The Best Places for Outdoor Winter Fun in Erie, PA February 16, 2022 by Visit Erie It’s safe to say this season our area has received a healthy amount of the fluffy white stuff and for a lot of people that means SNOW MUCH FUN is waiting to be had! So layer up, grab your friends and family and head outdoors for some wintry adventures! Asbury Woods With over 216 acres, 5 miles of trails, cross country skiing and snowshoeing is a great way to embrace Erie’s chilliest season. Fun for all ages and skill levels. Check out clinics, rentals, nature explorations, bird watching, community and school programs and the popular Maple Festival populate the winter months. Mount Pleasant of Edinboro Featuring downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snow programs, lessons and a tuning shop, Mount Pleasant offers so much for winter lovers in the heart of Erie County’s Snow Belt. 6 manmade trails and 4 natural trails with most trails lit up at night to allow for safe night skiing and snowboarding. The 600’ tubing hill has 8 lanes for the ultimate outdoor winter fun – bring your own tube or use theirs! Ice Fishing Presque Isle Bay was recently named as one of the Top Winter Fishing Destinations in the Country by FishingBooker. When the ice is at least 6” thick, Presque Isle Bay is the most popular ice fishing spot along with Horseshoe Pond and Misery Bay at Presque Isle State Park. Most ice fishing is for pan fish, especially perch or the occasional steelhead. Fish USA is a great resource for ice fishing tips. Presque Isle State Park Open year-round the Park’s multi-purpose trail is cleared of snow from the main entrance to the Public Safety building. Call ahead to check which areas are open for walkers, cross country skiers and snowshoeing. Ice dunes along the shorelines are popular with visitors, however, due to hollow, hazardous conditions, please enjoy them from a distance. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF) Frontier Park features paved, natural and gravel paths for walking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. While there, discover the Benjamin Winter Garden, only the third of its kind in the United States. The garden showcases plants that are at their best when most other plants are asleep. Peek n Peak Get ready for a totally tubular experience on one of the Peek’s 14 tubing lanes. Ride the “Magic Carpet” lift, try Lunar Lights Tubing or test yourself at the Peak’s progressive Terrain Parks (180, 360 and 540 degrees) that are designed to challenge skiers and riders. Erie Bluffs State Park Erie Bluffs is the largest undeveloped stretch of land overlooking Lake Erie and is a great place for a natural winter nature hike. The Park features a variety of environmental education and recreational programs year-round including guided walks, hands on activities and evening programs.
Top 5 Tours to Try in Erie County October 15, 2021 by Visit Erie Hop in your car or explore on foot, Erie has plenty of self-guided driving and walking tours to keep you busy for days. Self-guided tours gives you the flexibility to do a tour on your own time, stopping and starting at your leisure. We also offer guided tours that show you the ins and outs of subjects such as whiskey making, pottery and horse-back riding. Immerse yourself in any tour and get to know Erie County in an organized, non-traditional, educational and FUN way! Whether you’re by yourself or a small group of family and friends, stay overnight, choose one or more tours and make it a weekend or week-long adventure! VisitErie tours are available on the FREE ‘Hello Erie’ mobile app or you can check out our experiential tours on VisitErie.com’s DIY Tours page. African American Heritage Trail Tour – VisitErie has partnered with the creators of A Shared Heritage Tour and Erie Arts & Culture to create a self-guided, narrated tour that celebrates Erie County Black History. The African American History Tour features numerous historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay tribute to the City of Erie’s African American heritage including the church where internationally celebrated soloist and composer Harry T. Burleigh sang in the choir. Another stop, New Jerusalem, is one of Erie’s oldest neighborhoods. Here African American families provided much-needed refuge for men and women fleeing enslavement through the Underground Railroad. Click here to learn more. Murals of Erie County – If you’ve been to Erie and the surrounding area, you had to have noticed a multitude of colorful murals decorating the exterior walls of local buildings. There are OVER 80 murals scattered across the City of Erie and throughout the surrounding towns of Girard, Edinboro, Union City and North East. They range from abstract works to specific figures, historical moments, landscapes and pure whimsy. Be inspired by the creativity of our local muralists and residents. We challenge you to try to find them all in the pursuit of Great Art! Some of our favorites include: Flotsam (Bicentennial Tower), Her Voice, Her Vote (downtown Erie), The Pontiacs (Bayview Park) and Rudy (Methodist Towers). NOTE: Most of the murals are located outside, however, there are a few located inside. The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore we recommend viewing them during daylight hours. Click here to download the full list of Erie County Murals. Click here to download the Erie County Mural Google Map. Erie’s Lighthouses – The Erie area boasts not one, not two but three lighthouses! For the first time in its historic history, the Erie Land Lighthouse will open to the public this summer (May 22, 2021). The lighthouse, located at the foot of Lighthouse Street on the east side of Erie, has previously only been available to tour during special events. Public tours will run every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on every first Tuesday of each month will offer tours free of cost. Visitors will be able to climb the tower, get panoramic views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the North Pier Lighthouse, and learn about the history and function of the lighthouse. The Presque Isle Lighthouse, located on Presque Isle State Park, will open for the 2021 season on May 27th. That lighthouse will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Erie Harbor North Pier Light, also known as the Presque Isle North Pier Light, isn’t an actual lighthouse, rather, it is a beacon has a design that is unique among surviving U.S. lighthouses with its black band and a fixed red light. In 1995, the fourth-order Fresnel lenswas removed, and a modern flashing red light was installed in its place. To view the North Pier Light, simply walk out along the north pier at Presque Isle (just past the entrance to the Coast Guard Station). More information on lighthouse tours and programs can be found here. Whiskey Barrel Tour (Guided) – Our friends at Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing invite you to join them at the first combination winery, distillery and brewery in nearby Westfield NY, surrounded by 80 acres of farmland, for a tour of the facility where a member of their distilling team will lead you through an exclusive tasting of whiskey being aged in their selection of barrels…samples not available in the tasting room. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how whiskey is produced and a peek into the magical world of whiskey aging and wood. A member of their distillery staff will guide you through a selection of samples that illustrates how the nuances of barrel aging influence the finished product in the bottle. You will then be invited to enjoy a featured cocktail (included with ticket). Watch a video about it here. Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk – Erie Arts & Culture assisted the Erie Downtown Development Corporation to plan and implement the first-ever Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, a year-round outdoor exhibition of art. This privately funded initiative was curated by a panel of local leaders, art enthusiasts, and Downtown stakeholders. The Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features 15 sculptures in Downtown Erie and the Bayfront, representing the work of 13 different artists from throughout the United States. The inaugural set of sculptures are on display through August 2023. As you participate in the Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, Erie Arts & Culture encourages you to think critically about public art. They’ve created a handy guide to assist you in the process. The questions they encourage you to reflect on are intended to assist you in moving beyond immediate responses such as “I like/don’t like it” and “I don’t get it.” For a list and map of current sculptures, click here. Other Available Tours: Courtyard Winery Meet the Winemaker Private Tour Erie Food Tours Outdoor Adventures and Trails Gems of the City Walking Tour (available on the ‘Hello Erie’ app) Get Your Grape On In Lake Erie Wine Country (available on the ‘Hello Erie’ app) West Bayfront Walking Tour (available on the ‘Hello Erie’ app) Cruise on Lake Erie Waters(available on the ‘Hello Erie’ app)
Pennsylvania Historical Markers in Erie County October 15, 2021 by Visit Erie Did you know Erie County is home to over 56 historical markers? Each marker is dedicated to either a person, place or event that has had a historical significance to our community on a state, regional and even national level. Travel throughout the City of Erie and surrounding towns of Union City, Corry, Edinboro, Girard, Waterford and others to discover such markers honoring the Erie Extension Canal, Fort LeBoeuf, Harry Kellar, Perry’s Shipyards and Miracles on Maple Hill. Also included in the list are missing markers and their significance along with GPS coordinates for every stop on this list. All historical marker information was compiled by Bethany DeMuth from the Erie Times News. Click here to access the tour information.
