Put-In-Bay Winter

Put-in-Bay's Stonehenge Estate

Have you ever considered a trip to the island in the winter? It can be an amazing winter wonderland.

Winter has officially come to Put-in-Bay. Now the few of us left, will fly across the lake for our mainland desires. Put-in-Bay has between 250 and 300 year-round residents. Most have prepared for the winter and have stocked up cupboards and freezers with all of life’s necessities. But you still have to go to town.  That’s what we on the island refer to going to the mainland. So, you take a plane. You will find it a relaxing journey filled with many new and exciting, picturesque scenes of the changing landscape below. Back in the day this quick 5-minute journey on former Island Airlines was considered the shortest airline in the world. But the Ford Trimotor aka Tin Goose and Island Airlines have long since been replaced with newer planes and newer airlines.  Two airlines now serve the island, Griffing Flying Service and Island Air Taxi. Island Air Taxi is based out of Put-in-Bay and Griffing in Port Clinton. The short flight costs around $50. They will fly it all…Dogs, children, fish, mail, UPS, Fed Ex, Furnaces, Lumber, you name it I’ve seen it all.  But being disconnected from the mainland by ferry in the winter doesn’t mean we are completely isolated from life’s necessities.  The Island General Store is open daily and stocked so islanders always have most needs met. The fresh meat moves to the freezer but produce and dairy products make their way onto our little rock in the middle of the Great Lakes. The Post Office, hardware store, and gas station, are also open. Topsy Turveys serves up fresh homemade soup as well as a regular winter menu of specialty items like its famous Cuban sandwich. That sandwich is near and dear to my heart. Turvey’s was once an old marine shop formerly known as The Wharfside. These days the fishing tackle has been replaced by pool tables and dart machines. The back wall which once housed and office and knick knacks is now open windows to incredible views of the Bay. Sometimes change is good but I miss the old shop. However, I’d imagine the other 200 plus people living here in the winter welcome this progress as there is nearly always something to do most evenings. Trivia nights, dart nights, pool nights, Fantasy Football…you name it.

And then there is ice!