Summer Things to Do in Erie PA with Kids June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie Make the most of your Erie, PA family vacation and fill your days creating memories that will last a lifetime. Summers in Erie are synonymous with boundless fun and adventure, offering a variety of activities for any age. Whether your family seeks an adrenaline rush from amusement thrill rides or a leisurely bike ride at Presque Isle State Park, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Summer Days at Port Farms: Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias during Port Farm’s annual Summer Days event. Running from August 3 through September 8, Summer Days features a different event each weekend including Sweet Summer Days (August 3,4,9-11) and Blooms, Bubbles and Butterflies (August 16-18, 23-25). Summer Days is also pet-friendly! Many of Port Farms’ regular attractions and the gift shop are included with admission. Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball: The 2023 AA Eastern League Championship Erie SeaWolves are back in action! Throughout the season, the SeaWolves add an extra layer of fun to their home games with special promotions such as fireworks/Star Wars Night (June 28), and fireworks/Marvel Night (July 5). Kids can unleash their energy inside UPMC Ball Park’s Kids Zone featuring inflatables and interactive games, give high fives and hugs to SeaWolves’ mascot C. Wolf, or run the bases after the game. Between innings, the SeaWolves provide engaging activities such as cheer competitions, dance-offs, and trivia quizzes to keep fans entertained and energized. Every Sunday is a designated Family Fun Day, featuring concession specials and family-friendly activities. Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf: The combination of beautiful waterfront views and 18 holes of unique challenges and terrain makes Oliver’s Mini Golf a great family activity. Share laughter and friendly competition while aiming for that elusive hole-in-one. Scattered throughout the course are a handful of educational placards that highlight fun facts about Erie’s maritime heritage. Oliver’s mini golf is conveniently connected to Oliver’s Beer Garden, so you can play a round and enjoy delicious food and beverages from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck. Meal Deals: Treat the family to delicious food without breaking the bank at the Flagship City Food Hall. Inside, Dina’s Dominican Kitchen offers a free la banderita (Mexican tortilla) on Mondays, complete with rice and a side with a regular purchase for children under 12. On Wednesdays, all Erie Applebee’s locations offer free small kids’ meals and 99 cents large kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Before or after a visit to Presque Isle State Park, swing by Sara’s for daily family value meals that include burgers, hot dogs, your choice of a side, and a drink. Biking at Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle’s 13-mile multipurpose trail forms a loop around the park, offering families an excellent opportunity to explore nature by bicycle and enjoy the outdoors together. The mostly flat, paved trail is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels with numerous points of interest along the way for you to stop and explore including the Presque Isle Lighthouse and Perry Monument. Bring your own or rent from Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental, near Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach). Adult and kid-sized bikes, tandems, and surreys (four-wheeled, covered quadricycles) are available. Waldameer Park and Water World: Celebrating its 128th season this summer, Waldameer is filled with rides, slides, and endless smiles. Ranging from timeless classic rides such as the Grand Carousel and Thunder River to beloved family favorites like Water World’s Battle of Lake Erie and Kiddie Land, Waldameer is a cherished summer tradition for generations of families and friends. This season, Waldameer added six new cabanas plus shade structures to Water World, additional parking and free wi-fi, and an expanded Snack Shack with tempting hot apple pie logs and chicken sandwiches. Explore both parks for one low price through Waldameer’s wallet-friendly combo pass. As always, parking and admission are free. Erie Sports Center Fun Park: Conveniently located to Interstate 90 and numerous hotels, the Erie Sports Center Fun Park is your spot for a little game of friendly competition. Who will claim the title for “fastest lap” on the go-kart track or get the first hole-in-one on the mini golf course? Let the games begin! The Fun Park is wallet-friendly, featuring a selection of money-saving packages such as a Go-kart and Mini golf combo pass and the Ultimate Family 4-Pass which includes four rounds of golf, go-karts, or batting cages, one pizza, four fountain drinks, and four ice creams. The Erie Zoo: Featuring a compact user-friendly design, the Erie Zoo is a refreshing departure from sprawling metropolitan zoos, allowing visitors to explore its array of exhibits and wildlife in just an hour or two. With captivating attractions