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MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Visit Erie

Five Award Winning Wines You Can Only Get in Lake Erie Wine Country

You don’t have to travel far to experience a range of complex, award-winning wines that have been recognized among some of the nation’s best. A 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo lands you in Lake Erie Wine Country – the largest grape growing region in the Great Lakes, and home to more than 20 commercial and estate wineries, all with selections that will please even the most refined palate. Plan a trip to taste these award-winning wines in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Johnson Estate Winery
2022 Chambourcin
Best of Class for French Hybrids, 2025 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2025 Los Angeles Wine Competition
Crisp with a medium body, Johnson Estate’s Chambourcin is made from estate-grown French-hybrid grapes on the third-generation family farm in western New York. Look for berry notes with a little oakiness, and pair with a variety of red meats or game.

Presque Isle Wine Cellars
2022 Gruner Veltliner
Platinum Award, 2023 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, San Diego
This complex dry white wine is made from grapes grown in Erie County, and is versatile in how it pairs with food. Try it with vegetable dishes or something with a little spice.

South Shore Wine Company
2024 The Perfect Rose
Gold Medal, 2024 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards
The Perfect Rose isn’t just beautiful when poured, it’s the perfect wine for sipping outside. Chambourcin grapes give this variety a hint of color and delicate berry flavor. Try it paired with salmon or a salad.

Courtyard Winery
Courtyard Brut
Bronze Medal, 2018 USA Wine Ratings, San Francisco
This dry white sparkline wine is made from Chardonel grapes, using the traditional champagne method. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop this one.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
2018 Dry Reisling, Nutt Road Vineyard
Silver Medal, 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition
Reisling grapes were harvested early in the morning at cool temperatures to ensure optimum maturity and flavor concentration of this variety. Try it paired with a pork roast or fish.

The Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Erie County

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Pennsylvania experiences the longest fall foliage season in the world, often spanning more than six weeks – and there’s no better place in PA to experience that than along the shores of Lake Erie. The wide variety of trees and shrubs changing to varied hues of reds, oranges, and golds reflecting off the water present a remarkable backdrop for an unforgettable getaway.

Fall colors typically peak in Erie County during the second or third week of October. Statewide foliage maps will be available starting the last week of September, and this blog will be updated accordingly. PA Fall Foliage Report: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/conservation/forests-and-tree/fall-foliage-reports

Presque Isle State Park

Pennsylvania’s most-visited state park continues to be a beacon for visitors well past beach season. With a 13-mile paved, waterfront trail along the perimeter of the park, 11 miles of forested hiking trails, and a wide variety of natural trees and plants, fall puts on a brilliant display of colors.

Featured viewing spot: The Presque Isle Lighthouse. Look out from the top of the tower for a broad sweep of color or stay at ground level where the trees and shoreline come together.

Asbury Woods

With 234 acres of forest featuring primarily deciduous trees, Asbury Woods is made for fall hikes and walks. Trails include an accessible woodland Boardwalk Trail, the more rugged Greenway Trail that meanders to Walnut Creek, and Big Maple Run – home to the park’s notable Grandmother Tree.

Featured viewing spot: The Grandmother Tree is beloved at Asbury Woods, and is brilliant in the fall. This red maple is more than 100 feet tall and is the largest tree in the forest, estimated to have begun growing between 1920-1930.

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail meanders along the shoreline of Lake Erie through Lake Erie Wine Country, where fall wraps the vineyards in warm colors, and the sweet scent of grapes is in the air. The drive alone makes Route 5 a perfect destination for the fall, made even better when you consider that more than 20 wineries dot the acres of vineyards.

Featured viewing spot: Lakeview Wine Cellars is just three miles south of Route 5, and is situated higher than the other wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. With floor-to-ceiling windows in their tasting room, the view pairs perfectly with a glass of their Shipwreck White.

Frontier Park

This 30-acre green space in the city of Erie offers a quiet retreat with more than 1,000 trees throughout the park. Nearly two miles of trails meander through the park (and connect to the Bayfront Multi-Use Path), and features a playground, tennis courts, a trail alongside Cascade Creek, a Labrynth, and an Education Center.

