Old Forge Cafe and Creperie.

Old Forge Cafe and Creperie at Island Wine Festival

While Scott opted for their dessert crepe filled with dark chocolates, caramel and sea salt with a side of whipped cream, their savory prosciutto crepe hit the spot for me.

The prosciutto was paired with fresh pears, goat cheese and arugula – flavors that were all sharpened with a balsamic reduction.

Having found success with their crepe cart this past summer, Old Forge is setting up shop next door to the Put-in-Bay Brewing Co. in 2013. Definitely pay them a visit next summer!

Out of the 20 or so wines we tasted, our favorite – Twilight from Vermilion winery Paper Moon – had us going back for multiple tastings and eventually a bottle. The sweet and spiced blush instantly gave me red cheeks – a great wine for the brisk weather we’ve been having. We also took in a bit of grape-stomping and checked out the Doller House’s gazebo and tasting room.

The Island Wine Festival at the beautiful Doller Estate benefited the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society

With all of the time we spent at the Festival, my only regret was missing the day’s winery tours and not actually picking up a bottle of one of Put-in-Bay Winery’s wines (loved their sparking moscato Celebration!).  However, I’m looking on the bright side: this gives me yet another excuse to return next season.

Before catching the last ferry out, Scott and I made a pit-stop at the Put-in-Bay Brewing Co. to get some fortification against the cold with a beer and bowl of Guinness Onion soup. While their Pass Out Stout didn’t have the kick I was expecting from the Kentucky Bourbon it was aged in, the oatmeal stout did offer a nice smooth finish.  We also got to catch a glimpse at Perry’s Monument – it was nice to see the scaffolding off of it and I’ll be making time next trip to take the elevator ride to the top.

With the Monument reopened, you can now take an elevator trip to the top

Put-in-Bay may be slowing down for the upcoming winter, but there are still a few great Fall parties to enjoy on the Island in 2012:

• This coming weekend – Oct. 13 and 14 – is their annual OktoberFest. Held in DeRivera Park in downtown Put-in-Bay, it’ll feature German food and beer, island wines and entertainment.
• On Saturday, October 20, the Roundhouse Bar will mourn the passing of another season at their annual “Put-in-Bay Wake“.
• And the last big weekend of the year takes place Saturday, October 27 when all of the downtown taverns celebrate Halloween with decorations, costumes and parties.

Whether you go for one of these events or just to take in some of the Island’s attractions, the Miller Ferry runs regularly through November 25th so bundle up and spend a day on Put-in-Bay.

Until next Spring!

Disclosure: I was invited by the Miller Ferry Service to spend a day on Put-in-Bay and share my experiences. I was provided with roundtrip tickets on the ferry and a golfcart rental. I was also invited by Perry’s Cave and the wine festival to visit during my trip. As always, though, the opinions expressed here are my own.