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About


About Erie, Pennsylvania

Welcome to Erie, Pennsylvania’s fifth largest city and Pennsylvania’s only Port on the Great Lakes. Located on beautiful Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, Erie is a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto via Interstates 79, 90 or scenic routes such as Route 5 (The Great Lakes Seaway Trail - An America’s Byway™), and Historic Pennsylvania Route 6. Erie County is home to approximately 260,000 residents and is a true gem of Lake Erie.  The Erie region offers a wide range of fun, affordable things to do. Erie’s easy to navigate street system allows for little to no traffic headaches, making it effortless to get from point to point. Set your course for our welcoming shores and get ready for a stress-free, relaxing adventure.

About VisitErie

Mission Statement: VisitErie is the leader of marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth.

The Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (EACVB) was formed as a division of the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce in 1961 and was formally named the “Erie Tourist and Convention Bureau”. The EACVB separated from the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce in July 2001 and became a stand-alone 501(c)6 organization. The Bureau was re-designated the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Erie County, and in October 2007, the Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau officially changed its name to VisitErie. Since its separation from the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce, VisitErie has taken on the responsibility for managing three visitor centers (I-90 Eastbound near OH/PA border, I-79 Northbound (near Edinboro) during the summer months, staff the Erie Visitor Center located inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, established a Convention Sales & Services Department, a Communications Department, and the Erie Sports Commission.

As Erie County’s official Destination Marketing Organization, VisitErie provides visitors and residents with the most up-to-date information on Erie’s tourism product through the annual Erie Visitors Guide, ‘Hello Erie’ trip planner app, the VisitErie.com website, social media channels, and other relevant materials. 

Erie’s Tourism Industry

Erie’s tourism industry is the third largest in Erie County, annually generating more than $1.2 billion in visitor spending and more than 15,000 jobs. Though Erie is known for its busy summer season, VisitErie and its partners are working to transform the Erie area into a four-season destination, offering fun affordable activities for all types of audiences.

 2022 Annual Report

Staff and Board of Directors

VisitErie Staff:

John Oliver, President and CEO
Emily Biddle, Director of Marketing and Research
Christine Temple, Director of Communications
Janice Friedrichsmeyer, Director of Partnership
Hannah Stancliff, Director of Convention Sales and Services
Mary Morgan, Marketing Coordinator
Mary Lou Schuler-Karr, Administrative Coordinator

Erie Sports Commission Staff:

Mark Jeanneret, Executive Director
Ben Huggler, Event Services Director
Chris Rosato, Jr., Events and Marketing Manager

VisitErie Board of Directors:

Board Chair - Carla Higgins, ERIEBANK
Vice-Chair - Gus Pine, Erie Events
Treasurer - Terry Cascioli, Decision Associates
Secretary - Elliott Ehrenreich, Phillips Lytle LLP
Past Chair - Brian Gorman, Waldameer Park and Water World

Troy Bingham, Erie Sports Center
Jaime Cieszynski, Erie Otters
Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie Co. Convention Center Authority
Pam Forsyth, Lilly Broadcasting
Matthew Greene, Presque Isle State Park, DCNR
Gary Hendricks, Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Martin LaMar, Erie-Western PA Port Authority
Paul Leroux, Cobblestone Inn and Suites
Anne Lewis, Red Letter Hospitality

Aaron Loncki, City of Erie
Derek Martin, Erie Regional Airport Authority
Vicke Marz, Victoria Inn
Jennifer Reed, Relish Inc.
Chris Scott, Scott Enterprises
Brian Shank, Erie County Council
Joe Sinnott, County of Erie
Karen Thomas, Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro
Stacy Tupek, Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel

Partner Spotlight

the cove from the cove site

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

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Summer Days at Port Farms

Join us for Summer Days at Port Farms from August 5th through September 10th! Enjoy 5-acres of u-pick flowers, themed festivals every weekend, special events, dances, live music, farm treats, specialty drinks, 20+ farm attractions and more! There is something for everyone.

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erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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Cart/Horse

Cart/Horse Distilling is a first-generation woman-owned distillery, pioneering the craft in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Handcrafted care never goes out of style. We put that artistic attention into every bottle of our small batch spirits. Cart/Horse proudly produces rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, and several award-winning specialty liquors. Our robust cocktail menu uses the finest and freshest ingredients for each custom-built drink.

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AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

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Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf

This 18-hole course is the newest addition to Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering stunning views of Erie’s Bayfront and the Bicentennial Tower. Play your round and then enjoy delicious food & drink from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck!

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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Airport Image Spotlight

When you have an opportunity to fly, give Erie a try - support your hometown airport!

Direct daily flights to Charlotte. Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte with connections to many other destinations.

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u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

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