Pyrate Fest and 6 Must-Dos at Put-In-Bay, Ohio

Put-In-Bay is an island escape in Ohio on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island. This destination condenses a whole year’s worth of celebrations into one summer season and then some. A stand-out event I personally loved while working on the island in 2012 was the annual Pyrate Fest.

 
 

 

The fourth weekend of June the island gets invaded by pirates; nice ones of course. In addition to all the excursions, dining and shopping Put-In-Bay’s Pyrate Fest expands across DeRivera Park and is free for everyone. “This is not just an event, this is my home so we’re going to roll out the red carpet and welcome you to our front door as if you were coming over for dinner with the family,” Ty Winchester, Pyrate Fest Organizer, said.

 

Things You Need To Know Before You Go:

  • Getting on the island - Guests can get to the island by plane or boat and the most common mode of transportation is by ferry. Visitors can board the Jet Express or Miller Boat Line to get to the island.

  • Costumes - Yes, visitors can dress up like a pirate and it is encouraged.

  • Family-Friendly - Pyrate Fest is for all ages; check the schedule for events.

  • Accommodations - The island is a summer hot spot and rooms go quickly. Check out hotels on the island or mainland near the ferry service of choice.

  • Getting around the Island – Most shops, restaurants and attractions are downtown but there are some activities that require a mode of transportation or a lot of walking. Bicycles can be brought to the island. There are also several rental services for golf carts, electric bikes and bicycles as well as taxis and a bus to get around the island.

  • Day Trip – Yes, you can go for just a day. Ferry schedules go through the evening; check the schedules online before your trip.

 

6 Must-Dos while visiting Put-In-Bay

 
 

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Towering 352 feet in the air is the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This piece of the island is reserved as a national park and commemorates the victory Oliver Hazard Perry led his fleet to in the Battle of 1812. “The Treaty of Ghent allowed us [Americans] to be able to create the longest unarmed, unmanned border between two nations that has existed for over 200 and almost ten years,” Peter Huston, Project Manager for Great Lakes Islands Alliance, said.

 
 

Caves

The island is not home to one but two caves. Fifty-two feet below the island surface, at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is the cave Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry discovered in 1813. Located underneath Heineman’s Winery is the world’s largest Celestine Geode. Discovered while digging a well this attraction is what helped keep Heineman’s in business during prohibition.

 
 

Wine Tasting

While at the Ohio’s oldest family-owned and operated winery sample some of Heineman’s Winery family recipes. Founded in 1888 this establishment goes back five generations. It is also part of Shores and Islands Ohio’s Cheers Trail.

 

 
 

Butterfly House

In addition to the cave Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center has many activities for families to enjoy including the Butterfly House. The 4,000-square-foot aviary has over 50 types of butterflies from all over the world.

 

 
 

Have Ye Self Some Rum

There are many places on the island with great cocktail programs but my personal favorite is the Red Moon Saloon. Connected to the park hotel, built in 1870, the now Red Moon Saloon once served as the hotel’s original dining hall. It is a nod to the history and the only speakeasy on the island. A glow of red above the entrance will notify visitors it is open.

 
 

Chicken

Restaurants are all over the island but there is only one Chicken Patio. This hot spot (because of the crowds and grills) has chicken dinners that hit the spot. Chicken dinners come with half a chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, roll and extra sauce. Honestly, it could be split between two people but it’s good enough not to share.

 

Join the pirate life and enjoy Put-In-Bay during the annual Pyrate Fest. For even more on Put-In-Bay check out this video travel guide.

 

 Special thank you to sponsor Shores and Islands Ohio for supporting the series.

Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.

Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.

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