and a streamlined design, the Zoo is perfectly suited for young children and limited attention spans. The Zoo includes more than 400 zoo animals, 11 beautiful botanical gardens, a wildlife carousel, the Safariland train, and multiple exhibit areas. This summer, the zoo debuts its new River Otter exhibit, an upgraded red panda exhibit, a refurbished children’s zoo bridge, and a refreshed main entrance. Nature Hikes: Embarking on a nature hike is a quintessential family summer activity. The Greater Erie Regional Trail Network features more than 15 trails and public parks for you and the kids to connect to nature. Frontier Park is a beloved network park in the City of Erie and is home to more than 1,000 trees, a labyrinth, The Griff (40-foot steel slides), stone bridges, and Cascade Creek. Other parks and trails in the network include Harborcreek Community Park, Wintergreen Gorge, and Asbury Woods. In the charming town of Corry PA, Mead Park offers 48 acres of landscaped outdoor space with tree-lined pathways, a playground, basketball and pickle ball courts. YMCA Camp Sherwin: Since 1912, Camp Sherwin has been entertaining children of all ages with a wealth of amenities including a heated and guarded swimming pool, spray and play park, catch and release fishing pond, air jump pillow, hiking trails, playground, and scenic views of Lake Erie from its perch atop the bluffs. Located in west Erie County, Camp Sherwin is a short drive from the City and is open for camping and non-camping families. Day passes are available for $10 per person or $30 per family.
Elevated Relaxation: Unique Spa Experiences in Erie, PA June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie Maintaining optimal health and wellness is an essential pursuit that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nurturing a well-balanced lifestyle, which includes practices like massage therapy, becomes integral to a holistic approach, and can empower individuals to live fulfilling lives and unlock their full potential. In the Erie region, massage therapy centers and spas not only provide standard services, they also offer an array of unique experiences that are worth exploring. A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy – The Art of Ashiatsu Typically, a massage is given by a therapist who rubs all of your aches and stress away with their skillful hands. But what if they are massaging you with their feet? That’s when it becomes the practice of the ancient art of Ashiatsu, a unique and transformative foot-centric spa experience. A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy is the only place in the Erie region that offers this unique technique. Two of their licensed staff are Ashiatsu-certified to walk all over you, quite literally. Derived from the Japanese words “ashi” (foot) and “atsu” (pressure), Ashiatsu involves skilled therapists who use their bare feet to deliver a massage that goes beyond the conventional. This innovative technique not only offers deep relaxation but also taps into the body’s energy pathways, promoting balance and holistic well-being. The Ashiatsu room at A Compassionate Hart is an intimate space filled with soothing music and warm colors. The plush, comfortable massage table has more than enough space to accommodate you and your therapist so they can maneuver above and around you safely. Parallel bars are anchored on the ceiling above the table to aid the therapist with balance and support. Once you’re lying down and covered with a sheet, the therapist expertly hops up and begins delivering deep, broad, rhythmic pressure utilizing a combination of their feet and body weight. Working with gravity instead of against it, they are able to provide an effective therapeutic massage beginning with your neck and shoulders and ending at your legs and feet. At A Compassionate Hart, the Ashiatsu massages are available for one hour ($100) or 75 minutes ($115). The massage time is split between being on your back and your stomach. With closed eyes, it’s almost impossible to tell whether you’re being massaged by feet or hands. While she doesn’t have a regular Ashiatsu client base, Heather Hart, owner of A Compassionate Hart, believes that this unique spa service is beginning to catch on. “The mechanics of our therapists being able to just stand and put their whole body weight on you gets that depth of pressure that’s needed to really iron any knots out. If someone is having an issue where maybe their regular therapist just isn’t getting deep enough for them, then this is the type of technique to sign up for.” Other spa options at A Compassionate Hart include traditional massage therapy, Reiki energy healing, crystal and light healing, and even canine massage. Book your appointment here. Monacella Massage & Kinesiology – Thai Massage Thai massage, also known as “Nuad Thai” or “Thai yoga massage,” is a traditional healing practice that combines acupressure, yoga, and passive stretching to restore the body’s balance. The therapist uses hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure and stretches to promote flexibility, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. Thai massage induces deep relaxation and mindfulness, reducing stress and anxiety. Monacella offers 30, 60, and 90-minute Thai massage sessions. Book your appointment here. Bella Salon and Day Spa – Cupping The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and calm the nervous system. