Cedar Point & Sandusky

DH and I are heading on a road trip to Toronto for a week. On our way back we plan to stop in Sandusky to experience the Cedar Point fun. Does anyone have any tips on places to stay, places to eat, etc.? They do not have to be right AT Cedar Point (in fact we'd probably prefer they werent'). We are flexible and would prefer finding great food over staying by the amusement park.

Additionally if anyone has other tips for the drive (we are going via Ohio and Niagara Falls both ways) that would be lovely too. Thanks!

spa_girl wrote:Additionally if anyone has other tips for the drive (we are going via Ohio and Niagara Falls both ways) that would be lovely too.

Spa-Girl:

How about a stop in Buffalo to visit the Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo wings?

A

http://www.anchorbar.com/

I don't know the availability this time of year, but I would stay at the hotel at the park for the in-between evening....i.e., water park one day, amusement the next.

Good food is hard to find, but mediocre is not. Plenty of good stuff on the grounds, mostly family chain dining on the way out. The amusement park is out on a causeway and it can take 45 min to hour to travel.


pd

The thing to eat in that area is fresh lake perch. I haven't tried anyone else's, but when I drove by the New Sandusky Fish Market in April, I had to go in. Carryout only, though I recall a picnic table in front. Right on the water, near all the ferries. Wonderful wonderful fresh fish. Good hushpuppies too. http://www.couch-potato-marketing.com/fish/

If you can fit the Cleveland West Side Market into your schedule, it's well worth a stop. http://www.westsidemarket.com/

It's been a few years so I've forgotten the name, but a coupla miles east of the road that leads to Cedar Point is a family-run Italian place that was really good. Nothing stellar, but friendly service, lots of food, reasonable price. I think I found them in "Where the Locals Eat" but I can't recall.

If you're passing through Toledo, I'd highly recommend The Beirut for some great, fresh Lebanese food.

Beirut
4082 Monroe St
Toledo, OH 43606
(419) 473-0885
open for dinner Mon- Sat

Full disclosure: I know the owners, but have no financial interest in their business whatsoever.

My parents have lived just outside of Buffalo for awhile now, and the Anchor Bar isn't what it used to be. The wings are quite soggy with sauce. Maybe some would disagree, but I don't think it's worth the side trip. It's too bad, because Buffalo has some beautiful archtecture, as well as 2 Frank Lloyd Wright Houses.

I really appreciate the help! We leave a week from Friday so if you think of anything else, please let me know.

Personally, I have always found the accommodations around Cedar Point to be grossly overpriced for what you get.

I do not know in which direction you are heading but I have enjoyed staying at the Oberlin Inn which is located in Oberlin, OH about 45-60 minutes away from the park. They have a very good restaurant that serves some interesting grub.

The town is an old college town and historically, a prime stop on the Underground Railroad. There is also an excellent art museum on campus. There are also frquent concerts as the school has a conservatory of music.

JL,

I agree, other than for what you get is convenience. Usually after a day out in the hot sun, running from ride to ride, the last thing I want to do is spend another 60 minutes in the car, much less the park closing traffic.

Our best plan has been to show up the first day to hit the rides, stay overnight on the grounds, yes expensive, but oh, so convenient. The second day we hit the water park..which is not so tiring....we then hit the road and drive back or a few hundred miles away.

I also understand from some friends that camping on park grounds is quite reasonable....though with a name like spa girl, not sure that is your cup of tea.

pd

I also understand from some friends that camping on park grounds is quite reasonable....though with a name like spa girl, not sure that is your cup of tea.

Oh that was funny - but oh so true! We are only planning on spending a day at the amusement park, not the water park. I think we'll plan to go early and leave a bit before close so we can get out of the crowds. I just don't really want to stay in the over-priced (and probably not so great) spots by the park. Apologies in advance if the hotels there actually are really nice.

Thanks for the ideas and help!

As far as adventures in the area, check out Put-in-Bay.
Lots of restarants in The Flats area of downtown Cleveland.