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When Erie residents need a break from the fast-paced world, they turn to certain comfort foods that evoke tradition, warmth, and community where each plate tells a story and every bite is a flavorful journey. These five must-try dishes are some of the local favorites, craved for their authentic flavors and nostalgic vibes.

1. Take Me to the Greek
   Erie Greek sauce, a regional favorite, can be found at several local restaurants, each giving it its own twist. According to the owner of iconic eatery Panos Restaurant Evan Legace, Erie Greek sauce originated from Greek immigrants, including Legace’s great-grandfather. “My great-grandfather started selling street meat in New York City, developed a Greek sauce, and moved to Erie to open a restaurant. He invited friends from the street food scene to join him, which sparked friendly Greek sauce competitions.” So what exactly is Erie Greek sauce? It’s a distinct blend of meat and spices similar to chili but with a finer texture and no beans. Legace noted, “We use 100% beef with no fillers, natural fat, and spices that are slow-cooked for six hours.” At Panos, Greek sauce covers hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and even omelets; a messy but napkin-worthy indulgence. A Greet dog with Greek fries is a frequent choice for lifelong Erie resident Paula Bruno-Umlah, a regular customer for decades. “Panos flavors their Greek sauce perfectly; plenty of spice but not too spicy, with just the right consistency,” she said.

2. A Slice of Heaven
   Dawn Van Scoter isn’t just the owner of The Lawrence Park Dinor, the only diner in Pennsylvania listed on the National Register of Historic Places, she’s also the mastermind baker behind its scratch-made pies and cheesecakes. Every slice is a taste of tradition with her own personal twist to beloved family recipes. “I use many of my mother’s recipes from her collection that goes as far back as the 1960s, with some modification,” Van Scoter says. Pie flavors vary by season, but apple, coconut cream, and the customer-favorite peanut butter pie are available most days. Some of her more imaginative creations include margarita cheesecake, chocolate caramel coconut cookie cheesecake, and trash can pie; a salty-sweet indulgence of pretzels, peanuts, caramel bits, chocolate chips, and coconut. Whole pies, cheesecakes, and custom orders are available with advance request.

3. Cue the Q
   Erie is best known for its stunning lakeside views and beaches, but it’s also home to the national, award-winning barbecue at Federal Hill Smokehouse. In just eight years, this no-frills eatery near East 26th and Peach Streets has become an Erie institution for mouth-watering ribs, brisket, smoked sausage, and turkey. Food & Wine magazine even named it Pennsylvania’s “Best Barbecue in Every State” for the last four years. Owner and pitmaster Ryan Atzert smokes more than two thousand pounds of meat each week, serving it up with classic barbecue sides: coleslaw, pinto beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese. “For me, it started as a fun hobby 16 years ago, making barbecue for friends,” said Atzert. “I decided to roll the dice, open my own place, and it took off in a big way.” His secret to success? “There’s no big secret really; just salt, pepper, and time, lots of time,” he explained. If you’re new to Federal Hill, arrive early—they sell out fast.

4. It’s a Wing Thing
   Chicken wings are a finger-licking staple of Erie’s casual cuisine scene: fried or baked, bone-in or boneless, wet or dry, sweet or hot. At 6 Pack House of Beer, you’ll find it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your wing cravings and pair them with an ice-cold beer. Here you can choose from 12 drafts on tap and a 17-bay beer cooler, which features options from the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Co-owner Alice DeGeorge, a true wing enthusiast, shares, “We serve over 60 pounds of wings weekly, offering more than 24 flavors. Our house-made sauces include Hot Heads, Ghost Face, and our signature 6 Pack House Sauce, a sticky-sweet hot barbecue. That’s our best seller.” Each month 6 Pack House of Beer creates a bold inventive flavor. This November, the “Thanksgiv-wing” celebrates the start of the holiday season. The wings are tossed in dry stuffing mix and rosemary, fried, and finished with a house-made cranberry sauce that’s infused with Great Lakes Cran-Orange wheat beer. For the best deal, don’t miss Wing-It Wednesdays, with $2 off traditional or boneless wings by the pound (dine-in only).

