The SHORE Line

Send us a Text Message.S1, E17 Tourism development is robust in Shores & Islands Ohio! Each year, a number of Destination Development Grants help support projects big and small throughout the region. Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development & Experience Director, Amanda Smith Rasnick, joins Jill and Dayton on the podcast to talk about the grant program for businesses and organizations in Erie and Ottawa counties in Ohio. Amanda fills us in on how the program works and what kinds of projects are eligible. She also shares a few past projects that were particularly cool and meaningful. Next, we go back to our annual meeting where we got to interview several former grant recipients in-person, and learned about their projects and how they were able to take advantage of the additional funding to help grow the region. Several also share what being awarded a grant meant to their overall projects. We hope you enjoy learning more about some of the amazing things happening in Shores & Islands Ohio! Get more info on the region at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1  E16Coming off the 2024 Shores & Islands Ohio annual meeting, organization President Larry Fletcher joins the podcast to talk about all of the amazing accomplishments for the tourism industry and the region in 2023, as well as some highlights from this event. We learn how a dream of being on the radio and playing rock-and-roll translates into a career in tourism, and how Ohio promotes our state for visitation, encouraging people to travel within the state and visitors from out of state to enjoy destinations such as ours. Jill, Dayton, and Larry talk about some of the ways the region has grown and the exciting things either new to the region or coming on board soon. We note how we are a year-round destination and there is no “off-season,” as there is always something happening. Then, we hear about one of the top IRONMAN 70.3 events in the country, coming once again to Sandusky this summer and how Larry is participating for his third straight race. Follow along and see how momentum is growing and grow with us at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E15 This is no fish tale…today we’re talking about great catches available this season on Lake Erie and why the Shores & Islands Ohio region is the best place to enjoy this fun activity. We are the “Walleye Capital of the World,” after all! First, hosts Jill and Dayton chat about getting ready for the spring and summer seasons and previous fishing experiences. We discuss the many charter fishing opportunities available and how easy it is to get started with the sport. Then, we bring in expert Travis Hartman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Travis educates us on the research and data collection that takes place through their organization and how they set annual catch amount and size limits for the many species of fish. Then, we break down the 2024 Lake Erie fishing outlook for walleye, perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and steelhead trout. Finally, Travis tells us how now is a great time to fish Lake Erie and how anybody can do it. Download the HuntFishOH app or go to OhioDNR.com (select Division of Wildlife) to learn more.

Send us a Text Message.S1  E14 Tweet, tweet…a little birdie told us we’re getting ready for a major birding festival! The Biggest Week in American Birding flies into the Shores & Islands Ohio region May 3-12, 2024 and festival co-founder Kimberly Kaufman of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory joins us to talk all about it. Also joining the conversation is her husband, renowned birder and author Kenn Kaufman. Kenn tells us what’s special about birding in northwest Ohio and gives us a sneak peak into his latest book, The Birds that Audubon Missed, available May 7, 2024. Kimberly shares about the importance of birding tourism and the important research and education provided by the BSBO. We talk about what guests to the Biggest Week in American Birding can expect, from field trips and workshops, to some very exciting keynote speakers and performances. This year’s event is even more special because the focus is on removing barriers and making birding accessible to everybody and every body (whether in a wheelchair, visually impaired, etc.) Many of the activities are free – come visit us for a life-changing birding experience. Find more at BSBO.org and BiggestWeekinAmericanBirding.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1  E13 As we get ready for the summer season, hosts Jill and Dayton chat about what it takes behind-the-scenes to plan for seasonal content promotion. A lot of that planning includes looking at upcoming local festivals and events, which brings us to our guest on this episode – the host, creator, and independent producer of the PBS program, Finding Festivals. From small-town festival queen to host of her very own travel show, Haylie Robinson tells us how a visit to our own Milan Melon Festival inspired her to want to visit community festivals, but also explore the communities beyond the event. Season one is available now and Haylie shares with us some of her favorite stories from filming the first 13 episodes. She also shares with us what it takes to have a show go national and how excited she is to be sharing stories of her backyard (Ohio and Michigan) with the world, showing what makes the Midwest so special and culturally diverse. You will be inspired by how Haylie made her childhood dream of hosting a travel show a reality and hear what she’s working on now. Learn more at FindingFestivals.com and follow @HaylieStory.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E12 Join us for an immersive experience, as we learn all about one of Shores & Islands Ohio’s most educational AND entertaining opportunities. In this episode, Jill and Dayton talk to Dick Ries, one of the owners of Firelands Adventure Tours. What brought these small business owners to Sandusky and how did their first venture Segway (misspelling intentional) into a full-service guided tour business? Learn how pivoting their business model opened up several options for serving more customers, covering more geographic area, and expanding their offerings, while still doing what they loved – giving guided, historical informational tours about the region. Find out what kinds of tours they offer and what they mean when they say it’s a fully immersive experience. This year-round attraction even offers special holiday and unique pop-up tours, like one they are offering for the upcoming total solar eclipse. Also, why Firelands Adventure Tours? Dick tells us a bit of history on the word “Firelands,” what it means and why it’s so prevalent in the Shores & Islands Ohio region. Book your tour today at FirelandsAdventureTours.com and #BeShoreAndWave!

