Nestled along the shoreline, this charming region boasts a treasure trove of upscale restaurants that blend local flavors with a touch of sophistication. From charming waterfront eateries to hidden gems tucked away in historic towns, the Shores & Islands Ohio dining scene promises a delectable experience for discerning palates. Explore these culinary gems that elevate dining to an art form.

Celebrating 10 years of bringing “big city dining to a small town” in 2024, Ørchard Bar & Table at Catawba recently debuted major renovations and an expansion project. The new-and-improved restaurant offers a luxe and inviting atmosphere with a combination of indoor soft seating, traditional dining tables, bar seating, and a gorgeous expanded patio, in season. In addition to the intimate and more formal main dining room, consider watching chef’s preparations at the all-new sushi and raw bar. The dining concept offers prime steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and a large selection of wine in an elevated, warm and welcoming space.

1812 Food & Spirits features fine dining but casual dress. Named for the region’s history and close association with the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie, 1812 Food & Spirits offers an upscale dining experience featuring local favorites like Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye as well as other culinary treats. The rich menu also includes steaks, ribs, chops, seafood, pastas, and homemade desserts.

Bay Harbor Waterfront Restaurant in Shores & Islands

Bay Harbor Waterfront Restaurant is located at the Cedar Point Marina, offering water views and sitting in the shadow of some of the world’s most amazing roller coasters. This casually-elegant eatery features fresh seafood, delicious pasta, and prime rib. Outdoor eating on the patio is available in season, but the restaurant is open year-round. Come by lake or land for a romantic dinner or casual get together with friends.

Get dressed up for a fancy night out at Chez François, a French gem along the Vermilion River. The main indoor dining room does require jackets for men and a refined dress code. This elegant dining experience comes with top-rated food and service. Regularly one of the top restaurants in the region, Chez François features a highly-rated wine list and delicious French cuisine, fit for a special occasion. Their other onsite venues, Riverfront Café and Touché Wine and Martini Bar feature a more casual dress and atmosphere.

A more casual choice is Crush Wine Bar, offering both small plates and entrees with an extensive wine menu. Crush is known for its sushi and raw bar items, as well as a number of sharable dishes, pizzas, pastas, steaks, and chops. During the warmer months, the outdoor patio offers a casual place to enjoy an evening in downtown Sandusky.

Gideon Owen Wine Company

For more than 150 years, there has been a winery steeped in history and style on the Catawba Island peninsula. Now known as Gideon Owen Wine Company (formerly Mon Ami), this premier food and wine destination is the perfect fusion of old-world charm, innovative design, and immersive experiences. Offering a formal dining room as well as a more casual patio and a wine bar, Gideon Owen serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Visit for one of many special events, including live entertainment and wine cellar tours, or plan your own special event! Dinner menu includes elevated entrees featuring seafood, steaks, and pastas, all enjoyable with a glass of local wine!

Looking for an upscale island dining experience? Enter The Goat, Soup & Whisky which offers casual fine dining with a farm-to-table focus. It’s large eclectic menu features foods created with and utilizing herbs from the onsite garden. Not only does this eatery present a nice wine list, but they also boast an outdoor Austrian/German Biergarten, open seasonally.

Another downtown Sandusky option for a fantastic night out with a delicious meal is J Bistro, a fine-dining restaurant offering steak, seafood, and pasta with a large wine selection, homemade desserts, and both indoor and patio seating.

Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts offers a beautiful resort property with a number of amenities and dining options, where they definitely don’t offer typical hotel restaurant fare. The Miller’s Table is an experience, dedicated to sourcing the best sustainable and local Ohio ingredients and bringing them fresh to your table. It’s obvious in the rotating menu and your unforgettable meal. Hand-crafted cocktails from the full-service bar will complement your meal. The best part is you do not have to be an overnight resort guest to enjoy this experience, but upscale stays are always available for a memorable getaway.

These culinary delights are perfect when you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a night on the town. Which of these Shores & Islands Ohio upscale dining experiences will you try first? Get more information and order your Play + Stay Guide at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

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Exchange the humdrum of city life for the serenity of a luxurious cabin nestled amidst the whispering pines. Imagine crackling fireplaces casting warm glows on evenings spent with loved ones, mugs of hot cider in your hands as you gaze at star-studded skies. Ellijay’s upscale cabins offer more than just creature comforts; they are sanctuaries where time slows down, and nature’s symphony lulls you into a state of blissful repose.

The rolling hills of Ellijay cradle not just majestic mountains but also a flourishing wine industry. As the winter chill wanes, the vineyards burst into life with the promise of a bountiful harvest. Embark on a vineyard adventure, sampling the award-winning creations of local wineries.

Ellijay’s culinary scene is a delightful tapestry woven with fresh, seasonal ingredients and the artistry of passionate chefs. From farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the bounty of the land to cozy bistros with global influences, your taste buds will embark on a delightful expedition. Savor melt-in-your-mouth trout, indulge in juicy steaks cooked to perfection, or tantalize your palate with innovative vegetarian creations.