5. Layers of Flavor
   Since opening in May 2024, Roma’s Italian Kitchen has earned high praise for its authentic Italian dishes, particularly its lasagna, dubbed “Erie’s Best Lasagna.” It’s a bold claim, but after tasting this classic comfort food, many agree. “The idea behind ‘Erie’s Best Lasagna’ came during an early tasting meeting,” said Executive Chef Scott Croyle. “One manager took a bite and exclaimed, ‘This has to be the best-tasting lasagna in Erie!’” Nick Scott Jr., vice president of Scott Enterprises, the local family-owned company behind Roma’s, added, “The name lived up to the promise. From the start, customers kept saying the same thing. We knew we had a winner.” Made fresh daily, Roma’s lasagna is a generous portion layered with sweet sausage, creamy ricotta, imported cheeses, and Roma’s signature house-made red sauce. This sauce has a hint of sweetness, naturally enhanced with sofrito; a blend of carrots, onions, and whole garlic sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, crafted with premium plum tomatoes, fresh Italian parsley, and basil. The result? You be the judge. Erie’s Best Lasagna is available for lunch and dinner daily.

Bundle up with your boots, scarves, and gloves because it’s time to explore Presque Isle State Park in the wintertime! Although Presque Isle is mainly known for its sandy beaches, there are many ways to enjoy and explore the park’s natural beauty any time of year. Here are 10 things to do at Presque Isle that will lift your winter spirits and banish those seasonal blues. For a map of Presque Isle State Park and its trails, click here.

1.  Snowshoe on Long Pond Trail

This one-mile trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the park’s lagoon, near the entrance to the east pier. The trail is ideal for snowshoe exploration and has great opportunities to see some of the park’s wildlife population, including some very active beavers that typically cut a noticeable path through the trail near the eastern trailhead. Other snowshoe trails at the park include Pine Tree Trail and Ridge Trail.

2. Educate and Explore at TREC

Although not physically attached to Presque Isle, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (affectionately referred to as “TREC”) is considered the gateway to Presque Isle and an introduction to how the peninsula formed more than a thousand years ago from glaciers and ice melt. This fascinating (and free) attraction features hands-on, educational exhibits, a glass-enclosed observation tower, and Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts.

3. Spot a Snowy Owl at Gull Point

The snowy owl is the largest of the North American owls and is mainly white with black and brown markings. Some snowy owls are known to migrate from their summer nests near the Arctic Circle to parts of southern Canada and the northern rim of the United States, including Presque Isle. The best place to catch a glimpse of a snowy owl is Gull Point, where they perch on land and short posts waiting for prey. To protect the ecologically fragile area, visitors must use the designated observation platform and trail.

4. Cross-Country Ski on Fox Trail

The half-mile Fox Trail is across from the Presque Isle Lighthouse, winding through wooded swamps and oak-maple trees, providing a picturesque, forested byway between the Sidewalk Trail and a portion of the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. Other trails that are maintained for cross-country skiing include the Sidewalk Trail and Dead Pond Trail.

5. Catch a Winter Sunset

Presque Isle is known for its world-class sunsets, but in winter it’s a special sight to behold. When the sun sets on the horizon between the snow-dusted sand and the frozen lake, it’s simply breathtaking. Whether you bundle yourselves up on the beach or enjoy the coziness of your car, it is a gorgeous sight to behold. The best spot to catch this amazing show is at Sunset Point, also known as Kite Beach.

6. Take a Brisk Hike

The Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail sets the perfect stage to enjoy a tranquil stroll along Presque Isle Bay, breathing in the fresh, crisp air among scenic surroundings. In winter, the trail is regularly cleared of snow from the park’s main entrance to the public safety building, so visitors can negotiate the path with ease.

7. Drive Through Beauty with a Scenic Drive

Experience the winter wonders of Presque Isle from the cozy comfort of your vehicle as you meander through the park’s 13-mile paved loop. To maintain the park’s natural condition and protect its natural inhabitants, the main road is cleared of snow but it is not treated with salt or chemicals.

8. Wildlife Watching

Presque Isle’s location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite spot for birds to stop to feed and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. More than 330 species of birds have been identified on the peninsula during the winter including geese, swans, and a wide variety of owls. There is a variety of winter wildlife found throughout the park including white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, rabbits, and raccoons.

9. Admire Frozen Ice Dunes

Ice dunes form as a result of cold Lake Erie waters, icy temperatures, and strong winds coming together. Found on the lakeside of Presque Isle, ice dunes help to preserve the beaches and protect them from sand erosion. Ice dunes are lovely to look at, but admire them from a distance, as their extreme instability makes close encounters hazardous. Capture their splendor through a photograph so the memories last long after the dunes melt away.

10. Ice Fishing

The sheltered, frozen waters of Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, Horseshoe Pond, and Presque Isle Marina are great locations for ice fishing. Common catches are yellow perch, panfish, northern pike, walleye, and the occasional steelhead. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or seeking to upgrade your gear, Fish USA is a one-stop shop with experienced staff and an extensive selection of merchandise.

