Babymoonin’
May 29, 2008 Happenings, Pregnancy 6 CommentsFor those of you who haven’t heard of a babymoon, check out the “official” definition.
So we thought it would be fun to take a little time off together before our sweet baby comes. After much consideration, we decided to go somewhere nearby: Kelley’s Island and Put-in-Bay (on South Bass Island) - both islands on Lake Erie and only an hour and a half away from Cleveland.
Thursday:
Our mini vacation started early when my blockbuster-prone husband declared we were going to see Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on Thursday night. This took some convincing - I had lost some precious time that was to be dedicated to finishing my talk for church on Sunday. Our ‘95 Grand Am’s front wheels did the splits when Jason was backing out of his parking spot at work. The front left strut broke! But we compromised, and basically stayed up late to see Indie! Jason says Harrison Ford totally quotes Star Wars at some point but we can’t remember what it was.
Friday:
Arrival at Sleep Inn on the mainland in Port Clinton (not recommended - spend the extra $20 for a nicer hotel room if you’re going for “romantic” - although I did wake up to While You Were Sleeping on Saturday since our neighbor thought it’d be cool to watch tv at 7:00 in the morning!)
In line for the ferry to Kelley’s Island (took off from Marblehead)
It was a little cool for driving a golf cart, but we loved it! It was a fun splurge.
Lunch at The Casino - yummy chicken tenders basket!
Glacial Grooves - limestone carved by glaciers as they melted away.
Hike to the northern coast of Kelley’s Island
Charles Herndon is primarily a sculpture artist (and retired professor) who lives and works on the island. We visited his sculpture garden and, after 10 minutes or so, his dogs spotted us. Now I know you’re not supposed to encourage a dog by running away, so I was standing still for a second until I hear my husband yell, “RUN!!” So I nimbly book it with my pregnant belly leading the way and leap up onto the nearest picnic table while Jason turns around to face the German Shepherd mix. Luckily, Mr. Herndon was hanging up his laundry so he ran to our aid, clean socks in hand, to get his dog away before she could bite Jason’s foot off! Well, we were then invited for a private tour of his indoor studio and gallery! It was fun to ask him about his inspiration and where he got the materials from. He and his wife Cindy own a nice chunk of the east side of the island! We were both impressed with his work, especially the beautiful forms he makes from heavy chunks of stone. There was so much to see!
After more driving around in the golf cart, we took the ferry back to Marblehead where we picked up the car and drove around Port Clinton to take in the cute fishing town.
Next we went to Island Adventures Miniature Golf, just down the road from our hotel. Let’s be honest ladies, who do you think won? Yeah, somehow I managed 2 holes in 1!! I think it has something to do with my new center of gravity or something, but I was on my game that night!!
We ate a late dinner at Casa Las Palmas, a Mexican restaurant right next to our hotel. Yum!
Saturday:
The weather was perfect.
Ferry to Put-in-Bay (took off from Catawba)
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial - watch the 15-min. movie at the visitors center to take in the history
Us at the top
You can see a few of the surrounding islands (26 in all) from top of the Memorial, including the Canadian ones. Here’s the view of South Bass Island from each of the 4 sides. The first pic is Put-in-Bay, which is actually just part of the island.
There were lots of touristy shops and restaurants/bars. Can you find the canon ball in this picture? Oh wait, that’s my kiddo. Very flattering.
Lunch at some grill place, then a stop for fudge. That was one mean burger.
There was a place called Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center where you could visit Perry’s Cave, the Butterfly House and play putt putt, but we just opted for the cave, which was small but interesting. You can see the tiny stalactites forming on the ceiling in this picture.
Relaxing in the golf cart
Exploring at the beach
Our last stop was at The Chocolate Museum, which is really just a ploy to get you to buy their perfect-looking chocolates and ice cream. It worked.
This one’s for you, Mom C!
Jason seems a little nervous being surrounded by Oompa-Loompas.
It was a nice, relaxing vacation.
Ew, gross!
We figured if we were to go back, we’d do a few things to make it a little more affordable.
1. Bring bikes and pedal around the island
2. Pack a lunch
3. Make it a day trip and drive home rather than stay in a hotel
Some other things to consider:
1. The ferry to Put-in-Bay was $4 cheaper than the one to Kelley’s for a round-trip ticket.
2. You can find coupons for $5 off golf cart rental if you go on a weekday.
3. Make sure you pick up the booklet at the ticket window before you board the ferry to Put-in-Bay - coupons!
4. Memorial Day weekend is just the beginning of their high season, so May is a good time to go (as long as the weather is nice)
5. The night life starts early, so if you bring kids (or not), you can pretty much plan on leaving by 5 or 6 after a full day of fun! Example: there was a shirt that read “Put-in-Bay, a small drinking town with a fishing problem” Get my drift?
6. Kelley’s is a bit less populated, a little more relaxed.