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and rheumatism and can help manage pain and circulation. Learn more about cupping and book your appointment. The Serenity Spa at Peek’n Peak – Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Himalayan Salt Stones allow for a detoxifying, naturally exfoliating massage while reducing inflammation, and relieving pain and joint discomfort. The Himalayan Salt Stones are heated and contain 84 naturally occurring minerals to increase a sense of peace and deep relaxation. Book your 50-minute salt stone massage here
Great Ways to Get Out on the Water in Erie, PA June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie The sparkling waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay provide the perfect setting for you to get out and enjoy being on the water. Leave the confines of land behind and bask in the sheer joy of spending time on the water. Recently, Lake Erie earned top honors in three USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards: “Best Lake” (#1), “Best Lake for Water Sports (#1), and “Best Lake for Swimming” (#3). From thrilling jet ski rides to leisurely sunset sails, there is something for every water enthusiast to enjoy in the Erie region. Pontoon Lagoon Tours at Presque Isle State Park Free, one-hour interpretive pontoon boat rides through Misery Bay and Presque Isle’s lagoons are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 26 to September 10 at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. It’s a great way to get up close to the lagoon’s inhabitants and plant species such as turtles, water lilies, waterfowl, and beavers. Along the way, a park naturalist provides fun facts about the wetland habitat. Rides are first come first served. In-person sign-ups begin 15 minutes before the start time at the pontoon boat station. Each ride can seat up to 16 people. Watercraft Rentals No need to pack and haul your own gear! There are several locations in Erie County where you can rent various watercraft. Port Erie Sports, located on the city side of Presque Isle Bay, offers a selection of motorized boats, pontoons, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. Note that Jet skis are first come, first served. Hidden Harbor Water Rentals,off lower East State Street in Erie’s Bayfront District features 22’ or 24’ pontoon boats for rent with optional one and two-person towable water tube add-ons. Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Liveryat Presque Isle State Park just past Perry Monument, has an extensive list of rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, row boats, motorized boats, pontoons, and a 14’ Helm fishing boat. Edinboro Lake Resort offers 20’ or 24’ pontoon boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the tranquil waters of Edinboro Lake. New to Edinboro Lake is the addition of a 24/7, eight-kayak library on Lakeside Drive. Simply scan the Fun app to your smartphone, pay, and check out a kayak. Rates are hourly and include life vests and paddles. Lettie G. Howard Tall Ship Sails Sail the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard tall ship for an unforgettable, step-back-in-time experience. The Lettie is a wooden Fredonia schooner built in 1893 and is the sole surviving example of a George Banks fishing schooner, a vessel that was designed to take dories and fishermen out to Georges Bank, a large elevated area of the sea floor near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. During your sail, you’ll meet the crew, learn a little about the Lettie’s history, and even help the crew set some of the larger sails. Day and sunset sail dates and times vary throughout the summer months. Please check the website for availability. Tours depart from the foot of State Street. The Lady Kate Narrated Tours Docked at Perry Monument inside Presque Isle State Park, the Lady Kate embarks on regular sightseeing and sunset cruises from May 18 to September 28. The tour is a 90-minute fully narrated educational excursion around Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie (weather permitting), highlighting Erie’s rich maritime history and points of interest including the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812, the Gull Point ecosystem, Erie’s lighthouses, and the Bayfront District. Charter Fishing Erie’s fishing charters provide great opportunities to not only see the city and Presque Isle from the water but also to experience some of the best fishing in Pennsylvania. Both Tight Lines Sport Fishing and GypsyLyn Fishing Charters offer fishing charter trips for perch, walleye, trout, and steelhead. They can accommodate various-sized groups as well as fishing gear, bait, and coolers. Pennsylvania fishing licenses with a Lake Erie stamp are required. To learn more, click here. Whether you catch many fish