If you're already dreading winter and planning next summer's vacation, think Lake Erie islands.

Located just 200 miles from Pittsburgh, Ohio's Lake Erie islands offer a variety of adventures in nature and history. Birding, fishing, boating, hiking, glacial grooves, lighthouses, shipwrecks, wineries and fine restaurants are just a few of the attractions found on Ohio's Lake Erie islands. And on the mainland, Cedar Point is nearby.

The problem with recommended destinations is that they often require a scouting trip to plan a great family vacation. A new publication eliminates that need. "Explore the Lake Erie Islands: A Guide to Nature and History along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail" describes the parks, preserves and historical sites found on each island.

Tourism surveys have found that 68 percent of American travelers want destinations where they can experience the outdoors. This 64-page guide directs visitors to such places and highlights the importance of protecting these natural places.

"The 'Explore the Lake Erie Islands' guide is a wonderful resource for visitors, with exciting places to visit and information on birds, plants, snakes and butterflies and where to find them," says Lisa Brohl, chair of the Lake Erie Islands Chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy.

Tourism officials hope attracting more visitors to the Lake Erie islands will encourage economic development in the area. The guide will not only attract more people to the individual sites listed, "... but also to the many businesses and communities throughout the region that depend on visitors for much of their income," says Larry Fletcher, executive director of the Ottawa County Visitor's Bureau. "I anticipate seeing nature and history lovers spending a lot more time in the Lake Erie island area once this guide gets in their hands."

Free copies of the "Explore the Lake Erie Islands" guide can be downloaded at www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu and picked up at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Welcome Centers in Port Clinton and Sandusky, Ohio. Or you can order by mail. Send a check for $5 payable to Ohio State University to Explore Lake Erie Islands, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212.

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