If you are the adventurous type, Ellijay is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unearthed. Hike through verdant forests teeming with life, cast a line into crystal-clear streams teeming with trout, or embark on a scenic drive along winding roads that unveil breathtaking vistas.

As spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, Ellijay comes alive with a renewed energy. Dogwood trees erupt in a cascade of white blooms, blanketing the landscape in a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty. Mountain Laurels carpet the meadows in a kaleidoscope of colors, their sweet fragrance filling the air. The gentle murmur of waterfalls crescendos, celebrating the season’s grand arrival.

Ellijay is more than just a destination; it is a state of mind. It is a place where time slows down, and worries melt away like snowflakes under the warm embrace of the spring sun. It is a place where the simple pleasures of life – the crackling fire, the shared laughter, the delectable meal – are elevated to an art form.

Ellijay, Georgia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its upscale cabin rentals, award-winning wineries, and delectable cuisine, it offers an experience that is both luxurious and down-to-earth. And as spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, the town comes alive with a renewed energy, making it the perfect time to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

Visit www.PickEllijay.com

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Natchitoches has been a destination for travelers since 1714. Located in Central Louisiana on Interstate 49, you will find the original French Colony in Louisiana. For more than 300 years, tourists have come to Natchitoches from across the country and the globe . Today’s travelers learn of Natchitoches’ evolution through tremendous changes–from the course of a river to the traditions on Southern plantations and more. While paying homage to the past, the vibrancy of this city and region attracts many to explore both the stories of yesterday and the treasures of today.

In the heart of Natchitoches lies the “National Historic Landmark District,” which is home to the famous Front Street, a brick thorough fare where wrought-iron balconies, restaurants, and shops face the beautiful Cane River Lake. In this area, you can also find Lasyone’s, the home of the legendary Natchitoches Meat Pie. Made of 80% beef and 20% pork, this local delicacy is fried golden brown and served with a choice of creamed potatoes or fries, a choice of vegetable, and salad.

Another must-stop while in Natchitoches can be found right around the corner: Merci Beaucoup Restaurant. It is located in a building that was once an old gas station. Now, you can find the delicious Cajun Potato here. It is a stuffed potato topped with crawfish étouffée and jumbo fried shrimp.

A short walk down Front Street might lead you to the Pioneer Pub. It is located in what was known as the Sompayrac Building, built in 1840 and was used as a bank for many years. The building was renovated to the style you see now just before World War II and is now home to the Pioneer Pub. It is a wonderful place to hang out and grab a nice cold beer. You can also order the mouth-watering appetizer called “The Wookie.” It is amazing homemade fries topped with brisket and melted cheese. This is something you will definitely be craving after the fact.

One of the most known restaurants in Natchitoches is The Mariner’s. It is located right off Sibley Lake and is known to have the best sunsets in town. They have also received a Wine Spectator’s Award in less than one year of being open with new owners. Mariner’s is also home to what they call “Chef’s Island.” It is an island located a few hundred feet from the main restaurant that houses a chef’s table and is only accessible by boat. Here you can enjoy a wonderful glass of wine with a sunset you won’t forget.

An additional must-stop is Flying Heart Brewing & Pub. It is housed in a refurbished cotton gin building that is nearly a century old. Whether you want to unwind after work or catchup with friends, Flying Heart Brewing & Pub is the perfect place to be. Here you can find mouthwatering food, signature cocktails, and unique craft beers that are a must-try. The overlap between this historic space and the birth of a new business is a perfect representation of what Natchitoches is all about: rooted in history but constantly evolving.

On your way out of Natchitoches, don’t forget to stop at the French Market. It is located right off I-49. What looks like an average convenience store from the outside, you’ll realize it is much more once you go inside. Here you can find a Cajun restaurant and bakery. The bakery is known for their delicious yam cakes and beignets. But that’s not all they offer. You can also find fine wines and souvenirs, making it the perfect stop for all ages.

If you’re looking for a quiet weekend with the family or a romantic weekend with a loved one, historic Natchitoches offers a dynamic atmosphere for everyone.

Visit Natchitoches.com or call (800) 259-1714 to plan your trip today.

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Gateway to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Shawnee National Forest, the wild beauty of the rolling hills of Carbondale, Illinois, awaits you. This Midwestern town allows you to escape the fast pace of big-city life, offering you that remote, unparalleled feeling that is only achievable in southern Illinois.

Carbondale presents many opportunities to explore beautiful scenic views with an endless amount of outdoor adventure and fun for the entire family. At Carbondale Tourism, they are there to help ensure your visit is one that you will always remember and full of memories that will leave you looking forward to the next time you can journey back again.

Carbondale is a destination that provides Southern hospitality and welcomes tourists year-round with events for every season. Imagine playing on an 18-hole championship golf course at dawn, hiking through the rugged terrain of a national forest in the afternoon, and winding down the evening at a live local concert at sunset.