or none at all, it’s still a fun venture on Lake Erie! Scallywags Pirate Adventures Spending time aboard the Scallywags pirate ship promises a swashbuckling good time! Guests can choose between a family-friendly adventure or an adults-only wobbly pirate voyage! The Pirate Adventure family fun cruise is a 90-minute fully scripted interactive show complete with ship-to-ship water cannon battles, pirate tattoos, and a share of the treasure (if you and the crew can find it!). The Wobbly Pirate happy hour cruise is a one-of-a-kind happy hour experience filled with drinks, DJ music, dancing, and pirate shenanigans. Tours run from May 18 to September 28 and depart from the foot of State Street near the Sheraton Hotel parking garage. Your Sailing Adventure – The Sotto Voce Witnessing Erie’s world-class sunsets from the deck of the luxurious 33’ sailboat, the Sotto Voce (loosely translated as “quiet voice”), is truly a magical experience. This 33’ Beneteau yacht is designed for optimal sailing comfort, promising a serene sail on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. In addition to sunset cruises, the Sotto Voce offers daytime cruises, Sommelier and Sail, Cigar and Sunsets, and Sunrise/Sound Bath trips, romance and relaxation packages. Sailing lessons are also available. Find the Sotto Voce moored at Wolverine Marina on lower State Street. Sails take place from Memorial Day Weekend to September 30. The Victorian Princess Taking a cruise aboard the Victorian Princess three-level paddlewheel boat is a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern style. The gentle rhythm of the paddlewheel sets a soothing scene as you glide effortlessly across Presque Isle Bay. The Victorian Princess features sunset and moonlight cruises, sightseeing tours, lunch and early bird dinners, themed outings, and Sunday brunch throughout its sailing season. Tours run from May 19 to October 27 and depart from the foot of State Street.
Juniata River Valley Flight School April 29, 2024 by JuniataRV Welcome Aboard The Juniata River Valley Flight School to offer unique beverage and food flights LEWISTOWN, PA – The Juniata River Valley is about to experience a groundbreaking takeoff with the launch of the region’s newest beverage and food trail – the Juniata River Valley Flight School. But hold on to your wings, because this flight school has a unique twist that defies gravity and takes patrons on a journey of taste and indulgence. Forget about the skies; the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau is bringing you a flight experience like no other right here on solid ground. The Juniata River Valley Flight School is not about planes and altitudes; it’s about elevating your senses with a curated selection of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, and ice cream flights. “With 24 locations spanning two counties, you can explore our charming towns during a flavorful journey that combines the pleasure of savoring exceptional beverages and desserts,” said Jenny Landis, Executive Director of JRVVB. To participate, visitors and locals must visit www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school where they can sign up for the flight school by providing their name, e-mail address, and mobile phone number. A link is then sent to their mobile phone, which opens the passport and directs the user to add the button icon to their home screen, where they can access it any time. Once the user is ready to redeem their pass, they simply need to ask their server for a location-specific pin number to earn their points. The more points collected, the bigger the prizes including the coveted golden wings. Redeemed prizes may be shipped direct or picked up at the visitors bureau office at 1 W. Market St., Lewistown. All prizes must be redeemed by April 30, 2025. “The Juniata River Valley Flight School will take your taste buds on a journey they’ll never forget,” Landis said. “Join us as we redefine the concept of flight – no wings required.” To download the digital passport, visit www.jrvvisitors.com/flight-school. For more information, call (717) 248-6713, or [email protected]
A Stargazer’s Guide to the Laurel Highlands August 9, 2022 by Laurel Highlands PA The Laurel Highlands is hustling and bustling with bikers, hikers, families, rafters, and foodies during the day, but what outdoorsy activity can you do once the sun goes down? Get lost in the stars! While there aren’t any dark sky sites in the region, we know a few spots where there is minimal light pollution and not too much tree coverage, making it a great place to get a mesmerizing view of the constellations. Laurel Hill State Park Like all state parks in the Laurel Highlands, Laurel Hill State Park closes at dusk, but they still want you to enjoy the beautiful view of the stars. If you want to stargaze in the large parking lot near Laurel Hill Lake, just give the park office a heads up by calling them and providing the make and model of your vehicle and you’re good to go! Laurel Hill sits at a high elevation and has little light pollution, making it a great stargazing spot. This would be a perfect way to end a