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Create the Perfect Girlfriend Getaway in Erie, Pennsylvania

Monday Oct 17th, 2022

Whether you are getting together for the first time in years or just saw each other last week, it’s always exciting to plan a girlfriend getaway.  From a day at the spa and incredible shopping, to a fabulous meal, your ultimate girls’ trip is waiting for you on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie.  Make new memories filled with laughter and friendship and plan your lake escape for the perfect girlfriend getaway in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Fill Your Glass

Take time to “unwined” among the fragrant vineyards and more than 20 estate and commercial wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country, the second largest grape growing region in the United States, spanning 30,000 acres.  Sip, savor and sample your way through unique and diverse wines, from fruity native Labruscas and exquisite French-American wines to European-style wines and award-winning favorites. All the wineries welcome small or large groups for year-round tours and tastings such as Mazza Vineyards, Courtyard Winery and  Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company. Take your Lake Erie Wine Country experience to the next level and travel to the wineries in a stylish limousine or party bus from Rupp Limousine or Chautauqua Locale Wine Tours.  Spend more time catching up with your friends and less time worrying about finding parking or driving multiple vehicles.  Private tours are available for small and large groups. Cheers! Photo credit: @tayliebiro

 

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Shop Till You Drop

From strolling the concourse of the Millcreek Mall Complex to boutique hopping at Village West Plaza or The Shops on the Hill, there’s a bargain waiting around every corner.  Best of all, Pennsylvania has no sales tax on clothing or apparel, which means more savings for you and less strain on your pocketbook.  In addition to nationally recognized stores, Erie is proud of its locally owned business that feature beautiful artisan-crafted items.  Browse through colorful pottery at Allenstoneware Gallery, select the perfect piece of beach glass jewelry at Relish Studio & Gallery or immerse yourselves in whimsical art and photographs at Glass Growers Gallery.    

 

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Chow Down

Cheating on your diet is not only allowed during a girlfriend getaway, it’s highly recommended!  Celebrate, savor and especially share, an unforgettable meal. Reserve the private bank vault room at the Skunk and Goat Tavern and order a platter or three of the loaded tots and jalapeno bacon dip.   Kick things up a notch from the eighth floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront Hotel at Oliver’s Rooftop featuring amazing waterfront views and a triple chocolate martini that will make your toes curl.  Experience elegant surroundings with carefully crafted cocktails and cuisine at Cloud 9 Wine Bar and Restaurant where the burrata and brie are creamy, and the house made crème brulee is oh so dreamy.      

Let Your Hair Down

From dancing the night away to laying low, there are many ways to enjoy a girl’s night out in Erie.  Hit the jackpot at Presque Isle Downs and Casino, featuring more than 1,500 of the latest and greatest slots.  Party on with a round of spicy root beer floats and live music at the Oasis Pub and Grill.
Photo credit: @sydneyseroka

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Get Pampered

After a tiring but fun day of shopping and exploring, reward your minds, bodies and souls with a rejuvenating visit to the spa. Soak your aching tootsies in a luxuriously warm, sudsy bath, melt your cares away with a soothing massage or treat yourselves to a well-deserved manicure and pedicure.  Experience traditional spa services and new age techniques at Erie’s leading spa and wellness centers such as Bella Salon and Day Spa, A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy, Monacella Massage and Kinesiology and Serenity Spa at Peek’n Peak Resort.  Small groups of ten or less are welcome at all of the mentioned spas. Reservations are recommended.

 

Hampton exterior provided by Scott Ent

Sleep Tight

Wrap up your day with a good night’s sleep surrounded by plenty of pillows and creature comforts to ensure you are well rested and ready for more girlfriend galivanting. Spend the night on the waterfront at the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront Hotel, reserve a block of rooms at the new Holiday Inn Erie on Upper Peach Street or check out the completely remodeled Red Roof Plus+ & Suites in downtown Erie.  Hint: If your girlfriend getaway evolves into a night of raucous games, junk food and periodic shrieks of laughter, most hotels are more than happy to allow your group to gather in the lobby to avoid disturbing other hotel guests. 

 

Partner Spotlight

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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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Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

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Winter at Port Farms

Experience the magic of Christmas at the farm from November 22 – December 21! Start a new family tradition as you cut your own Christmas tree and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through our winter wonderland. Plus, decorate cookies and crafts, enjoy live music, and visit Santa every weekend in Santa’s Workshop! Free admission — activities are priced a la carte. Located just 13 miles south of I-90. 

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Two45 Waterfront Grille

Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.

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Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

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Erie zoo spotlight v2

Connect with Nature, Discover the Adventure

Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious red pandas and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagined to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

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NWPAMADE

Shop local with NWPAMade this holiday season

NWPAMade is a regional mission dedicated to locally made products and the artisans behind them. We connect shoppers with the stories and craftsmanship that defines our community, such as Borgia Artistry Studio's inventive crystal ball photography, or Sealed by Nature's artisan soaps made right in Edinboro. Grab your eco-friendly outdoor adventure gear at Hikes & Hose, stop for a delicious mead cocktail at Meadville's Blissful Meads, and visit Tia Maria Wigs for high-quality helper hair of all types and beauty accessories. At NWPAMade, we celebrate real people and real craft.

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.

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port authority spotlight

Bicentennial Tower Open For New Winter Hours!

The Bicentennial Tower offers Erie’s best view in every direction, every season of the year! Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenic and tranquil view of Presque Isle Bay. Now open for winter hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm.  In December, don’t miss the tower lit in holiday colors!

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john russell spotlight

John Russell Hospitality - One Card. Endless Possibilities.

Discover the perfect way to experience dining and genuine hospitality across our family of restaurants. With the John Russell Hospitality Gift Card, you have the freedom to enjoy six local establishments — each offering its own unique atmosphere, menu, and commitment to quality service. Dine, drink, and savor the best of local flavors — all with the convenience of a single gift card.

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UPMC Hamot spotlight

UPMC Hamot – Local Access to Specialized Care

UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.

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Erie’s Premier Destination for Entertainment

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, Erie Events brings the best of entertainment, sports, and culture right to the heart of downtown Erie. Managing five of Erie’s premier venues — Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and Rebich Investments Amphitheater. Erie Events hosts everything from national touring concerts and Broadway shows, to thrilling hockey games, baseball, conventions, and community celebrations.

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Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.

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five iron spotlight

Five Iron Golf in Downtown!

Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.

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MIAC spotlight 2

Reserve Your Seat Now for the 2025-2026 Shows

Presented by the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture, Tony-nominated Broadway star and writer Melissa Errico reunites with America’s great piano man, Billy Stritch, for their fourth holiday season together—this time with a brand-new winter show, “The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa,” on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Mercyhurst University’s Walker Recital Hall.

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splash lagoon spotlight

Escape the Chill: Family Fun at Splash Lagoon

Families can escape the cold at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, where it’s always 84 degrees and tropical. This Polynesian-themed destination features nine water slides, pools, hot tubs, a multi-level Tree House, and a massive arcade for all-day family fun. Recently ranked the No. 2 Best Indoor Water Park in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best, Splash Lagoon is the ultimate cold-weather getaway.

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donatos spotlight

Donatos makes feeding groups deliciously easy!

From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at either of our two convenient locations: Greengarden, on 8th and Greengarden or Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!

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Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Hub for Live Entertainment.

Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Hub for Live Entertainment.

Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!