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Things To Do:
Downtown Friday
Nights:
Every Friday night during the summer, Erie celebrates. Free concerts in
Perry Square, a free trolley to take you up and down state street and
lots of fabulous drink and dinner specials at local establishments.
Every week is different. From Gourmet fine dining with someone special
to casual cafes for quick bites among friends. Downtown Fridays is the
best way to celebrate this summer.
--Don't miss Celebrate Erie days each August.
Great Tuesdays:
All summer long, Tuesday's are the night to head on over to
Liberty Park on the Bayfront. Free concerts at the Pepsi Amlitheater
keep the summer hot.
Presque Isle State
Park:
It's time to head out to the beaches. Presque is a pristine 7
mile peninsula with over 14 beaches, 2 lighthouses, fishing ponds,
biking, running and hiking trails, Coast Guard station, Boat Tours,
Perry Monument, cross country skiing, hunting, ice skating, picnic
areas, grills and lots of activities all year long. The beauty of this
state park is unsurpassed and truly the best place to watch the Erie
sunsets which have been rated the 2nd best in the world.
The Vineyards:
Presque Isle, Arrowhead, Penn Shore, Heritage and Mazza are just a few
of the vineyard tours you can enjoy while visiting Northwest
Pennsylvania.
Museums:
All the art, history and culture of Erie are represented throughout
several museums. Enjoy the Erie Art Museum, Historical Museum, Cashier's
House, Firefighters Museum, Children's Museum, Watson-Curtze Mansion and
the Maritime Museum, home to the Flagship Niagara which was won by
Commedor Perry during the war of 1812. Tours of the ship are available
when the vessel is in port and observations of the lake can be taken
from the top of Bicentenial Tower.
Theater:
Erie takes it's place as one of the top ten theater communities
for mid-sized cities in the United States. And no wonder with headliners
at the completely restored Warner Theater or the Tulio Arena and Civic
Center. Local productions at the Erie Playhouse, Roadside Theater,
Mercyhurst, Gannon and the Station Dinner Theater.
Waldameer:
Get ready to have fun. One of the countries oldest amusement
parks dates back to the 1800s. Enjoy wooden coasters and flume rides,
great food, the midway and now their newest spinning roller coaster set
to be complete the summer 2004. There's also Water World filled with
water slides, lazy rivers and more. Presque Isle is a great place to
watch the sunset but if your really looking for a treat, ride the large
ferris wheel at Waldameer just during sunset. They'll run it extra long
and the view is spectacular. You can buy all day wrist bands for the
parks or individual ride tickets.
Conn's Carriage and
Trolley Service:
Looking for something extra special and romantic. Conn's offers horse
drawn carriage rides from 2-4 people and horse drawn trolley rides for
larger groups.
Splash Lagoon:
The East coasts largest indoor waterpark offers summer fun all year
long. A warm temperature in the 80 keeps the chill out and the fun in.
Water slides, lazy rivers, pools, family and adult only hot tubs and a
big bucket of water that soaks the park every 10-15 minutes. Concessions
are available.
Erie Zoo:
Lions and Tigers and Bears...oh my! There's so much more at the Erie Zoo
from endangered species to Monkeys and Polar Bears. Enjoy the children's
area with petting zoo and large carousal Fun for the entire family.
Lake Erie Speedway:
Don't be too quick to pass up a good time at the races. Races help every
weekend from May-September.
Hockey:
Don't miss a chance to see the Erie Otters take on the OHL. Tickets are
available in advance or at the door on game night.
Peek n Peak
Year round fun with skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the
winter and 18 holes on 2 courses. Dinners here are superb and many
festivals take place throughout the year. Don't miss the lodge with
ornate stained glass windows and regal fireplaces.
Sea Wolves:
Take me out to the ballgame and don't make an error by missing Erie's
minor league baseball team in their beautiful new park. Concessions,
discounts and specials are always available.
Family First:
Enjoy a sports park like no other. Family First offers bumper boats,
indoor driving ranges, full video arcades, go carts and more. Plus one
of the countries largest soccer field complexes for tournaments. Look
for expos and events here too.
Golf:
Chose from a number of great golf courses in the area. Peek n
Peak offers both an upper and lower course where the PGA makes a stop
each year.
