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

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Exploring Erie’s Bayfront District: A One-Day Guide

Erie’s Bayfront District is located along the southern shores of Presque Isle Bay. This vibrant area is home to an array of diverse attractions, waterfront restaurants, comfortable hotels, and stunning waterfront views.  It’s also compact and walkable, so you’ll only need to park once to explore with ease, just remember to wear comfortable shoes. There’s metered street parking along Lower State Street and two public parking garages; one at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel and one next to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. If you’ve never explored this part of Erie, here are a few ways to spend a well-rounded summer or fall day.

Morning: Start Your Day Right

Fuel up for the day at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel’s The Bistro. With a variety of menu items including avocado toast, eggs prepared to your liking, fresh fruit, Starbucks® coffee, and specialty beverages, The Bistro has healthy options to give you the perfect start to your day. Dining is available inside or outside on the hotel’s spacious outdoor patio with views of Presque Isle Bay.

Mid-Morning: Iconic Landmarks and History

At the foot of State Street stands one of Erie’s most recognizable landmarks, the Bicentennial Tower, built in 1995 to celebrate Erie’s 200th anniversary. Towering at 187 feet, it offers stunning photo ops with a picturesque waterfront backdrop. Visitors can take the elevator or climb 210 steps to the top observation deck for panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and even the Canadian shoreline 27 miles away. From the top, you can also get a birds-eye view of the tower’s lower deck featuring “Flotsam,” a vibrant 12,000-square-foot mural. The Bicentennial Tower is open daily year-round. Accessing the upper deck costs a small admission fee, but it’s free on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays and weather permitting).

The Erie Maritime Museum tells the fascinating story of Erie’s role during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie through a diverse exhibit collection. Many of the museum’s exhibits refer to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval commander who played a significant role in the War of 1812 and is known for his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie and coining the phrase “Don’t Give Up The Ship”. Additional museum exhibits speak to Erie’s commercial fishing history and the recreational importance of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.

Lunch: Scenic Dining

Speaking of Erie’s famous Commodore, Oliver’s Rooftop, Beer Garden, and Mini Golf, an inviting trio of relaxation, entertainment, and fun named in honor of Perry—are located adjacent to the Maritime Museum. Oliver’s Rooftop Restaurant is found on the top floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront Hotel, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, giving diners breathtaking views of Presque Isle, Lake Erie, and the Bayfront District. Their signature dish, a delicately-crusted parmesan Lake Erie walleye, is a must-try for lunch or dinner.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Fun

After lunch, challenge your family and friends to a friendly game at Oliver’s Mini Golf. The 18-hole, 57-par course features unique obstacles and terrains, making each hole an adventure. Between rounds, relax with refreshing craft beverages and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the adjacent Oliver’s Beer Garden.

Dinner: Waterfront Dining

Steps away is Hidden Harbor, a waterfront collection of restaurants including Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill, Erie’s only floating restaurant! With open-air seating, beautiful waterfront views, and a Key West-themed atmosphere, Woody’s is a favorite summertime spot for perfectly cooked Angus smash burgers, loaded fries, and creative cocktails such as the citrusy Wobbly Worm or tropical Mermaid Marina. During summer weekends, Woody’s and nearby establishments are buzzing with the sounds of local music and the lively chatter of patrons.

Evening: Sunsets and Serenity

End your day with a unique experience of the city and one of Erie’s world-class sunsets aboard the Lettie G. Howard. Built in 1893, this National Historic Landmark departs from the foot of State Street for daytime and sunset sails from mid-May through October (weather permitting). Passengers can relax and listen to the ship’s history or help the crew set the sails, offering a memorable step back in time on one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooners.

Fun Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Erie, PA

When traveling to Erie, you’ll find affordable fun for every member of your family regardless of what the weather does. Check out these suggestions for an afternoon escape or a full-day out in rain, sun, or snow.

Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park

Splash Lagoon is consistently ranked one of the Top 10 Water Park Resorts in the country by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice. It’s a tropical oasis with nine thrilling slides, a 200,000-gallon wave pool, FlowRider surf machine, the Tree Tops Ropes Course, arcade, food court, and a newly renovated Tiki Tree House complete with water sprayers, mini dumping buckets, and a giant tipping coconut! There’s also a new Froggy Family splash pad featuring a zero-depth pool, fun water sprayers, and colorful frog figures. Day passes and overnight packages are available year-round.

