Kelley’s Island, OH to Middle Bass Island, OH

***A very short hop, of 10 miles, to Middle Bass, OH.***

We make a small detour for a closer look at the US Brig Niagara.

The US Brig Niagara is a replica of the original relief vessel commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and a key success to the outcome of the war of 1812. It’s home port is Erie, PA but has arrived to Put In Bay to participate in the annual Commander Perry Birthday Celebration. The Niagara serves two purposes these days: 1) as an exhibition and 2) as a training vessel to preserve the art of historic square rig seamanship.

Readying the sails

We continue on and arrive to Middle Bass Island. We will be staying two nights at the Middle Bass Yacht Club, which is adjacent to the Middle Bass Island State Park Docks.

Middle Bass Island is a beautiful, but very secluded, island. It is roughly 750 acres with only 30 year round residents but many more, of course, seasonally. The marina does not rent golf carts and the nearby Walleyes restaurant, which does, is closed during the week. This being a Tuesday means we are out of luck for wheels. We will explore by foot until we meet up with Captain Tom’s brother, John, to guide us on our visit.

We walk to the site of the former Lonz Winery. Lonz Winery has a tragic history. On July 1, 2000 a terrace collapsed, leaving one dead and dozens injured. The property was purchased by the state of Ohio and the Middle Bass State Park was established in 2001. Since that time, it has been renovated and reopened to the public in June 2017. It is no longer a winery but does provides tours and is a venue for outdoor events ranging from concerts, art fairs, and weddings. There is a coffee shop, where the press room used to be, and in the near future a speakeasy bar will open. We grab some coffee and a breakfast sandwich before touring the grounds.

**Pictures of what is left of Lonz Winery. The outside wall is just a** **façade with an open outdoor patio on the other side, There is also a covered** ***pavilion on the grounds and a coffee shop.***

Unfortunately, we receive a call from John that he is called away for errands on the mainland and will not be seeing us after all. As there is not much to do on Middle Bass, we take the boat shuttle over to Put In Bay for the day.

We will spend the day exploring Put In Bay. We have been here numerous times, many years ago. Not much has changed!

Put in Bay is Key West’s tiny little sister, sharing the love of music, food and drink (perhaps not in that particular order.)

***We can actually say we came here via the water route!***

***Good music + good food + good drinks= good times!***

***A golf cart is a must for exploring the island.***

We rent a golf cart to drive around the 2.5 by 5 mile island.

***We stop to see Perry’s Monument. The observation tower is closed so we view it from below.***

We see the stage all set for the Bash on the Bay concert featuring Brad Paisley tonight and the Zac Brown Band tomorrow night. The island is buzzing with tourists on what would usually be a quiet Wednesday.

Before heading back to Prime 11 and dinner onboard (as nothing is open on Middle Bass), we stop for some of Put In Bay’s “famous” lobster bisque.

We had a fun visit exploring two of Ohio’s Lake Erie’s Islands. Our next stop will be outside of Detroit, and this one I can hardly wait. While not exactly a fan of Detroit, I am a huge fan of several of their nearby residents – Sam, Sean and my dear little grandson, Liam. So, fair warning…a future post may have a few photos of you know who! 😍

Kelley’s Island, OH to Middle Bass Island, OH

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