day exploring the spectacular state park! Forbes State Forest Gather your friends, head to Forbes State Forest, and hang out under the stars! The state forest offers more than one area that is absolutely perfect for stargazing. Where else could you get a better view than the highest point in the entire state? Mount Davis may require a little bit of a hike, but it’s totally doable in the dark. Remember to pack flashlights! Another great place to set up shop is Roaring Run Natural Area, right off of Fire Tower Road via Route 31. The lack of trees in this area gives you a big wide open to lay on your back and take it all in. The Historic Summit Inn Resort The Historic Summit Inn Resort is one of the best locations to watch the sunset in the Laurel Highlands. One of the only remaining grand porch hotels in America, the Summit has an amazing great veranda front porch. Get there early and enjoy dinner before starting your stargazing adventure with an incredible view of the astounding sunset. Vin de Matrix Winery As if the name doesn’t give it away, Vin de Matrix Winery in Rockwood is completely celestially themed! The winery’s name was inspired by the star Vindemiatrix, the third brightest star located in the Virgo constellation, which means “the grape gatherer.” While you can’t stargaze here, you can grab a bottle of Cosmic Cord, Sirius Red, or Beetlejuice Berry to enjoy wherever you’re laid back staring at the night sky! Campgrounds Make your outdoorsy outing complete by sleeping under the stars at a campground. If you’re feeling adventurous, sleep outside of the tent or play it safe and rent a cozy cabin. Regardless, you’ll have a great view of the sky with the sound of the fire crackling nearby. Tips and Tricks: Many state parks and organizations host special events like night hikes, sunset snowshoeing, and educational outings. Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor events as they are announced. Google a meteor shower schedule and mark dates in your calendar. During the Perseids meteor shower in August, you can see up to 60 meteors per hour! While full and super moons are fascinating, new moons are just as gorgeous. Even natural light hides the stars, so new moons show off layers and layers of glistening stars you couldn’t see any on another day! State parks close at dusk, even their parking lots. Please abide by this rule!
The Best Golfing in the Erie Region July 29, 2022 by Visit Erie The Erie region is home to several golf courses that welcome every type of golfer from beginner to professional. Sharpen your game and test your skills across their sprawling fairways and beautifully landscaped greens. Whether you shoot a 72 or 144, there’s nothing like spending a couple hours, or even an afternoon, out on the golf course. Here are our suggestions for the best golfing in the Erie area. Peek‘n Peak Resort The Upper Course at Peek’n Peak is a championship-caliber, par 72 course and is perfect for players of all skill levels. The unique terrain and natural landscape creates an atmosphere that is unlike any other course. The panoramic views and mature woods give a serene experience to all who are on the course whether it be during spring, summer, or fall. Erie Golf Club Erie Golf Club is an 18-hole par 69 course, designed by the prolific American golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a cocktail on their patio while watching the sunset and scenic views of the course. Erie Golf Club is a PGA operated facility with a fully stocked pro shop and a friendly staff of golfers. Riverside Golf Course Founded in 1915, Riverside Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in northwestern Pennsylvania. The 18-hole, par 72 course features rolling fairways, manicured greens, over 48 sand traps and 6 lakes spanning 242 acres. The newly renovated Rambler at Riverside restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine and overlooks the golf course. Photo by John Mangine Mound Grove Golf Course Mound Grove Golf Course features a beautiful scenic 18-hole, par 72 golf course set against the backdrop of an historic 1860’s barn/restaurant. Year-round private and online golf lessons with their Golf Academy and Professional Coaching program are available by appointment. Lake View Country Club Lake View Country Club is a private 18-hole, par 72 golf club that offers one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the area, with an elite practice facility that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Lake View was built by legendary golf course architect and Donald Ross protégé James G. Harrison. The club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the West Penn Amateur Championship and the Pennsylvania State Amateur Championship. Harbor Ridge Golf Club Harbor Ridge offers an enjoyable round, for golfers of all ages and skill levels with expansive views of Lake Erie. It is a family-friendly public 9-hole, par 36 golf course, bar, and restaurant complex. Their course features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens from four sets of regulation tees. Bring young golfers out to their USGA slope/rated family tees.