Play Port Arcade and Family Fun Center

Relive fond memories of going to the arcade and share them with a new generation at Play Port, where over 100 games are set to “free play”, no quarters needed! The bright neon colors and amazing collection of retro arcade games will transport your family back to the 80’s and 90’s with classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong, among others.  Play Port also features laser tag, glow golf, virtual reality games, and glow pool. General admission includes all “free play” video games and one round of glow golf.

Erie Otters OHL Hockey

Erie’s minor-league Ontario Hockey League team has a major following, with home games at Erie Insurance Arena that entertain crowds both on the ice and in the stands with fun family promotions and giveaways. Fans of all ages are encouraged to cheer alongside fellow fans, pound on the plexiglass, and give high-fives and hugs to Otto, the Otters’ lovable mascot. The Otters are part of the Ontario Hockey League, a member league of the Canadian Hockey League, a premiere player development league for the National Hockey League. Otters alumni include NHL two-time scoring champion and 2017 NHL MVP Connor McDavid, and 2020 Stanley Cup Champions Anthony Cirelli and Erik Cernak. The Otters’ regular season starts in October and runs through March.

The expERIEnce Children’s Museum

There’s always something imaginative, inventive, and immersive happening at the newly updated expERIEnce Children’s Museum. The newly remodeled facility (which finished an $18 million expansion in 2024) gives its littlest guests more room to unleash creation, exploration, imagination, and play. Many exhibits pay homage to the Erie community. “Lake Life” boasts the second-largest interactive water table in the country, featuring miniature versions of the Bicentennial Tower and the Land Lighthouse, two of Erie’s iconic structures. “My Town” is a kid-sized town packed with hands-on experiences from taking orders at a restaurant to changing the oil on a car. “Erie Recycles” features a gallery of smaller exhibits focused on real-world steps such as sorting recyclables, shredding plastic, and watching it transform into new products.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

Dedicated to teaching its visitors about the history of Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (affectionately referred to as “TREC”) is a free facility with two floors of engaging and interactive exhibits, and a glass-enclosed observation tower offering panoramic views of Lake Erie.  Through these hands-on exhibits, visitors learn about the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural beauty that is Presque Isle. A visit to TREC is incomplete without taking a moment to set the three towering whirligig structures near the main entrance in motion, bringing to life a multitude of hand-carved figures.

5 Wits

It’s all about immersing yourselves into worlds of live-action adventures at 5 Wits, located on the southwest end of the Millcreek Mall. Participants choose from a variety of quests such as Espionage, Drago’s Castle, and Tomb and are placed in real-life sets that rely on hands-on tasks, puzzles, and challenges to finish. Each story has multiple endings, adaptable difficulty, repeatable challenges, changing solutions, and dynamic outcomes, complete with synchronized sound, lighting, and special effects. Unlike escape games where escaping is the objective, 5 Wits offers story-driven games where there are always different endings to each story. All ages are admitted, however, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Arts and Culture

Taking the family to a theatrical performance at the Erie Playhouse or spending time surrounded by inspiring works of art at the Erie Art Museum can create opportunities for cultural growth, learning, and enjoyment. The Erie Playhouse has been entertaining audiences for more than 100 years and is one of the country’s oldest community theaters. Its intimate floor plan gives patrons the best seats in the house for musical extravaganzas, compelling dramas, light-hearted comedies, and inspired youth theater performances. Second Sundays at the Erie Art Museum is a recurring, pay-as-you-wish event that takes place on the second Sunday of each month. Families are invited to get creative and participate in activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. Second Sundays are held from 2-4 p.m.

Step into Serenity: Five Great Places to Hike in Erie County

Guest contributor: Heather Cass

Fifty-seven percent of Pennsylvania is forested. In fact, the state’s name translates into “Penn’s Woods,” Penn referring to William Penn who established the first colony, and “Sylvania,” which means woods or forest in Latin.  For those who like to hike and spend time in nature, there are numerous places to do so in the Erie area. There is a trail suitable for nearly any age or ability and most are just a short drive from the city.

Here are five great hiking spots to explore in Erie County:

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park has several trails, ranging from very short connector trails to a 13-mile paved multipurpose trail that encircles the park. There are three good middle-of-the-road options for those who want to get off the beaten path and walk in nature a mile or so: Dead Pond Trail, 2 miles; Long Pond Trail, 1 mile; and the Sidewalk Trail, 1.25 miles. All three are out-and-back trails near the top of the park that are marked with signage and are easily accessible from the road/multipurpose trail. See a PISP trail map here.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs State Park, 17 miles west of Erie, in Lake City, is Erie’s other state park. This 587-acre park is a wilder, less-developed area with a mile of shoreline and 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie.  The park has a total of 5.16 miles of trails that are made up of several short trails that connect at various points, so you can easily string several small trails together for a longer hike. The trails are well-marked. There is ample parking at the main entrance and portable toilets and lake access at the nearby Elk Creek access entrance. See an Erie Bluffs trail map here.

