2 local towns among prettiest in Ohio

MARBLEHEAD — World Atlas, one of the largest online publishing resources in geography, recently published an article titled "14 Prettiest Towns in Ohio." And two local spots found a place on the list. Ohio "houses numerous adorable small towns that are some of the most favored tourist destinations in the country," according to the article's introduction. Along with article excerpts, here are the pair of places in north-central Ohio highlighted: Marblehead Located at the edge of Marblehead Peninsula, this enchanting village forms a part of an area regionally called "Vacationland." In addition to historical attractions, Marblehead boasts breathtaking views of Lake Erie and offers quality sports fisheries, ferry services to the Lake Erie islands and easy access to the nearby Cedar Point amusement park and Lakeside Chautauqua. History enthusiasts must take a tour of the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, which offers awe-inspiring views of the lake and the surrounding islands. The park is home to the historic Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the American portion of the Great Lakes, and the Marblehead Lighthouse Museum in the old keeper's house. Nature lovers can visit the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve, which has the country's sole natural population of the rare Lakeside Daisy wildflower. Put-in-Bay A renowned summer resort and recreational destination, this small resort village is on South Bass Island in Ottawa County's Put-in-Bay Township, about 15 miles northwest of Sandusky. Affectionately called the "Key West of the North," a huge number of visitors travel via ferryboat, private boat or propeller-driven aircraft to this tiny island village mainly between April and October. Put-in-Bay's downtown is filled with retail stores, restaurants, pubs and various entertainment spaces. Some of the town's must-visit attractions include the Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, commemorating the naval victory in the War of 1812; Perry's Cave; Crystal Cave; Heineman's Winery; and the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum.