CONTACT: Julene Market (419) 261-7114
Put-in-Bay Offers Budget-Friendly Island Getaways
PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio (May, 2009) – While the economy may have people tightening their wallets, vacations are still on most people’s to-do list this summer. Luckily, they will not have to travel far, as Put-in-Bay is the perfect budget-friendly summer getaway. From water sports in the downtown harbor to enjoying the historical background of the island, Put-in-Bay offers visitors an island resort community experience without the hassle or cost of flying.
“Put-in-Bay offers travelers the chance to experience an island adventure without putting a damper on your wallet,” said Julene Market, marketing manager for Miller Boat Line. “Visitors can cruise over to the island aboard Miller Boat Line and enjoy the island’s casual atmosphere while participating in some adventure sports, family fun activities and historical events.”
In addition to already being an affordable vacation option, Miller Boat Line recently launched a new Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass coupon page at www.MillerFerry.com where visitors can find discounts for lodging, dining and plenty of fun island activities.
Below is a sampling of Put-in-Bay’s new and most notable attractions and events for 2009.
Family Fun
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center – At Put-in-Bay’s No. 1 family attraction, visitors can walk through a 4,000-sq. ft. indoor garden and see a variety of exotic butterflies at The Butterfly House and also take a 20-minute narrated tour of Perry’s Cave, the underground cave where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry discovered drinking water for his men by way of an underground stream that runs through the cave. The center also offers gemstone mining at a real mining sluice and features Fort AMAZE’n, a giant wooden wall maze that has interchangeable interior panels that can be reconfigured to create a different maze every time you visit.
Twilight Concert Series 2009 (June – August) – Enjoy music and dance from several cultures including Celtic, American classics, German and Brazilian at the island’s free outdoor series.
Jose DeRivera Founder’s Day (June 14, 2009) – Kids’ games, music and a community social in DeRivera Park mark Put-in-Bay’s 35th Annual Jose DeRivera Founder’s Day. Families and friends can enjoy a picnic lunch while community organizations sell soft drinks, ox roast sandwiches, giant strawberry shortcakes and other goodies.
Put-in-Bay Pirate Fest 2009 (June 26 – 29, 2009) – “Aarrgh—beware there be pirates!” Put-in-Bay celebrates Pirate Fest 2009 with the first of two appearances of the USS Brig Niagara. Visitors will enjoy costumed characters, chantey song sing-a-longs, black powder demonstrations, tours of the ship and daily 5-hour sails aboard the Niagara. Wear your pirate gear and join in on the fun at Pirate Fest 2009.
Sports
Kayak the Bay – Kayaking the Bay can be a relaxing way to enjoy the harbor or an exciting way to get out on the lake. Choose from single or double, sit-on-top or sit-in, kayaks to explore downtown Put-in-Bay harbor for some easy kayaking or get more adventurous and paddle to nearby islands. Tubes and floats can also be rented.
Parasailing – Get a bird’s eye view of Put-in-Bay, Gibraltar and Middle Bass Island while parasailing in Put-in-Bay’s downtown harbor.
Sailing and Boating – Put-in-Bay is a great place to bring your boat. Many generations have learned to sail here, and the island is proud to host the annual Inter-Lake Yachting Association Regatta each year. The island is also home to the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, one of the oldest yacht clubs on Lake Erie.
HistoricalPerry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial – Take in the panoramic view of Lake Erie for one of the last times before this historical monument is closed for a two-year renovation. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is the only peace memorial within the National Parks Service and commemorates Perry’s defeat of the British in The Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. More importantly, the monument celebrates the lasting peace between the United States and Canada. A visitor center features a free 20-minute surround sound presentation of The Battle of Lake Erie and the most historically accurate paintings of the battle, a model of the battle, a gift shop, educational displays and Ohio’s oldest statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.
Doller House & Museum – Opened in 2008, the lakeside Doller House museum showcases island life in the past 100 years at the former Put-in-Bay Mayor and businessman Valentine Doller’s historic 1897 home. The museum is also introducing a winery this season that will feature wines from across Ohio and beyond.
Stonehenge Estate Tour & Gift Shop – Stonehenge is one of the island’s best kept secrets. This 7-acre estate consists of a stone farmhouse and wine press cottage dating back to the 1800’s. Visitors can observe period antiques and displays of island memorabilia.
Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave – Centered in the heart of "Lake Erie's Grape Belt", Heineman's Winery on South Bass Island offers visitors the chance to discover the process of changing island-grown grapes into fresh poured grape juice and wine on a tour of the winery. Established by the Heineman family in 1888, their wines consistently win gold and silver medals each year in competition. Visitors can discover the secret beauty of the spectacular celestite crystals of Crystal Cave located underneath Heineman Winery. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors can enjoy a complimentary glass of grape juice or wine.
Pampering
Isola Day Spa – Named for the Italian word for “Island,” the Isola Day Spa offers a peaceful oasis amongst the charm of its Tuscan atmosphere. Isola offers numerous packages for visitors to take advantage of, including its Girlfriend Getaway package that includes passage aboard a Miller Boat Line ferry and your choice of relaxing spa treatments.
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About Miller Boat Line
Miller Boat Line has been family owned and operated since its beginning in 1905. Started as a fishing charter, water taxi and ice harvesting business, the company has grown to become the largest ferry service on Lake Erie. The ferry line, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005, is the only scheduled means of transporting passengers, freight, cars and commercial vehicles to the islands of Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass. Miller Boat Line currently operates four vessels and information can be found online at www.millerferry.com.
Media Contact:
Julene Market
Miller Boat Line
419-261-7114
lakeeffects@aol.com