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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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Five Great Places to Hike in Erie, Pennsylvania

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 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.

Nine Must-Try Fall Bites and Beverages in Erie, PA

Fall in Erie is full of flavor, and local chefs, bakers, and brewers are serving up the season in the most delicious ways. From cozy pumpkin curries to spiced cocktails and apple wines, these bites and beverages showcase the best of Erie’s fall food scene. Here’s what’s new this season.

Bites

Bar Ronin
Roasted Savory Pumpkin Curry (V/GF/DF)
A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, this curry is filled with roasted fall vegetables, miso pepitas, and warm koshihikari rice, a short-grain rice developed in Japan after World War II, known for its sticky, chewy, and sweet taste.
Flip Café
Franken-toast
Known for their creative breakfast entrees, Flip Café is leaning into spooky season with Franken-toast. This brioche French toast is topped with a pistachio fluff, puff pastry and drizzled with ginger-honey syrup.
Tipsy Bean Café
Pumpkin Maple Glaze Cookie (V/GF)
The epitome of fall flavors is this soft, spiced pumpkin cookie drizzled with a sweet maple glaze that melts into every bite. It pairs perfectly with their Count Dracula Cayenne Mocha, a classic, rich mocha topped with a sprinkling of cayenne spice for a spooky twist.
Lucky Louie’s Beer & Wieners
Bratty German Kid
Lucky Louie’s always brings the flavor. Their seasonal dog, Bratty German Kid, is made with Boski Cheesy Brat, topped with kraut, Swiss cheese, spicy brown mustard, and bacon all piled high on a pretzel bun.

Beverages

Jade Winery
Apple Wine
Enjoy the sweetness of a Gala, the crispness of an Empire, and the tartness of a Cortland apple in Jade’s special apple wine blend made with locally grown apples from Burch Farms. Pair with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or apple pie. Don’t forget to serve chilled.
Werner Books & Coffee
Maple Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cold Foam and Cinnamon
Maple, pumpkin, and cinnamon – the ultimate fall trio. This drink is best enjoyed once settled into a quiet nook of the bookstore. Be sure to browse the shelves featuring Erie’s own authors, which makes for the perfect companion to your seasonal sip.
The Brewerie at Union Station
Apparition Amber
Named after a ghost who has taken up residency at The Brewerie, this beer packs a spicy punch. Filled with hot chilis and fresh jalapenos, try this beer if you dare.
Voodoo Brewery Company – Erie Pub
Classic Cinnamon Toast Crunch Old Fashioned
Voodoo uses their own Spirits Bourbon Whiskey that has been infused with copious amounts of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, creating a mouthwatering fusion of smooth whiskey with bold cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker flavors. Want to take it up a notch? Try it smoked with cinnamon wood chips for an aromatic finish.
Before the Barrel Distillery
Salted Caramel Pecan
Made in small batches, the Salted Caramel Pecan Moonshine is a number one seller. The first sip is a strong caramel flavor followed by a butter pecan finish. Sip this on its own or mixed with apple cider.

Five Award Winning Wines You Can Only Get in Lake Erie Wine Country

You don’t have to travel far to experience a range of complex, award-winning wines that have been recognized among some of the nation’s best. A 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo lands you in Lake Erie Wine Country – the largest grape growing region in the Great Lakes, and home to more than 20 commercial and estate wineries, all with selections that will please even the most refined palate. Plan a trip to taste these award-winning wines in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Johnson Estate Winery
2022 Chambourcin
Best of Class for French Hybrids, 2025 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2025 Los Angeles Wine Competition
Crisp with a medium body, Johnson Estate’s Chambourcin is made from estate-grown French-hybrid grapes on the third-generation family farm in western New York. Look for berry notes with a little oakiness, and pair with a variety of red meats or game.

Presque Isle Wine Cellars
2022 Gruner Veltliner
Platinum Award, 2023 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, San Diego
This complex dry white wine is made from grapes grown in Erie County, and is versatile in how it pairs with food. Try it with vegetable dishes or something with a little spice.

South Shore Wine Company
2024 The Perfect Rose
Gold Medal, 2024 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards
The Perfect Rose isn’t just beautiful when poured, it’s the perfect wine for sipping outside. Chambourcin grapes give this variety a hint of color and delicate berry flavor. Try it paired with salmon or a salad.

Courtyard Winery
Courtyard Brut
Bronze Medal, 2018 USA Wine Ratings, San Francisco
This dry white sparkline wine is made from Chardonel grapes, using the traditional champagne method. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop this one.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
2018 Dry Reisling, Nutt Road Vineyard
Silver Medal, 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition
Reisling grapes were harvested early in the morning at cool temperatures to ensure optimum maturity and flavor concentration of this variety. Try it paired with a pork roast or fish.

