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On this episode, we’re diving into some of Huron, Ohio’s most anticipated summer events! The SHORE Line host Jill Bauer is joined by Rachael Summerfield, Event Coordinator with Destination Huron (a program of the Greater Sandusky Partnership), to give you the inside scoop on the beloved Huron Lake Front Market and the returning Huron Farmers Market. Rachael shares all the details you need to plan your visit—from dates, times, and vendor highlights to a special spotlight on young entrepreneurs. Plus, hear how these markets are more than just shopping—they're vibrant community experiences that support local businesses and bring people together. Whether you’re local or planning your first visit to the shores of Lake Erie, this episode will have you marking your calendar for the popular Huron Lake Front Market on June 7th. Plus, you’ll want to return for the bi-weekly farmer’s markets all summer long! Tune in for inspiration, events, and a taste of what makes Huron a can't-miss summer destination! Follow Destination Huron on Facebook and find all upcoming events and details at ShoresandIslands.com. Thank you to Goofy Golf for sponsoring each episode this month! Goofy-Golf.com.
S2, E19
This week on The SHORE Line, we’re diving headfirst into island season with none other than Put-in-Bay music legend Bob Gatewood! From rocking out in the '80s with the beloved band Calabash, to writing the official song of the island, “Friends of the Bay,” Bob’s story is as vibrant as the shores he calls home. Host Jill Bauer chats with Bob about his journey through decades of music, island life, and entrepreneurship – including the scoop on his new single "I Settled Up (When I Settled Down)", upcoming shows (on both land and water!), and how he’s celebrating nearly four decades of entertaining across the Lake Erie region. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the island scene, this episode is packed with stories, songs, and summer spirit. Find Bob’s upcoming shows at BobGatewood.com.
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Join us on this special episode of The SHORE Line as we recap the 2025 Shores & Islands Ohio Annual Meeting, themed "Propelling Progress." Host Jill Bauer sits down with S&IO President Larry Fletcher to reflect on the organization’s standout achievements from 2024, share insights into what’s ahead for 2025, and celebrate the powerful partnerships that continue to shape our vibrant tourism community. Plus, hear firsthand from local business owners and tourism partners about the real impact of working with Shores & Islands Ohio to grow their businesses and energize the region. This is your inside look at the momentum behind Lake Erie’s favorite destinations. Learn more about our progress at SHORESandISLANDS.com/about-us
S2, E17
In this lively episode of The SHORE Line, host Jill Bauer kicks off May with a special spotlight on our monthly podcast sponsor, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center and Goofy Golf! But first, she reminds us that May is a wonderful time to visit before the summer crowds and that the month is filled with fantastic special events from Biggest Week in American Birding to Ohio Bike Week and everything in-between. Then, joined by Amanda Lee, Ghostly Manor Group Sales and Marketing Manager, we explore the exciting attractions offered at these two Sandusky favorites—from haunted houses and roller skating to rock walls and mini golf. Discover what’s new for the season, why these spots are perfect for groups of all kinds, and how they’ve become must-visit destinations in Shores & Islands Ohio. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, school outing, or just a day of family fun, this episode has you covered! Get started at GhostlyManor.com or Goofy-Golf.com.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year — Cedar Point season! Jill and Meaghan are back and looking forward to the month of May – some big events and seasonal attractions opening. They chat about their memories of growing up visiting the park. Then they are joined by Tony Clark, Regional Manager of Public Relations, to get the inside scoop on everything new and exciting at the park this year. Tony shares his personal journey from roller coaster superfan to PR pro and gives us all the thrilling details about Top Thrill 2, Siren’s Curse (the tallest, fastest, and longest tilt coaster in North America!), and new park additions like the revamped Happy Friar, the main gate photo station, and Cedar Point Shores water park updates. Plus, Tony dishes on the new live entertainment lineup and the best ways to save on your Cedar Point adventure. Tony also shares what Shores & Islands Ohio places he loves when he’s not working. If you love coasters, shows, and fresh-cut fries, this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Plan your visit at CedarPoint.com.
S2, E15
In this episode of The SHORE Line, we’re tying one on with Christine Crawford, co-owner of Beagle Bay Knot Works in Huron, Ohio. Christine and her husband Randy have taken their lifelong love of boating and centuries-old knot-tying techniques and transformed them into a thriving coastal lifestyle brand. First, Meaghan joins Jill to share a social media update – Shores & Islands Ohio is now represented on a number of new platforms! Plus, the two talk about video content – don’t miss out on the fun clips we’ve been sharing of our team in action. Then, Christine joins to chat about how a simple sailor’s bracelet sparked the idea for a business, what it’s like turning a maritime hobby into a creative retail endeavor, and how their brick-and-mortar shop celebrates the nautical spirit—on land and sea. Plus, we learn about the beautiful public art piece they created with help from a Shores & Islands Ohio grant, and why Christine is one of Huron’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders. This episode is knot to be missed! Find Beagle Bay online: BeagleBayKnowWorks.com
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As we spring through the month of April, it’s time to talk about Spring Break and all the fun that can be had in our destination for a quick and easy getaway. We talk a bit about activities that can be enjoyed year-round in the region and one of those is shooting sports with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Our special guest today is CMP staff writer Ashley Dugan who tells us a bit about the history of the CMP, headquartered in Port Clinton, Ohio at Camp Perry. Ashley shares the benefits of marksmanship and how it really is a sport anyone can participate in. We learn about their facilities and when they can be used by the public, what equipment is necessary and some cool stuff available at their store – including historic firearms. Camp Perry is also home to the CMP’s National Matches which welcomes nearly 4,000 competitors, coaches, families, and spectators to the region each summer for five weeks of various competitions. Fun fact: Camp Perry also has onsite accommodations including lake view cottages! Learn more about the Civilian Marksmanship Program and educational and competitive opportunities at TheCMP.org.
S2, E13 Welcome to spring in Shores & Islands Ohio as we welcome April with a variety of events. We are enjoying the weather warming trend and looking forward to lake season. Jill shares about the Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development Grants which were recently awarded. Then, we talk to one of those grant recipients. Joining us on the podcast are Jeff and Shelley Morgan, proprietors of the Victorian Inn in Marblehead, Ohio. Falling in love with the area during a boating trip to Lake Erie, these Columbus natives relocated here and purchased a 19th-century Victorian farmhouse, which has been an inn for more than 30 years. The Morgan’s purchased the inn about a year ago and have provided extensive renovations to the property. Find out about their luxurious accommodations and the special touches that can be added to your stay. We also get a preview of some upcoming projects, including an expanded onsite wedding venue. Learn more and book your stay at VictorianInnbb.com.
S2, E12
Jill and Jen are thinking spring! Join us as we preview upcoming April events in Shores & Islands Ohio. And with spring being prime bird migration season, our feathered friends are plentiful throughout the region. Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Avian Educator Jamey Emmert is here to tell us about the recently updated Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook, trail signage, and an app we can use to follow the trails through our mobile device. The new book is for sale now and makes a handy guide to all the trail locations along the Lake Erie shore – more than 90 locations are highlighted! From the Pennsylvania border to the western Lake Erie marsh region, avid birders and newcomers alike can explore the shore. The Shores & Islands Ohio region alone boasts more than 30 hot spots! Jamey tells us some of her favorite birding spots and what’s on her life list. We also learn about the app, where you can find birding trail options using your location and also track what birds you can potentially see there! Jamey shares where you can get your birding trail guide locally including the upcoming Biggest Week in American Birding! Remember the early bird gets the worm, so find out more at LakeErieOhioBirding.info.
S2, E11
Joining Jill this week to continue our focus on amazing Shores & Islands Ohio women, is Amanda Smith Rasnick, Destination Engagement Director for the organization. Amanda shares some of her history and the best parts about her job. We learn why sometimes she makes our partners cry and sometimes they hug her! Then, we turn the page to learn about another local female entrepreneur, Janie Ahner, who combined her love of books and wine into a thriving coffee and cocktail bar/used bookstore. Sandusky Book Bar opened on the west end of town almost two years ago and is a great place to sit and relax with a beverage and a good book. Janie tells us how she came up with the idea for her business, along with some of her challenges and successes. We talk through some of the fun events Sandusky Book Bar hosts and how people can use the facility for all kinds of private special events. Enjoy the outdoor patio this summer as well! Find out more at SanduskyBookBar.com.
