By Rich Schott
Our Michigan adventure kicked off with a visit to our awesome friends, Jim and Sue, in Erie, Michigan – practically a stone's throw from the Ohio border. It was the perfect starting point for exploring the Wolverine State!
The first evening was a treat. We all went to Webber's Waterfront for dinner. The food was great, and the view was even better. It’s always nice to catch up with friends while enjoying good food and a relaxing atmosphere.
The next morning we went fishing on Lake Erie. We managed to catch a few walleye, which was a win, but we also caught a lot of sheepshead. They're not the most desirable fish, but hey, it's still fishing! Later that afternoon we ventured just south into Toledo, Ohio, for dinner at Sabira Restaurant. Neither Jen nor I had ever been there before, but Jim and Sue assured us it was good. After dinner, we headed to Fifth Third Field to catch a Toledo Mudhens game. It was a nice summer evening to take in a minor league game.
Day three was definitely a highlight: a trip to Kelleys Island! Jim and Sue have a pontoon boat, and we cruised across Lake Erie, about an 80-mile round trip. The lake was pretty rough, but Capt. Jim assured us it would all be ok. We met up with our friends Bones, Nancy, and Katrina, which made the day even more special. It’s always great when our paths cross besides being in Florida.
Our first stop on the island was The Casino – not a gambling establishment, as you might think, but a popular bar and gathering spot. We grabbed a drink and then rented a golf cart to explore the island. Golf carts are definitely the way to go on Kelleys Island; it's so much fun zipping around and seeing the sights.
We made our way to West Bay Tike Bar & Grill for a late lunch. It's a laid-back spot right on the 
water, perfect for a casual bite and a cold drinks. We also checked out the beach. Then we went to see the Glacial Grooves, a pretty cool geological formation. It's amazing to see the marks left by glaciers thousands of years ago. After a full day of island fun, we headed back to the boat for our return journey to the mainland. The sunset over the lake was stunning, the perfect end to a perfect day.
The next day was date night with Jim and Sue at Cooper's Hawk, one of our favorite restaurants. The wine is delicious, and the food is always spot-on. After dinner, we decided to try our luck at the Hollywood Casino in Toledo. Let’s just say we made a contribution to their electric bill! It's all in good fun, though, and we enjoyed the evening.
It was a relaxing way to end our visit with Jim and Sue before heading off to our next destination: Houghton Lake!
Check out our Photo Gallery
