is the largest American island, on Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is also one of the least developed. This partnership creates a perfect setting for relaxing getaways filled with romance and charm, or family togetherness. The entire island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll discover the reasons why around every bend while exploring the island's 2,800 acres by bike or golf cart.

Though summer is obviously the island's busiest season, there are reasons to visit any time of year. Witness autumn's Monarch Butterfly migration and the fiery foliage ablaze against the lake's blue backdrop. Winter invites the hardier ice fishermen or couples seeking romantic rendezvous at island inns. Spring is a rebirth, as the island readies itself for another summer.

Named for its sheltered harbor that protected sailors during stormy weather, Put­in­Bay on South Bass Island serves today as a refuge from everyday life. Whether you arrive by ferryboat, plane or private boat, you can almost feel the island's pulse when you set foot on dry land.

But the island's intrigue goes beyond the village itself, extending 352 feet in the air and to its core. The Perry Victory and International Peace Memorial is the nation's third largest national monument and stands as a reminder of international peace. It was built to commemorate Oliver Hazard Perry's victory over British naval forces during the War of 1812. From its observation deck, visitors glimpse breathtaking views of Lake Erie's islands scattered for miles.

Other island sights include caverns containing immense geodes, wineries offering tours and samples and an impressive collection of Victorian architecture Tram tours take you on whirlwind island tours, with stops at several sights and more.

Our Canadian neighbor, Pelee Island, is a natural oasis. At 10,000 acres, it's the biggest island of the bunch, yet its appeal is in its virtual undiscovery.

If you're looking for a peaceful respite from your daily routine, then search no farther than Pelee Island. The small­town charm of Pelee Island is unknown to most mainlanders-and those who know prefer to keep it their secret. Clean, fresh air and frequent blue skies, spectacular sunsets and clear starry nights can be expected.

Bird watchers marvel at the island's population, including dozens of migratory species using the island as a resting place. Two provincial nature reserves protect the bird and wildlife population on the island.

The Pelee Island Winery recently built a new wine pavilion for tasting wines and trying, among other treats, buffalo burgers. With its processing plant in Leamington, Ontario, the winery grows much of its vitis vinifera harvest on the island.

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND

If you're planning to visit Middle Bass Island, you'll be in good company.

Presidents Cleveland and Harrison used to travel to the small island of Middle Bass to fish and boat at the Middle Bass Club.

Once called Isle de Fleurs, Floral Island by missionaries who visited the island in 1680, Middle Bass and its neighboring North and South Bass islands are named for the abundant smallmouth bass swimming nearby.

Middle Bass is a serene island, filled with natural beauty. However, Lonz Winery lures boatloads of visitors every summer. Established in 1864 as The Golden Eagle Wine Company, the winery, with its castle­like architecture, looms like a fortress along the beach. Tours of its century­old wine cellars, dug by hand during the Civil War, are topped with tasting of the winery's wines and juices. Although wine is no longer produced on the island, Lonz maintains Concord and Catawba vineyards and sends the harvest to the mainland for processing.