Adventures are often associated with meeting interesting people, visiting unique places and having the time of your life.
These were three things my co-workers and I recently experienced when we were invited to spend an evening at Indian Lake in Logan County.
In a matter of seven hours, we were whisked away on a boat, singing along with BJ and Billie at a place called Achesons Resort, rescued at sea by an interesting doctor, debating Michigan and Ohio State lore at a place called Froggy’s, crossing under a beautifully lit bridge that once connected to an amusement park, watching UFOs cross the sky and singing karaoke at a place called Lucky’s Lounge. And, this barely scratches the surface of what Indian Lake has to offer visitors when the weather heats up and the sun begins shining.
Our hosts for the evening were local businessman Frank Dietz and his wife Jeannie. They are the perfect example of the hospitality and good nature found in Logan County residents and businesspeople.
Frank spends his days as an investment representative for Edward Jones in the town of Lakeview but he also has a vested interest in Indian Lake as a board member on the Logan County Convention & Tourist Bureau.
My co-workers and I had requested to be shown the nightlife at the lake by the Dietz family, although we were well aware of the beaches, fishing excursions and boating opportunities the lake is also famous for during the daytime.
After introductions at about 3:30 p.m., Frank informed us there are 15 bars located in four communities that surround the lake. We obviously couldn’t reach them all in one evening, so we decided to kick-back and take things at our own pace.
Our voyage began (and eventually ended) at a dock in Lakeview, where a boat took us across the 7,200 acre lake.
My first question for Frank was that Indian Lake seemed much larger than Lake St. Mary’s to the west, which, in fact, is about 14,000 acres in size.
“Lake St. Mary’s is twice the size of this lake, but it’s in a rectangular shape,” he said. “Here, there are many coves and islands that make it seem larger. It’s like three lakes split up by islands.”
It’s the coves and islands that provide entertainment, fine and unique dining and bar hopping opportunities, not to mention beautiful homes that light the shores at night.
It took us a good 15 minutes to cross the lake, where we arrived at Achesons, which boasts itself as “A Quaint Little Drinking Resort with a Fishing Problem” and is one of six bars accessible by boat. (Others are easily accessible on loop roads that surround the lake and four communities)
As we approached, I could see many other boats docked around the resort and the sounds of music were clear from a hundred yards away.
According to Frank, Achesons Resort not only provides entertainment and refreshments until 6 p.m. daily but is also a campground, much like many of the other resorts around the lake.
At Achesons, we sat back and enjoyed refreshments as a father and daughter combo (BJ and Billie) sang songs to patrons who were either dancing on their boats or under a covered patio area next to the water.
Frank said on busy weekends, starting on Memorial Day Weekend and lasting through the summer, boats often connect to each other for large parties.
“It can get pretty wild here on the weekends,” he said.
As a frequent visitor to Florida, I couldn’t help but feel like I was at an establishment right on the ocean, especially when Jimmy Buffet rang from the sound system and the waves crashed into the docks behind me.
After an enjoyable start to the day, we took a short walk to another bar known as Froggy’s.
One of my co-workers, Kyle is a Michigan football fan and was in shock when he discovered Froggy’s was a loyal Ohio State bar that features live music every weekend and Brutus Buckeyes on nearly every wall, including the bathroom doors.
Froggy’s Bartender Tiffianie Colon brought us our drinks and I decided to ask her where Froggy’s and other bars fit into an evening of fun.
“Most people start at The Cranberry (a bar/restaurant), hit a couple of other places and usually end their evening at Froggy’s,” she said.
Froggy’s has something going every night of the week including Jumbo Wing Night on Wednesdays, Bike Night at Thursdays and a fish fry on Fridays. Live bands perform on Friday and Saturday nights.
As our adventure marched on, it was time to cross the lake to our next destination, but, due to some engine problems, we became stranded in the middle of the lake.
Frank quickly called up “the doc” to come to our rescue.
“Doc” Miller arrived on a pontoon boat and we headed for lunch at Elks Lodge.
Doc and his wife Pam were strangers that became friends over dinner. Doc and his wife are the owners of Doc’s Party on Wheels and he’s a character worthy of constant smiles and laughs with quick wit and that same friendliness found in everyone we met.
With time running out, we crossed under the lighted bridge on the south end of the lake and headed back toward Lakeview. On our way back is when a strange orange ball, making no noise, crossed the skies above the lake. None of us knew what it was, but concluded it must be a UFO.
Our evening ended at Lucky’s Lounge where karaoke was the entertainment for the evening. Across the street, we could have attended Mustangs, where live bands often perform.
Lucky’s provided the perfect ending to our perfect evening as we sang karaoke and finished a few drinks before parting ways.
In the end, I wished there would have been more time to spend, not only at all the fun places, but with Frank and Jeannie and all the friendly people that made this trip an adventure of a lifetime.
Memorial Day Weekend will mark the start of the busy season. We were invited back to enjoy the many summer festivities at the lake and, I guarantee we will.
If you get the chance, make your way to Indian Lake this summer… you won’t regret it!
* A special thanks must go out to Frank, Jeannie, Doc and his wife Pam who is the Executive Director of Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Ray Wireman (Our first boat captain from car dealership Steve Austin's at The Lake), Candace Watson of visitor’s bureau and everyone that makes Logan County one of the best places in the world. Summer Events You Won’t Want to Miss at Indian Lake
Information provided by www.indianlakechamber.org Discover Indian Lake Boat Tours - June 16. Rides begin at 10:00 a.m.. Each hour, 3 to 5 boats leave Russells Point Harbor for a 3 hour tour of the lake with one stop per boat. The last tour leaves at 4:00 p.m. The cost is a $15.00 donation per person or a family of four for $40.00. The ride will be on a pontoon boat with a n Indian Lake Beacon as Captain. To register, click on the event. Saturday Night at the Movies on the Lake - June 16. A 25 x 35 foot movie screen will be located at Old Field Beach for the Saturday Night at the Movies, Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller. It will begin at dark (9:30 - 10:00 p.m.) Arrive by boat and listen to the movie on your boat radio or bring your lawn chair and sit on the beach. Popcorn, pop, lemonade, and funnel cakes will be available for purchase. Beach Spectacular and Fireworks - Held on the first Saturday in July. (July 7, 2007). The day starts at Old Field Beach with the Beach Spectacular. Thousands from Ohio travel to Indian Lake for the magnificent fireworks which glow over the lake. To contribute to the firework's fund, contact the Chamber office at 937-843-5392. Party at the Beach with the Danger Brothers - July 21. The Danger Brothers will perform at Old Field Beach on July 21 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 (presale) and $10.00 at the gate. Old Field Beach is closed to the public all day. This is the second year for the Danger Brother's concert at Old Field Beach State Park. Gates open at noon with a pre-show concert at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 937-843-5392. Putt Around the Lake - The Putt Around the Lake is the big golf outing of the year for the Chamber. This event , held the second Saturday in August (August 11, 2007), will include at least 13 establishments around the lake. The outing begins at 10:00 a.m. and must be finished by 7:00 p.m. To register and more information, click on the event title. Ring of Fire - Held every year on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Hundreds of flares are planted around the lake as Indian Lake becomes one big red glow. To learn more about the Ring of Fire, visit the area information link above. While at Indian Lake make sure and visit the following bars:
* Achesons Resort
* Brother’s Bar & Grill
* Captains Point
* Cranberry Resort
* Froggy’s At The Lake
* The Landing Tavern
* Lucky’s Lounge
* Mustangs
* The Thirsty Turtle
* Tilton Hilton
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