Sep 27, 2023

Change things up with a weekend getaway close to home

Perspective is when you see a point that brings all other things into view. Within a two-hour drive northeast of home, along our Great Lake, is Erie, Pennsylvania. Similar to Cleveland in its Rust Belt roots, it is a city of diversity and friendly people. The Bayfront is developing more as a gathering place, and Presque Isle State Park has something for everyone with its sandy beaches and lakefront forest for all to enjoy. Even though we are so close to Erie geographically, we found it is a place we look forward to returning to, where we can explore more of the welcoming Mid-Atlantic charm.

Over two fall days, we went between Erie and the neighboring borough of North East, PA. Our itinerary offers various experiences that are worth noting as you may be interested in also planning a weekend getaway there. Whether traveling to Erie, PA for leisure, as a stop on your way to Buffalo, New York or Toronto, Ontario, or for business, please bookmark this page and review our list for recommended things to see and places to eat as we went firsthand.

Check for events and festivals

Erie, PA has the beautiful Bayfront Convention Center that draws conferences and large meetings into town. Festivals and other events are also numerous various times of the year. Be sure to see VisitErie’s website for all the information on upcoming events.

The weekend we were in the area, we enjoyed going to the North East Wine Fest 20 minutes from downtown Erie. Fun fact, the region is home to growing the most concord grapes of anywhere in the world! Numerous wineries and vineyards are along the route from Erie to North East, and if you go at the right time, you will likely smell the aroma of grapes in the air.

Where to stay

The Elsie Greer House Bed & Breakfast

• Located in the borough of North East, PA, the Elsie Greer Guest House Bed & Breakfast is just a twenty-minute drive from Downtown Erie. Each of the rooms on the second floor of this century Victorian home have a unique theme. Innkeeper Nanci maintains the home and it is very clean and well kept. Strong Wi-Fi internet worked well for us throughout the property.
• The parlor on the first floor offers sofas and a variety of seating for evening relaxation or curling up for an afternoon read. We never had any issues with the shared bathroom during the course of our stay as there were other guests. In fact we immensely enjoyed their company at the table sharing breakfast.
• At breakfast, Nanci served homemade hot foods and our mugs were always kept full of hot coffee. Tea, water and orange juice are also available. After two days of hour-and-a-half deep conversations, we felt like we made new friends. In fact, we exchanged contact information with one another! - It was our first true B&B experience, and we look forward to this style of accommodation again, though the bar is set high from this stay!

Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront

• Overlooking Presque Isle Bay, the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront is the ideal hotel close to all the attractions in Downtown Erie. Oliver’s Rooftop is within the hotel on the top floor. Oliver’s Beer Garden is next door. The Bicentennial Tower and the Bayfront Convention Center are within walking distance.

What to see

Presque Isle Lighthouse

• Built in 1872, the Presque Isle Lighthouse was and remains instrumental in navigation aid on Lake Erie. Lighthouse keepers stayed there until 1944 when coast guard and automation took over. The lighthouse was originally meant to be constructed of limestone, but cost restricted that from happening so it’s mostly brick that was sourced from neighboring cities. Today the lighthouse beacon projects light with Fresnel lens over 13 miles into the Lake.
• Presque Isle State Park is a gem on Lake Erie with beautiful sandy beaches, including one that is dog-friendly! The park offers Erie protection from the weather and storm surge of this Great Lake. Off the coast of Presque Isle is one of the most intriguing areas of the lake, with over 400 shipwrecks documented in this particular quadrangle. We’re so curious to read and learn more about these mysteries!

The Bicentennial Tower

• Check the hours when you can take an elevator to The Bicentennial Tower observation deck. Enjoy looking over the city, as well as Presque Isle Bay and State Park. Don’t miss the colorful painted sidewalk art leading up to the tower elevator, as it is a perfect photo or video opportunity!

Erie Art Museum

• We enjoyed the wonderful exhibit by Ana Balcazar, Peruvian Painter and artist in residency. Works depict botanicals and female representation. The Erie Art Museum is really a special space for the community to celebrate together. Other galleries we saw included pieces from pop art to Hispanic linoart from Oaxaca. If you have an hour or two for immersion, peruse through this must-see museum.

Freeport Beach

• Just a few miles north of downtown North East is Freeport Beach, open to the public from dawn to dusk. While rocky, it’s a really clean swimming beach in the summer and offers beautiful views of the Lake Erie shoreline. It would be a great place to catch the sunset or just relax as the waves come in!

Where to shop

Erie Apparel

• Erie Apparel showcases eclectic and fun locally printed t-shirts, sweatshirts and souvenirs with an emphasis on color, quirks, positivity, trends and of course, Lake Erie vibes.

Glass Growers Gallery

• A mainstay in Erie, Glass Growers Gallery showcases both regional and artists around the country selling pieces including tiles, prints, photography and glass. Be sure to stop in and take something beautiful and inspiring home for you or to give as a gift.

Primo Tailoring

• While the Primo Tailoring shop was closed, it offers amazing menswear and of course, a tailoring shop with a shoe shine service certain days of the week! We look forward to stopping in the next time we’re in the area.

Where to eat + drink

Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

• We enjoyed meeting the sisters and owners of Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro as we were hosted by Christine Temple from VisitErie. Live jazz music was a treat during cocktails and dinner. Food provided the right intensity of spice and Caribbean flair with southern classics like Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles. For dessert, we opted for carrot cake to-go, and later enjoyed it in our room. It was nutty and divine.

Skunk & Goat Tavern

• We had the honor to attend the Skunk & Goat Tavern’s first Bubbly Brunch. The rectangular table was set for 20, which was inviting and social. The menu was carefully planned to pair with wineries featured at the North East Wine Fest across the street in Gibson Park. Our host Jessica George shared stories of each of the wines and Chef John Bouquin then came out to tell us about the pairing dish he created for the meal!

Flagship City Food Hall

• Vendors at Flagship City Food Hall offer mix of options for everyone at reasonable prices. From pizza to Philly Steak, as well as Dominican to Japanese cuisine. This is a really great option for every palette in the heart of Downtown Erie to try a mix of local foods. We loved the décor and design inside as we sat and ate a quick bite here.

Oliver’s Rooftop

• Named in homage of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, also known as the “Hero of Lake Erie” Oliver’s Rooftop offers New American cuisine with locally caught walleye entrees. The cocktail menu is incredible. Space is well designed with unique glass art, a floating electric fireplace wall divider as well as a custom hexagonal light fixture suspended over the bar.
• We were fortunate to catch a sunset here! Food was delicious. For a more casual vibe, don’t miss the Oliver’s Beer Garden just outside on the Bayfront. Offering a great vibe with outdoor seating, they even feature Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf open seasonally as well!