Lake Days & Lost Time: A Solo Escape to Buckeye Lake

I don’t remember exactly when Buckeye Lake became my escape, but I do remember how it felt. That first warm breeze off the water. The way sunlight shimmered across the surface in that “is it really this pretty?” kind of way. And the moment it clicked: this place isn’t just a lake. It’s a patchwork of pocket communities, each with their own rhythm and charm, all stitched together by winding roads and dock lights dancing in the reflection.

What do I love most? You can stand on one side of the lake and notice a cool spot calling your name from the opposite shore—but getting there might take 20 minutes or more by land. On the way, you’ll pass a dozen places practically begging you to stop in. It’s all part of the magic. One turn might bring you to a marina with pontoon boats for rent, another to a cozy winery with live music and front-row seats to the best sunsets and another still to a 100-year-old ice cream shop. Every curve in the road offers something unexpected.

I’ll be honest—Buckeye Lake’s a bit of a beautiful mess. It’s not polished. It’s not overly curated. And that’s exactly why I keep going back. It feels real.

A Few Stops I Won’t Gatekeep…

I eased into my morning in the quiet village of Millersport at one of my go-to coffee shops—Millersport Coffee. I meant to grab a dirty chai to-go, but that plan unraveled fast. With a large cup in one hand and a delicious breakfast sandwich in the other, the hum of weekend energy all around me, and a canal-side neighborhood just begging to be explored, I stayed longer than planned—and don’t regret it one bit.

Next, I took a short drive to Lieb’s Island and parked near the boat ramp. As I wandered around Ohio’s first state park, I decided to get my steps in early with a walk on the paved Buckeye Lake Dam Trail toward Sellers Point, where you can catch a near-360° view of the lake. The morning sun was just getting comfortably warm, and the boaters and jet skis were already out in full force. And the anglers? Dedicated as ever, quietly casting their lines in that meditative way only early-morning anglers know.

Later, I made my way to the Village of Buckeye Lake, where the vibe totally shifts. On a warm Saturday morning, this side of the lake comes alive. I parked at North Shore Park—pro tip: it’s a solid base if you want to spend the day hopping between lakefront restaurants, sipping something cold, or soaking up some shoreline sun.

And for anyone who’s lake-curious but kayak-less? You’re in luck. This spring, 3XP Tours launched a self-service kayak kiosk. It’s as easy as scanning a QR code, downloading the app, and reserving a time slot. In minutes, you’re gliding across the water like a seasoned local—with zero hassle (just don’t forget the sunscreen!).

Back on shore, the rumble of a passing speedboat reminded me just how hungry I’d become. I decided it was time to satiate the craving for something hearty and comforting. On this particular day, only one thing would do—Clay’s Café. If you know, you know. There is no shortage of ice cream treats and good eats, board games, and retro vibes at Clay’s. The staff greets you like you’re their favorite cousin, and the stromboli? Let’s just say the crisp, buttery crust with molten cheese is enough to start a family feud. Add a banana split and you’ve got a nostalgia bomb in a boat. I LOVE IT.

As tempting as a nap sounded after that stromboli, I wasn’t about to head indoors on such a gorgeous Saturday. I decided to check out a few spots I hadn’t explored yet. Just steps from the shoreline, I stumbled across something unexpected: a cigar shop. Yes, a cigar shop with the most fitting name—Smoke on the Water. Tucked into a small building with the door wide open, the scent of cedar and leather wafted out. I don’t even smoke cigars, but I stepped inside because, honestly, it felt like one of those moments this lake is made for—unexpected, relaxed, and completely memorable. And yes, I bought a few different cigars to surprise my husband with upon my return.

Reflections and Ripples

Evenings are my favorite. Music echoes across the water. Kids chase fireflies while adults gather around patio tables, slowly sipping cold drinks and telling stories that somehow feel funnier here than anywhere else. Maybe it’s the lake air. Maybe it’s the memories being made.

By the end of the day, I always feel like I’ve collected something intangible here. Not just pictures or receipts or another sticker for the cooler—something quieter. A moment. A memory. That feeling of breathing deeper, laughing easier, living a little lighter.

So, whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent floater, I’d encourage you to go off-script. Let the lake surprise you. Take the long way around. And if you find a spot you love? Share the love! We’re all just trying to find our version of lake life magic.

The Slower the Better

One of the best lessons Buckeye Lake teaches? Slow down. Seriously—don’t try to rush through it like a checklist. Some of the best spots are not flashy at all, and that’s the point. I’ve learned to leave extra room in my day just to follow curiosity. Turn down a road I hadn’t planned to. Wander into a lakeside boutique. Sip a drink on a patio I never noticed before. Let the day unfold one dock, trail, or barstool at a time.

There’s no single “right way” to do Buckeye Lake—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Ready to Feel It for Yourself?

Buckeye Lake doesn’t ask much of you, just that you show up open to discovery. Let yourself get a little lost between communities. Eat the stromboli. Smoke the cigar. Rent the kayak. Dance barefoot on the dock.

And if you want to make your escape even easier, grab the Escape to Buckeye Lake App. It’s your lake day wingman—ready with maps, events, and hidden gems to help you experience every ripple of this place.