Know Before You Go:

Presque Isle State Park Winter Hours of Operation
Open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. Day-use areas such as trails, beaches, restrooms, and the marina close at dusk. After dusk, driving is allowed up to 9 p.m.

Dog-Friendly! Presque Isle is a great place to bring your leashed furry friend along with you for a hike. Remember to do your part to help keep the park clean and pick up after them.

Presque Isle State Park Main Office, inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

November 1 – March 31: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.

814-833-7424

Tom Ridge Environmental Center Hours of Operation
November 1 – March 31: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

Presque Isle State Park Restrooms

Most restrooms are closed during the off-season. Restrooms at Rotary Pavilion, Public Safety Building/Ranger Station, Perry Monument, North Pier, Niagara Boat Launch, and the Lighthouse Beach restrooms are open year-round.

Presque Isle State Park Ranger Station/Public Safety Building

Offering first aid, telephones, restrooms, and maps of the park.

Hours vary depending on staffing.

814-833-7424
Presque Isle State Park Ice Fishing Regulations

The Delaware Tourism Office announced today its new passport, “Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems,” highlighting nine unique attractions in the state celebrating the holidays this season. The passport will run from Nov. 22 to Jan. 6.

“Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems is our office’s first short-term passport to be released,” said Jessica Welch, Director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “In light of the holiday season, we hope to attract tourists to each of Delaware’s three counties and experience what they have to offer during this special time of year.”

The mobile passport, also known as a trail, will bring Delaware’s holiday magic to life as it takes travelers throughout the state with three specific destinations to stop at in each of the state’s three regions. From intricately decorated museums to festive light displays, the passport provides an itinerary for holiday travelers to find off-the-beaten-path attractions.

In northern Delaware, the passport will highlight Holidays at Hagley at Hagley Museum and Library, Noël at Nemours Estate, and Holiday Magic at Riverbright Wilmington. Zoo Lights and Christmas Nights at 3 Palms Zoo, Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway, and Ice Skating at Tre Sorelle Dolce will be featured in central Delaware. In southern Delaware, Santa’s House on Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Schellville’s Enchanted Winter Celebration, and Lewes Lights will also have stops along the trail.

Once participants using the passport check in at three locations within a region, they will receive one of three randomly selected prizes. The prizes will encourage users to visit all of the locations throughout Delaware to win the three prizes available.

Participants can sign up at VisitDelaware.com and gain access to the digital passport. Using location-based technology, users can “check-in” at and track locations they have visited using their phones.

Delaware’s Hidden Holiday Gems passport is one of three trails currently offered by the Delaware Tourism Office. The Delaware On Tap trail takes users throughout the state to visit over 30 craft beverage locations in Delaware. Similarly, the Delaware History Trail takes users to each of Delaware’s counties with stops at historically significant locations in Delaware.

“The goal of these trails is to not only promote local businesses but encourage travel to new places in Delaware that may be overlooked at first glance,” said Welch. “On the way to these attractions, tourists will see all that Delaware has to offer and explore someplace new.”

The Delaware Tourism Office, a division of the Delaware Division of Small Business, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware. For more information, visit the official Delaware Tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com or call toll-free at 866-284-7483.

The holidays bring people together to celebrate the true spirit of the season and be surrounded by those who mean the most to us. During this special time of the year, the Erie region hosts many festive events, from dazzling light displays to heart-warming performances. This is a sprinkling of holiday events taking place in the Erie region. Visit our full events calendar for complete listings.

Broadway in Erie presents: Elf The Musical
Dates: Tuesday-Wednesday, November 12 – 13
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $44
The hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The 40^th Annual Festival of Trees
Dates: Friday through Sunday, November 29 – December 1
Location: Bayfront Convention Center
Times: Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person, children 12 and under $7
This year’s festival features a gallery of uniquely decorated trees and local entertainment. New this year is a petting zoo on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and live reindeer on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy holiday displays and rooms from Santa’s castle.

Port Farms Country Christmas at the Farm
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday, November 29-December 22
Location: Port Farms
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is free. Some activities such as horse-drawn rides are a la carte.
Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh, wagon, or carriage rides throughout Port Farms’ scenic tree plantation, or shop for holiday décor, handmade wreaths, and Christmas trees (pre-cut or self-cut). The events barn (Santa’s Workshop) is open Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m. and features live music (1-4 p.m.), holiday food and drink specials, crafts, and cookie decorating.