Festivals:
Northwest Pennsylvania is well known for their extreme number of
festivals throughout the seasons. From the National Rib Fest to
Celebrate Erie Days, Cherry Festival, Strawberry Festival, Haborcreek,
Waterford Days, Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Irish Festival, Arts
Festival, Jazz Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, Erie Country Fair, Zoo
Boo, Cascade of Lights, Wine Country Harvest Festival, Great Lakes Film
Festival.....there's just too many to list. Keep you eyes out weekly for
events that appeal to everyone.
Seaway Trail:
A great bike trail to take you around the bayfront and historic Erie.
Parasailing/ Jet
Skiing:
Thrill seekers can enjoy coasting over the bayfront and beaches.
Reservations are needed.
Fishing:
This is no small tail. Anglers from all over the world come to Erie's
Creeks during trout season. The Steelhead are plentiful and the stories
about the one that got away even better.
Asbury Woods:
Looking for a simpler and quieter way to spend your day? Head out to
Asbury Woods with their unique Nature Center, Gift Shop and Nature
trails to help you unwind. Don't miss the Maple Syrup Festival each
fall.
Bird Watching:
Soar high watching the many species that migrate through Presque Isle
and those that make their nest for the season.
Millcreek Mall:
Shop to you drop at hundred's of stores located throughout the mall, the
annexes and upper Peach Street. Big Names include: Burlington, JC
Penney, Kaufmanns, Elder Bearman, Sears, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Toys R Us,
Men's Warehouse, Borders Books, Barnes and Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond,
Linens and Things, Dick's Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, DSW Shoe
Warehouse, Baby's R Us and so much more!
Dining Out:
We would be happy to make you reservations for lunch or dinner.
We highly recommend the following local establishments.
Sara's:
Casual dining located at the entrance to Presque Isle. 1950s style hot
dogs, hamburgers and homemade ice cream
Sally's:
The newest edition to Sara's is located right new store and is
an old tin trailer dinner serving a great selection of pies, soups and
sandwiches.
Joe Roots:
Stop in for great steaks and seafood in a causal style atmosphere. Also
located near the entrance to Presque Isle.
Molly Branigans:
Located downtown this Irish pub offers true amibiance. The inside has
been restored and they owners had ever either imported from Ireland or
Irish craftsman to come over and complete the work. Great food,
atmosphere and Guinness is served on draft.
Pufferbelly's:
Located in the old firehouse this restaurant offers more than
just nostalgia, but great food too. Save room for peanut butter pie.
Smuggler's Wharf:
Located on the bayfront, a great place to casually enjoy steaks and
seafood or fish fresh from the lake.
Marketplace Grill:
Don't let the name fool you. Fine dining menu in a casual atmosphere.
Mathew's Martini
Lounge:
Fine dining and touch of LA. Here's where you'll find unique cuisine,
great service and fabulous Martini's.
Caleo's:
Homed Italian Dining in a quaint residential area.
Anastasia's Mansion:
Only open on the weekends but wonderful fine dining in a historic
Victorian Mansion. Located only 2 blocks from Spencer House. BYOB.
Pie In The Sky:
A local favorite could be easy to miss but we suggest you don't. Located
just 2 blocks from Spencer House, this cafe style restaurant makes each
dish fresh when you order it. A dining experience and portions are
generous. They only accept cash and checks and only open for dinner on
the weekends.
Twelve O’ One:
A small restaurant that fills a tall order. This cozy wine bar offers a
large and varied selection of fabulous wine. Complimented by their
wonderful chefs and gourmet style dining.
Betrand’s:
A great little bistro offering authentic French cuisine.
The Brewery:
Microbrewery located in the old Union Station of downtown Erie.
Papa Joe's Pepperoni
Cafe:
Fun place to order pizza, wings or try their coffee bar.
Plymouth Tavern:
Sports bar tavern located in Downtown Erie. Grab some wings and a draft
while shooting pool or watching the game.
Victorian Princess:
Take a brunch or dinner cruise along scenic Lake Erie. This Victorian
paddle boat graces the water all summer long.
If you don't find what
you’re looking for, just ask...we have plenty of suggestions. |