Dive In and Beat the Heat in Erie PA! July 15, 2021 by Visit Erie Most of us pick summer as our favorite season. Loads of events and festivals, outdoor excursions, reunions, parties and celebrations, plenty of sun and plenty of FUN! But sometimes Mother Nature turns up the heat and humidity that make you feel as though you’re walking on the surface of the sun with a wet blanket wrapped around your body. Luckily Erie County has plenty of options for you to cool off during the dog days of summer. Here’s some of our favorite ways to beat the heat! #ExperienceAwesome Presque Isle State Park – Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021 and named one of the “15 Best Affordable Beach Destinations in America” by Reader’s Digest, Presque Isle State Park is a water lover’s playground! Seven miles of sandy beaches and the clear waters of Lake Erie provide visitors with the only surf swimming within Pennsylvania. The best part about Presque Isle is, with seven miles of beaches, there is plenty of room to spread out. Splash around in the water, or dip your toes in between sunbathing stints, it’s refreshing either way. For you adventurous types, there’s water skiing, jet skiing, surfing and paddle boarding. Generally the water temperature averages between 65-75 degrees during the summer months. Presque Isle beaches are open daily unless otherwise posted. The regular hours for guarded beaches are 12:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. Edinboro Lake – Located approximately 15 minutes south of Erie in the college town of Edinboro, sits a peaceful 245-acre lake that’s a perfect, quiet getaway. Edinboro Lake includes a guarded swimming/beach area (Pat Crawford Beach), two free public boat launches with public parking and a fishing pier designed for disabled persons. The lake is unlimited horsepower rated, allowing for water skiing and the use of personal watercraft. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with the local species including large and smallmouth bass, muskie, pan fish, and walleye. A section of trout stream water below the Edinboro dam is designated fishing for 12 year olds and under, as well as disabled individuals. Waldameer Park & Water World – Waldameer Amusement Park & Water World is a family-owned and family-friendly park, celebrating 125 years of thrills, rides, slides and all around fun! When it comes to satisfying your thirst for wet and wild fun…Water World at Waldameer has just the ticket for you! Here’s just a small sample of some of the ways you can expect to get wet: Battle of Lake Erie – This family water complex pays homage to the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812 featuring 103 water attractions including seven slides and a 400-gallon tipping bucket! Giant Wave Pool – Holding almost 500,000 gallons and accommodating up to 1,000 people, this wave pool is the largest in the tri-state area. 4’ high waves and zero-depth entry, it is guaranteed to cool you off on hot summer days. Kidz Zone – Perfect for the kiddos, this area has 8 colorful slides and a Spray Zone where 30 interactive water jets and fountains are ready to get you soaked. Rally Racer – Race your friends on this unique set of six slides where each slide loops into rally sections before ending in a photo finish. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park & Resort – The always fun, always 84 degrees Polynesian-themed Water Park was once again recognized as one of America’s top indoor water parks by USA Today Readers’ Choice! Splash Lagoon is the perfect place to escape to when it’s not only hot and humid but rainy as well. The park is so large (over 80,000 square feet!) it feels as though you really have traveled to a tropical island flooded with watery adventures. Splash Lagoon features seven water slides, multiple pools, three hot tubs, a 12-level interactive Tiki Tree House with tipping bucket, the Aqua Tumbler and a 200,000-gallon Wild Waters Wave Pool, the largest indoor wave pool in the eastern United States. Their newest attraction is The FlowRider indoor surf machine – Hang Ten Dudes! Watercraft Rentals Port Erie Sports Jet Ski Rentals –Located on the shores of Presque Isle Bay along the Bayfront Parkway, Port Erie Sports offers an awesome selection of water rentals: boats, jet skis, pontoons, kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals are by the hour with boats that can accommodate parties up to 13 people. Port Erie Sports is the perfect option for those who don’t own their own watercraft and are looking to set sail on the open waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Open 9 AM to sundown daily (weather permitting). To view their frequently asked questions, click here. Hidden Harbor Water Rentals – Located just off of State Street on East Dobbins Landing, Hidden Harbor Water Rentals isn’t really a secret anymore! Cruise the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie in style when you rent one of their 22’ or 24’ pontoon boats; great for small or large parties and if that’s not enough, you can also rent a towable water tube! Open seven days a week 9 AM to 6 PM from June 14 – September 6, 2021 (weather permitting). Click here for reservation policies. YMCA Camp Sherwin Spray and Play Park – Tucked among the trees and the shores of Lake Erie just a few miles west of Erie in the town of Girard is YMCA Camp Sherwin, a