How far in advance should I make lodging reservations? We suggest that you make your reservations very early in the year especially if your stay involves a weekend. Hotel rooms at Put-in-Bay are limited and booking early will help insure you get the dates you want. You may book on-line by visiting our lodging page and selecting hotel or home rental of your choice. |
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Can I bring alcohol to my hotel room? Of Course! All of the hotels featured on www.putinbayonline.com permit you to bring your own beverages to the privacy of your own room or rental home. You cannot bring your alcoholic beverages into any bars or poolside bars as they are considered part of the liquor permit premises.
ALWAYS be sure to ask your reservation agent when you book as some hotels do not allow you to bring alcoholic beverages on their property. It's better to ask BEFORE you book than to arrive and be disappointed.
There is no liquor store on the island but we do have a carry out located next to the Boathouse on Hartford Avenue and Beer and Wines is generally the same price as on the mainland. |
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What hotels on your website have pools? The Put-in-Bay Resort and the Commodore Hotel have pools on site. The Put-in-Bay Resort features the worlds largest Jacuzzi attached to a heated pool with a swim up bar. The Put-in-Bay Villas is new for 2010 and features the island's only endless pool! The Commodore hotel also has a tiki bar. Guests of the Edgewater Hotel are welcome to use either facility. |
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How do I get to Put-in-Bay? The Jet Express departs from Port Clinton and Sandusky Ohio and offers high speed passenger ferry service directly into downtown Put-in-Bay Ohio. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. |
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Should I bring a car to the Island? Parking on the island is very limited and we do not recommend that you bring your car. In some cases you may wait as long as three hours to get a car on or off the island in peak season. All hotels and lodging featured on PutinBayonline.com are located close to or in the downtown area just a short walk away. Golf Carts, Bicycles and Mopeds are the primary means of transportation on the island. You may reserve one for your trip by visiting our transportation page. |
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What time do the Put-in-Bay bars close? Generally, most downtown bars close around 1:30 am to 2:00 am. Bars on South Bass Island are licensed by the state of Ohio and all rules apply as elsewhere in Ohio. |
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Is a driver's license needed to rent or operate a moped or a golf cart? Yes! Golf Carts and mopeds are treated as licensed motor vehicles on the Island. All traffic laws apply. This means you must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance to operate any rented vehicle. Open container laws as well as driving under the influence laws are enforced! Delaware Carts rents to licensed drivers over the age of 18. For those under 18 but holding a valid license, a parent or guardian may rent a golf cart for your use. |
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Do your hotels have a minimum stay? On weekends, hotels require a two-night minimum. On holiday weekends such as Memorial Day , July 4th, Christmas in July and Labor Day weekend there is a three-night minimum. Friday and Saturdays are considered weekend nights. There is no minimum stay requirement Sunday thru Thursday nights where Sundays are not on a holiday weekend. |
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What is your weather like? The weather at Put-in-Bay Ohio is like all of northern Ohio coastal communities. In spring and fall a light jacket our sweatshirt is recommend for evenings. Dress is casual on the island. Current weather may be found in our weather section. In the event you need a jacket or forgotten clothing item, our shopping page offers many choice to buy what you may need. |
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May I walk from bar to bar with a drink? No! Put-in-Bay is part of Ohio and all the same rules apply on the island. Open container violations are enforced and you may not posses any open alcoholic beverages outside of the establishment where it was purchased. |
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What happens if I miss the last ferry? Hotel rooms on the island can be difficult if not impossible to find at the last minute so this is not recommended! Be sure to check with your ferry boat operator as to their schedule and final departure of the day. |
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Do I need Ferry boat reservations? It is not necessary to make advance reservations for the ferries. The boast can take over 300 people a trip if needed and both ferry operators operate several boats. |
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How do you get on and off the Island in the winter? Put-in-Bay Ohio has an airport that is serviced by several commercial light aviation companies from both Sandusky, Port Clinton and Put-in-Bay. They are able to transport between 1 and 15 people depending on the aircraft as well as freight. The island is also serviced by airboats that move across water and ice. |
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How old do I have to be to rent a moped or golf cart? You must be 18 years of age to rent or operate a moped. You must be 18 to rent a golf cart. You must be a licensed driver to operate a golf cart. These are the polices of Delaware Cart & Bike Rentals. |
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How far are you from Cedar Point? Both ferryboat lines can be reached from Cedar Point in about 20 minutes. The Jet-Express offers ferry boat service from downtown Sandusky to downtown Put-in-Bay. |
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When is Put-in-Bay open? Put-in-Bay is open year round however our tourist season starts April 1st and our last big weekend is the Halloween weekend the last weekend in October. In the off-season activities include walleye and perch ice fishing. |
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Are there schools on the island? Yes there is! The school is grades K-12 and also services students from North and Middle Bass Islands. |
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How can I find out what bands are playing on the island and when? We have a comprehensive entertainment schedule posted HERE. |
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Can I walk from bar to bar with a drink? NO! As anywhere in Ohio, we have an open container law. No alcoholic beverages may leave a liquor permit establishment. This is strictly enforced. |
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Do the docks take reservations? The city docks are on a first come first serve basis for boat dockage. Duggan's dock accepts reservations, and they may be made by calling 419-285-4900 |
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What if I miss the last ferry? This is not recommended! Trying to find a last minute hotel late in the evening can be difficult if not impossible. |
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Do I need advance reservations for the ferryboats? No! Our ferryboat services can transport as many as 300 people per trip and have numerous boats. Arrive early for your trip to Put-in-Bay! |
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What bands are playing? Check our entertainer page for your favorite entertainer! |
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Does Put-in-Bay have a school? Yes! Put-in-Bay has a k-12 school that is located in the downtown area. |
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Is there a grocery and a place to buy beer and wine? Yes! There is a full service grocery on the Island on Catawba Avenue. There is a drive thru with beer and wine located next to the Boathouse Bar and Grill on Hartford Avenue. |
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What is your operating season? Our season starts April 1st and our last big weekend is the Halloween weekend the last weekend in October. Off-season activities include walleye and perch ice fishing. |
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How do you get back and forth from the Island in the winter? When the ferryboats stop running, there are several charter airlines that fly in and out of Put-in-Bay. When there is a cold winter, a few brave soles drive their vehicles, snowmobiles and 4 wheelers across the ice to the mainland. |
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How old do I have to be to rent a moped? You must be 18 years of age to rent or operate a moped. |
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How far are you from Cedar Point? Both ferryboat lines can be reached from Cedar Point in about 20 minutes. |
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Where is the best place to eat? That is a tough one! There are a wide variety of great dining choices on the Island that serve an even wider variety of food. While touring the Island, stop in and look over the menus to determine your choice! |
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How many people live on the Island in the winter? There are about 480 full time residents on the Island. |
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