The Que Abides Pit Stop & Food Truck – Inspired by a famous line from the cult classic “The Big Lebowski” and a passion for barbeque, The Que Abides introduced themselves to Erie barbeque fans in the form of a food truck in 2015. As a result of continued growth and popularity, The Que Abides expanded its business in April 2022 and opened a brick-and-mortar location on Route 5 in Fairview, PA. The space is a bit small, but the flavors are big and bold. When you go, ordering “The Dude,” signature sandwich is a must. Piled high with pulled pork and North Carolina coleslaw on a hoagie roll, it’s a mouth-watering masterpiece. In addition to serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday, the location offers a bountiful Sunday brunch.

The National Comedy Center – Located approximately 40 minutes from Erie in Jamestown, NY, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices. It is an exceptional visitor experience that uses state-of-the-art technology and interactivity, to create individual personalized environments. Your comedic journey begins by way of a laugh wristband that is outfitted with a microchip so it can link with your Sense of Humor profile. Your Humor profile is created by you via kiosks, that help you select movies, TV shows, and comedians that you find funny. Then it’s off to interact with more than fifty immersive exhibits that tailor their presentations to your comedic tastes.

Double D.A.B Riding Stables – Fans of the hit TV series “Yellowstone” will instantly relate to and appreciate the rustic farm life charm at Double D.A.B. in Ripley, NY with sprawling hills, beautiful vistas, and a multitude of farm animals including a welcoming pack of dogs who love greeting visitors. The highlight attraction, though, is the horseback rides through miles of scenic trails. No experience is required as their trained staff will guide you every step of the way. Rides are appropriate for ages six and up.  Double D.A.B.’s season runs from April to November, weather permitting.

The Dinor at Lawrence Park  –The Lawrence Park Dinor was named one of Trip Advisor’s 2023 Travelers Choice Best of the Best Hidden Gems – Restaurants and has been serving up diner food classics for more than 75 years. The 50s-style diner is the only Pennsylvania diner listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Breakfast and lunch along with an assortment of homemade soups and pies are served daily. Popular menu items include sausage gravy with biscuits, the Reuben sandwich, and the revered Greek omelet. The Greek omelet is an American cheese omelet smothered in a regional staple, Erie Greek Sauce. This locally-loved sauce boasts a unique flavor profile, blending ground beef, onions, garlic, spices, and tomato sauce that creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Lakeview on the Lake – Nestled on the tree-lined bluffs overlooking Lake Erie in Harborcreek, PA, Lakeview on the Lake provides a tranquil setting for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat. Featuring an assortment of cozy cottages, cabins, and motel rooms complete with many of the creature comforts, this local, family-owned business is a perfect example of outside-the-box lodging. Enhance your experience by relaxing in one of the strategically placed Adirondack chairs along the bluff, offering a front-row seat to Erie’s world-class sunsets.

Werner Books & Coffee – To keep the joy of reading alive, husband and wife team Kyle Churman and Lauren Shoemaker purchased Werner Books in 2022 and have since expanded the shop to a larger location in the Liberty Plaza. Werner Books carries a large selection of books including many by local and regional authors. They also offer a book trade-in program, a children’s nook area with seating, poetry nights, children’s story times, and author events. The recent addition of a full-service café and coffee shop allows more space for customers to work, meet, and study.

Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts – Dubbing themselves “The Gem City’s Hidden Gem”, Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts is an eclectic store inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). The shelves are filled with unique gifts and one-of-a-kind artwork crafted by local artisans such as home décor, books, beach glass jewelry, and Erie and Presque Isle-themed merchandise. Proceeds from Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts are used to support the mission of the TREC Foundation by enhancing educational programming, research, and the overall visitor experience at Presque Isle State Park and TREC.

ACTIONTOYMAN – Before you step inside, you’re greeted outside by a cast of characters that change on any given day from Spiderman and Deadpool to members of the Star Wars Rebellion and Galactic Empire. Once inside, this Westside neighborhood shop wows its visitors with three jam-packed floors of action figures, comics, and collectibles ranging from the 1960s to today. Expect to find items from almost every genre including science fiction, superheroes, professional wrestling, and sports. It doesn’t matter if you’re a DC devotee or a Marvel maniac, ACTIONTOYMAN gives off nostalgic vibes and stands as a haven for fans of all ages, avid collectors, and casual browsers.

PACA – The Performing Artist Collective Alliance – PACA is a progressive theater and community arts center located in the historic Mayer Building in downtown Erie. Built in 1899 by Civil War veteran Henry Mayer, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to more than 35 artist tenants and a second-floor theater. Open to the public, PACA’s theater produces year-round avant-garde performances and special events. In addition to theatrical performances, PACA also hosts music events and art shows.

The Battles Estate – The Girard, PA campus of the Erie Historical Society, known as the Battles Estate, sits on more than 130 acres of beautiful farmland in West Erie County. The estate offers insights into the region’s history and the lifestyles of wealthy industrialists, featuring the Yellow House, built in 1858, and the White House, built in 1861. Both structures were built by Girard banker Rush Battles. The Battles Estate was donated to the Historical Society of Erie County in the 1980s. Although the buildings are only open for special events such as cooking classes and dinners, the campus includes nearly a mile of beautifully landscaped public walking trails that provide a peaceful backdrop for an afternoon stroll.