public outdoor recreation and camping center. Not your typical camp, Camp Sherwin boasts a fun-filled 900 square foot Spray and Play park starring a whimsical custom-built 4 piece Snake! Families can also splash around on a Square Hoop, Mister Bar Hoop, Three Bucket Dump, Extra Large Umbrella, Fire Hydrant, Spray Bumps and a Mist Stick. Plus the camp adds a new feature to their water park every year with new water play above ground features, giving generations of families a safe place to gather! In addition to the splash pad, Camp Sherwin has a heated life-guarded pool with aqua climb rock wall, canoes and paddle boat rentals and a stocked catch-and-release fishing pond. Cool Pools – Whether you are from out-of-town or just a few minutes away, why not pack up the kids, grab your friends and family and book an overnight stay at a local hotel? Many of them have indoor or outdoor pools! Click here for a list of lodging options. Here are two that are definitely worth taking a dip in: Courtyard Bayfront Hotel – If you haven’t seen the Courtyard’s infinity pool or been lucky enough to actually go in it, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Located on the 2nd floor of the hotel (and by the way they also have an indoor pool too!) the infinity pool has expansive views of Presque Isle Bay and you may even catch a glimpse or two of the Scallywags Pirate Adventures, Lettie G. Howard schooner or the grand Victorian Princess cruising by. You’ll be hard-pressed to get out of this pool on a warm summer’s day. Holiday Inn Express & Suites North East Splash Pad – Only a few minutes away in the town of North East off of I-90, this hotel has an incredible indoor pool! Complete with water slides, children’s pool, whirlpool and splash features, we dare you to try and tear your kids (young and old) away. Don’t forget if you can’t make it to the beaches at Presque Isle State Park you can always head to smaller beaches still located on Lake Erie including Shades Beach in Harborcreek PA and Freeport Beach in North East PA.
Getting to Know Erie’s Breweries & Distilleries April 21, 2021 by Visit Erie For the next month or so, the weather will remain downright chilly and summer warmth seems light years away. Even though it’s cold out, many of us can’t help ourselves and need to get out of the house, keep active and more importantly, stay warm. Here’s an idea. Why not warm yourself up with a pint of locally brewed beer or a shot of homemade spirits? Erie is home to several distilleries and microbreweries just waiting to introduce you to their newest creations. We decided to reach out to our local brewers and distillers, see what they’ve been up to and ask them three simple questions: What is your best seller? What makes your establishment special? Fun extras we should know about? Their responses are below and from what they’ve told us, we can’t wait to sample them all! With a designated driver, of course. For details on hours of operation, curbside, delivery, pick-up options, please visit the distillery/brewery of your choice. Links are posted in each listing. All of the below mentioned VisitErie partner businesses are following strict COVID-19 safety and cleaning protocols. Remember, as always, to practice social distancing and wear your mask to keep you and others safe. CHEERS! Let the Spirits Move You! “Liquor may not solve your problems, but it’s worth a shot!” A distillery traditionally makes hard alcohol such as whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, etc. The process of making distilled spirits starts off much of the same as making beer. You start by combining some basic ingredients such as grains, yeast & water. … With the help of the yeast and enzymes the sugar is converted into alcohol. Our three local distilleries have definitely mastered this technique. Erie Distillery – From David Harkness, Owner: We started out with three products: vodka, limoncello, and apple pie moonshine, Now we have a total of 11 including coffee liqueur, gin, hot pepper moonshine (WHAT?!), spiced rum, white rum, 14 year aged whiskey at 90 proof and our signature whiskey at 102 proof coconut rum. We use Distillery grade charcoal to filter our spirits after distillation. This process eliminates any remaining impurities, so as we say ‘it’s where the hangover is a thing of the past’. Our bottles have the Niagara on it as well as our logo because we are all about Erie. As the master Distiller says, quality is our top goal or we don’t put the Erie name on it. Erie Distillery Vodka took a gold medal in NYC in December 2020, and our diamond gin is currently in a competition there as well. Next project is tequila! Bottle sales are keeping us going as our customers enjoy our top shelf spirits at lowest possible cost…satisfied customers are our only job security. Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider – From Joel Normand, Co-Owner: Luminary is a micro-distillery featuring tasting room and specialty cocktail bar. Their locally produced spirits include vodka, whiskey, gin, and liqueurs. Bottle sales and merchandise available. What is your best-selling spirit? Apple Pie Moonshine, made with our freshly pressed in-house apple cider. What makes your establishment special? All products made in-house, wide variety of over 13 unique spirits, unique atmosphere. Fun Extras we should know about? New products regularly coming up on the shelf. There’s a new member of the Luminary lineup, Lighthouse Reserve Brandy! We aged wine from our friends at Arundel Cellars for 32 months in new charred oak barrels. Stop in and grab your bottles, as we have a limited amount of 750 ml at 46% ABV. Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing – From Vanessa Mazza, Creative Director: What is your best-selling spirit and/or brew? Our best-selling spirit is our Rye Whiskey (Five & 20 Rye Whiskey has been named a “Best Buy” by Wine Enthusiast), and our best selling beer is our Stout (though our Grape Lakes seems to be collecting quite the following). What makes your establishment special? We are New York State (and this area’s) first combination winery, distillery, and brewery. Guests can come taste and enjoy our line of wines, beers, and spirits all at one location. We are also a farm distillery and farm brewery, which comes along with its own set of guidelines as to where we source our ingredients for our spirits and beers. We also happen to be situated on 80 acres of farmland, some of which is used to grow ingredients used in our own spirits and beers. Also onsite is the TimberFish commercial pilot system, where the byproducts from our brewery/distillery are sustainably treated and recycled to create a food chain to grow fish and other seafood. Fun extras we should know about? Five & 20 Spirits has begun releasing new products in our “Whiskey Expressions” series beginning at the end of 2019 and continuing through this year and beyond. Currently available is our Five & 20 Rye Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks, and scheduled to be released in the next year are a “Déjà Vu Rye Whiskey” and “Déjà Vu Bourbon,” aged in beer casks shared by some of our barrel aged beers. Check out our ever-evolving “Shape Shifter IPA” series – with a new IPA released seasonally. Our Shape Shifter Ruby Moon is set to be released February 18th! Pint Nights, Spirit Nights, and our Sunday Sesh series are all scheduled to start back up (following all safety guidelines) in Spring, but in the meantime guests can enjoy beer and spirit specials every Friday evening at our “Customer Appreciation Nights.” We’re open 7 days a week and currently have extended hours on Fridays & Saturdays. What’s Brew with You? A craft brewery or microbrewery is a brewery that produces small amounts of beer, typically less than large breweries, and is often independently owned. Such breweries are generally perceived and marketed as having an emphasis on enthusiasm, new flavors, and varied brewing techniques. Our area is “lager than life” with many microbreweries scattered throughout Erie County; each offering their own distinct take on beer, plus they give them really funky fun names! So let’s “HOP” to it and check them out! The Lake Erie Ale Trail: We can’t talk about local brewers without mentioning the highly successful effort of the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Nestled near the shores of Lake Erie, the Lake Erie Ale Trail boasts 15 breweries, each with their own unique story. The history of breweries in the greater Erie region is deep and rich. The first local brewery opened its doors over 200 years ago—36 years before the city of Erie was even incorporated. Over 90 breweries would open from that time up until 1920 when Prohibition came into effect. Visit the Lake Erie Ale Trail’s website to read more about Erie’s history of beer. NOTE: Member breweries are open for carry-out and dine-in operations. Some offer delivery and contactless pick-up too. Each member brewery operates under different hours so we suggest checking ahead of time. Arundel Cellars & Brewing – From Lauri Boettcher, Co-Owner: What is your best selling brew? Our best-selling brew is Small Craft Advisory, a delicious beer a little on the lighter side but still with a wonderful flavor profile. What makes your establishment special? We are a brewery, a cidery, a winery and we serve meals. Arundel is a renovated barn that was originally built in the late 1800’s, complete with exposed hand hewn wooden beams and a stone wall which is also original. We have a fireplace that warms the body and a friendly staff, house crafted beverages and inviting atmosphere that warms the soul. Black Monk Brewery – From Tom Morris, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? The Belginator is our number one seller. What makes your establishment special? We have a large selection of our Belgian style of beers and other European and American beers on tap. We offer slushies and local spirits and wine for the non-beer drinkers. Fun extras we should know about? Check out our large outdoor European beer garden. We are the only brewery to allow dogs inside. We always have new beers on tap and various specials. Just follow us on Facebook! The Brewerie at Union Station – From Chris