The SHORE Line

S3, E19 As we look forward to summer on the shores, this episode of The SHORE Line takes you inside the recent Shores & Islands Ohio Annual Meeting. More than 300 hospitality and tourism partners gathered to celebrate the organization’s 2025 accomplishments, honor industry leaders, and mark 20 years of collaboration between Erie and Ottawa counties, while also looking to the future. While at t...

S3, E18   This week on The SHORE Line , we dive into the literary side of Shores & Islands Ohio with award-winning local author Brenda Haas, whose debut novel Finding Sutton’s Choice is rooted in the charm, complexity, and close-knit spirit of Lakeside Chautauqua. Brenda shares her journey from journalism to fiction, how life in the Shores & Islands region helped shape her storytelling, an...

S3, E17 Summer is just around the corner, and this episode of The SHORE Line is packed with everything that makes the season on Put-in-Bay so special. Jill sits down with Anita McCann, longtime island business owner and part of a multi-generational family behind some of the island’s most beloved spots, including the iconic Round House Bar. Anita shares the story behind their family’s deep roots on...

S3, E16   On this episode of The SHORE Line , we take the show on the road to explore one of the Shores & Islands region’s most innovative spaces. Broadcasting from Work Space Sandusky , Jill and Meaghan sit down with Community Manager Jessie Opfer to talk about the growing impact of co-working in our coastal communities. From flexible workspaces and meeting rooms to a full-scale content creat...

  S3, E15   On this episode of The SHORE Line , we’re joined by Hailee Sage, publisher of Sandusky Bay City Lifestyle , a magazine dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, and stories that make the Shores & Islands Ohio region so special. Hailee shares what first brought her and her family to the area, why they chose to plant roots—and start a business—here, and what made this communit...

S3, E14   On this episode of The SHORE Line , we lace up and head to Osborn MetroPark to learn all about parkrun—a free, weekly 5K event that’s open to everyone, no matter your pace. We dive into the origins of this global movement with local race co-director Martyn Drabik-Hamshare, how it found its way to Erie County, and what makes the Osborn MetroPark parkrun such a special part of the local co...

S3, E13 It’s going to the dogs — in the best way possible! On this episode of The SHORE Line , we’re heading to Put-in-Bay for a tail-wagging weekend of fun as we preview the upcoming Dog Day at the Bay and the high-energy DockDogs competition, happening May 29–30, 2026. First, we’re joined by Patty Sulesky from the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce to talk about the “Four-Legged Family Getaway,” inc...

S3, E12   This episode of The SHORE Line is a special one—bringing you straight inside our 2026 Partner Roundtable event, where more than 70 Shores & Islands Ohio partners gathered to connect, collaborate, and share ideas at Gideon Owen Winery. As part of this interactive experience, we invited attendees to step up to the mic—and they delivered! In this episode, you’ll hear short, energetic cl...

S3, E11   Spring is here, and with it comes busy family schedules, travel plans, and the need for a little extra help. On this episode of The SHORE Line , we’re joined by Katie Van Nort, Director of Babysitting Connection Northern Ohio, to talk about a service that’s making childcare easier for both local and visiting families across the Shores & Islands Ohio region. Katie shares how Babysitti...

S3, E10   On this episode of The SHORE Line , we wrap up our Spring Break indoor waterpark series with a visit to one of the region’s most exciting family destinations. Jill and Meaghan sit down with Bill Reed, Resort General Manager of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, to talk about what makes the resort such a standout getaway for families. From the massive indoor waterpark and resort...

S3, E9   As we continue our Spring Break series, this week on The SHORE Line we’re diving into tropical fun without leaving Ohio! We welcome back Tony Clark, Regional Manager of Public Relations for Six Flags Entertainment and spokesperson for both Cedar Point and Castaway Bay, to talk about Sandusky’s island-themed indoor waterpark resort. Tony shares what makes Castaway Bay different from other...

S3, E8   Spring Break is almost here — and it’s time to get Out of Hibernation. Into Vacation. In this episode of The SHORE Line, we kick off our indoor waterpark series with the original splash-maker in the region, Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky, celebrating 25 years of family fun. General Manager Jes McAdam-Sellers joins us to talk about the lodge’s evolution since opening as the brand’s first ground...

