The SHORE Line

S2, E19 

This week on The SHORE Line, we’re diving headfirst into island season with none other than Put-in-Bay music legend Bob Gatewood! From rocking out in the '80s with the beloved band Calabash, to writing the official song of the island, “Friends of the Bay,” Bob’s story is as vibrant as the shores he calls home. Host Jill Bauer chats with Bob about his journey through decades of music, island life, and entrepreneurship – including the scoop on his new single "I Settled Up (When I Settled Down)", upcoming shows (on both land and water!), and how he’s celebrating nearly four decades of entertaining across the Lake Erie region. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the island scene, this episode is packed with stories, songs, and summer spirit. Find Bob’s upcoming shows at BobGatewood.com.

S2, E18

Join us on this special episode of The SHORE Line as we recap the 2025 Shores & Islands Ohio Annual Meeting, themed "Propelling Progress." Host Jill Bauer sits down with S&IO President Larry Fletcher to reflect on the organization’s standout achievements from 2024, share insights into what’s ahead for 2025, and celebrate the powerful partnerships that continue to shape our vibrant tourism community. Plus, hear firsthand from local business owners and tourism partners about the real impact of working with Shores & Islands Ohio to grow their businesses and energize the region. This is your inside look at the momentum behind Lake Erie’s favorite destinations. Learn more about our progress at SHORESandISLANDS.com/about-us

S2, E17 

In this lively episode of The SHORE Line, host Jill Bauer kicks off May with a special spotlight on our monthly podcast sponsor, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center and Goofy Golf! But first, she reminds us that May is a wonderful time to visit before the summer crowds and that the month is filled with fantastic special events from Biggest Week in American Birding to Ohio Bike Week and everything in-between. Then, joined by Amanda Lee, Ghostly Manor Group Sales and Marketing Manager, we explore the exciting attractions offered at these two Sandusky favorites—from haunted houses and roller skating to rock walls and mini golf. Discover what’s new for the season, why these spots are perfect for groups of all kinds, and how they’ve become must-visit destinations in Shores & Islands Ohio. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, school outing, or just a day of family fun, this episode has you covered! Get started at GhostlyManor.com or Goofy-Golf.com.

S2, E16 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — Cedar Point season! Jill and Meaghan are back and looking forward to the month of May – some big events and seasonal attractions opening. They chat about their memories of growing up visiting the park. Then they are joined by Tony Clark, Regional Manager of Public Relations, to get the inside scoop on everything new and exciting at the park this year. Tony shares his personal journey from roller coaster superfan to PR pro and gives us all the thrilling details about Top Thrill 2, Siren’s Curse (the tallest, fastest, and longest tilt coaster in North America!), and new park additions like the revamped Happy Friar, the main gate photo station, and Cedar Point Shores water park updates. Plus, Tony dishes on the new live entertainment lineup and the best ways to save on your Cedar Point adventure. Tony also shares what Shores & Islands Ohio places he loves when he’s not working. If you love coasters, shows, and fresh-cut fries, this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Plan your visit at CedarPoint.com.

S2, E15

In this episode of The SHORE Line, we’re tying one on with Christine Crawford, co-owner of Beagle Bay Knot Works in Huron, Ohio. Christine and her husband Randy have taken their lifelong love of boating and centuries-old knot-tying techniques and transformed them into a thriving coastal lifestyle brand. First, Meaghan joins Jill to share a social media update – Shores & Islands Ohio is now represented on a number of new platforms! Plus, the two talk about video content – don’t miss out on the fun clips we’ve been sharing of our team in action. Then, Christine joins to chat about how a simple sailor’s bracelet sparked the idea for a business, what it’s like turning a maritime hobby into a creative retail endeavor, and how their brick-and-mortar shop celebrates the nautical spirit—on land and sea. Plus, we learn about the beautiful public art piece they created with help from a Shores & Islands Ohio grant, and why Christine is one of Huron’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders. This episode is knot to be missed! Find Beagle Bay online: BeagleBayKnowWorks.com

