The SHORE Line

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

 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. 

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.

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!