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Shores & Islands Ohio Assistant Marketing Director Jennifer Yochem joins host Jill Bauer as we continue to spotlight local women business owners, executives, and S&IO team members as part of Women’s History Month. We chat about Jen’s background in advertising and design and how that translated into a career in tourism. Then, we get to interview two amazing women from Cherry City Honey Farm & Apiary. Owner Tami Wylie tells us how she became a beekeeper and what made her passionate about honey. She also walks us through several of their most popular products and teaches us about the medicinal qualities of local honey. Then, events and marketing coordinator Jaime Garza tells us about group tour opportunities with the farm and upcoming workshops. Sure to BEE a good time! Check out CherryCityHoney.com for more.
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Women’s History Month continues as we spotlight local women business owners, executives, and S&IO team members. This week with two special guests joining host Jill Bauer on The SHORE Line. First, we meet Shores & Islands Ohio Vice President of Operations, Dawn Weinhardt. Dawn tells us how her background in finance and hospitality melded together into her career in the tourism industry. She shares some of her professional experiences as well as what she loves about living in and promoting the region. Then, we get to chat with the Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Molly Sampson. Molly shares her background both in tourism and in museum work and how that, along with an expertise on the Women’s Army Corps in WWII, led to her recent stint as a historical consultant for the Tyler Perry film, The Six Triple Eight. Molly then tells us all about the history and the experience of visiting the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, along with what new things are coming in 2025. We wrap up by talking about the Big Splash Raffle, the museum’s largest fundraiser and a super fun event where participants can win cars, electric bikes, ATVs, and cash…up to the grand prize of $50,000! Find out more at SanduskyMaritime.org.
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Who’s hungry? This week we get the “dish” on all things Sandusky Restaurant Week. First, Jill and Meaghan introduce Women’s History Month and a series highlighting women entrepreneurs, business owners, directors, and more throughout the Shores & Islands Ohio region. One of those women is Lauren Krueger, who created Wake Up & Waffle, a brunchery, with her sister. Lauren tells us all about her unique eatery and its special menu featuring Belgian Liege waffles and fresh-squeezed juices. Then, as part of the planning committee for Sandusky Restaurant Week, Lauren gives us all the details on how to celebrate our area's decadent and diverse culinary scene, as local restaurants showcase special menus, exclusive deals, and unforgettable dining experiences March 5-12, 2025. Learn more at WakeUpAndWaffle.com and find all the Sandusky Restaurant Week menus at SHORESandISLANDS.com/Restaurant-Week.
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Love is brewing on this week’s episode of The SHORE Line. First, host Jill Bauer is joined by Shores & Islands Ohio’s Group Accounts Manager, Emma Melter. Emma tells us about the upcoming Heartland Travel Showcase and how we are putting together an after-conference tour of the area for several motorcoach tour operators. Emma then shares her experience with today’s special guest, Christy’s Corner Café. This local Elmore, Ohio café has a big heart and a big mission. Sponsored by the Engaging Opportunities Foundation, the café provides meaningful opportunities for individuals with special needs. Co-founder Kathy Barbee joins Jill and Emma to tell us all about how Christy’s Corner Café, named after Kathy’s late sister, works with differently abled folks, helps with job coaching and life/career skills, and even offers a unique gift shop filled with products created by some of their staff and guests. The café also serves as a community meeting spot. Stop by for a hot cup of coffee and a delicious meal, served with a smile! Find out more about their mission and tasty treats at ChristysCornerCafe.com.
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Shores & Islands Ohio is ready to start thinking spring…specifically Spring Break! Hear how you can get your all-new 2025 Play + Stay Guide to start planning your getaways to the region. Speaking of things to do on Spring Break, it’s a great time for the whole family to check out a brand-new attraction in Sandusky. Adventure Play is Ohio’s largest indoor inflatable adventure park – owner Rob Stein joins us to give us the scoop on all the fun. An entrepreneur at heart, Rob was looking to open a year-round facility where people can play and get exercise together. Adventure Play is filled with inflatable fun, party space, team building activities, and games and play areas for all ages. Opening next month in Sandusky, Adventure Play is poised to be your fun destination! There are attractions for toddlers to adults. Find out what a visit to Adventure Park is like and get more at AdventurePlayOhio.com.
