Murals of Erie County February 3, 2021 by Christine Temple “Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.” – Anni Albers If you’ve been to Erie and the surrounding area lately, you can’t help but notice a multitude of colorful murals decorating the walls of local buildings. Murals are defined by Wikipedia as “any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces. A distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture.” We are fortunate to have OVER 80 MURALS scattered across the City of Erie and 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. We invite you to get out and discover them for yourself or with family and friends. Be inspired by the creativity of our local muralists and residents. Make a day of it or make it an overnight adventure and stay for two or three days. We challenge you to try to find them all in the pursuit of Great Art! Scroll down to see a few of our favorite murals. Click here to download the full list of Erie County Murals. Click here to download the Erie County Mural Google Map. NOTE: Most of the murals are located outside, however, there are a few located inside (see the full list of murals for specifics). The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore we recommend viewing them during daylight hours. “Flotsam” by Artist SatOne – Location: Bicentennial Tower 2nd level observation platform. SatOne is an international street artist living in Germany. He has completed projects in Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, and Norway. Erie was the second city in the United States to have one of his murals on exhibit. “Flotsam” measures approximately 12,000 square feet, making it the largest piece of public art in Erie. The definition of flotsam is people or items that have been rejected or regarded as worthless. In traditional maritime culture, this mural refers to the wreckage of a ship and what debris may eventually wash ashore. But, as people, SatOne thinks all of us, at one point in our lives, experience a momentary sensation of feeling cast aside and unvalued. Within this image, the viewer may discover abstract objects that were carried to the shoreline by the momentum of the spuming waves. “Her Voice, Her Vote” by Edinboro University Faculty, Alumni and Local Educators – Location: H.A.N.D.S. Building 7 East 7th Street/Downtown Erie This mural was a public art project celebrating the centennial of the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote. The piece features women throughout the years, including the first woman to be elected mayor of Erie and the first woman to be elected as Erie county commissioner. “In The Jungle” by Artist Mark Weber and Local Residents – Location: St. Martin Early Learning Center 1727 State Street The mural, designed by artist and Erie native Mark Weber, was painted by over 100 area residents who attended the 25th Annual Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival at Frontier Park in August 2017. The mural was completed in Weber’s studio in North Carolina. “Erie Industry” by Artist Ehren Knapp – Location: 337 West 12th St., Erie PA 16501 The mural showcases business and industry on the 12th Street corridor. It was done in a Cubist style. Historic companies that are no longer in existence are showcased in the sky while thriving industries are in the foreground. “The Pontiacs” by Artists Tom Ferraro, Ed Grout, Ron Bayuzick – Location: Bayview Park on West 2nd Street between Walnut and Cherry Sts. Celebrating Erie’s baseball history with a focus on the Pontiacs, a team that included many great players who also played for the Negro League including Sam Jethroe. This mural is part of the “Looking Glass Art Project”, a program developed by Tom Ferraro and Ed Grout in 2012 that is based on collaborative, community public art projects. The goal of the “Looking Glass Art Project” is not only to make public art but to also help participants feel revitalized and empowered to create a legacy through public art. It also encourages ownership in the piece by a diverse group of participants. “Rudy” by Artist Evoca1 – Location: east side of Methodist Towers 160 West 8th Street Originally from the Dominican Republic, but now living in South Florida, Evoca1 is a self-taught artist. His work is figurative and flawlessly merges art and humanity into a single creation. As an artist, he observes human behaviors and social struggles and translates that into emotionally provocative murals and sculptures. Evoca1 has painted murals across the globe, including Abdu Dhabi, Australia, Austria, France, Guam, and Peru. For every mural he creates, Evoca1 focuses on a person local to the community where he is painting. For his 9-story Erie mural, Evoca1 selected Rudy Daniels, a resident of Methodist Towers. “The Butterfly Effect” by Artist Lacy Brant – Location: H&S Computers 31 E. Main St. in Girard PA The mural hopes to inspire and encourage acts of kindness and generosity. “Be the change you want to see in the world” is written on the wings. People are encouraged to come take pictures with the mural, which will make them look like they have wings. “The Steel Age” by Artist George Humes – Location: 5560 Route 6N in Edinboro PA “The Steel Age,” greets students and their families on the way to Edinboro University. The original mural centered around the Steelers’ 1970 Super Bowl Dynasty. It recently underwent a facelift and now features the famous Steeler Hines Ward and includes the new Super Bowl championships from 2006 & 2009. Future plans aim to highlight Erie native James Connor.
Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a Top Adventure Town Winner February 3, 2021 by Taylor Spellman Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a winner of the Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Adventure Towns contest! Thanks to the support of the many who cast their votes over the four rounds of the competition, Roanoke is the winner of the Large Adventure Town category, edging out Chattanooga, TN and Asheville, NC in the finals. The 2020 victory marks back-to-back Top Adventure Town titles for Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, which also won the Large Town category in the 2019 Top Adventure Towns contest. It’s the 5th Top Town title in the past 9 years of the competition for Roanoke! With over 1,000 miles of trails, Virginia’s Blue Ridge has established itself as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and adventure. Roanoke is the largest city on the iconic Appalachian Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the world, and the region is the only IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center on the East Coast, establishing Virginia’s Blue Ridge as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital. Many visitors from around the country plan vacations to Roanoke for experiences like hiking the Virginia Triple Crown or mountain biking at Carvins Cove. You’ll also find multiple access points for the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most visited units in the National Park System and “America’s Favorite Drive,” and thousands of acres to explore in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. In addition to the trails for hiking and biking, you can get on the water in Virginia’s Blue Ridge with paddling trips along the Roanoke River Blueway and Upper James River Water Trail, two amazing local blueways, or boating and fishing at Smith Mountain Lake and Philpott Lake in Franklin County. Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the perfect location to be a #Trailsetter and find all kinds of unique adventures. We’re thrilled to be named a Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine and so appreciative of everyone who cast a vote in support of Roanoke! We’d also like to congratulate our fellow Virginia destinations that won their respective categories – Floyd, VA (Tiny Town), Bedford, VA (Small Town), and Charlottesville, VA (Medium Town). Check out our Top Adventure Towns Itinerary for an epic road trip featuring all the winning destinations. View Itinerary. We invite you to plan your next metro mountain adventure in Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge! Plan a Visit today.
8 “Not To Miss” Hikes In Prince William, VA October 27, 2020 by Nicole Warner Whether you’re new to hiking or an avid trailblazer, Prince William, VA has a wide variety of scenic hikes to enjoy. Hike through hallowed grounds, challenge your stamina, or enjoy a family-friendly excursion – here are 8 hikes that you won’t want to miss. 1. Deep Cut Loop Trail Head over to Manassas National Battlefield Park for a 1.2-mile historic hike along Deep Cut Loop Trail. This awesome trail follows the line of the unfinished Manassas gap railroad that was occupied by Stonewall Jackson’s troops during the Battle of Second Manassas in August 1862. The trail is well marked with historical markers showing the points of view of the participants of both sides during the battle. The trail has a couple of moderate hills however it is still a relatively easy hike. View the Manassas National Battlefield Park Trail Map. 2. Conway Robinson State Forest Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, Conway Robinson State Forest is easily accessible, with plenty of beautiful forest scenery to enthrall you during your hike. With a variety of trails to enjoy, your hike can last anywhere between 1 to 3 miles, depending on which trail you choose. For the most part, the trails are easy to hike and fairly flat – an ideal hike to do with your family. View the Conway Robinson State Forest Trail Map. 3. Locust Shade Park Located just minutes from I-95, next to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, you will find Locust Shade Park. Open year-round, this 400-acre park has some lovely, picturesque trails waiting to be explored. There are 3.2 miles of scenic nature trails and a 15-station fitness trail – for those looking to work-out or to improve their stamina. The fitness trail goes through some hilly and wooded terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. View Locust Shade Park Trail Map 4. Matthews Hill Another trail set at historical Manassas National Battlefield Park is the Matthews Hill one-mile loop. Begin your hike at the Matthews Hill parking lot where the trail leads upwards. At the top of the hill, you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the historic Stone House on Henry Hill in the distance. The trail then descends down the hill and enter the woods. Historical markers along the trail reference the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run). Explore additional trails telling the story of Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run). 