Discover historic sites and haunted stories — along with some local brews — during a three-day trip through Sandusky, Port Clinton and Toledo during the Halloween season.
Day 1
• Arrive in Sandusky
• History and Halloween tour of Sandusky with Firelands Adventure Tours
• Lunch and free time downtown
• Dinner at Gideon Owen Wine Company
• “Spirit Stories at Spiegel Grove” at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums in Fremont
• Overnight in Fremont
Bait House Brewery
Sandusky
Near Lake Erie, groups will find Bait House Brewery, a bait and tackle shop that was turned into a brewery in 2017. As Sandusky’s first microbrewery, it provides its customers with an exceptional selection of craft beers but also keeps with the maritime theme of the lakeside Ohio community. The locally owned and operated business serves signature brews, including IPAs, porters and wheat beers. Patrons will also find hard ciders, seltzers and house-brewed root beer. The menu features fresh-caught walleye and perch from Lake Erie and stone-fired pizzas alongside traditional bar food like burgers and hot dogs. A meal might also include live music by local artists.
Rutherford B. HayesPresidential Library and Museums
Fremont
While not a part of the official presidential library system, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums is thought to be a model for all the presidential libraries that came after it. The 19th president was an Ohio native, and his estate, Spiegel Grove, became a museum and memorial after his death. In addition to housing Hayes’ collections and personal artifacts, it’s also a popular group tour stop, especially during the fall. In October, groups can head to the historic estate where they’ll be regaled with spooky tales and haunting legends around a campfire during Spirit Stories. They can check out museum exhibits that explore Ohio’s mythical creatures, get a souvenir picture with a ghost and take lantern tours of the estate. Hot chocolate, cider and popcorn provide sustenance as visitors experience the chilling sights and sounds of Spiegel Grove.
Day 2
• Depart for Toledo
• Tour and tasting at Maumee Bay Brewing Company
• Dinner at Tony Packo’s Café
• Garrison Ghost Walk Tour at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg
• Return to Sandusky for overnight at Sawmill Creek Hotel in Huron
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
Toledo
Maumee Bay Brewing Company, Toledo’s original craft brewery, was established in 1995 in The Oliver House, a 19th century hotel in the city’s historic downtown. This local haunt is rumored to be home to more than craft beer — paranormal happenings have been reported there. Its selection of craft beers and ciders range from seasonal lagers to IPAs. In addition to beverages on tap, groups can enjoy wings, pretzels, sandwiches and burgers. The menu also features wood-fired pizzas, seafood and steaks. The brewery also is a hit for live music and annual events. Groups can have a great meal and craft beverages as they soak in the soul of this Toledo staple.
Fort Meigs Garrison Ghost Walk Tour
Perrysburg
Fort Meigs was constructed in present-day Perrysburg to withstand attacks from British forces during the War of 1812. It lived up to its purpose, successfully defending American lines during two separate sieges despite heavy loss of life. The fort has been rebuilt several times in the two centuries since it was first constructed, and it continues to educate visitors about the War of 1812 and honor the sacrifices of the American soldiers who lost their lives defending it. For a history lesson that doubles as a spooky delight, groups can visit this American battlefield and historic site during October for its Garrison Ghost Walk. On these lantern-led tours of the fort and its grounds, visitors will hear stories around campfires of unexplained paranormal happenings at the fort, including sightings of ghostly soldiers, floating lights and the sounds of cannon fire.
Day 3
• HalloWeekends event at Cedar Point
HalloWeekends at Cedar Point
Sandusky
From mid-September through October, HalloWeekends at Cedar Point are a chance to experience autumn-themed wonders and delightful frights. This popular tradition, held Thursdays through Sundays, is a Halloween-themed addition to the amusement park’s attractions, rides and roller coasters. During the day, groups make their way through hay mazes and eating Halloween treats. Darkness at the park brings Scare Zones with haunted houses, trails and mazes that crawl with ghouls and monsters. Groups can also catch ghost-themed shows, enjoy appearances from their favorite spooky characters and have their fortunes told. When it is time for refreshments, Cedar Point turns up the heat with spicy chicken tenders and jalapeño-loaded potato wedges and delights patrons with Halloween-themed sweets like pumpkin rolls, deep-fried fudge and cupcakes topped with shards of sugar that look like glass.
cedarpoint.com/events/halloweekends
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