Known for its beaches, islands, and small-town charm, Shores & Islands, Ohio, is a place where lake life meets local flavor. Stretching along the coast of Lake Erie, this region blends outdoor adventure with cozy community energy, the perfect Lake Erie Getaway.
As part of our 48-state EV road trip in our Volkswagen ID. Buzz, we explored Shores & Islands through the lens of sustainability. Between farm markets, lakefront trails, and easy EV charging, we found that you don’t have to trade comfort or fun to travel consciously.
Here’s our complete guide to a long weekend around Shores & Islands Ohio.
Where to Stay in Shores & Islands, Ohio
We checked into SōLSTAY Sandusky, a lakeside escape tucked into a newly remodeled marina just 5 minutes from downtown Sandusky. The cabins are modern yet simple, with light wood interiors, soft linens, and views of the water.
There’s a floating sauna, a shared hot tub, and fire pits to hang out under string lights. It’s the perfect stay for a Lake Erie getaway.
Pro tip: Small, locally owned stays like SōLSTAY are common throughout the Lake Erie coast. Choosing one keeps your footprint low and supports the people who make these towns so special.
EV Charging Stations Around Shores & Islands
Road-tripping electric here was effortless. We used:
- FriendShip Kitchen Level 3 – 4024 Hayes Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- FriendShip Kitchen Level 3 – 3800 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
- Meijer Level 3 (Tesla charger) – 4918 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Having chargers near major attractions meant we could explore freely, without range anxiety, proof that the Great Lakes are the perfect road tripping spot even in an EV.
Day 1: Farms, Fresh Food & America’s Roller Coast
Our first stop was Farmer Jones Farm Market in Huron, part of The Chef’s Garden. It’s not just a market, it’s a working farm known for regenerative agriculture and has a wide variety of fresh high quality produce.
Since we were visiting in fall, there was a lot happening: a corn maze, pumpkin displays, farm animals, and cooking demos. It’s a great stop for families or anyone who wants to experience local farming up close.
In the afternoon, we headed to Cedar Point, just 0.5 miles from our stay. It’s one of those places that lives up to the hype, some of the best rollercoasters in the world, great amusement park food, and an unbeatable view of Lake Erie. Even if you’re not into roller coasters, the beach next to the park is worth a walk.
Day 2: Kelleys Island
Kelleys Island is Ohio’s largest island and has a relaxed, small-town feel. We started with the Glacial Grooves, one of the island’s main sights, it’s a short walk and really impressive up close. Make sure to keep an eye out for fossils you can spot in the grooves. Then we took the rest of the morning to explore a bit more, stopping at Inscription Rock, a few small shops, and the lakeshore trails.
Lunch at Kelley’s Island Wine Co. was a highlight: good pizza, local wine, and an outdoor patio with farm animals wandering nearby. It’s casual, family-friendly, and very local.
Back on the mainland, we had dinner at The Orchard Bar & Table on Catawba Island. The menu changes with the season, and most ingredients come from their own gardens or nearby farms. It’s the perfect sustainable spot to enjoy everything local Lake Erie.
Day 3: Breakfast, Nature & a Scenic Drive
Before heading home, we stopped for breakfast at Sandusky Bay Pancake House, a locally owned spot that’s been around for decades. They focus on using local ingredients and have a big menu, from seasonal pancakes to egg skillets. It’s one of the best breakfasts we’ve had on our road trip so far!
After breakfast, we visited Old Woman Creek Nature Preserve, one of Ohio’s last natural estuaries. There are a few easy trails and a small visitor center that explains how the ecosystem works, where land meets lake. It’s a peaceful stop and great for birdwatching; we spotted 4 bald eagles during our time there.
We wrapped up the trip with a walk around downtown Vermilion. The waterfront area has small boutiques, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of spots for coffee or ice cream before you get back on the road.
Sustainable Travel Takeaways
What stood out most here was how naturally sustainability fits into daily life. Local farms, small restaurants, and nature preserves all play a part. You don’t have to look hard for eco-friendly options; they’re just built into how the community operates.
Traveling by EV made the trip even smoother. With easy charging and short driving distances between stops, it’s a great region for anyone looking to try their first electric road trip.
Plan Your Trip
Stay: SōLSTAY Sandusky
Farm stop: Farmer Jones Farm Market
Amusement park: Cedar Point
Island ferry: Kelleys Island Ferry
Lunch: Kelley’s Island Wine Co.
Dinner: The Orchard Bar & Table
Breakfast: Sandusky Bay Pancake House
Nature stop: Old Woman Creek Preserve
Scenic town: Main Street Vermilion
This trip was a reminder that sustainable travel doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s just about choosing places that care about their land and community. Shores & Islands Ohio made that easy