5. Silver Lake Regional Park If you’re looking for a hike with plenty of scenic beauty, then take a trip to Silver Lake Regional Park. This 230-acres park offers pine forests, rolling meadows, and a 23-acre lake. There are four miles of hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas and public restrooms available – making it a perfect spot for a family hike. View Silver Lake Park Trail Map. 6. James Long Park The trails at James Long Park run along natural surfaces, including some terrain which is both hilly and wooded. The trail is approximately 4 miles long and is often shared between hikers and equestrians. This is another good family-friendly location, with plenty of activities on offer, including a playground. The trail also allows for some lovely views of the Catharpin Creek. View James Long Park Trail Map. 7. George Hellwig Memorial Park The main attraction here is the one-mile stonedust looped trail through the woods. The George Hellwig Memorial Park trail is perfect for beginners or experienced hikers looking for a place to train. The trail also features a variety of fitness stations. Bringing the kids? Enjoy a picnic lunch in the pavilion next to the playground. View George Hellwig Memorial Park Trail Map 8. Nokesville Park At Nokesville Park, you will find 2 miles worth of natural surface trails as well as additional trail routes that take you around the edges of the park. The trails are shared between hikers, cyclists and equestrians, so be sure to remain attentive whilst enjoying the wonderful scenery. View Nokesville Park Trail Map
Camping & RVing in Northern Virginia October 27, 2020 by Nicole Warner With beautiful parks including two National Parks and one State Park, Prince William is the perfect place for outdoor camping or RV experience! In addition to being conveniently located outside of Washington DC, Prince William offers tents, cabins, and full hook-up RV campsites. Perfect for a road trip detour or an overnight stay. **Please contact venues directly for opening status and hours of operations.** Prince William Forest Park – National Park With 3 front-country campgrounds, 1 back-country campground and 5 cabin camps, Prince William Forest Park offers prime tent and RV camping in the Northern Virginia/DC area. The park gives visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through, and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history. Campers can enjoy an array of outdoor activities at the park including the 37 miles of hiking trails, on and off-road biking, bird watching, an orienteering coarse, as well as streams and ponds for fishing (permit required and can be obtained at the parks Visitor Center). Chopawamsic Backcountry Camp Sites Chopawamsic (chop-ah-wahm-zik) Backcountry Area, which means by the small “divided streams” or “river flats” in Algonquian, is 1,500… Oak Ridge Campground Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site campground with bathrooms, grills, picnic tables, and drive-up campsites. Both tents and RVs are… Prince William Forest Park Historic Cabin Camps These rustic camps, constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, contain sleeping cabins , mess halls with complete… Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground(tents only) is a 9-site campground with bathrooms (no showers), grills and picnic tables. Sites hold…
Dog-Friendly Spots In Prince William, VA October 27, 2020 by Nicole Warner PUPS WELCOME! Going on a vacation can be difficult when planning a trip for you and your furry, four-legged friends. Fortunately, Prince William, VA is an ideal pet-friendly destination. Below are some of the great parks, dog parks, restaurants, hotels, and events where you and your dog can spend some time together during your trip. DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS (Picture: Prince William Forest Park) 1. Locust Shade Park Locust Shade Park is a beautiful, 400-acre park that is great for a family trip with your pup. Children can enjoy miniature golf and playgrounds. And your dog is sure to enjoy all of the smells present along the hiking trails. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy your meal with a lovely waterfront view. Your dog will love the shoreline and flowing water! 2. Prince William Forest Park You could spend an entire day exploring the beautiful scenery available in Prince William Forest Park. The beautiful foliage and ample space for you and your dog to walk (and sniff) make this National Park the perfect destination during your dog-friendly vacation. Go during the fall to enjoy the colors of autumn, or during the spring to see all of the trees in full bloom. Prince William Forest Park is a great place to camp overnight with your dog. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience. Read about the park’s pet policy. Your dog will love running through all of the colorful leaves on the ground! 3. Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania State Park is a unique park with a historic trail, small beach, and fishing pier. Go for a walk with your pup on Lee’s Woods Historic Trail, where you will find Civil War points of interest. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by trees and a view of the Potomac River. After lunch, you and Fido can dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the river. Leesylvania also allows pets to stay with their owners in overnight cabins. Read about the park’s pet policy. Your dog will love playing in the water at Leesylvania’s beach! 4. Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Park is located adjacent to the Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. Your dog is sure to love watching the ducks swimming in the pond and smelling the water. You will love the nice, easy nature walk and picnic areas within the park. Your dog will love looking at the ducks roaming around the park! 5. Lake Ridge Park Lake Ridge Park has a marina and hiking trails that are perfect for you and your four-legged companion. One of the great things about the marina is that you can bring your dog on canoes and Jon boats. Can you imagine how cute your dog will look with a little life jacket on?! Your dog will love the feeling of adventure as you hike through the trails at Lake Ridge! DOG PARKS 1. K-9 Gunner Dog Park Open daily from sunrise to sunset, K-9 Gunner Dog Park is a 46,000 sq. ft park with a mix of grass and dirt areas for your pups to play in. Dogs will love the toys available throughout the park and the separate areas available for small and large dogs. 2. Prince William County Dog Park Open daily from sunrise to dusk, Prince William County Dog Park is located next to the Animal Shelter on Bristow Road. DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS & BARS 1. Farm Brew Live (Manassas) Bring your family and friends together to enjoy craft beer, craft food and live local music on the 8-acre Farm Brew LIVE campus in Manassas, Va. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed and picked up after. 2. Cock & Bowl (Occoquan) You don’t have to brave the airlines to visit an authentic little European neighborhood bistro. Come down to the quaint riverfront town of Occoquan for a little boutique shopping and finish up with a visit to Cock & Bowl for a fine Belgian beer and a delicious meal. Serving up always-fresh, always-homemade European bistro specialties and a selection of 50+ Belgian beers! Dogs are permitted on the patio as long as they are leashed and well behaved. 3. Madigan’s Waterfront (Occoquan) Madigan’s Waterfront is a locally owned and operated seafood and steak restaurant located on the Occoquan River in Historic Occoquan. You can hang out with your pup in the Tiki Bar as long as they’re leashed. 4. Hidden Julles Café (Haymarket) Hidden Julles Café is locally owned and operated. They proudly feature locally-sourced, organic breakfast and lunches. Located in Haymarket, Hidden Julles allows dogs on their patio as long as they are leashed. 5. Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant (Haymarket) Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is a casual eatery that serves up a variety of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their many pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal. 6. Cupcake Heaven and Café (Haymarket) Cupcake Heaven and Cafe serves up a variety of freshly baked cupcakes and pastries, along with a small assortment of soup, quiche, sandwiches, lattes, teas and smoothies. Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables while munch on a savory chicken salad sandwichs and sip your White Chocolate Mocha Latte. 7. The Winery at La Grange (Haymarket) Nestled in the foothills of Bull Run Mountain, enjoy a glass of vino, some tasty nibbles, and a stunning view as you relax at one of The Winery at La Grange’s outside picnic tables with your pooch. 8. Swirlie’s Soft Serve (Haymarket) Swirlie’s has soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, and Hawaiian shaved ice. Dogs are welcome at their patio picnic tables. 9.The Bone (Gainesville) The Bone is a simple, no-frills barbecue joint located in Gainesville, VA. Choose from a variety of tasty menu options including pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef brisket, spicy sausage, hickory chicken, ribs, etc. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their seven pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your BBQ meal. 10. Uncle Julio’s (Gainesville) Stop into Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, it is the perfect place to grab delicious fajitas, margarita and fresh tableside guacamole. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed. 11. Foster’s Grille (Bristow) Foster’s Grille welcomes dogs to dine with their owners at four outdoor tables; however, guests must order and pay inside at the counter where dogs are not permitted. Menu items include char-grilled burgers topped with cheese, grilled chicken sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie burgers, turkey sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and beer. 12. Brixx Wood Fire Pizza (Woodbridge) Located in Woodbridge, Brixx is a dog-friendly restaurant that will greet your pup with a bowl of water. Your dog can relax on the patio while you enjoy some delicious pizza, pasta or sandwiches. 13. BurgerFi (Woodbridge) BurgerFi is a delicious burger place you can enjoy with your dog, located in Woodbridge. They have nine outdoor tables where you and your dog can enjoy a selection of burgers, fries, onions rings and yummy shakes. Table service isn’t available, so you’ll need to tether your dog when you go inside to order 14. Eggspectation (Gainesville) Eggspectation is a unique eatery that specializes in anything and everything EGG! Choose from menu options like steak & eggs, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables. DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS We know you and your dog will want to stay longer than just a few hours! This is why you will want to check out our dog-friendly hotels along both I-66 and I-95 corridors when you plan your visit to Prince William, Virginia! (SOME PROPERTIES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PET FEES)
Falling for Fall – 10 Great Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Erie PA October 22, 2020 by Christine Temple With summer in our rear-view mirror and fall on the approaching horizon, we thought we’d take a moment to clue you in on some local area activities for fall! Although Erie is known best for its beaches, there is always something to do every season, even during a pandemic. Farmers markets, fall-themed events, gorgeous fall colors, virtual activities and of course fantastic food and drink! So throw on an extra layer, head outside or cozy up at home for some fall faves in Erie PA. As always, if you do venture out, remember to practice social distancing and wear your mask. Here’s our Top 10 picks for fun fall activities (HINT: make it an overnight stay and do everything on this list!). ZooBOO 2020 – The Erie Zoo’s annual trick-or-treat event will be a little different this year. This year’s ZooBOO will continue to be “scary, but not too scary” with fun for the whole family. In an effort to stay safe and limit contact, the Zoo has created a Spooky Scavenger Hunt! All children 12 years and under will be able to participate with their family in a grand Halloween adventure around the zoo. At the end, each child will receive a pre-packed bag of goodies to take home and have the chance to enter to win a ZooBOO Gift Basket. But have no “fear”…Guests will still get to meet the troll who guards the Children’s Zoo Bridge, have a chat with the Talking Pumpkin, and ride the Safariland Express! All tickets must be purchased in advance online and masks are required. Which shouldn’t be too difficult since it IS Halloween! ZooBOO will run Thursdays/Fridays October 15,16,22,23,29 &30 from 4-9 pm and Saturdays/Sundays Oct 17,18, 24 & 25 from Noon-9 pm. Tickets are $7 for members, $10 non-members and can be reserved here. Luminary Distilling & Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider – NOW OPEN! Our friends at Luminary Distilling have expanded and moved! With the recent purchase of the former Fuhrman’s Cider Mill just steps from their previous location, they are serving up high quality spirits and cocktails (using locally sourced ingredients), tasty food options and of course, Fuhrman’s famous cider; all in a bigger facility! Stop by and try their fresh baked breads, donuts and pies too! For all you faithful pretzel roll fans, no worries! Those are coming soon or if you’re desperate and can’t wait to sink your teeth into that soft salty goodness, they are accepting special orders. Luminary’s micro distillery experience is definitely unique and they can’t wait to welcome you to their new location…8270 Peach Street just south of the Peach Street/Robison Road interchange. Lake Erie Wine Country – What better way to celebrate the season than by sipping your favorite cabernet, merlot, chardonnay or sparkling fruit juice while watching the leaves change? Lake Erie Wine Country spans 53 miles along Lake Erie’s shoreline from North East PA to parts of Western NY. Tour America’s grape country to sample, sip and swirl endless fruits of the vine from 23 wineries. The largest grape growing region east of the Rockies is waiting for you! Lake Erie Ale Trail – If wine isn’t your thing and you’re more of a craft beer aficionado, try a flight or two from any of the 13 breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail. 