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Ready to kiss winter goodbye? Come out and celebrate with us as we usher out the winter season with a giant snowman effigy on the beach! A popular Shores & Islands Ohio winter festival is just around the corner – the 2025 Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton on February 22, 2025. On this episode, host Jill Bauer talks to committee member and event coordinator Chassey Miller about this celebration of winter, music, and charity. We learn how the Burning Snowman Fest began and how it raises tens of thousands of dollars for several local charities annually. Chassey tells us what to expect from this year’s event. It all starts with the free Family Freeze on Friday, February 21st – a kid-friendly version of the fest with fire dancers, ice carving demonstrations, and hot cocoa. Then for Saturday’s 21-and-over event, plan to utilize the free shuttles from many North Shores locations to get down to the festival grounds. Rock out all afternoon with a stellar line-up of live bands and DJ entertainment , plus food and beverage vendors and, of course, the main event. The grand finale is the fire show with the burning of a 30 ft. tall snowman accompanied by fire dancers. You won’t want to miss the winter party at the beach! Plan your visit at BurningSnowmanFest.com.
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As we usher in the month of February, Shores & Islands Ohio Social Media Manager Meaghan Reynolds joins host Jill Bauer to preview some of the amazing events and activities available throughout the month. She even previews a few giveaways coming up around Valentine’s Day. Then, we chat with both the owner and the general manager of a new boutique hotel which opened recently in Marblehead, The Wave at Marblehead. Owner Allyson Robinson and GM Ainsley Rutkowski tell us all about this new getaway experience, waterfront view rooms and suites, an amazing outdoor space, and the special touches that make this local resort unique. An onsite restaurant offers 100% non-GMO ingredients sourced from local farms to create fresh and flavorful dishes. A great new place to dine and stay when visiting the region, just steps away from the Marblehead Lighthouse. The Wave is also a great location to host your special event. Learn more at WaveMarblehead.com.
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As January winds down, host Jill Bauer and special Shores & Islands Ohio guest, Assistant Marketing Director Jennifer Yochem, chat about all the fun events and activities to look forward to in February. From the Vermilion Ice A Fair to the Burning Snowman Festival in Port Clinton, we break down some of the upcoming fun events. We also discuss hidden gems, the arts, and other things to do this time of year and where people can find out what’s going on. (Hint, it’s SHORESandISLANDS.com!) Jill and Jen are then joined by David Kaman, proprietor of the all-new Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum. This new look at the history of our favorite amusement park is a museum within a museum, now located at the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky. Find out how David’s amazing Cedar Point memorabilia collection led to the world’s only museum dedicated to the amusement park we know and #LakeErieLove! Fans of Cedar Point, local history, and just really cool stuff, be sure to check out the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum on your next visit to the area. Learn more at SanduskyCedarPointMuseum.org.
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Season two of The Shore Line continues and we’re so excited to be back and bringing you interesting interviews and information about the fun attractions, insightful people, unique small businesses, and welcoming communities of the Shores & Islands Ohio region. This week we’re chatting with Merry-Go-Round Museum executive director and curator, Kurri Lewis. Find out how a postage stamp inspired a carousel museum in an old post office and its connection to Cedar Point. Kurri also walks us through what you can experience when you visit today, including a spin on a 1939 Herschell Company carousel! He also tells us about the restoration work done at the museum and some of the events planned for 2025, including what’s on-tap for the museum’s 35th anniversary! A new feature this year is the museum-within-a-museum, the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum, which is filled with Cedar Point memorabilia. Both museums are included in the price of admission. Learn more at www.MerryGoRoundMuseum.org.
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Thank you for joining us as we usher in season two of The SHORE Line! We’re looking forward to many great things in 2025 and hope you’ll stay along for the ride. Host Jill Bauer shares some highlights to watch for in the coming months – follow along on our social media platforms. Since we started Season One with a series on our indoor water park resorts, we wanted to revisit Kalahari Resorts & Conventions because they have a lot going on these days – from new water slides to delectable new restaurants, Sandusky Marketing Manager Amanda Davis joins us to tell us all about the resort’s recent updates. She tells us what’s good to eat, a new way to enjoy the water park, and why Kalahari makes the perfect winter getaway. Find winter deals and lodging packages, as well as more information at KalahariResorts.com/Ohio.
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Welcome to our 50th episode and the final of the year! Thank you so much for coming along for the ride! On today's episode we get to know new Shores & Islands Ohio Social Media Manager, Meaghan Reynolds. Host Jill Bauer asks Meaghan about her life and career and what brought her both to living and working in the Shores & Islands region. Then, we reflect on 2024 and the entire S&IO team shares their favorite memories from the year - a year that included a total solar eclipse, an IRONMAN race, and a whole lot of fun! Join us as we reminisce about the year that was and look forward to another spectacular year on the shores of Lake Erie. Don't miss a minute of the action while we take a brief holiday pause before season two - follow along with Meaghan on our social media platforms and find all the winter fun at SHORESandISLANDS.com. See you in 2025!