Enjoy food from their local restaurants utilizing regionally-grown produce or explore their international culinary scene, which is bursting with many cultural influences. Stay in their accommodations, which range from various modern hotels to cozy inns or cabins in the woods, where you are sure to feel right at home.

In Carbondale, it is possible to rappel down a rock face in the morning, sip local wine in the afternoon, enjoy delicious local cuisine in the evening, and cap off the night at a historical movie theater in the center of downtown.

Whether pursuing a favorite pastime or trying something new, the day could end worlds away from where it began–all without traveling more than a few miles.

Your adventure starts in Carbondale.

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The southern Oregon city of Medford—the region’s largest—is home to an array of gems, from culinary highlights to outdoor opportunities.

Medford sits at the heart of the Rogue Valley, where visitors will find a world-class wine country. The Rogue Valley Wine Country is unique because of its location between the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southern Oregon providing a warm 9 month growing season with one of the largest diurnal temperature swings in the world. This is why so many different varieties are able to be produced and also provides an outdoor playground with ample activities to pair with wine country.

Tasting rooms and sipping opportunities abound, as do culinary opportunities to match. TheRogue Valley Wine Country has over 6,000 acres of vines, 80 wineries and produces 70 varieties. That prestige isn’t going unnoticed: Rogue Valley was just nominated as the WORLD’S BEST WINE REGION by Wine Enthusiast Magazine! Additionally, Troon Vineyard in the Rogue Valley is nominated for Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Perhaps the region’s long history of great food ties back to world-renowned produce grower and gift basket supplier, Harry and David, which was founded here. There’s even a Harry and David Flagship store in town, and the company’s orchards and farms are situated nearby.

Rogue Creamery, located 2 miles north of Medford in Central Point is won the World’s Best Cheese in Italy in 2019. The first time a U.S. creamery took this accolade.

As for outdoor adventures, the Rogue River draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. Medford is a great launch point for exploring Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, whose namesake lake is the nation’s deepest.

Another major draw is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which boasts some of the most impressive outdoor theaters you can find.

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The arrival of summer is always a particularly special time in Gettysburg, PA. As colorful wildflowers blanket the rolling hills and the sun shines down on the region’s magnificent orchards, vineyards and farms, guests from across the country return again and again to experience its incomparable history, enduring charm, recreational fun, and increasingly tantalizing agricultural, foodie and beverage attractions.

Breathe in the fresh air of surrounding Adams County with a hike through beautiful state parks and a bucolic nature preserve just a short drive from town. As an added bonus, the winding trails are dog-friendly and perfect for those traveling with a furry companion.

No trip to Gettysburg is complete without a firsthand appreciation of its rich backstory. Witness the hallowed battlefield and feel the full weight of its solemn significance. Among the powerful memorials, the enormous impact of our shared past truly resonates. See it as the soldiers did, with a horseback tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide or jump in a scoot coupe and hear the tale of the famous battle with the wind in your hair. Pause for a moment of inspiration in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his stirring “Gettysburg Address”. Explore the story beyond the battlefield with a variety of venues that explain the story of the local aftermath of the battle, enabling you to stand in the shoes of everyday civilians whose simple lives were upturned by three fierce days of fighting in the place they called home.

Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the historically preserved downtown area encircling Lincoln Square. Gain insight into our nation’s gripping legacy at interactive museums and state-of-the-art education centers. Test your wits at a period-authentic escape room. Find the perfect gift at quaint shops filled with one-of-a-kind antiques, handmade treasures and authentic Civil War artifacts. Visit nearby premium outlet shops, offering everything from the latest fashions to enchanting Christmas specialties. If the spirit is willing, snuggle close together when darkness falls for an eerie evening ghost tour of famous haunts.

Discover artists who draw inspiration from local history, agriculture, and nature. Meet a potter who also operates a family farm market stand supporting sustainable farming. Get to know a painter with a public art studio tucked among the hillsides of her country home.

And, of course, the entire region is brimming with foodie-pleasing dining establishments, offering local farm-to-table cuisine in a wide variety of styles. Enjoy unique, contemporary meals prepared by award-winning chefs, experience a period-specific food prepared in a landmark setting, or grab a quick bite at a popular pizza joint. Craft beers, wines, ciders, mead, and spirits produced in Adams County can be found along the popular Pour Tour beverage trail – or visit working farms and orchards on the Adams County Crop Hop, the region’s new farm and market trail debuting Spring 2021! Whatever your tastes, Gettysburg has you covered and then some.

Cozy bed & breakfasts, rustic cabins, luxurious inns, your go-to hotel with all the amenities, or that special guest house for the entire family – you’ll find accommodations of every type in Gettysburg, whether you want to stay in walking distance to everything or simply escape to a quiet, secluded retreat.

There’s no other town in America quite like Gettysburg –– and no better time to visit than the months of summer. Plan your getaway today. As we all define what the “new normal” looks like, Gettysburg is committed to the safety of their guests and community. Don’t forget to check the online safety updates and, for now, please remember to bring your masks.

#SafeTravels

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