S3, E7   Spring is right around the corner! On this episode of The SHORE Line , Jill sits down with Valerie Sasak from the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District to talk about protecting Lake Erie right here at home. They discuss the district’s day-to-day work, why clean water matters to both residents and visitors, and how local actions connect to the health of the lake we all enjoy. Valerie a...

S3, E6   Lake Erie Love is in the air! On this episode of The SHORE Line , Jill shares both indoorsy and outdoorsy winter activities, along with some upcoming events. Then, she welcomes back Shelley Morgan, owner of the Victorian Inn in Marblehead, to talk about the inn’s evolution into a charming all-in-one wedding venue. From intimate elopements and proposal planning to full wedding-weekend cele...

S3, E5   This week on The SHORE Line , we celebrate innovation during the birthday week of Thomas Edison with a visit to the Edison Birthplace Museum in historic Milan, Ohio. Host Jill Bauer sits down with Robert Wheeler, President of the Edison Birthplace Association, to explore how the small-town upbringing of one of America’s greatest inventors shaped a lifetime of creativity and discovery. Fro...

S3, E4   February flurries meet summer swing in this episode of The SHORE Line . After sharing a few fun upcoming winter events, Jill sits down with Nicole Defreitas and Alex Sandstrom, two of the organizers behind the brand-new Great Lakes Rockabilly Road Trip, to talk about a one-day music festival rolling into downtown Port Clinton this August. They dive into the inspiration behind the event, w...

S3, E3   Island season may be months away, but in commemoration of National Plan for Vacation Day there’s no better time to start planning your next Lake Erie getaway. On this episode of The SHORE Line , we are joined by Wendy Chambers, Executive Director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, to talk all things Put-in-Bay in 2026. From signature island events and exciting new...

S3, E2   As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, Shores & Islands Ohio is honoring the milestone with two all-new immersive, self-guided history experiences. On this episode of The SHORE Line , host Jill Bauer is joined by Visitor Experience Managers Angie George and Brian Shifflet to explore Erie County’s Shoreline Stories and Ottawa County’s History Mystery to...

S3, E1 In this season-three kickoff episode of The SHORE Line , host Jill Bauer welcomes Columbus-based family travel influencer Mike Mixon of @6kids1tank to talk smart, budget-friendly travel with kids. After Jill shares upcoming winter Shores & Islands Ohio events, Mike shares his best money-saving tips, advice on choosing the right local indoor waterpark resort based on kids’ ages, and insi...

S2, E50   For our 100th episode, The SHORE Line flips the script. Social Media Manager Meaghan Reynolds takes the mic and interviews Jill Bauer, the voice behind the podcast, to celebrate how it all began—and how far it’s come. Jill reflects on the inspiration behind launching The SHORE Line , how the podcast has evolved over the past two seasons, and what she’s learned along the way as the show g...

S2, E49   As we count down the final days of December, The SHORE Line keeps the celebration going with an inside look at one of downtown Sandusky’s biggest New Year’s Eve traditions—First Night Sandusky, presented by Great Lakes Audio Visual. Host Jill Bauer welcomes back friend of the pod and event co-creator Zach Cummins to share how this community celebration has grown, what goes into producing...

S2, E48   Ring in the New Year Shores & Islands–style with one of Ohio’s most beloved and uniquely quirky traditions — the Port Clinton Walleye Drop! In this festive episode of The SHORE Line , we sit down with Lisa Kuzma of the Wylie Walleye Foundation to explore how this small-town celebration has grown into a nationally recognized event over the last 30 years. Lisa shares the heart behind t...

S2, E47   In this inspiring and community-centered episode of The SHORE Line , Jill sits down with William Rutger, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Sandusky Library—and a familiar face returning home. A Castalia native with more than 25 years of library leadership experience, William shares what led him back to this beloved institution where he once held his first job. Together, they...

S2, E46   We’re kicking off the holiday season with a spotlight on Small Business Saturday and the local makers who bring downtown Sandusky to life. Jill sits down with Mike Hicks, co-owner of Henry’s Shoppes and Wild Thistle, to explore how these two distinct boutiques grew from a spark of inspiration into must-visit destinations in the Downtown Marketplace. Mike shares stories behind the product...

S2, E45   This festive episode of The SHORE Line dives into the magic, mission, and momentum behind the Sandusky Christmas Market. Host Jill Bauer talks with founder Chris Corso to explore the inspiration behind the event, how it has grown since its debut, and why establishing the Jimm Corso Family Foundation was essential to its community-focused future. Chris shares details on this year’s dates,...