FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, we do not have parking defined or guaranteed for boats in our community. In the summer parking around the park is at a premium. It is a source of discomfort when somebody is taking more than they should. There is a marina less than a 1/4 mile to the west called "Cranberry Creek" Marina. They have shore term parking and docking offers.
We do allow pets up to 25 lbs with a flat fee per stay. That fee cover the extra time we need to scrub the place down. We are dog lovers who know the difficulty (and guilt) of traveling with or without them. Kristy is also very allergic and takes meds to live with our "little Dude" . She knows how just a few hairs when you aren't prepared causes much discomfort. We are never able to do a "quick turn around" after a pet. and must sacrifice that day on our schedule. But our fee is way less than any boarding option.
I will add that depending upon which of our spaces you are renting, we may and often are very flexible with our weight or number of dog policies.
While Mitiwanga is a very dog friendly community with most permanent residence having one of their own, the community has continued to uphold a "no dogs on he beach" policy. However, there are two dog friendly beaches about 2 miles in either direction.
"Sherrod Park" to the east in Vermilion has a short shallow beach beside a kids park and a few pavilions. There is currently only an outhouse there for the humans though.
"Nickle Plate" beach to the west in Huron has a larger beach but keeps restricted hours during the summer months.
We proved ample amounts of towels, blankets, beach tows, wash rags, and your beds will be covered with our carefully washed bedding.
As mentioned in multiple places, we are trying to provide a "fly in" accommodations that proved even things like a pack-n-play to sporting equipment. You are getting a house as well stocked as your own.
We offer early check-in and late check-out options based on availability. We normally reach out the night before letting the guest know when the place will be ready. If we can get it done, guest are encouraged to show up early. Likewise, if there is nobody coming in behind your party, we will let you know to take your time and even recommend breakfast options.
The Great Lakes region (we locals often call it "The North Coast") Have many of the same advantages of the more traditional typical vacation spots. However it lacks many of the disadvantages.
Come to the Great Lake region of the country where the summer temperatures are tolerable. There is no time during the hottest season where a "Heat Advisory" will be issued. We don't have wild fires burning out of control. A hurricane will never cause you to have to change your plans. There is no threat of an earth quaking. tornados are rare. We have plenty of fresh water. General cost of living is so much lower that even eating at the restaurants is less than most tropical paradise destinations would charge if you ate at home. But if you choose to do that, then you can stretch your dollar much further and we at Offshore Breeze offer only fully accommodating kitchens. Air travel on our end is light and easy. Not the mass over population of more sought after destinations, we have a lot of choice airports with little to no travel backlogs. There are no guarantees in life, but when you book your trip to the Great Lakes region, you are booking at one of the most constant and reliable places in the country. Unlike the other paradise destinations, we have seasonal changes, Coming to the same place will be a unique and different experience at different times of year. We have had increasingly mild and tolerable winter seasons but still getting periods of snow that make the place aesthetically different.
As these traditional vacations destinations become more untenable, over populated, over commercialized, and plagued with resource and climate problems we are going to be the new destination for people who want a dependable and memorable getaway. We at Offshore Breeze value return guests and if we establish that relationship, you can expect even more savings and/ or intense and memorable experiences as we grow.
On calm warm nights on Lake Erie there is quite frequently an phenomenon called an "offshore breeze" that happens when the sun set. The surface lake water cools faster than the land surface. This creates a lower pressure and landward direction of wind on otherwise calm nights. We at OSB love sunset sailing. And quite often on nights were are about to give up and throw on the nasty motor to get back into our slip, nature provides us with a 20 to 40 minute gift of up to 10 knots on lake Erie if aided by a light breeze already coming from that direction.
Lake Erie has some of the most spectacular sunsets due to it narrow and shallow depths allowing for various weather and climate traits unique to the area. As we hope to bring the Sunset Sails online for our guests to request, we hope to share some of these experiences with you. There are so many physics and philosophical lessons associated with sailing. One of our favorites is that if you are patient, just sit back and relax, the lake will provide what you need in due time. So it is that we want to provide a space where patience and relaxing are easy to come and natural as a warm summer breeze.
To answer that question is both simple on the surface but can be as complex as you want it to be.
For the simple answer, it can be as easy as asking "How many people are in your party"? We offer rates that are comparable to mid level hotels per night. If there is more than 2 beds needed, you are looking to pay twice the rate for a second room. If you have kids, for the same general price for a second room with separate door, temperature control, and some level of privacy. This is not to say there are not tradeoffs. Life is filled with them. The Hibiscus House has only 1 bathroom and is not across the street from Cedar Point or in the property of Kalahari if that is your primary destination. However, you also won't get the values of fully capable kitchen, laundry in house, and a trip to the beech measured in yards. But that brings up to the more complicated answer.
For the more complicated response to "Why Offshore Breeze Vacation Homes?" we have to talk about the price of things vs. the "value" of a vacation. Starting with the aforementioned kitchen. The average family of 4 heading out to just a fast food restaurant in the current economy will cost about $35 (Without coupons, which we try to stock in the pamphlet holder by the front door.) And then you are not going to have leftovers in the fridge for when those grumbellies come calling. However, for that same $35 you could either make soup or casserole type meals that will last days, pick up cold meats that can be taken on adventures, or use our very capable grill to cook steaks exactly the way you like them while the family chills on the beach or hands on the porch making memories.
We are working with the various platforms to introduce the term "Flay-in ready vacation homes". We at OSB have stocked our spaces with the imagination that people might be flying in. There is no savings if you have to buy a bunch of linens, beach equipment, sporting equipment, not to mention condiments, cookware, and other essentials that would cost you hundreds and then get left behind when you got back on the plane at the end of the week. So, we have supplied them. If we can keep your party entertained and satisficed with some basic amenities, then you are saving money. Bordom, if you have kids, is expensive on vacation.
If you are coming in the fall or winter months, I have to tell you that Sandusky is not designed for that. There is little to do outside of the water park. Vermilion and Huron are lively little towns that go out of their way to be cozy and welcoming to tourism. There are shops, great paved walks through the parks, and close warm attractions that will keep you amazed at how nobody has discovered the place. Because you will often find these attractions to be all yours.
We can't pay you to stay with us, I would love to, but we couldn't keep this going long if we paid guests. But we can make your memories and stay more cost effective, valuable, and memorable than some bland old hotel room with questionable bedding. That is the case.
We do offer Month to month rental options to qualified professionals or vetted guests. This option comes at a greatly reduced per day cost, but only is offered from November through march.
A traveling employee can expect to get all the same host attention you get during the summer, however, we do not do laundry and bedding. We currently have 2 offseason regulars that come for various reasons. Mitiwanga does a great job of keeping the community roads clear and the Rt ^ highway is right outside your door.