Kelleys Island, Ohio

A visit to Kelleys Island is a nice change of pace from the party scene at Put In Bay.  It’s atmosphere is best for families with younger children or couples looking for a relaxing, romantic getaway.  The preferred modes of transportation on the island are bicycle or golf cart.  There are restaurants, bars, shops, and mini golf all within walking distance of the boat docks (the only way to get to the island is with your own boat or hitching a ride on the ferry).  If you pick up a bike or golf cart you can venture to other areas of Kelleys to see the glacial grooves, Sandy Beach, Kelleys Island Brewery, and Kelleys Island Wine Co.  There is also a historical society that can teach you about the history of the island, located in the old church on Division Street.

I have only visited Kelleys on day excursions and overnight on my friends’ boat but there are plenty of cozy B&Bs, condo and home rentals as well as your choice of one of two hotels and resorts.  You can take a short ferry ride to any one of the other islands or the mainland from Kelleys when you want to get a little more excitement and maintain Kelleys Island as your relaxing oasis.

Dockers has a pretty decent breakfast buffet to fuel you for the day’s adventures.  My favorite food on the island though is the pizza at Kelleys Island Wine Co.  If you are over 21 you must stop at Bag the Moon for their famous strawberry shots….supposedly they have great food and often have live entertainment but really I just go for the strawberries.  🙂