Sirianni, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? Depends on the time of year… Seasonals are always the most popular but always rotating. We have 6 staple beers (Uncle Jackson Blonde, Apparition Amber, Raiway Weizen, Hopness Monster, Major McNair’s Brown Ale and Silk Bomb Milk Stout) available year-round with an additional 8 on tap that constantly rotate. Those are the movers! What makes your establishment special? We are located in a Historic Landmark which happens to be a hundred year old Haunted Train Station. Fun extras we should know about? The Brewerie is of the few breweries in the entire tri-state with a full service restaurant & bar offering in house dining as well as full take out. Daily family-sized carryout features as well throughout the pandemic. Watch out! Beginning in March these additional tasty beers will be available: Girl Stout Cookie” Chocolate Mint Stout, Mocha Cream Porter and Mandarin Grapefruit IPA. Erie Ale Works – From Jeff McCullor, Co-Owner: Steve Anthony and Jeff McCullor own and operate this microbrewery steps away from the heart of downtown Erie crafting unique beer suitable for any palate. Food trucks and jokes are common. Stop in for a pint, flight, crowler or growler. What is your best-selling brew? Our top seller is Tattooed Lady – a 4.6% blonde ale. We affectionately refer to it as “beer-flavored beer”. It’s clean and dry, something you can retreat to when you’re tired of hoppy and hazy, or super malty beers. We package this in 16oz. cans and have it available on draft. What makes your establishment special? A few things set us apart. Our space is pretty unique, we opted for a very clean and industrial-type space when we remodeled the brewery. We replaced the front facade with windows and a glass overhead door to allow in as much natural light as possible. The other thing is our staff, we feel we’ve hired some of the best people in town to work with us. They’re really knowledgeable about the product they’re pouring, and enjoy having a laugh with every customer we see. Fun Extras we should know? Erie Ale Works delivers! We now ship beer across PA by the 12-pack or case, as well as local delivery within 10 miles of our shop. Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing – See information under Spirits John Russel Brewing Company – The owners of U Pick 6 Pubs & Restaurants have decided to start brewing! With their love of craft beer, the art of brewing has now become a part of the U Pick 6 family! The new brewery is located at 7520 Peach Street and features a new wood-fired brick oven & the same menu as their other locations. U Pick 6 Beer Store has transformed into John Russell Brewing Company Brew House & Restaurant! Newly crafted beers on tap include Pursue Your Hoppiness NWPA IPA, Me & Julio Mexican Lager, Red Rory of the Hills Irish Red Ale, The Other Guy Session IPA, Blood Orange Sky Belgian Tripel, Wheat Elect German Weissbier, Chuck the Night Watchman Irish Style Stout and Wee Heavy 22 Aged Scotch Ale. For a complete description of these beers, click here. Lavery Brewing Company – From Jason Lavery, Owner: What is your best-selling brew? Dulachan IPA is by far our best seller. It remains about 35% of all the beer we brew. It was first brewed in 2012 and has remained ‘Erie’s IPA’ since then. What makes your establishment special? We have tied our brewery to downtown Erie. We make lots of lots of beer and sell only in Erie County. So we force people who want to try our beer to come to Erie to get it. We are like a post card in a bottle. Fun extras we should know about? We are getting a new canning line in March that will change how we package beer. We also bought the space the brewery has been renting thus ensuring we will be in downtown Erie for years to come. Nostrovia Brewing Company – Located on the East side of Erie on Route 5/The Seaway Trail-America’s Byway, Nostrovia Brewing Co takes pride in making beer you can drink when you’re thirsty. You’ll get beer brewed by hand, from hand-made tanks, poured by hand. With a casual and unique atmosphere, you’re invited to have your next pint and lively conversation with them! Word on the street is their smooth oatmeal stout is a crowd favorite. However if that’s not to your liking, Nostrovia offers a wide selection of other flavors including blueberry wheat, espresso coffee stout, murder hornet 2X IPA, apricot wheat, NEW Imperial Brown Maple Ale and NEW Here Gose Nothin’ (Sour). They even have a blackberry apple hard cider that’s definitely worth a swig! Twisted Elk Brewery – Our newest VisitErie partner, can be found in Lake City PA along historic Route 5 (Seaway Trail). You can enjoy their beers inside or outside, bottles, crowlers and growlers to go plus they released a specialty crafted food menu to pair nicely with their beers. From Brad Nuce, Owner: What is your best-selling beer? Our best sellers change when we bring in new trees but if we had to pick one, it would be the Apple Pie Ale. What makes your establishment special? We offer a wide variety beer but our specialty are fresh fruit beers, we use real fruit and source it locally