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! Ask to take a tour and witness the sheer hoppiness first-hand! Cheers to local! Take a Hike! Even with the “falling” temperatures, The Great Outdoors is always there for you to get out and explore. Our area has plenty of great trails to lead you on many adventures. Check out the trails at Frontier Park, Erie Bluffs, Presque Isle, Asbury Woods, Goodell Gardens and the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network. Plus a NEW trail has recently been unveiled at Wintergreen Gorge! Penn State Behrend has completed phase 1 of their renovation plan for Wintergreen Gorge. The $690,000 project will improve visitor access to the gorge and will help to protect wildlife. First-phase construction included stabilizing and improving an 850-foot trail that begins at Cooper Road along with the installation of boardwalks over the protected wetland areas along the trail. Visitors can also access the trailheads from either the Prischak Educational Building or the Ohio Hall parking lots. Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature – One of Erie’s favorite Halloween traditions, Asbury Woods’ “Scary Creature Feature”is a fall, family event many look forward to every year. Enjoy various activities, storytelling and a guided walk thro ugh the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest. It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night and delight in the cool, crisp air of an autumn evening. Appropriate for children 3 years and up. October 8-10 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Check their web site for ticket information. Peek n Peak Virtual Fall Fest – It may not be the Fall Fest you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun enjoying the Peak’s virtual Fall Fest from the comfort of your own home! Throughout the month of October the Fest virtual experience will include many of your favorite Fall Fest activities, including an online vendor marketplace, a digital Kids’ Zone with print-at-home activities, a pumpkin painting content, ideas for fall adventures and more! The Peek is also planning their annual Snow Sports Equipment Swap October 10-11 & 17-18. This year, the Swap will take place on the upper level of the Main Ski Lodge. Looking for other fall activities at the Peek? Warm-weather activities are expected to be available until mid-October, including the Upper Golf Course, Aerial Adventure Course, Giant Dual Ziplines, The Soaring Eagle Zipline, Mini Golf, the Indoor/Outdoor Pool Complex and Serenity Spa. Pick Your Own Produce – Getting out and traveling to local farms to pick your own fruits and vegetables is a popular fall activity. It’s not only satisfying it’s a great way to support local agriculture. There are several farmers markets scattered throughout the county. One of our favorites is Hulings Blueberries & Farm Market. In addition to those plump juice blueberries (season ends soon for them!), Hulings offers tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers along with fruits and vegetables from other local farms. For a complete list of where you pick your own produce in Northwest PA, click here. Leaf Peeping – One of the best parts about living in the north is the dramatic change of the seasons. Autumn brings about a colorful palette of fiery reds, golden yellows and vibrant oranges. It’s the perfect time to hop in the car and take a drive to view Mother Nature at her finest. There are 134 native trees in Pennsylvania, each having their own beautiful color mix. Some of our favorite spots to observe the fall foliage are Presque Isle State Park, The Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Route 5) and Historic PA Route 6. The best time to view the Erie area in full display is mid to late October. Mural Arts Driving Tour – There are over 75 murals throughout Erie County and VisitErie is in the process of compiling the most up-to-date list for you to plan a mural-seeking adventure! Make it an overnight trip and spend a few days traversing the county for murals that feature subjects ranging from Erie’s history to community fellowship, landscapes and abstract pieces. More information can be found on our website with a Google map coming soon to help you easily plot out your course.