Featured viewing spot: Follow the path along the West Branch of Cascade Creek from W 8th Street for a dazzling display of fall color along a babbling trout stream. Feeling extra fall-y? Get a coffee from local favorite Pressed across the street before you start your stroll.

Wintergreen Gorge

While much of Erie County offers flat trails, Wintergreen Gorge is the exception.  Carved from shale and sandstone, the gorge’s cliffs and mature forest offer dramatic views, especially from the Gorge Overlook, where hikers find a well-deserved respite.

Featured viewing spot: The Gorge Overlook provides sweeping views of the colorful forest canopy and is a prime spot for photos. Park at the Cooper Road Trailhead to take a longer path along Fourmile Creek (and a waterfall or two!) or at the Prischak Lot Trailhead on the campus of Penn State Behrend for a quicker route.

Historic PA Route 6

Route 6N passes through vibrant fall colors and welcoming towns like Edinboro, Corry, and Waterford. Along the way, you’ll find forests, local shops, restaurants, and parks that make this scenic drive through Erie County feel like a step back to simpler times.

Featured viewing spot: The Harrington Covered Bridge in Albion, PA, built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1962, offers classic views of colorful forests framed by its historic wooden structure.

 

An Insider’s Guide to Tall Ships® Erie 2025

Lake Erie sets the stage for one of the region’s most unforgettable events as Tall Ships Erie returns August 21–24.  Here’s what you need to know to make the most of Tall Ships Erie.

 

What is Tall Ships Erie?
Tall Ships Erie is a maritime celebration that is part of the Tall Ships Challenge®, an annual event organized by Tall Ships America that alternates between the Great Lakes, the Pacific, and the Atlantic coasts of North America. For four days, majestic tall ships drop anchor at Dobbins Landing and the Bayfront Convention Center for deck tours, day sails, live music, hands-on activities, and a vibrant waterfront festival.

 

Festival Schedule

  • Festival Dates: August 21–24, 2025
  • Festival Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Parade of Sail: Thursday, August 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Note: The festival grounds will not be open for viewing the Parade of Sail. See below for the best spots to watch!

 

Special Events

  • Parade of Sails – Tall ships will gather in Lake Erie on Thursday, August 21, around 3 p.m. and sail in through the channel into Presque Isle Bay. Optimum viewing spots can be found here.
  • Fireworks – Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets and Admission

  • General Admission: $12/day
    • Includes access to festival grounds, music, activities, vendors, and ship viewing
  • Deck Tour Add-On: $6 (must be purchased with general admission)
  • Sailing Tickets: Sold separately
  • Purchase: Online at TallShipsErie.org or in person at the Bayfront Maritime Center (call ahead at 844-542-3743)

 

Parking and Getting There

There is no parking on the festival grounds. Visitors are strongly encouraged to park downtown and either walk or take a shuttle to the festival site.

Recommended Public Garages, Surface Lots, and Park-n-Rides:

Public Parking Locations Distance to Festival Est. Walk Time
Garages    
E 3rd and State Street Garage 0.7 mi ~13 min
7th and Peach Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.0 mi ~18 min
120 W 9th Street Garage 1.3 mi ~24 min
8th and French Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.2 mi ~22 min
10th and French Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.3 mi ~24 min
Surface Lots    
Surface Lot 11 (French St between E 2nd and 3rd Streets) 0.7 mi ~13 min
Surface Lot 3 (E 3rd St between State and French Streets) 0.8 mi ~15 min
Surface Lot 7 (E 11th St between State and French Streets) 1.0 mi ~18 min
Surface Lot 2 (W 11th St between State and Peach Streets) 1.1 mi ~20 min
Surface Lot 1 (W 6th St next to the Erie County Courthouse) 1.2 mi ~22 min
Surface Lot 14 (W 13th St between State and Peach Streets) 1.4 mi ~25 min
Park-n-Rides    
Intermodal Transportation Center 208 E Bayfront Parkway 0.3 mi ~5 min
Lincoln Park-n-Ride Intersection of Lincoln Ave and Bayfront Parkway 0.7 mi ~14 min
Liberty Park-n-Ride 828 W Bayfront Parkway 1.1 mi ~22 min