S2, E14 

As we spring through the month of April, it’s time to talk about Spring Break and all the fun that can be had in our destination for a quick and easy getaway. We talk a bit about activities that can be enjoyed year-round in the region and one of those is shooting sports with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Our special guest today is CMP staff writer Ashley Dugan who tells us a bit about the history of the CMP, headquartered in Port Clinton, Ohio at Camp Perry. Ashley shares the benefits of marksmanship and how it really is a sport anyone can participate in. We learn about their facilities and when they can be used by the public, what equipment is necessary and some cool stuff available at their store – including historic firearms. Camp Perry is also home to the CMP’s National Matches which welcomes nearly 4,000 competitors, coaches, families, and spectators to the region each summer for five weeks of various competitions. Fun fact: Camp Perry also has onsite accommodations including lake view cottages! Learn more about the Civilian Marksmanship Program and educational and competitive opportunities at TheCMP.org.

S2, E13 Welcome to spring in Shores & Islands Ohio as we welcome April with a variety of events. We are enjoying the weather warming trend and looking forward to lake season. Jill shares about the Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development Grants which were recently awarded. Then, we talk to one of those grant recipients. Joining us on the podcast are Jeff and Shelley Morgan, proprietors of the Victorian Inn in Marblehead, Ohio. Falling in love with the area during a boating trip to Lake Erie, these Columbus natives relocated here and purchased a 19th-century Victorian farmhouse, which has been an inn for more than 30 years. The Morgan’s purchased the inn about a year ago and have provided extensive renovations to the property. Find out about their luxurious accommodations and the special touches that can be added to your stay. We also get a preview of some upcoming projects, including an expanded onsite wedding venue. Learn more and book your stay at VictorianInnbb.com.

S2, E12 

Jill and Jen are thinking spring! Join us as we preview upcoming April events in Shores & Islands Ohio. And with spring being prime bird migration season, our feathered friends are plentiful throughout the region. Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Avian Educator Jamey Emmert is here to tell us about the recently updated Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook, trail signage, and an app we can use to follow the trails through our mobile device. The new book is for sale now and makes a handy guide to all the trail locations along the Lake Erie shore – more than 90 locations are highlighted! From the Pennsylvania border to the western Lake Erie marsh region, avid birders and newcomers alike can explore the shore. The Shores & Islands Ohio region alone boasts more than 30 hot spots! Jamey tells us some of her favorite birding spots and what’s on her life list. We also learn about the app, where you can find birding trail options using your location and also track what birds you can potentially see there! Jamey shares where you can get your birding trail guide locally including the upcoming Biggest Week in American Birding! Remember the early bird gets the worm, so find out more at LakeErieOhioBirding.info.

S2, E11 

Joining Jill this week to continue our focus on amazing Shores & Islands Ohio women, is Amanda Smith Rasnick, Destination Engagement Director for the organization. Amanda shares some of her history and the best parts about her job. We learn why sometimes she makes our partners cry and sometimes they hug her! Then, we turn the page to learn about another local female entrepreneur, Janie Ahner, who combined her love of books and wine into a thriving coffee and cocktail bar/used bookstore. Sandusky Book Bar opened on the west end of town almost two years ago and is a great place to sit and relax with a beverage and a good book. Janie tells us how she came up with the idea for her business, along with some of her challenges and successes. We talk through some of the fun events Sandusky Book Bar hosts and how people can use the facility for all kinds of private special events. Enjoy the outdoor patio this summer as well! Find out more at SanduskyBookBar.com.

S2, E10 

Shores & Islands Ohio Assistant Marketing Director Jennifer Yochem joins host Jill Bauer as we continue to spotlight local women business owners, executives, and S&IO team members as part of Women’s History Month. We chat about Jen’s background in advertising and design and how that translated into a career in tourism. Then, we get to interview two amazing women from Cherry City Honey Farm & Apiary. Owner Tami Wylie tells us how she became a beekeeper and what made her passionate about honey. She also walks us through several of their most popular products and teaches us about the medicinal qualities of local honey. Then, events and marketing coordinator Jaime Garza tells us about group tour opportunities with the farm and upcoming workshops. Sure to BEE a good time! Check out CherryCityHoney.com for more.