Voices That Shaped the Nation: Tracing Indigenous Roots Across the Mid-Atlantic

Before the highways and train lines, before town squares and brick courthouses, the Mid-Atlantic was a living landscape of forests, rivers, and mountains that sustained countless generations of Indigenous peoples. Today, those stories still breathe through the land—from the rolling ridges of Maryland to the quiet riverbanks of Pennsylvania and the open fields of Virginia. For travelers who like to dig deeper, this region offers more than scenic overlooks—it’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of America’s first storytellers, artists, and stewards of the earth.

In Frederick, Maryland, follow the curve of the Monocacy River, where the echoes of ancient villages linger beneath the rippling water. Archaeological sites in Catoctin Mountain Park and Monocacy National Battlefield reveal how Native communities shaped their world through skillful quarrying, hunting, and trade. It’s a reminder that every trailhead here has a story far older than the Civil War markers nearby.

Head north to Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania to explore the city of Carlisle, where the Cumberland County Historical Society invites reflection on a more complex chapter of Indigenous history. This is where Jim Thorpe, one of America’s greatest athletes, trained at the Carlisle Indian School—a place that symbolizes both cultural loss and enduring resilience. For writers, it’s a setting rich with emotion and duality: the triumph of spirit against the backdrop of painful assimilation.

Further south, the Culpeper, Virginia countryside holds quiet traces of the Manahoac people, whose tools, ornaments, and artifacts rest today in the Museum of Culpeper History. The story of their migration westward, following the bison across the Blue Ridge, is one of movement, adaptation, and the search for balance with nature—concepts that still resonate deeply with travelers seeking meaning beyond the map.

And in Fairfax County, a layered history unfolds at every bend of the Potomac. From Riverbend Park to Mason Neck, archaeological sites reveal the lives of the Dogue, Patawomeck, Piscataway, Powhatan, Pamunkey, and others who lived and traded along these waterways for over 14,000 years. Modern festivals, exhibits, and parklands invite visitors not just to learn—but to listen.

These places offer more than historical context—they offer connection. The Mid-Atlantic’s Indigenous stories remind us that every journey begins with those who first named the rivers, mapped the trails, and read the seasons through the trees. Whether you’re exploring museum archives, attending a cultural festival, or simply standing by a quiet stream, take a moment to honor the voices that came before. In doing so, you’ll find that the true story of this region isn’t just written in books—it’s written in the land itself.

Affordable Adventures Abound in the Mid-Atlantic

Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,

MATPRA distributes press releases designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

The Mid-Atlantic Region offers a wealth of budget-friendly travel options, from free historical sites to affordable outdoor adventures. With charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and numerous no-cost festivities, it’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing fun. Check out the MidAtlantic region – where affordable adventures abound.

DELAWARE


Statewide (DE)
Delaware has several affordable, family-friendly options for you! First, we are the home of tax-free shopping! Delaware State Parks include a $5 fee per vehicle for residents and a $10 fee for non-residents. It covers a day-long stay, including access to the beach, biking and hiking trails, and other activities. At the Brandywine Zoo you can see animals from around the world. Admission is $3 for children and $5 for adults. Delaware’s capital city, Dover, includes free public facilities such as the Delaware Public Archives and museums such as the Biggs Museum of American Art and the Air Mobility Command Museum.
Visit Delaware

MARYLAND


Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)
Explore Annapolis and Anne Arundel County without breaking the bank! Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Annapolis Historic District or tour the U.S. Naval Academy for a small fee. Get on the water with one of the many watersports and sailing adventures that are offered for under $100. Discover colonial history with a curated history walking tour, pub crawl, or ghost tour for an affordable nighttime adventure. Attend free concerts at the Annapolis Maritime Museum or watch planes at the BWI Trail’s observation area. With nature, history, and charm, affordable adventures await at every turn.
Visit Annapolis


Calvert County (MD)
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, a Smithsonian affiliate in Solomons, Maryland, blends art and nature along shaded woodland trails dotted with sculptures, native plants, and butterfly gardens. Families enjoy the whimsical Fairy Lolly playground, while the Arts Building offers galleries, rotating exhibits, a hands-on artLAB, and a gift shop featuring local handmade goods. Admission is pay-what-you-can (suggested $5), making it accessible to all. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Arts Building opens at 10 a.m.), Annmarie is an inspiring destination for travelers, families, and art lovers seeking creativity, beauty, and play in a unique natural setting.
Choose Calvert


Harford County (MD)
Harford County is not only where adventure begins, but we can also offer the price conscious traveler an array of experiences. Whether you are looking for community theatre productions, museums, scenic trails, a visit to one of our working farms, or a family centric event we are here to welcome you to our close-knit community. Check out our website for more information. Whatever your pace or budget, there is so much to experience, so close to home. See you soon!
Hello Harford