 

Additional Parking/Shuttle Information
Park-N-Ride locations, drop-off location at the Bayfront Convention Center:

  • The parking garages at French and Peach (see above table)
  • Intermodal Transportation Center
  • Hoffman/Lincoln Park-N-Ride at Bayfront Parkway and Lincoln Avenue
  • Liberty Park and Ride (next to the Sloppy Duck)
  • A shuttle will also run within the event from the Intermodal Center to the Bayfront Convention Center.
  • Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

NEW for 2025: Passengers with Tall Ships Erie tickets can ride any EMTA fixed route bus for free when presenting the driver with their ticket on event days. This is to encourage people to park/ride from other areas in the EMTA service footprint to avoid congestion downtown. All fixed routes can be found at https://ride-the-e.com/routes-2/ or use the free myStop app.

 

Where to Eat

Although separate food vendors will not be on festival grounds, there are many restaurants along the waterfront and downtown. For a complete list of dining options, click here.

 

 

 

Where to Stay
If you are considering an overnight stay, book early as festival weekends tend to fill up fast. For a complete list of lodging options, click here.

While You’re in Town

Extend your stay and explore more of the Erie region.
For a complete list of things to do, click here or request a free Erie Visitor Guide.

 A full event schedule can be found at TallShipsErie.org.

The Top Places for Outdoor Dining in Erie, PA

Outdoor dining in Erie is more than just a meal; it’s about embracing all the sunny moments. From unwinding on the waterfront to discovering a cozy neighborhood patio, you’ll find that good food tastes even better with a little fresh air.

For more outside options, go to VisitErie’s dining page and look for the patio umbrella icon.

On the Water

The Cove Bayside Restaurant and Tavern: After a full-scale renovation, The Cove opened for the summer season with a fresh nautical look, a revamped menu, and the same unbeatable bayfront views. The 40-foot tiki hut adds a breezy, island-style touch, a perfect setting for sipping a tropical cocktail or digging into a plate of lobster nachos.

Edinboro Lake Resort Sunset Grill: Right on the edge of Edinboro Lake, the Sunset Grill offers casual waterfront dining in the picturesque town of Edinboro. With salads, sandwiches, burgers, and craft beer on the menu, plus live music Thursday through Sunday, it’s a low-key spot to kick back and take in the view.

JR’s on the Bay/Sloppy Duck Saloon: There’s nothing quite like summer at The Duck. A local favorite, this laid-back Erie Bayfront hangout comes to life with colorful bungalows, tiered decks, a roomy patio, and a sprawling tented space for dancing, sipping, dining, and soaking in the views.

Oliver’s Beer Garden: With up-close views of Presque Isle Bay and the Bicentennial Tower, Oliver’s is the place to unwind with cold beer, adult slushies, and casual food truck fare. Live weekend music adds an energetic vibe, making it a spot you’ll find hard to leave.

Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Perched atop the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel parking garage, this seasonal spot offers sweeping views of Presque Isle Bay from two spacious rooftop patios. Cozy up by a fire pit, sip under an umbrella, play cornhole, or settle into a lounge chair to enjoy a great meal and conversation.

Rum Runners: One of Erie’s go-to summer hangouts, Rum Runners is accessible via land or lake, with direct boat access to its sizeable patio. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help you secure a prime spot for incredible sunset views and live music.

Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill:  Erie’s only floating restaurant brings together casual eats, drinks, and live music, all in a breezy, Florida Keys-style setting. It’s a relaxed spot where delicious smash burgers and playful cocktails such as the Wobbly Worm are best enjoyed with a breeze and a view.

Around Town

Sara’s: Just outside the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, Sara’s welcomes visitors with its bright red picnic tables and playful 50s-style décor. It’s the kind of spot where a Smith’s foot-long hot dog or an orange-vanilla twist feels just right, especially on a warm Erie summer day.