as much as we can. Fun Extras we should know? We feature our Elk burger and we just released our first hazy IPA called the Ale-N-Vasion brewed with 8 different hop varieties. Voodoo Brewery – From Matteo Rachocki, CEO Voodoo Brewing Company, LLC: What is your best-selling brew? In our taprooms it is the BEST OF ERIE award winning Voodoo Love Child – a 9.3%ABV Fruited Belgian-style Triple aged on Michigan Sour Cherries, Oregon Raspberries and Passion fruit. Our best seller for distribution its Good Vibes – a 7.3%ABV west-coast style IPA hopped with Mosaic, Galaxy, Apollo and Mosaic hops. What makes your establishment special? Voodoo Brewing has been around for over 16 years and is proudly employee-owned in Meadville, PA! Much more than a brewing company; however, we have a central kitchen that ships our amazing food to all 6 Voodoo owned taprooms and three franchised locations! We have one of the highest-trained and skilled brewing teams in the industry and are constantly innovating with some of the industry’s most cutting-edge and experimental products and ingredients leading to unprecedented quality. Fun extras we should know about? We are recognized as ‘Top 50 Brewery in the World’ by Draft Magazine (twice) as well as a Great American Beer Festival (GABF) award winner and have arguably one of the most highly sought-after beers ever created; ManBearPig! We are graciously invited to the world’s best peer-organized beer festivals all over the globe and ourselves host one of the leading festivals in the area; Good Vibes Beer Fest.
Be a Happy Camper! Great Camping Ideas in Erie PA April 19, 2021 by Visit Erie There’s nothing quite like getting away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escaping to The Great Outdoors to breathe in the fresh air, sleep under the stars and roast marshmallows over an open fire. What does camping mean to you? Is it pitching a tent and roughing it with only the bare essentials? Or are you more of an RV type of person, with all the luxuries of home packed into a smaller yet comfortable space? Or are you a glamper and prefer a more untraditional sort of camping or “glamping” where nature meets modern luxury? Fortunately for you outdoor lovers, the Erie area has plenty of camping options to suit your needs. Here are some of our favorite places to unpack and unwind. Camp Sherwin/YMCA – Located on the banks of Lake Erie, YMCA Camp Sherwin encompasses 70 acres of pavilions/halls, campsites, cabins, a swimming pool, Spray & Play Park, a catch and release fishing pond, playing fields and towering trees – all of which are open to the public. You do not need a YMCA membership to enjoy these facilities. It is the perfect place to spend summer days –and come fall, Camp Sherwin’s extended camping season is ideal for hunters, fishermen, families and groups. Daily admission fee applies. Count on YMCA Camp Sherwin to create a safe family atmosphere. YMCA Camp Sherwin has upgraded its safety features to include additional security cameras throughout the property along with upgraded Wi-Fi at Camp making streaming faster for its guests. Erie KOA Kampgrounds – Just 10 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, this beautiful “kid friendly” campground offers fun for the whole family. They can host you in an RV or tent, a cabin or even a Tipi’! While there, enjoy fishing or paddle boating in their catch and release pond, swim in the heated pool, ride pedal carts and banana bikes or play a game of checkers. Throughout the summer Erie KOA Kampgrounds offer movies nightly, Saturday ice cream socials and Sunday pancake breakfast. Don’t forget to check out their recreation room with air hockey, pool, ping-pong and arcade games. Folly’s End Campgrounds – Featuring “isolation in a scenic setting”, Folly’s End is a family campground situated alongside Elk Creek, Pennsylvania’s largest Lake Erie tributary within close proximity to Elk Creek Gorge where you can find an abundance of natural beauty including two waterfalls and a challenging 1.5 mile loop hiking trail. Conveniently located just off of Interstate 90, this campground offers tent to full hookups, pavilion, rec room, ball field, playground and a ½ – mile frontage on Elk Creek. Looking to go fishing while at Folly’s End? No worries! They have a full-line Fly and Tackle Shop with all the usual camping supplies including wood and ice. Harecreek Campgrounds – Located in Corry PA this private campground features large RV sites, with water, electric, sewer and cable. RV and semi primitive cabin rentals. Campsites are pet friendly but not in rental units. Amenities include in-ground pool, camp store, laundry, game room, playground, propane, and ice/wood sales. Perfect for the family with planned activities on weekends and barrel train rides for the kids or you can try your hands at their catch and release fishing pond. While you’re in Corry, take time to explore the Climax Engine housed at the Corry Area Historical Society & Museum at Mead Park. Lampe Marina Campground – Camp right on the water! Lampe Marina Campground offers 42 waterfront campsites. Campground features include: water and electric (30 & 50 amp), restroom facilities and dump station, 24-hour security, FREE public boat launch, picnic tables, fire ring sites available, laundry, shower facilities, bike path to Erie’s Bayfront District and Presque Isle State Park. Future plans include adding more site spaces (tentatively 2022 season). Check out their new Facebook page! Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabins – Ready to accommodate any size RV with towed vehicle included (65 feet or longer!). Most of their RV sites are “pull-throughs” with easy access, over 40 of which include 50-amp service. Every RV site also includes cable TV and Wi-Fi. For those campers without an RV, there are 30 diverse rental units available to accommodate any sized family (including pets!) or budget. Campsites and rentals are also pet-friendly. There is also an area reserved for those camping the old fashioned way, in tents. Coming Soon: The Park is rebuilding their Wi-Fi system from the ground up! With more people working or learning remotely, being online has become a utility/necessity, not just a bonus to visitors. Although the Park provides cable TV to every site, the new equipment will make it possible for streaming movies, playing games, etc. You can still get away from it all but keep in touch, if you desire! Sparrow Pond Campground – Just a short ride from Presque Isle State Park, Sparrow Pond Family Campground & Recreation Center is one of the area’s newest family camping destinations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. With pride, comfort and convenience in mind, their campground has been carefully constructed to meet the needs of your family’s enjoyment. Sparrow Pond is family owned and operated and is set on over 180 acres. Every site is spacious and equipped with 20/30/50-amp electric service. All units are welcome, from pop-ups to the biggest rigs out there! Non-campers will feel equally welcome, with a wide range of rental accommodations, from rustic cabins to premium log cabins. Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping – Discover the beauty and unique atmosphere of Lake Erie at Virginia’s Beach Campground. Lake front cabins & camping located on the shores of Lake Erie in North Springfield Pennsylvania. Featuring large pull throughs, 50-amp, full hookup, lakefront RV sites. Lake front cottages, cabins in the woods, and a 2 bedroom cottage are available for families. Other attributes include: wooded water and electric sites, secluded tent sites, private boat launch for boats up to 18 feet and some of the best walleye, perch, bass, and trout fishing in the area. Plus kayak rentals, catch and release fishing pond, playground, and open common areas, 1,100 feet of easy access lake frontage plus 46 acres of woods with walking/biking trails. LET’S GO GLAMPING! Edinboro Lakefront Resort & Sunset Grill – The only place to enjoy casual lakefront dining and beautiful One and Two Bedroom Cabin accommodations right on picturesque Edinboro Lake. The resort offers the very finest in quality family vacations complete with lodging, dining, boat rentals, fishing and close proximity to numerous community amenities in Erie County. New Updates! Cabins: Over the last few years they have added additional one and two bedroom cabins as well as many updated amenities and community/common area features including fire pits areas, natural gas grill areas, new docks and new playground, boardwalk and beach area. The Sunset Grill: full remodel including additional climate controlled inside seating with large glass garage doors and an observation tower both featuring beautiful lake views. Boat Rentals: Now offering free non-powered boats to all cabin guests plus discounts on pontoon boat rentals. Lakeview on the Lake – Perfect for someone looking for glamping at its finest! Relaxing and rejuvenating! Imagine a romantic getaway with spectacular sunsets, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. Lakeview on the Lake is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Erie in the heart of Wine Country and on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, an America’s Byway. When you rent a cabin style room, mini cottage, or suite rest easy knowing they are impeccably clean and well furnished. The serenity of their eight acre property keeps guests coming back year after year. New to Lakeview on the Lake: a new kid’s cabin-style playground plus a nearby gazebo so adults can supervise. All of these features are in the center of the property close to the outdoor heated pool. For the best in glamping, reserve the Beach Glass Bungalow where classic comfort meets modern style. Other Unique Camping/Cottage/Cabin Options: A Cottage Getaway Elkcreek Steelhead Cabin Kelso Beach Rentals My Cozy Cottage Rentals Swanson’s Cottages For a list of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Erie area, click here. All of the mentioned partner businesses are following CDC and state regulated safety protocols to make sure you have a safe and fun experience! Remember as always, to practice social distancing, wash your hands and Wear. A. Mask.