The SHORE Line

S3, E26   America's 250th anniversary celebration continues on in Shores & Islands Ohio! On this episode of The SHORE Line , Jill Bauer welcomes David Zavagno, president of the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation, to discuss Declaration 250 , a patriotic celebration taking place July 31-August 2 at Put-in-Bay. While July 4 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, August 2, 1776, i...

S3, E25 Every summer, thousands of athletes—and the friends and family cheering them on—make their way to Shores & Islands Ohio for one of the region's premier sporting events: Ironman 70.3 Ohio. In this episode of The SHORE Line , we learn what's new for this year's event, including the expanded Ironman Village, family-friendly activities throughout race weekend, the IM Local p...

S3, E24   Whether you're planning a trip to Put-in-Bay or love learning about Lake Erie, this episode is packed with reasons to add the Aquatic Visitors Center to your must-visit list. We sit down with Steve Norton, manager of the Aquatic Visitors Center, to explore this free, family-friendly destination operated by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Learn how the historic fish hatchery has been...

S3, E23 What better way to celebrate America's 250th anniversary than with an unforgettable road trip? On this episode of The SHORE Line, we sit down with Jason Werling who, alongside his two adult sons, traveled the entire length of U.S. Route 250—from Sandusky, Ohio, to Richmond, Virginia. Inspired by the America 250 celebration, the U.S. 250 Road Trip with the Werling Boys became much more...

S3, E22 What happens when a lifelong connection to Lakeside, a passion for STEM education, and a workshop full of cutting-edge technology come together? You get LEMI Labs. On this episode of The SHORE Line, Jill sits down with Andy Bruening, founder of Lakeside Education Maker and Invention (LEMI) Labs, to discuss the new hands-on learning space opening in the heart of Lakeside Chautauqua. Andy sh...

S3, E21   On this episode of The SHORE Line, we return to Firelands Winery in Sandusky to catch up with General Manager Tobi Guseman on everything new happening at one of the region’s longtime favorite gathering spots. From the new 1880 Bourbon Bar and updated food menu to fresh wine offerings and redesigned outdoor spaces, there’s plenty for guests to discover this season. We also talk about “Cha...

S3, E20   Summer travel season is officially underway, and this week on The SHORE Line , we’re heading out onto Lake Erie with one of the captains behind one of Shores & Islands Ohio’s most iconic experiences—the Jet Express. Jill sits down with Captain Jackson Ives (who also happens to be a pilot and the company’s security officer!) for a behind-the-scenes look at life at the helm. From the p...

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...