The end of summer is a peculiar thing.  Those favoring eternal sunshine and an endless supply of sunscreen may be languishing a bit while the pumpkin patch frequenting folks relish in the changing of seasons, welcome the thought of wearing flannel and seeing your breath in the morning.  Whichever way you lean however, Put-in-Bay, Ohio in all of it's warm weather glory, is also quite inviting when the leaves begin to turn. 

Nestled on the limestone banks of South Bass Island, the quaint village of Put-in-Bay has become legendary amongst midwesterners for it's rich history and unique location.  Perhaps most well known for historical significance, this small Lake Erie island is home to Perry's International Peace Memorial - a 352-foot doric column pays tribute to Commodore Perry and his crew for their victory against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, which eventually attributed to American control of the Great Lakes. 

Most will say that New England has the best hue palette when it comes to deciduous trees shedding their summer color, but one could present an argument that Ohio, especially along the shores of Lake Erie, is high in the rankings.  Blazing oranges, searing reds, and colorful yellows provide the perfect contrast for the freshwater canvas that blankets this part of Northern Ohio.  Couple this with the jagged, limestone rock faces that encompass South Bass Island and you have something that will drop the jaw of even the most seasoned leaf peeper. 

Visitors will find that getting around the island is quite easy as there are a variety of choices that include bicycles, golf cart rentals, scooters and even your own car thanks to the Miller Ferry.

Coincidentally, the fall season that makes Put-in-Bay such a colorful place is also precisely the reason why grapes grow so uninhibited and sweet in this region.  This years Island Wine Festival on October 4, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Put-in-Bay Winery, will feature wine representatives from across the U.S. and boast more than 400 types of wine to sample.  Of course local wines from Heineman's Winery and the Put-in-Bay Winery will be on hand as well. 

For those looking to try a spiced wine, live polka and German music will echo through DeRivera Park through October 11-12 providing that unmistakable mark of a island Oktoberfest celebration.  Various local restaurants will be on hand serving spatzel, wiener schnitzel, cabbage rolls, German potato salad, sauerbraten, potato pancakes, apple dumplings and German chocolate cake. 

Last but not least, rounding out the island festivities for the year is the island's famous Halloween at the Bay.  Hundreds of costumed haunters show up annually to participate in establishment sponsored costume contests and bid the season a fond adieu.  Locals and frequent visitors know to keep an eye on the world famous Roundhouse Bar, which is festooned in a different building-sized costume every year. 

Travel Tips:  The Miller Ferry, the easiest and most affordable to get to the island, is only $14/RT with children six and under riding for free.  Bring your own bicycle for enhanced island exploration.