S1, E49
Dashing through the snow….straight towards the end of the year! Today on The SHORE Line we’re chatting with Zach Cummins, co-owner and COO of Great Lakes Audio Visual, a full-service entertainment event production company based in Milan, Ohio. Zach tells us about the company’s many projects and capabilities and the events they’ve produced all over the country. We talk about why Shores & Islands Ohio makes a great home base for their business and the many different types of clients they can service, from intimate weddings to huge rock shows. In 2023 Zach and his business partner were inspired to bring First Night Sandusky to the region to help ring in the New Year. First Night Sandusky returns in 2024 with a full line-up of entertainment, family-friendly fun, food, and fireworks. Zach gives us the full rundown of what to expect this year. With two stages, indoor and outdoor activities, vendors, live musicians, and two fireworks celebrations (6 pm and Midnight), First Night Sandusky is a fabulous way to welcome 2025! Plan to ring in the New Year in Shores & Islands Ohio. Get the full schedule of activities and performances at FirstNightSandusky.com.
S1, E48
‘Tis the Season to make holiday memories! In this episode, we talk to the entertainment team from Cedar Point Resorts about a couple of fun getaway or staycation ideas for the holiday season. We chat with Lisa Jones, Sam Fowler, and Tony Clark about all of the fun activities and special surprises at two local resorts. For families, there’s Castaway Christmas at Castaway Bay. Here, enjoy a tropical getaway highlighted by an indoor water park, but made festive with a number of events and shows held specifically for kids including visits with Santa, who is vacationing there himself. Plus, families have a unique way to celebrate the New Year with Noon Year’s Eve at Castaway Bay! Next, we talk about a cozy lodge getaway with Sawmill Creek Resort and their amazing Season of Joy celebration. Visit Sawmill Creek before the end of the year and enjoy fantastic holiday décor, free live entertainment, interactive workshops, and more. And, you do not have to be an overnight guest to enjoy these activities, so be sure to stop by when you’re out enjoying Shores & Islands Ohio this season. We also learn about the biggest New Year’s bash around, Toast of the North Coast! Tony chimes in to tell us why visiting both resorts are absolute must-do’s and how you can get your Cedar Point-related gifts online, including exclusive merchandise and season passes! Check out CedarPoint.com, CastawayBay.com, and SawmillCreekResort.com for more.
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Meet Ben Langan, 4th generation farmer looking to expand the family business and make it his own. Joining his family’s herb farm, Ben recently opened Mulberry Creek Winery. We learn all about how he became a wine maker and his experiences learning his craft with other local wineries. We hear about the different varieties being produced there, from red to white, dry to sweet. Langan also tells us about a new product coming soon – fruit-infused Mead, made with locally-sourced fruits and honey! Ben tells us what it’s like to visit his winery, which is now open year-round in Huron, Ohio. We also talk about his family’s legacy and an upcoming tradition, the annual Christkindlmarkt, held December 7-8, 2024. Vendors, traditional German foods, and glühwein fill the farm’s greenhouses. Learn where you can taste these new wines and pick up some for you or as a gift. Visit Mulberry Creek Winery today at MulberryCreek.com/Winery.
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As we continue through the holiday season, host Jill Bauer is joined by Shores & Islands Ohio Visitor Services Manager Angie George to talk about some special holiday events and activities surrounding the Sandusky Christmas Market and special Saturday hours at the downtown Sandusky Welcome Center. Then, we travel back in time through Angie’s hobby, living history interpretation, to Historic Lyme Village in Bellevue, Ohio where she is a frequent volunteer and board member. Lyme Village Board President Tim Rife joins us to talk about tours offered at this 19th Century village and its 16 buildings. Plus, upcoming events such as the popular Victorian Christmas dinners, candlelit tours, and Christmas in the Village. Tim shares what he does for the organization, but also what he enjoys the most, which is playing Father Christmas! Both Tim and Angie educate us about this interesting historical attraction and their special events for young and old alike! Plan your visit or make reservations for these historical holiday happenings at LymeVillage.org.