Edinboro, PA Itinerary: Where to Eat and Explore in Erie County’s Small Towns
Friday Sep 12th, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
Just south of Erie lies Edinboro – a college town with a distinctly artsy vibe. Edinboro has a lot of character, and is the perfect place to slow down, get away from city life and spend some time with nature, enjoy good food, and unwind.
Where to Stay: Edinboro Lake Resort
Day One: Enjoy the Outdoors
Paddle on Edinboro Lake
With Edinboro Lake Resort as your starting point, spend the day in nature paddling on Edinboro Lake, a 245-acre lake surrounded by marshes, parks, and lakefront homes. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on site and ready to launch just steps away from your cabin. Pack a lunch to enjoy on shore – Pat Crawford Beach makes a great spot to pull off.
Dinner at Mound Grove
Just north of Edinboro toward Waterford, Mound Grove Golf & Recreation is the perfect spot for great dinner in a rural setting. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully preserved 1860s barn and features a large patio overlooking its scenic 18-hole golf course. In addition to its large menu of sandwiches, flatbreads and specialty salads, Mound Grove regularly features live entertainment.
Drinks at Jade Winery
Erie County’s newest winery is Jade Winery, only one mile away. Tucked in the basement of the owner’s home, Jade blends rustic charm with a speakeasy vibe, and a wheelchair elevator makes the space fully accessible. Old wine barrels serve as tables and there’s even a pool table if you’re up for a game. The winery’s best sellers are the Diamond and Raspberry wines. Diamond is a semi-sweet white with only 5% residual sugar, and their Raspberry is known to win over even dry wine fans thanks to its tart finish.
Travel Tip: Fishing is plentiful at Edinboro Lake, which is stocked with a diverse list of species. An accessible fishing area is designated for anglers under age 12 or those in wheelchairs, located just south of the Edinboro Dam.
Day 2: Explore Downtown Edinboro
Breakfast at Flip Café
Set the tone for your day at one of Erie County’s busiest breakfast spots: Flip Café. Flip is small but full of personality, boasting a menu that reimagines traditional diner food in a bold way. Everything is scratch made, the maple syrup is local, and the portions are big, so plan to leave with a box. Menu items worth traveling for include the Ron Swanson (corn cake filled with bacon, sausage, and ham, topped with two eggs), Cheesy Leek Flip Potatoes, and Ginger Snap French Toast. Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available.
Shop local in Downtown Edinboro
Downtown Edinboro is easy to wander, as shops unfold along Edinboro’s two main thoroughfares: Meadville Street, and Erie Street. There are tons of shops to discover, but make sure you stop at Earthshine for eye-catching bohemian-chic apparel and gifts, The Cottage Rose for vintage and refurbished furniture and décor, and Edinboro Chocolaterie for a sweet treat. At the center of it all you’ll find the Edinboro Hotel Bar, Edinboro’s oldest eating and drinking establishment. It has the classic and friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere that you’d expect in a small college town with an elevated menu and an impressive selection of regional craft beers. Pop in for a cocktail and an appetizer – the game will be on.
Dinner that’s Farm to Table
Just five minutes south of Edinboro in nearby Cambridge Springs is Riverside Brewing Company, a craft brewery that specializes in all things local and farm fresh. The owners also operate Howles Maple Farm – and the flavors show up in the beer and the food. Start with their Skillet Brussel Sprouts (served with bacon, goat cheese, pickled onions and a Howles Maple Farms Horseradish Glaze), and pick from their menu of wood fired pizzas, which serve enough to share.
Travel Tip: Though not required, reservations to Riverside Brewing are always welcome! Though the dining area is large, it fills fast on the weekends.