Tip: Pennsylvania State Park Rangers offer several free programs, hikes, and activities at both parks.

Asbury Woods

Asbury Woods is a 234-acre nature center in Millcreek, west of Erie, with acres of fields, forests, wetlands, and more than 5 miles of wooded and well-maintained trails that traverse through them. The longest, The Greenway Trail, 2.2 miles, connects a series of land parcels, with Asbury Woods Nature Center and Brown’s Farm anchoring each end. A highlight of this trail is a scenic steel walking bridge over Walnut Creek that offers access to the creek where you can cool your heels.  Asbury Woods Nature Center offers animal exhibits, information, restrooms, and a gift shop. There are also picnic pavilions and play areas for children.  See an Asbury Woods trail map here.

Headwaters Park

Headwaters Park is a hidden gem, an oasis of nature on thirty-five acres tucked into an industrial park in Millcreek. So named because it is the start of the headwaters of Mill Creek, you’ll find nearly three miles of trails on this parcel of nature covered with mature hardwoods, native grasses, wildflowers, and more.  There is interpretive signage, a boardwalk over the wetlands, an accessible stream for fossil hunting, ample parking, picnic tables, and portable toilets. See a map of Headwaters Park trails here.

Wintergreen Gorge

The Wintergreen Gorge is a 4,000-foot long, 250-foot-wide chasm on the edge of the campus of Penn State University Behrend Campus that is estimated to have been formed more than 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age as melting water formed a meandering path to Lake Erie. Wintergreen Gorge Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that travels along Fourmile Creek in the gorge for the first half mile and then up through the woods for the second half mile before summitting at a picturesque overlook, known locally as the Devil’s Backbone. Though the trail is not blazed, it’s easy to follow the wide, main path. There are no restrooms, but there is interpretive signage and plenty of parking at the Cooper Road entrance. See a map of Wintergreen Gorge Trail here.

Trail Talk
A few terms that are helpful to know when choosing a trail:

Blaze: A colored mark, usually painted or nailed to a tree, to help you follow the trail.
Easy/Moderate/Strenuous: Trail descriptions that refer to difficulty. Easy is usually flat and grassy. Moderate includes some hills, roots, and rocks. Strenuous means serious uphills, rough terrain, and sometimes climbing.
Loop: The trail starts and finishes in the same spot.
Out-and-back: Trail goes to a certain point, and then you turn around and take the same trail back to the start.
Point-to-Point: The trail starts at one point and ends at another.

Celebrate International Underground Railroad Month

In September, we are joining destinations across Maryland in celebrating International Underground Railroad Month in Caroline County, Maryland, is a great way to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom. Caroline County has a rich history connected to the Underground Railroad, with several sites and events that commemorate this important part of American history. Here’s how you can celebrate:

Key Sites and Events in Caroline County

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway:

  • The byway includes fifteen sites in Caroline County that were significant in the life of Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers. You can explore the driving route, which features interpretive signs and historical markers.
  • The byway can be explored on your own or with guided tours that often provide deeper insights into the history and stories of the area.

Community Events and Educational Programs:

  • Freedom’s River: An Underground Railroad History Day on the Water. Take a cruise on the Choptank River to uncover the powerful stories of freedom seekers and the enduring legacy of the Underground Railroad. A waitlist is offered for the event, please inquire directly about scheduling a private cruise tour. Freedom’s River Tour
  • Birding & Boating the Harriet Tubman Byway. A guided, self-driven tour lead by Delmarva Birding Weekends and Harriet Tubman Tours, discover the birds and wildlife that Tubman would have encountered while navigating the upper reaches of the Choptank River. This area provided crossings for freedom seekers heading north toward Delaware. For inquiries outside of scheduled tours and booking. Birding & Boating the Byway
  • Rooted Wisdom Podcast Listening Party. Adkins Arboretum is set to launch a podcast listening party. Rooted Wisdom reveals the people and places that shaped our history and considers how their stories continue to shape our lives today. This podcast will extend to investigate the larger history of the Underground Railroad. Available via livestream or inperson on September 26th. Rooted Wisdom
  • Bishop Alexander Wayman: Faith, Freedom & Justice- From Tuckahoe to the World. An additional program of interest around the seventh Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born in Tuckahoe Neck. Wayman also has a legacy of freedom for African Americans; a liberator in his own rights who worked toward spiritual freedom for African Americans. Bishop Alexander Wayman

Local Museums and Historical Societies:

  • The Caroline County Historical Society and the Museum of Rural Life have exhibits related to the Underground Railroad. These institutions often provide a wealth of information on local history and the broader context of the fight for freedom.African American History & Culture

Tips for Celebrating

  • Plan Ahead
  • Take a Guided Tour
  • Participate in Events

We invite you to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and the incredible courage of those who risked everything for freedom.

