Vacationland (Ohio)

The part of Ohio colloquially known as "Vacationland" is shown in the circle.

The Vacationland region of Ohio - billed as such for being known primarily as a major summertime tourist destination - is the area that is generally considered to be in the north central part of the state, and along the western half of the Lake Erie shoreline, specifically the counties of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky.

History

(For the pre-1900s history of the region, see the Firelands article.)

The Firelands region of northern Ohio circa 1826. Many cities the westernmost part of the area consider themselves to be in what is known in modern times as the "Vacationland" region of Ohio.

In the early part of the 20th century, cities along the Lake Erie shoreline such as Sandusky, Ohio began to become popular vacation destinations for more affluent Ohioans, with families having either summer cottages or vacation homes in the area, as well as more people having access to boats wanting to sail and/or fish Lake Erie. As the 1900s went along, the area would then become popular with more blue collar families, who began to see the region as an inexpensive and nearby place to spend their leisure time as well.

Attractions

A primary focal point of the region is the Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, which attracts millions of people to the area every year. The Lake Erie Islands are also considered an important part of the region, as they have become noted for their dining, nightlife, and overall tourist appeal through the latter half of the 1900s and into the 2000s. Other cities such as Marblehead and Port Clinton are popular with visitors for their numerous historical attractions, wineries, and various other points of interest.

Recognition

The area is officially recognized as "Vacationland" by the Miss Ohio beauty pageant, having been established as such since 1962. The very first "Miss Vacationland" (Jacquelyn Mayer) would in the same year as winning the inaugural Miss Vacationland pageant (1962), go on to win Miss Ohio and ultimately Miss America.

See also

• Firelands