Send us a Text Message.S1, E11 Spring is in the air! Dayton and Jill have both been out and about as much as possible recently, taking advantage of warmer weather and sunshine. And, we are looking forward to even brighter days ahead! With the beginning of spring season upon us, in this episode we visit with Veronica Sheets, the Event and Development Coordinator for Schedel Gardens & Arboretum in Elmore. Veronica tells us a bit about the history and evolution of the gardens and the more than 25 outdoor sculptures and other art pieces you can enjoy when you visit. The gardens open for the season on April 2 and we learn just exactly what will be in bloom at that time and that we can walk around the gardens with an ice cream or glass of wine from their café. We talk about the very rare Blair Museum of Lithophanes, exactly what a lithophane is, and the upcoming Rulers of the Past exhibit. Veronica tells us all about some exciting upcoming events for Easter and Mother’s Day and a Bridal Show they are hosting. Speaking of brides, we learn why Schedel Gardens & Arboretum is the perfect place to host a wedding or other special event. Open April through October, Veronica tells us peak times to visit and what’s new this year. Get outdoors with us this spring! Find out more at schedel-gardens.org.

Send us a Text Message.S1 E10 A totally stellar event is coming soon to Shores & Islands Ohio…a total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, the moon will completely block out the sun for a rare celestial event. Due to our global position directly in the path of totality, the communities in and around Shores & Islands Ohio will enjoy incredible, unobstructed viewing times of approximately four minutes—one of the longest durations in the entire region! Kelly Sommers is the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) coach for Sandusky City Schools and also head of programming for the Sidney Frohman Planetarium. Kelly joins Jill and Dayton to educate us all on eclipses, why this one is so special, and how everyone can safely enjoy the event, stress-free. We learn why you shouldn’t try to take photos of an eclipse event with your phone and when it is safe to remove your protective eyewear (and what cool thing you might see!) Kelly also tells us all about the planetarium’s year-round offerings and how it provides information on our solar system, not just to local school students, but to the general public as well. Get ready for an out-of-this world podcast! Learn more at scs-k12.net/sanduskyplanetarium.com and SHORESandISLANDSeclipse.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E9 Join us as we raise the curtain once again at the iconic Sandusky State Theatre! A local cultural institution, hear from Executive Director Chris Parthemore about the history of the theatre opened in 1928 and some of the famous faces that have graced its stage. Then, learn about the last production to play just before the world shut down for the 2020 pandemic and how that show, and its ties to Sandusky, plays a part in the future of the theatre. Because shortly thereafter, a devastating storm caused severe damage to the stage house and auditorium. Jill and Chris chat about the community support and how it was immediately decided the organization would rebuild. Catch up on how construction is going and the amazing new features that will debut when the theatre reopens this summer. Learn new details on the restoration, what was saved, and what is coming back better than ever. Coming summer 2024, the theatre promises the return of concerts, movies, comedy shows, symphony performances, local theatrical productions, as well as nationally-touring Broadway shows. We cannot wait! Get the details on the reopening and the upcoming performance schedule at SanduskyState.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E8 Foodies rejoice! Join Jill and Dayton on a culinary adventure, as we get ready for Sandusky Restaurant Week, March 4-10, 2024. Hear all about the special deals, discounts, and creative new menu items being offered by an awesome mix of classic local spots and new dining delights! Destination Sandusky Director, McKenzie Spriggs joins us to talk about her organization, part of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, and how her job is to bring vibrancy to our community spaces and promote small business. We chat about other Destination Sandusky projects such as Party at the Pier, Sandusky Farmers Market, beautification projects, and more. Then, we delve into the 5th annual Sandusky Restaurant Week and how it has evolved over the years and this year has expanded to partners outside of the downtown area to be city-wide. Your mouth will water and your tummy will grumble when McKenzie tells us about some of the amazing-sounding menus being offered during this special event. Finally, we talk a little bit about the upcoming Total Eclipse of SUNdusky Festival, celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse, with events from April 3-8, 2024. Learn more at SHORESandISLANDS.com/restaurant-week.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E7 In this episode, we head to Ørchard on Catawba Island…and, no we aren’t picking apples, but we are enjoying some delicious and unique local dining! Don’t sleep on the hot honey and pepperoni pizza! Joining us on the podcast is Hannah Vlk, Brand Manager for the Ørchard who tells us all about this dining destination’s three venues – Ørchard Bar & Table, Ørchard Farm Stand, and The Coop! Celebrating 10 years in 2024, Ørchard established a niche of bringing “big city dining to a small-town community.” Hannah tells us how the business grew into the year-round dining, sipping, and shopping destination it is today and all about the recent expansion and renovation project at the original restaurant. Offering both casual and more upscale options, find out why there’s no longer an “off season,” and how The Coop’s chickens learned to be social. We get a sneak peek at the outdoor dining spaces coming this summer and some clues to future projects and special events. See the venues, menus, and special event offerings at OrchardOnCatawba.com. 