Howard County (MD)
In Howard County, some of the best moments don’t come with a price tag. Hike scenic trails to gorgeous natural wonders like the Cascade Falls, explore historic towns like Ellicott City and Savage, or enjoy family-friendly parks and inclusive playgrounds. Enjoy free museums and seasonal events, including concerts and outdoor movies, with variety for every traveler type. From trails to towns, uncover FREE (or Almost FREE) adventures perfect for your next getaway.
Visit Howard County


Kent County Economic and Tourism Development (MD)
Looking for a getaway that won’t break the bank? Kent County, Maryland is brimming with budget-friendly adventures for every traveler. Stroll the historic streets of Chestertown, where art galleries and waterfront views invite you to linger at no cost. Explore Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge with miles of trails and abundant birdwatching opportunities. Spend an afternoon at a local festival, many of which are free and family-friendly. From small-town charm to wide-open spaces, Kent County proves you don’t need to spend big to enjoy rich experiences. Affordable adventures are waiting right here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Kent County Tourism


Talbot County (MD)
Enjoy five free things to do in Talbot County, located conveniently on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 1) Appreciate art at the Academy Art Museum, with collections showcasing well-known and emerging artists. 2)Attend the Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival on Feb. 20-21, 2026, and explore downtown Easton through an ice sculpture trail. 3) Explore the life of Frederick Douglass through a four-part, self-guided driving tour. 4) Celebrate the founding black families of America at the Water’s Edge Museum. 5) Take in the beauty of Talbot County by bike, with routes ranging from 26.7 to 38.2 miles.
(Photo Credit: @mamakatemoving)
Tour Talbot

PENNSYLVANIA

Bucks County (PA)
Save your money and enjoy some frugal fun in Bucks County! Venture through grand museums for a dash of history and experience the family-friendly festivities scattered throughout the County: 25 Free Things to Do in Bucks County.
Visit Bucks County


Butler County (PA)
Did you know PA State Parks are free to enter? Plan your trip, pack a picnic, and bring your fishing poles, kayaks, and bicycles to explore Moraine State Park in Portersville, Butler County, PA. Tour Lake Arthur on the Preston’s Pearl, a tour boat offering various cruises from Memorial Day Weekend through October. If you want to pack light, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bikes at affordable rates. Nearby diners and coffee shops like Brown’s Country Kitchen and Hillview Coffee offer budget-friendly snacks and meals. Don’t miss The Snowman, a photo-worthy shaved-ice stand minutes from the park.
(Photo Credit: Jim Cheney/UncoveringPA )
Experience Butler


Endless Mountains (PA)
Three seasons of the year, Brown Hill Farms is a detour destination in the heart of the Endless Mountains agricultural area that offers visitors seasonal ways to celebrate! At the beautiful property located near Tunkhannock, right off historic Route 6, Brown Hill Farms provides opportunities to stroll through over 400,000 tulips and daffodils each spring, bask in the glow of summertime magic on thirty acres of sunflowers and cut flowers, and provide the perfect fall foliage activity of picking a pumpkin from a patch that grows classic orange pumpkins as well as blue heirloom varieties.
Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau


Juniata River Valley (PA)
Experience Juniata County on a budget with the So. J. Co itinerary—packed with budget-friendly adventures! Start with a visit to LoveTwo Farm to see adorable animals, then step back in time at the Tuscarora Academy Museum. Walk through the iconic Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge, a true Pennsylvania landmark, and enjoy a relaxing day fishing or floating on the Juniata River. Wrap up your journey at the historic Lewistown Narrows Canal Park, where history meets breathtaking views. Affordable, fun, and full of charm, the SoJCo itinerary is your ticket to exploring Juniata County.
Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau

Lancaster County (PA)

Nestled along a quiet stretch of Mill Creek in Lancaster County, Mascot Roller Mills & Ressler Family Home offers visitors something rare: a living, working glimpse into the past that you can see, hear, and feel – and all for free. The property is one of a few remaining mills in the U.S. that still operates for the public on a near-daily basis from early May to late October, grinding corn with machinery over a century old.
Discover Lancaster


Lawrence County (PA)
Lawrence County, PA is full of affordable adventures. Take a self-driving tour of the Amish Countryside, tour historic sites such as the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the period house at Arts + Education at the Hoyt, The first Warner Brother’s theater at the Historic Warner Cascade Theater Museum, and our Historical Societies. Enjoy beautiful walking trails such as West Park Nature Center, Pearson Park, McConnells Mill State Park and more!
Visit Lawrence County


York County (PA)
Discover great free and low-cost adventures in York County, PA! Stroll or bike the scenic Heritage Rail Trail, explore the art-filled streets of downtown York and Mural Park in Royal Square, and take in sweeping Susquehanna River views from Samuel S. Lewis State Park. Enjoy outdoor fun at Gifford Pinchot and Codorus State Parks, or step back in time with budget-friendly visits to the York County History Center and Indian Steps Museum. There’s plenty of fun here that’s rich in experience, not expense!
Explore York

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia – and coming soon… New Jersey! The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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Get Spooky in Eerie PA!

