In Praise of Cheese

The transition to Columbus has not been a very smooth one. Colin is having a tough time and we have all been sick for about a month. We have not been able to go out, invite people over or do anything fun. That is why we needed a day of doing something out of town.

And we did, going to Put in Bay, Ohio, an island in the lake known as Erie. The village on the island is pretty much one large tourist trap. You have shops that sell crappy, cheap t-shirts, trinkets with the island's name on them, or anything else you don't really need. Not to mention all the restaurants, ice cream shops, putt putt golf course, fake gem mining and the "chocolate musuem".

And you know what? I loved every minute of it.

The boys got to go on their first boat ride, which they loved. We played putt putt golf, ate ice cream and generally behaved like tourists. Plus, the island has all of these golf cart rental places. Colin begged to go on one and so we finally did. Twelve bucks for an hour. And, an hour of full on joy for the boys. Quinn road in the front seat, laughed, and waved at all the people as we drove by them. The boys got cheap things, Colin got a bag of rocks (his favorite thing at the moment) and Quinn got a little toy ship. Ah, the bliss of being a kid.

There was some educational value as well. The Perry Memorial is on the Island, commerating the battle of Lake Erie, a very important naval battle from the war of 1812 (side note, the putt putt golf course has notes about the battle at every hole). that is where I bought my reminder of the day, a book on the battle itself.

So, why I am writing? Because, it is to encourage people like me, who tend to take themselves way too seriously, to enjoy touristy places like Put in Bay. There is nothing "corporate" about them. Most of the shops in places like this are owned by locals or families (I have a friend who owns a shop like it). So, you can support the local economy.


And above all, just experience life through the joy of being with your family, relaxing and enjoy being a tourist for awhile.