The Magical Polar Experience
Date: Friday, November 29
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $32 per person
An interactive holiday movie experience unlike any other! Upon arrival, guests are greeted by musicians, a conductor, and stowaways. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas. The event includes a full presentation of The Polar Express, live musical performances, dancers and ballerinas, the Northern Lights, a visit from Santa, and photo opportunities. Magical goodie bags are also available for $25 each.

A Magical Motown Christmas
Date: Saturday, November 30
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $21.75
A journey through Motown’s best including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, with a special set dedicated to Christmas favorites!

Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
Dates: December 1-30 (except December 24, 25 and 31)
Location: Asbury Woods Nature Center
Time: Daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated.
Bundle up for a peaceful evening stroll along the boardwalk trail where holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands for approximately 1/3 of a mile. The Nature Center, a holiday-themed model train display, and an expanded gift shop will be open for guests featuring specially crafted holiday gifts made by local artisans.

A Nostalgic Night with Macauley Culkin and screening of Home Alone
Date: Sunday, December 1
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $39

Watch the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and Q&A audience with the film’s star, Macaulay Culkin (Kevin McCallister). Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin to hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.

Downtown D’Lights
Date: Friday, December 6
Location: Perry Square, Downtown Erie
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Erie Mayor Joe Schember as they light up Perry Square in an incredible display of lights and decorations, including an enormous holiday tree! This family-friendly event features holiday music, holiday vendor village shops, a live cut tree and wreath sale, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.

Victorian Holidays
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6 – 8
Location: Watson-Curtze Mansion
Times: Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 per person, children 6 and under are free
Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion, beautifully decorated inside and out for the holiday season. Choruses and live music will perform throughout the weekend, with a special visit from Santa on Sunday. Regular admission rates resume Tuesday, December 10, and decorations will remain up until January 6.

Presque Isle Lights
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6-29
Location: Presque Isle State Park
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather dependent)
Admission: Free. A suggested $5 donation per vehicle is appreciated.
Presque Isle State Park’s natural beauty combined with a multitude of colorful lights and displays makes for a truly unique holiday drive-thru experience. Several areas will be decorated including the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Stull Interpretive Center, Ranger Station, and Waterworks Beach/Rotary Pavilion.

The Erie Philharmonic presents “Come Home for the Holidays”
Date: Saturday, December 7
Location: Warner Theater
Times: Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary.
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and music—and the annual Philharmonic holiday concert delivers all three. With special guests, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, and ballet dancers, the Warner Theatre will be filled with the festive sounds of the season.

The 34^th  Annual “Christmas Memories”
Dates: December 4 – 22
Location: Erie Station Dinner Theatre
Times: Wednesday Noon (Dec. 4 and 11), Saturday 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $48, Seniors (65 and up) and Students $42, Children ages 6-11 $28
Ring in the holidays with this heartwarming musical where the true meaning of Christmas is always celebrated. Join the Holiday Harmony Singers, sing along to traditional holiday favorites, and share a bountiful meal served family style.

Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy” Holiday Concert
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $48.50
With special guests Anne Cochran & Young Original. This year’s tour promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things Christmas. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of Brickman’s original holiday classics, along with beloved seasonal favorites. From enchanting instrumentals to heartwarming vocal performances, each show will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Nutcracker at the Warner
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $35
The Lake Erie Ballet Company has created a reimagined and enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, through a community collaboration of multiple dance companies. The Nutcracker is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends art, music, and dance, creating an unforgettable holiday experience.

Construction is officially underway on Caroline County’s first brewery.  Located in the heart of Denton, this 8,000+ square foot facility will feature a tap room, event space, and a beer production area.

Owners and local residents, Matt and Sarah Dahl, are thrilled to introduce this new venture. “We’re hoping to create a place where people can bring their families and have a good time,” says Matt.  “We love living here and we look at this as making an investment in the future of our community.”

Located at the corner of 8th and Gay Streets, Eden Town Brewing will occupy the site of the former Nuttle Lumber warehouse. The property’s previous owner, J.D. Neal, expressed his enthusiasm for the project as a way to revitalize the area around the brewery.  “When Matt and Sarah approached me about buying the property, they told me what they had in mind for it, and I thought it would be a great thing for Denton.”

The brewery’s plans include a large outdoor space designed to host live music and special events. The owners intend to partner with a local restaurant or food truck to provide food on site.

“Our kids are excited to be starting a family business,” said Sarah.  “Our older son James is already looking forward to working there in the summers, and our younger son Luke likes to wear his Eden Town hat and give them out to his friends.  It’s been fun already, to have them involved in the process.”

For more information about Eden Town Brewing and to follow along with the progress, visit www.edentownbrewing.com or follow on social media @edentownbrewing.