Send us a Text Message.S1, E6 The Shore Line presents: Put-in-Bay in the Winter with Miller Ferries Yes, there are islands in Ohio! And, yes, people live on them year-round. On this episode Jill and Dayton chat with Put-in-Bay island native, David Bianchi, a Captain and Chief Engineer with Miller Ferries to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island. David loves his community and loves island life – even in the winter. He shares some fun memories and interesting winter season stories. David tells us how island residents keep busy in the off-season and how they get their supplies when the ferry is unable to run, due to winter weather and a sometimes-frozen Lake Erie. We learn how the ferry operates an important service and acts as a lifeline to the islands, carrying much more than just passengers. We hear some fun tales on the logistics of transporting full-size semi-trucks, helicopters, and even full concert tours, like the annual Bash on the Bay. Finally, David tells us all about the fleet of boats operated by Miller Ferries and what he loves about his job. Get details on the ferry service, schedules, island information, and even discounts at MillerFerry.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E5 The Shore Line presents: Cedar Point Sports CenterDid you know that thousands of athletes and their families visit Shores & Islands Ohio each year to participate in a number of both indoor and outdoor sports tournaments? One of the most-loved venues in the region is the Cedar Point Sports Center. Jill and Dayton are joined by Shores & Islands Sports Tourism Manager, Emma Melter, and the General Manager of Cedar Point Sports Center, Justin Kijowski, to talk sports events. While Emma shares about grant opportunities available to event planners, Justin gives us the low-down on the massive sports facility. We learn the many, many sporting event types offered, including some new and non-traditional sports. We hear about how Cedar Point Sports Center has been instrumental in bringing business to the area during what used-to-be-known as the slower season and the economic and recreational benefits the venue brings to the local community. Cedar Point Sports Center also hosts some awesome non-sporting events, such as an upcoming fishing expo and the annual Best of the Bay food competition. It even offers some amazing amenities for its guests in the way of food and entertainment options. The big question is, when will Dayton tackle the Ninja Course? Learn more at CPSports.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E4 The Shore Line presents: Kalahari Resorts & ConventionsThis week, Jill and Dayton get the inside scoop on everything Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. First, they catch up on finding some hidden gems and fun things to do in the winter season in Shores & Islands Ohio. Then, Kalahari spokesperson Destini Smith joins the podcast to tell us why Kalahari is the go-to water park destination for all ages and how convenient it is to have everything all under one roof! We chat about tackling the Flow-Rider and we find out about a new amenity at the spa. Of course, we talk about all the amazing dining options and why everyone, not just overnight resort guests, should stop out and enjoy the food and attractions. We hear all about the recent outdoor water park expansion and how Kalahari gives back both to the local community and the greater world. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions really is “beyond expectations!” Learn more at KalahariResorts.com/Ohio.

Send us a Text Message. S1, E3 The Shore Line presents: Great Wolf LodgeJoin host Jill Bauer this week as she chats with Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky General Manager, Ryan Greaves. Ryan has been on the resort team for a year and a half, has worked in the hospitality space for over 20 years, and is passionate about enhancing guest experiences. The Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky resort features an expansive indoor water park kept at an always-comfortable 84-degrees, immersive experiences and attractions for the whole family, dining options to please every palate, and so much more all under one roof! We break down the different amenities included at the Sandusky resort, which include a 33,000 sq. ft. indoor water park with a lazy river, four-story fort, giant tipping bucket, and more. Learn about the themed rooms available as well as the resort’s dining and family-fun opportunities (Magi-Quest! Build-a-Bear!) So many ways to create family memories, which is really what it’s all about! Learn more and book your getaway at GreatWolf.com/Sandusky. 

Send us a Text Message.S1, E2 The Shore Line presents: Castaway BayOn this week’s podcast, Jill and Dayton talk dining local as part of an upcoming social media campaign. Then, the two are joined by Castaway Bay General Manager, Melissa McClure, and Cedar Point Director of Communications, Tony Clark, to talk about the Sandusky-based, Caribbean-themed Castaway Bay indoor water park resort. We learn about the resort’s recent renovations, water park and family-fun attractions, resort mascot characters, dining options, and getaway packages. We discuss Castaway Bay’s relationship with Cedar Point Amusement Park and the in-season perks that come with staying at a Cedar Point Resorts property. Jill and Dayton just want to taste Castaway Bay’s new flavor-burst soft-serve ice cream and hang out with the sassy Flo the Flamingo. Find out more at CastawayBay.com.

Send us a Text Message.S1, E1 Welcome to The Shore LineThe introductory episode of The Shore Line Podcast, hosts Jill Bauer and Dayton Barnett introduce themselves and the Shores & Islands Ohio organization. Shores & Islands Ohio is a Midwest vacation destination and this podcast aims to offer behind the scenes views and interviews, local insider tips, and informative dialogue about the region’s attractions and communities. Joined by Marketing and Sales Director Ben Simon, the three discuss their roles within the organization, what they are looking forward to in 2024, and aspirations for the upcoming first season of the podcast. The Shore Line Podcast is here to help you find your Lake Erie Love!