I was reminded of the fun I had at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, a few years ago after recently receiving a news release from the tourism folks there.

I fished for huge Lake Erie walleyes one April with my friend, Ted Takasaki, a professional angler who is president of Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle. He warned me Lake Erie can turn rough in the spring, and it did. The lake was mirror calm when I took the ferry from the mainland to South Bass Island and the island town of Put-in-Bay. But I awoke the next morning to the sound of big waves crashing on the shore.

Still, we caught fish, big fish - though I admit I was never so glad to see a lighthouse beacon appear through the mist as I was that day.

On land once more, I spent time in Put-in-Bay. My impression was it would be a fantastic place to visit on a warm, calm summer day. The Put-in-Bay Pirate Fest is June 26-29.

"Put-in-Bay offers travelers the chance to experience an island adventure without putting a damper on your wallet," said Julene Market, marketing manager for Miller Boat Line that recently launched a new Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass coupon page at www.MillerFerry.com. Find discounts on lodging, food and more.

Walk through Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, a 4,000-square-foot indoor garden with a variety of exotic butterflies. The free outdoor Twilight Concert Series features music and dance from several cultures, including Celtic, American classics, German and Brazilian from June through August.

Sports include kayaking, fishing, parasailing, sailing and boating. Heineman Winery features products from island-grown grapes. The town has neat restaurants and bars, too.

The landing for Miller Boat Line at Port Clinton, Ohio, is almost exactly 400 miles from Bloomington.

Closer to home

Bishop Hill hosts its annual Midsommar Music Festival June 27. The free all-day event includes performances, workshops, open jamming, a maypole celebration, a barn dance and more. Performances begin at the gazebo at 11 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Featured performers include: accordionist Ernie Sandquist; the Black Hawk Pipes and Drums; singer-songwriter Lee Murdock who performs maritime music; the Heritage Folk Dancers of Bishop Hill; Rusty Pickup String Band; and the Templeton Family playing traditional bluegrass and gospel.

Learn more at www.bishophill.com or call (309) 927-3345.

Sandy beach

With 27 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, Panama City Beach, Fla., qualified as one of America's Best Beaches for Families, the Travel Channel says.

A top attraction is the new 1-million-square foot Pier Park, northwest Florida's largest shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The Travel Channel also named nearby St. Andrew's State Park as Best Day Trip. Activities include hiking on nature trails and deep-sea diving right off the park's coast.

Don't forget Gulf World Marine Park, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park.

Visit http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.