Explore history, culture, and classic American towns along Route 15

Take a road trip along Route 15 from Loudoun County, Virginia through Frederick, Maryland, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and centuries of American stories come to life.

These regions are known for Civil War history, great wine, and delicious food served up in historic buildings. Yet, there are so many more stories to find here.

Discover stories of our Black history and culture, uncover lesser-known stories from World War II as we commemorate the conflict’s 80th anniversary, and visit three thriving communities with vibrant Main Streets that combine history, shopping, dining, and walkability.

Black History and Culture

Leesburg has become a vibrant public arts hub, with a contemporary sculpture garden, guided public art tours and scores of murals– many depicting the extraordinary contribution of African Americans to the county’s history.

The wall of the Loudoun Museum depicts Bazil Newman, a Black 19th Century Loudoun landowner taking a young Black boy across the Potomac River to Maryland at night. A short walk away, on the walls of the town’s public garage, vibrant murals depict beloved local barbershop owner Nelson “Mutt” Lassiter and Marie Medley-Howard, said to be the first African American woman to own a business in town. Just outside town is the Historic Douglass High School Education and Development Campus, which opened in May 2023 on the site of Loudoun’s first Black high school.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features a playground that celebrates African American history and culture, including a Hall of Heroes structure modeled on the shape of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.

In Frederick County, there’s centuries of Black history told at local sites and museums. In Thurmont, you’ll find the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, an organization that preserves and interprets an iron furnace and company village with roots back to the 18th century. The Museum of the Ironworker and the African American Cemetery Interpretative Trail tells the story of the enslaved workers who toiled at the furnace in its earliest years.

Head into Downtown Frederick and take a walking tour with the AARCH Society, detailing the history of All Saint Streets, the historically Black neighborhood at the heart of the city.

Visitors can spend an entire day diving into an integral part of Gettysburg’s history that has often been overlooked. The diverse people, places and stories that make up the tapestry of this town are chronicled through the Gettysburg Black History Trail. Launched in 2024, the self-guided trail includes interactive museums, battlefield locations and historic downtown sites. 

80th Anniversary of World War II

Visit the former residence of George C Marshall, just minutes from Route 16. A National Historic Landmark, the site is now known as Dodona Manor and where Marshall lived from 1941 until 1959. During his residency, Marshall served our nation as Chief of Staff of the Army, Special Envoy to China, Secretary of State, President of the American Red Cross and Secretary of Defense. General Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Plan (The Marshall Plan) and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. Both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill described him as “the greatest American of the 20th century.” More than 90 percent of the items in the house belonged to the Marshalls when he lived there.

Discover secret stories from World War II at Catoctin Mountain Park in northern Frederick County. Created as a national park in the 1930s, the park became a training ground for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) agents before they headed off to serve behind enemy lines in World War II. The OSS was the predecessor to the CIA.

A five-star general of World War II before he became America’s 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie resided in Gettysburg for several years. Their tranquil farm, the only home Ike and Mamie ever owned, is preserved today as Eisenhower National Historic Site. Visitors can tour the house seasonally and walk the very grounds Eisenhower once did. 

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After exploring the Eisenhower home, head over to World War II American Experience and get up close to tanks, Jeeps and other military vehicles. Dozens of uniforms and rare artifacts in this museum illustrate the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, from the front lines to the home front. 

3 towns on a historic byway

Visit Virginia’s largest small town, Leesburg, known for restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries, boutiques and chic home décor stores. Dine on oysters, tacos and farm-to-table fare on King Street (our restaurant row), and visit any of a dozen or so artisanal coffee shops along the Leesburg Coffee Corridor. There’s a vibrant art and music scene too, with several museums, galleries, murals and a concert venue – Tally Ho.

Though it might be Maryland’s 2nd largest city, Frederick is home to a 50-block historic district that feels like a small town at the foot of Catoctin Mountain. Downtown Frederick is home to 200+ independent and locally owned shops and restaurants.

The stories of the past blend with small town charm of the present in Gettysburg’s walkable downtown, where Civil War era homes are nestled between eclectic shops and restaurants. From fine dining by candlelight to sipping beer in a local brewery, culinary experiences await to satisfy your cravings. Family farms in the Adams County countryside provide a bounty of fresh ingredients that bring the cuisine to another level. 

Best Fall Festivals in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year in Fairfax County. Between crisper weather (prime for exploring local trails) and looking forward to the holiday season (up first: Halloween!), this area knows how to kick off the festival season.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the best fall festivals and events in Northern Virginia for the whole family in 2024. Bookmark these for the best festivals this autumn, and check out the full list of all fall festivals here. More are being added every day!


September

Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair
September 14-15

Mount Vernon Colonial Market and FairImage courtesy Mount Vernon

Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares on the grounds of George Washington’s estate. The Colonial Market and Fair also features lively 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite. Need additional reasons to attend Mount Vernon? Check here.
 

Cox Farms Fall Festival
Opening weekend September 14-15; runs through November 5

Hayrides at Cox Farm - Fall - Drone Capture

Cox Farms Fall Festival has been a family tradition for thousands of Fairfax County families for more than 40 years. The most popular Fall Festival attractions are the famous hayride (around the pond, through the woods, and ending in the Enchanted Barn), five giant slides, the Cornundrum cornfield adventure, rope swings, hay tunnels and more. Don’t miss Foamhenge, an accurate life-size replica of Stonehenge made of Styrofoam plus the scary Fields of Fear hayride and haunted adventure in the evenings.

 

Perchfest Fall: Music & Mini Golf Festival
September 20-21

The Perch - Sign- April Greer - OBVFX - Tysons

Have you ever attended a festival 11 stories high? Make sure to add PerchFest to your fall festival list because this is one event you won’t want to miss! Before or after catching the incredible Shrek the Musical, head up to Perch Putt for a special Shrek-themed surprise. Guests can enjoy Shrek-inspired activities, food trucks, Instagrammable moments, and FREE pop-up massages!

 

Mosaic District’s Annual Fall Festival
September 28-29

Enjoy live entertainment and music, a FRESHFARM Farmers Market with 50+ vendors, Beer Garden from Caboose Brewing Company and Wine Garden, and more at Mosaic District’s Annual Fall Festival on September 28 and 29!

October

Vienna Oktoberfest
October 5

Vienna's Oktoberfest - Press Release - Fall - EventsImage courtesy Vienna Business Association

Come to historic Church Street in downtown Vienna and enjoy beer, wine, German and other international foods, live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and free admission at the annual Vienna Oktoberfest!


City of Fairfax Fall Festival
October 12

City of Fairfax Fall Festival - Kids - Family
Image courtesy City of Fairfax

Enjoy over 400 arts, crafts, food & gourmet food vendors, children’s activities, and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages at this classic fall festival held in and hosted by the nearby City of Fairfax.


Clifton Day Festival
October 13

Clifton Day

On October 13, attend the beloved Clifton Day Festival. The 2024 festival will feature a marketplace with hundreds of artisans, live music, pony rides and other children’s activities, a beer and wine garden, and more. Pro tip: Clifton Day is also the only day of the year that the Virginia Railway Express train stops in the town, so be sure to grab a ride into Clifton! 

 

DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
October 16-17

DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival Logo

The top coffee shops and roasters are meeting up with the best chocolatiers, gourmet food purveyors, and artisans at an event so delicious you won’t even be able to stand it! Head to the Dulles Expo Center on October 16-17 to taste, sip, and get a head start on your holiday shopping at this family-friendly DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival in Chantilly.

 

November

Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village
Mid-November – early January 

Bull Run Festival of Lights - Holidays - Winter - Light - Ferris Wheel Shows

Every year from Thanksgiving until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles of illuminated holiday light displays. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus (holiday village open select nights). Want more light shows? Check here.
 

 

Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
Mid-November – early January 

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights - Light Show - Vienna - Holidays

Every year from mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a winter wonderland. The half-mile enchanting walk features lighted nature themes and animated displays to get you in the holiday mood.  This trail is paved for wheelchairs and strollers! 

 

Bonus:

The holiday season is fast approaching! Keep tabs on Fairfax County’s winter guide for updated events, travel ideas, and more.

Want more festival fun for 2024? Check out the full list of fall festivals here and keep tabs on our growing event calendar for the latest and greatest.

Article originally appeared on www.FXVA.com, Fairfax County, Virginia’s official source of travel information and inspiration. #FXVA @VisitFairfax