Whispers of otherworldly secrets and restless spirits beckon, as Eerie Pennsylvania readies for its spookiest season. A chilling greeting awaits you and your ghoul friends along the shores of Lake Erie with haunted cemeteries, creepy tunnels, and spine-tingling films. From things that go bump in the night to unexplainable ghostly noises, the city with the eerily appropriate name is ready to scare you senseless with Halloween happenings.

The Eerie Horror Fest

October 11-12, 2025

The undead are calling. Held inside the historic Warner Theater, the Eerie Horror Fest is a curated program of new, upcoming, and classic short and feature-length films, workshops, panel discussions, vendors, concert performances, and celebrity guests participating in live Q&As, autographs, and photo opportunities. Click here for ticket information and additional details.

Victorian Princess Halloween Moonlight Cruises

Fridays in October

Every Halloween, the majestic Victorian Princess paddleboat transforms into a haunted ship complete with decked-out decks and a devilishly devious crew, ready to carry its cache of creepy creatures onto the waters of Presque Isle Bay. This cruise is frightfully delightful featuring costume contests and prizes, a cash bar, and a DJ. Each cruise features a different themed night including witches, serial killers, zombies, and vampires.  All cruises run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket information is available here.

Haunted History Tours of Union Station

October 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29

See what lies beneath The Brewerie at Union Station and get a rare glimpse at the dark and mysterious tunnels that run underneath. A guide will walk you deep into the bowels of the building and tell the tragic story of Clara, a little girl who supposedly fell backward down a marble flight of stairs to her unfortunate death. To this day, there are rumors of people hearing a child’s giggle or a scream or experiencing a tripping sensation on their shins. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Space is extremely limited and tours sell out quickly. Reservations can be made online or by calling 814-454-2200.

Tour Erie: Eerie Stories, Legends & Lore Ghost Tour

Septemeber 19, 20, 26, 27 and October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31

Travel back in time to discuss the bloody, but successful Battle of Lake Erie and the sad legacy of Misery Bay. Hear the tale of the Lake Erie Storm Hag, swing by some buildings in downtown Erie that are said to be haunted and delve into more modern true crime stories including the infamous Pizza Bomber case that was covered in Netflix’s “Evil Genius” documentary. In this small group tour, you’ll hear a variety of eerie ghost stories, spooky legends and lore, all while getting a little exercise. The one-and-a-half mile tour will start and end at the Flagship Food Hall (North Park Row entrance), where you can grab a drink or dinner after the tour. Click here to book your tour.

Scallywags Pirate Adventures: Haunted Cruise

October 3-4 

For two nights only the Scallywags Pirate ship will become a ghost ship, haunted by the souls of undead pirates ready to have one last pirate party! This haunted cruise is for ages 21 and up. Come in your best (or worst) costume and enjoy a spooky DJ, ghastly entertainment and a costume contest! Click here to book your haunted pirate adventure.

Escape Game Erie – Axe Murder Hollow

Available year-round (West Ridge Road location)

The Axe Murder Hollow legend is based on a story that has haunted the Erie area for almost 60 years.  Although the alleged ax murder incident in the hollow off Sterrettania Road has never been proven and there is no historical evidence, generations of curious thrill seekers have visited the area in hopes of seeing the ghostly farmer who is said to have brutally murdered his wife and her lover. Immerse yourself in this frightfully interactive game as you try to find the gas can to start your car and escape before the farmer-turned-axe murderer finds you. Ticket information and additional details are here. .

Covert Escape Games, “Missing Person”

Available year-round (West Ridge Road location)

Described as a cross between Investigation-Discovery (ID) TV and Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs, Covert Escape Game’s newest room is its scariest room! The game is centered around a missing person’s case, and it just so happens that the person is someone you know. Through a series of clues and police reports, you and your search party will try to solve the mystery of what happened to this friend while uncovering some gruesome pieces along the way. With a little luck and keen clue-solving skills, your group can save your friend in time. Due to graphic images and limited lighting, parents should use discretion for children under 12. This game does not have any live actors, and the escape doors are not locked. The Missing Person game is available daily at various times. Click here for ticket information and additional details.