Cloud 9 Wine Bar and Restaurant: Tucked in the middle of Downtown Erie, Cloud 9 pairs elegant small plates and a well-curated wine list with front-row views of city life. The sidewalk patio is also pet-friendly, making it a central spot to do a little people-watching with your furry friend as the city buzzes around you.

Give A Crepe LaCrepErie: The recent addition of a private outdoor patio complete with twinkle lights and greenery, elevates this neighborhood gem. With gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, anyone can enjoy their delicious sweet and savory crepes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Cork 1794: The stylish outdoor patio at The Cork welcomes guests in for a leisurely lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch while relishing in a creative menu sourced from local ingredients. Its outdoor space is thoughtfully designed with a decorative pergola, large-screen TV, and heaters that extend patio season through early fall.

Luckie Louie’s Beer and Wieners: For hot dogs with personality and a huge cooler of craft beer to match, Lucky Louie’s keeps things fun and flavorful. With names like Nacho Average Wiener and Asian Invasion, plus picnic tables to kick back with your beer and dog, it’s an easy-going spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

VisitErie Unveils New Brand, Celebrating the Good Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Media Contact: Chris Temple, Director of Communications
(O) 814-454-1000 ext. 136 (C) 814-504-5486

VisitErie Unveils New Brand, Celebrating the Good Life

Rebranding initiative aims to enhance visitor attraction and support the region’s third-largest industry

Erie, Pa: VisitErie, Erie County’s official destination marketing organization, has launched a new brand that celebrates the region’s nautical heritage, natural beauty, authentic charm, and modern attractions—elements that research shows are highly appealing to today’s travelers.

Erie offers a wide range of experiences, making it an attractive year-round destination for those who savor life’s simple pleasures. This strategic rebranding follows a record-breaking year for tourism, which ranks as the county’s third-largest industry. In 2024, tourism generated over $1.2 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 15,000 jobs.

VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver unveiled the new brand, with the tagline: “VisitErie: Good Life. Great Lake.” to enthusiastic community stakeholders and business leaders this morning at the Bayfront Convention Center, which overlooks Presque Isle Bay—a fitting backdrop for this celebratory occasion.

VisitErie has not experienced a major change in identity in more than 15 years and has never had a research-based brand. “It was time for VisitErie to embrace a fresh, forward-thinking vision; one that reflects Erie as a four-season destination and better positions our region as a desirable destination among its target markets,” Oliver said. “The new brand has a stronger, more competitive identity, and we believe, successfully reflects Erie today. Ultimately, this will prepare our region for the next decade, aligning us with what our target visitors want with the assets our region offers, and showing them why Erie is a place they will want to visit again and again.”

The rebrand is the result of an intensive, strategic, 18-month research-based process spanning five phases. More than a new logo or tagline, Oliver continues, “A brand is how we want people to see us. It’s the impression we create. It’s essential in capturing attention and inspiring people to take action; in our case, choosing to visit our beautiful destination here in Erie.”

Research showed that the desires, motivations, and behaviors of visitors to Erie have evolved. Today’s visitors seek authentic, in-the-moment experiences that blend relaxation, outdoor activities, local culture, and food experiences, regardless of the season.

VisitErie’s new identity features a nautical-inspired logo, a warm and inviting color palette of lake blues and nature hues, seasonal imagery, and elements that immerse visitors in the essence of “the good life.” A sizzle reel highlights the brand pillars, which are rooted in the values that define “the good life”: a vibrant blend of community, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

The new brand will be integrated into VisitErie’s new summer campaign in a phased rollout across multiple markets, including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, Johnstown/Altoona, Cleveland/Akron, Buffalo, Wheeling/Steubenville, W. Va., and Youngstown, Ohio.

VisitErie partnered with Red House Communications, its agency of record, to develop its comprehensive branding system, which includes new positioning, visual identity elements, and digital and advertising materials. This award-winning Pittsburgh-based agency is recognized for its expertise in tourism and economic development. Red House previously served as the branding firm for the Pennsylvania Tourism Office for more than a decade and has been VisitErie’s agency since 2023.

