You know when you look back on your week and sometimes there’s just that one, single shiny moment that sticks out in a sea of gray? That’s how my week went. Okay, I don’t mean to sound too down and out, overall it was professionally a super successful week, but THIS WEATHER. AH!!!!!! If you don’t live in Columbus, you might not know that almost the entire weekend last weekend, from beginning to end, was rain. Our backyard flooded, ruining the grass we were growing, our wedding tree (only 1 year in the ground!!) was leaning and weeping, and my spirits? Sunk. Who knew you could feel the effects of SAD in May?? On Tuesday morning I left my house in the wee hours of the morning to travel 2.5 hours to the shores of Lake Erie. There are three relatively similar routes to take to Sandusky from Columbus, two are awful and one is like a vacation in itself. Happy to finally be free of rain and dark skies, I chose the latter and that was the beginning of a wonderful day of sun and the lake and I finally felt like summer was just around the corner.
As Memorial Day weekend is upon on us, whether you spend the weekend visiting a service, watching a parade or surrounding yourself with family and friends, you can’t help but feel long summer nights and backyard gatherings approaching. I thought it would be appropriate to share with you a unique lodging destination in our great state that I was reminded of this week, that is worth a visit this summer season – Sawmill Creek Resort & Conference Center. I often forget just how much I love Sawmill Creek. Tucked away off the main drag (Rt. 2), Sawmill Creek Resort sits on numerous acres among a coastal forest. My first time vising this property was a few years ago as a meeting planner. TJ and I set out for a weekend stay with golf, 
dinner and discovery. The golf course at Sawmill Creek is beautiful. It takes you from the road to the water, with beautiful homes scattered around the edges. (The resort itself also had condo units and private property in addition to the lodge itself). After a long game of golf in the sun, I implore you to check out one of the pools. When I was visiting Tuesday, the team was just putting the finishing touches on the outdoor pool – sure to open soon for the summer season. I loved the bright splashes of the Adirondack chairs against the backdrop of the trees and nature. I bet you can already see yourself sipping a cool cocktail from the outdoor bar (pictured above)!
The property also has on-sight restaurants. When we stayed overnight, we got a kick out of how many people were packed into their bar listening to live music, dancing and drinking the night away. We had ventured into downtown Sandusky for dinner, but believe it or not, the nightlife at this secluded property was quite lively, so make sure you don’t miss out on a drink at the Black Bear Saloon!
The Lodge itself has a distinct nature theme, with water features, lots of live plants and a nod to our Native American ancestors through artifacts and decor throughout the property. If you’re vising Sawmill you’re probably a nature lover like me; and, you’re more than likely making a weekend out of it – fortunately, there are so
many ways to enjoy the great outdoors here. In addition to the pools, there are tennis courts and a basketball court, but my favorite feature is a bit off the beaten path. If you head back out to the main entrance you’ll notice a very discrete sign that reads “Nature Path.” Take the path! This trail takes you through the Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve. It’s very quiet, winding you through the forest, all the way to the beach. If you don’t mind off-roading a bit, you can follow the beach all the way to Sawmill’s private beach – that’s right! One of my other favorite parts of Sawmill Creek is their private beach, a small patch of grass and sand at the far reaches of the resort’s property. You’ll need to prepare for a fairly lengthy stroll from you room, but it’s sooo worth it. Last year, I visited Sawmill Creek for a work function and they had organized a beach party with music, food and dancing. If you want to enjoy the water, the resort also offers stand up paddle boards, jet skis, fishing, and more!
Next time you’re looking for a way to sit back and enjoy summer, seriously consider making the trip to Sawmill Creek – it’s a great place for family, friends or just a romantic weekend away. So whether you’re visiting Cedar Point or the new Sports Force Park, dining out in the revitalized downtown Sandusky, or hopping a boat to one of the islands, I hope you can find a time to enjoy all of the great things happening along our coast this summer, I know I will be!
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck