Bukkett list

FREMONT – What started as a fun idea for camper recreation has grown into Jimmy Bukkett’s, a destination for boaters, campers and anybody else who happens to stop by. “I never in a million years thought it would turn out to be what it has,” said owner Jim Leaser, also known as Jimmy Bukkett. While Memory Marina and the campground have existed for more than 30 years, Leaser said Jimmy Bukkett’s was created about 10 years ago as a recreation area for campers and boaters. “I did it just for my campers to start,” he said. Then boaters started to stop in. “Next thing you know we’re building another bar to keep up with the people,” he said. Its out-of-the-way location at 2815 N. CR 198, Fremont, has kept the spot a bit of a secret and led to the slogan, “Hard to find, but harder to leave.” “It’s a destination,” Leaser said. “But once they find it, they come back.” The tiki bar in the middle of the Sandusky River draws people curious to see palm trees in northwest Ohio. “We’re right on the Sandusky River. They come by boat or motorcycle,” Leaser said. “The bar is on an island sort of, like a little peninsula. “We get a lot of Wave Runners out there too.” And yes, people even arrive in cars. “It’s just unique,” he said. “I think that’s what the draw is. There’s sand and palm trees out in the middle of the Sandusky River.” One serving area is an old Lyman boat converted into a bar. Boaters or drivers – or campers – can stop in for food and drinks. On the menu are sandwiches such as Lake Erie perch, burgers, reubens, hot dogs and jalapeno sausages. There’s also a variety of appetizers such as pig on a stick, wings, fries, mushrooms and egg rolls. Beverages range from soft drinks to a variety of beers and similar “coolers.” Campfires provide light and ambiance on summer evenings and there’s live music almost every day. “There’s palm trees out there and all kinds of crazy stuff,” he said. “The bar’s open on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We have entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, anything from rock ‘n’ roll to blues to country.” He shares the proceeds. “It’s a charity bar,” he said. “We split the proceeds with different charities.” The music is one reason for its popularity, Leaser said. “We get some pretty big bands,” he said. “Different bands draw bigger crowds. We’ve got a band coming from New Orleans (this summer) and one from Florida.” And the grand finale each year is a pirate party. “At the end of the year we have a pirate weekend,” Leaser said. “The weekend after Labor Day. We have people dressed like pirates and boats decorated like pirate ships.” In addition to the marina, campground, bar/restaurant and dock space, the grounds has a carry-out and gas station as well as a shore house and a condo available for rent. The campground has seasonal spots and short-term locations. Jimmy Bukkett’s is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. For directions, visit jimmy bukketts.com/map.html. For more information, call (419) 680-5753.