Gus Pine, board chair of VisitErie and executive director of Erie Events, stated, “Rebranding VisitErie to promote Erie as a true four-season destination is a crucial step for driving tourism and maximizing the economic benefits for our community. Engaging with Red House on this initiative has resulted in a branding strategy that I believe will engage new audiences and tell our brand story better than ever before.”

“Our new brand embodies authentic, unpolished moments that evoke a sense of carefree and stress-free living,” Oliver said. “It reflects what we hear time and again: being in Erie means living the good life. With Lake Erie, easy access to modern attractions and amenities, and a relaxed pace, Erie is a beautiful place to create lasting memories. Residents treasure these experiences and take pride in calling Erie their home.”

For more information, explore VisitErie.com/goodlife.

 

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Erie PA 2025 – Five New Things to Try

Debuting in Summer 2025!

Erie, Pennsylvania is set to impress in 2025 with exciting new experiences. Here’s a look at five must-try additions to the region’s ever-growing lineup of things to see and do!

  1. Waldameer Park and Water World will welcome a new family thrill ride, the Time Twister, in May. This $2.5 million, 35-foot attraction promises an exhilarating experience, sending riders spinning, floating, and twisting in all directions. “It’s a twisty and spinny experience with a great color scheme and awesome nighttime lighting,” said Brian Gorman, Waldameer’s vice president of operations. “It’s a lot of fun to watch, even if you’re not a thrill-seeker.” Watch a sneak peek of the ride here. The excitement continues with Water World improvements, including an expanded entrance, a new swim shop retail building, and upgrades to the Potato Patch and Sundeck Café.
  2. Get ready for an adventure millions of years in the making! The expERIEnce Children’s Museum has unveiled its latest exhibit, Dino Discoveries, in the museum’s traveling exhibit space on the basement level. Visitors can unearth fossils, explore interactive displays, and even roar alongside a life-sized triceratops. Highlights include dig pits, a reading nook, and a build-your-own dinosaur skeleton. Dino Discoveries is currently on display through April 2025, with new exhibits rotating every six months in the museum’s traveling space.
  3. The Hagen History Center is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with three new exhibits and a major addition. On the third floor of the Watson-Curtze Mansion, 100 Years of the Erie Zoo highlights the zoo’s history through animal displays, timelines, vintage photographs, and artifacts. On the second floor, Made You Look delves into the captivating world of advertising, showcasing iconic signs and the art of branding from familiar and forgotten names. Also on the second floor, Triggering History: Legacy of Erie Firearms features weaponry made, used, or discovered in Erie. In the summer of 2025, the Frank Lloyd Wright Welcome Center will open in the Exhibit Building adjacent to the Carriage House. This new addition will enhance the experience for architecture enthusiasts visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright San Francisco Office exhibit.
  4. A new restaurant is set to open just south of Erie, bringing moonshine and waffles together in a fresh dining concept. The collaboration between Before The Barrel Distillery and A Waffle Miracle food truck will transform the former Dan’s Boardwalk Restaurant on Route 8, just south of Interstate 90, into an exciting new culinary destination. Before The Barrel owner Bernie Blore shared, “We’re hoping to be open very soon. Our goal is to create food and beverages that are distinct and handcrafted, incorporating Before The Barrel spirits into the food while also keeping waffles as a core menu component. This is an exciting opportunity, blending our specialties into something even more special.” Expected to open in January, the yet-to-be-named restaurant will also feature creative takes on bar food favorites like wings and pizza.
  5. The Erie Zoo is marking a major milestone, celebrating 100 years of wildlife, conservation, and family fun. What began as a small animal collection has blossomed into an institution offering visitors of all ages the chance to connect with over 400 animals from around the world. In 2025 the zoo is in the midst of planning exciting events, programs, and opportunities to get involved, celebrating its rich history while looking forward to another century of impact. Zoo visitors are also invited to share their favorite Erie Zoo stories, photos, and special moments here.